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Turkey

The gateway between East and West

Turkey tailor-made holidays

Introduction

Straddling Europe and Asia, Turkey provides a bridge between cultures and continents. Secular and Westernised, it's still possible to get a flavour of traditional Turkey by stopping for tea at a street market or being scrubbed and massaged in a hamam steam bath.

Vibrant Istanbul

Istanbul is the exotic hub where East meets West and ancient collides with modern. Formerly called Constantinople, this vibrant, evolving city straddles the Bosphorus and is Turkey's modern face. Yet it is also home to architectural wonders such as Aya Sofia, a cathedral built by the Romans and converted into a mosque by the conquering Ottomans. It features an enormous dome and some stunning Byzantine mosaics. Make sure to also see the Topkapi Palace, admire the minarets of the Blue Mosque and browse the intoxicating Grand Bazaar.

Turkey's Ancient wonders

Go in search of archaeological sites and ruins at Ephesus, the best-preserved ancient city in the region, travel to Pergamum to see the Acropolis and Asclepion or watch sunrise over the enormous sculpted heads lying on the mountain top at Nemrut Dagi. Tour the Gallipoli Peninsula to see the poignant Anzac battlefields, trek into the Kackar Mountains to see Sumela monastery clinging to a rockface or explore the ruins of the Ishak Pasa Palace as the sunsets over Mt Ararat.

Varied landscapes

Elsewhere, Cappadocia has an unusual landscape of surreal rock formations. Capped pinnacles and jutting ravines hide dwellings hewn from the rock and are the remains of a semi-troglodyte population, which can best be appreciated from a hot air balloon. Elsewhere, in East Anatolia, the landscape is a mixture of red ochre plateaux, forests, waterfalls and green pastures whilst the peak of Mount Agri is permanently snow-capped.

A spectacular coast

The Turquoise Coast is a beautiful stretch of shore; drift along it and explore the archipelago of islands that lie close by on board a gullet or traditional sailing craft. Weigh anchor in secluded bays to explore historic sites or snorkel in clear waters. Ports such as Fethiye are perfect places to pick up a boat. Alternatively, walk sections of the Lycian Way to appreciate the rugged beauty of this region.

 

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At a glance

Flying time from UK
4 hours

Time zone
GMT +2

Currency
New Turkish Lira (YTL) 1 YTL = 100 New Kuru (YKr)

Language
Turkish

Travel advice
Check the FCDO for visa & travel advice

Special offers in Turkey

Blue Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul to Rome on Seven Seas Navigator

13-day luxury ocean cruise from £7,475 pp incl. flights

Special
cruise offer

Free 3-night pre-cruise Istanbul land programme
Book by: 30 November 2024

Enjoy an in-depth appreciation of Turkey, Greece, Croatia, Malta and Italy, taking in historic sites, captivating cities and beautiful coastlines in style aboard Seven Seas Navigator.

Top itineraries in Turkey

Blue Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey

Splendours of Turkey

11-day tailor-made holiday from £2,170 pp

Situated at the crossroads of Asia and Europe, Turkey is a fascinating, diverse and beautiful country, blessed with a rich history, dramatic landscapes and stunning coastline.

Morning ballooning Cappadocia

Istanbul & Cappadocia

8-day tailor-made from £2,135 pp

Discover the mesmerising sights and sounds of Istanbul, the dramatic landscape and rich history of Cappadocia and the gorgeous beaches of Antalya on Turkey's sun-drenched Mediterranean coast on this superb 11-day tailor-made holiday.

Antalya Kaleici Old Town

Istanbul, Cappadocia & Antalya

11-day tailor-made from £3,060 pp

Discover the mesmerising sights and sounds of Istanbul, the dramatic landscape and rich history of Cappadocia and the gorgeous beaches of Antalya on Turkey's sun-drenched Mediterranean coast on this superb 11-day tailor-made holiday.

Blue Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: London to Istanbul

9-day luxury rail journey from £20,400 pp

Each year, the Orient Express takes an exclusive few on its original route, enjoying luxury stays and curated tours in France, Hungary and Romania en route to Istanbul at the gateway to Asia.

