UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Book Attractions in Advance
Skip the lines at Turkey's top attractions by booking tickets in advance through Tiqets. Get instant confirmation and mobile tickets for museums, ruins, and experiences across Turkey.
Historic Areas of Istanbul
Discover Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Blue Mosque amid Byzantine and Ottoman architecture.
A vibrant blend of East and West, ideal for history buffs and sunset Bosphorus views.
Göreme National Park, Cappadocia
Explore fairy chimneys, rock-cut churches, and underground cities in this lunar landscape.
Perfect for hot air balloon rides and hiking through ancient cave dwellings.
Archaeological Site of Ephesus
Wander the Library of Celsus, Temple of Artemis ruins, and ancient Roman streets.
A must for classical history, with nearby House of the Virgin Mary.
Archaeological Site of Troy
Visit the legendary walls and replicas of the Trojan Horse from Homer's Iliad.
Combining myth and archaeology in a scenic coastal setting near Çanakkale.
Xanthos and Letoon
Uncover Lycian ruins, rock tombs, and a theater overlooking the Mediterranean.
Less crowded, offering insights into ancient Anatolian civilizations.
Hattusha: the Hittite Capital
Explore massive gates, temples, and sphinxes in this Bronze Age city near Çorum.
Fascinating for those interested in pre-Ottoman history and hieroglyphs.
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Adventures
Cappadocia Valleys
Hike through rose valleys and pigeon houses, ideal for adventure seekers with trails to viewpoints.
Perfect for multi-day treks with hot air balloon options and cave hotel stays.
Pamukkale Thermal Pools
Relax in travertine terraces and Hierapolis ruins with mineral-rich waters and spa vibes.
Family-friendly fun with ancient theater views and nearby Cleopatra's Pool.
Taurus Mountains
Explore pine forests and gorges via jeep safaris, attracting nature photographers.
Serene spot for paragliding and wildlife spotting with diverse ecosystems.
Aegean Coast Beaches
Wander turquoise coves near Bodrum, perfect for easy swims and family outings.
This coastal paradise offers a quick nature escape with ancient ruins nearby.
Black Sea River Valleys
Kayak along the Fırtına River with stunning cliffs and tea plantations, ideal for water sports.
Hidden gem for scenic drives and riverside picnics in lush greenery.
Salt Lake (Tuz Gölü)
Discover vast salt flats and flamingo habitats with cycling routes.
Agricultural tours connecting to Turkey's inland heritage and sunset photography.
Turkey by Region
🌆 Marmara Region (Northwest)
- Best For: Urban hubs, Ottoman history, and Bosphorus vibes with bustling cities like Istanbul.
- Key Destinations: Istanbul, Bursa, and Edirne for historic sites and vibrant markets.
- Activities: Mosque tours, bazaar shopping, ferry rides, and hammam experiences.
- Best Time: Spring for tulips (April-May) and summer for festivals (June-August), with mild 15-25°C weather.
- Getting There: Well-connected by train from Istanbul, with frequent services and private transfers available via GetTransfer.
🏙️ Central Anatolia (Inland)
- Best For: Ancient capitals and fairy-tale landscapes as Anatolia's cultural heart.
- Key Destinations: Ankara for museums, nearby Cappadocia for rock formations.
- Activities: Hot air ballooning, underground city tours, kebab tastings, and historical hikes.
- Best Time: Year-round, but autumn (Sept-Nov) for fewer crowds and events like balloon festivals.
- Getting There: Ankara Airport is the main hub - compare flights on Aviasales for best deals.
🌊 Aegean & Mediterranean (West/South)
- Best For: Coastal ruins and turquoise waters, featuring ancient sites and beaches.
- Key Destinations: Izmir, Ephesus, Antalya, and Pamukkale for history and relaxation.
- Activities: Gulet cruises, scuba diving, visiting amphitheaters, and olive oil tastings.
- Best Time: Summer for swimming (June-Aug) and spring for wildflowers (April-May), 20-30°C.
- Getting There: Rent a car for flexibility in exploring coastal roads and ruins.
🏞️ Black Sea & Eastern (North/East)
- Best For: Lush mountains and ethnic diversity with a rugged, green vibe.
- Key Destinations: Trabzon, Rize, and Göreme for tea plantations and monasteries.
- Activities: Hiking Sumela Monastery trails, rafting, local cuisine, and cultural festivals.
- Best Time: Summer months (June-Aug) for outdoor activities, with warm 20-28°C and misty forests.
- Getting There: Direct flights to Trabzon or bus networks connecting inland and coastal towns.
Sample Turkey Itineraries
🚀 7-Day Turkey Highlights
Arrive in Istanbul, explore Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar, sample baklava, and cruise the Bosphorus.
Fly to Cappadocia for hot air balloon rides and Göreme Open-Air Museum, then hike Rose Valley trails.
Travel to Ephesus for ancient ruins and Library of Celsus, with a day in Izmir's markets and Aegean beaches.
Final day in Istanbul for Topkapi Palace, spice market shopping, and departure, with time for Turkish tea.
🏞️ 10-Day Adventure Explorer
Istanbul city tour covering Sultanahmet, Basilica Cistern, and Asian side exploration with local meze markets.
Cappadocia for underground cities including Derinkuyu and fairy chimney hikes with cave hotel stays.
Pamukkale for thermal terraces and Hierapolis, then drive to Antalya for old town and beach relaxation.
Full exploration of Ephesus ruins, nearby House of Virgin Mary, and Kusadasi coastal walks.
Visit Troy's ancient site and Çanakkale ferries, before returning to Istanbul for final sights.
🏙️ 14-Day Complete Turkey
Comprehensive Istanbul exploration including palaces, mosques, food tours, and Bosphorus yacht cruises.
Cappadocia for balloons, valleys, and rock churches, with ATV tours and pottery workshops.
Ephesus ruins, Pamukkale terraces, and Bodrum peninsula for gulet sails and ancient theaters.
Antalya beaches and Aspendos, followed by Ankara for Anitkabir and ethnographic museums.
Trabzon for Sumela Monastery and tea fields, final Istanbul experiences with shopping before departure.
Top Activities & Experiences
Hot Air Balloon Rides
Soar over Cappadocia's rock formations at dawn for breathtaking aerial views.
Available year-round with champagne toasts and professional pilot guidance.
Turkish Hammam Sessions
Indulge in traditional steam baths and scrubs at historic hammams in Istanbul.
Learn Ottoman spa rituals from expert attendants for ultimate relaxation.
Cooking Classes
Prepare meze, kebabs, and baklava in Istanbul's family-run kitchens with fresh ingredients.
Discover spice markets and traditional Turkish home-cooking techniques.
Gulet Cruises
Sail the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts on wooden gulets with stops at hidden bays.
Popular routes include Bodrum to Greek islands with onboard Turkish feasts.
Mosque & Palace Tours
Discover Ottoman grandeur at Topkapi and Dolmabahçe with guided historical insights.
Works by sultans and architects with audio guides available in multiple languages.
Whirling Dervish Shows
Witness Sufi rituals in Konya's Mevlana Museum or Istanbul's cultural centers.
Many performances offer interactive exhibits and spiritual ceremony explanations.