See all itinerary ideas

What our clients say about our Turkey holidays

  • Thank you for making my first trip overseas so stress free. From my first contact with you I have been impressed by your care and attention to detail. The interest you took in my suggestions as to my itinerary and the way you turned them into reality was impressive. The hotels you suggested were first class and the help and care of your local agent was reassuring. My trip was enhanced beyond my expectations by the local guides supplied. Both were sympathetic to my age and abilities. What could have been a bland sightseeing tour was turned into a vibrant and interesting tour of both Istanbul and Ephesus. The Ephesus guide was passionate about his subject and the trouble he took to explain the site was spellbinding. I have no hesitation in using your services again in the future.

    Brandon Geoffrey B

  • I really appreciate the sensitive and immediate way that Wexas helped with the necessary itinerary changes resulting from my father-in-law's funeral. Thank you for helping.

    Benedict B

Top places to stay in Turkey

Six Senses Kocatas Mansions, Istanbul

Six Senses Kocatas Mansions, Istanbul, Turkey

Historic hotel

Located in the prosperous Sariyer district of Istanbul’s European side, famous for its “Pearls of Bosphorus” waterfront properties.

Ciragan Palace Kempinski, Istanbul

Ciragan Palace Kempinski, Istanbul, Turkey

Historic hotel

Stay in a 19th-century Ottoman palace on the shores of the Bosphorus River, enjoying all the requisite luxuries. Think fine-dining restaurants, elegant rooms and superb spa facilities.

Pera Palace Hotel 1892, Istanbul

Pera Palace Hotel, Istanbul

Grand & elegant hotel

A genuine slice of old-world luxury in bustling Istanbul, Turkey, this grand old icon has played host to everyone from Hemingway and Hitchcock to Agatha Christie. Today, guests can enjoy its timeless elegance alongside a luxury spa and some of the city's best dining.

Bodrum EDITION Hotel

The Bodrum EDITION, Bodrum, Turkey

Guide price from £2,025 pp

Located on the Turkish Riviera on the beautiful Bodrum Peninsula with beachfront views of the Aegean Sea,

See all places to stay

When to go to Turkey

The climate in Turkey depends on the proximity to the coast. The coastal regions experience mild winters and warm, dry summers, whereas inland temperatures vary wildly, especially towards the eastern end of the country, where winters see heavy snowfall and sub-zero temperatures and summers bring oven-like conditions, with temperatures reaching the mid-40s. The pleasant summer temperatures along the coast attract big holiday crowds. Spring and autumn can be the best seasons for visiting Turkey, when temperatures don't make sightseeing quite so exhausting (or, during periods of heavy snowfall and intense cold, near-impossible) and coastal …

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Turkey articles

  • Istanbul Grand Suite

    The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express – a cabin guide

    Don't know your Historic Cabins from your Grand Suites? Product manager Andy Austen takes a closer look at the different cabin types on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to make sure you select the one that’s right for you.

  • Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

    Murder on the Orient Express

    As one of our favourite rail journeys, we’re a little protective over the Orient Express. So, take a look at the trailer for its latest film adaptation with us and see if its all-star cast lives up to expectations.

  • Stronger pound means better holiday value for British travellers

    With British holidaymakers continuing to demand great value along with exceptional experiences, the news that the pound continues to strengthen against other currencies on the back of Britain's economic recovery comes as welcome news.    

  • How to sleep in a tree and other amazing places to stay

    Although there are a wealth of luxurious and exclusive hotels and accommodation options around the world, there are also a host of unforgettable and original places to stay too. Here we round up some of the more unusual and interesting options, often that can be enjoyed in conjunction with exci…

See all articles

Meet our Turkey experts

Speak to a tailor-made specialist on 020 7590 0618

Meet the team

Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7590 0618 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

Learn why Wexas is the leader in creating luxury holidays. What is tailor-made travel?

Expert advice & support

Visit us in our London office

Let our travel specialists curate the perfect holiday:

  • Inspirational ideas based on experience
  • Established for over 50 years
  • Tailor a holiday to your precise requirements
  • Personalised quotes and documentation

Every step of the way

Every step of the way

Our services are with you from start to finish:

  • Dedicated personal consultants
  • Free airport lounges on qualifying bookings
  • Care and guidance pre, post and during holiday
  • Full financial security: ATOL & ABTOT protected