Chances are most of your associations with Turkey involve the thriving capital of Istanbul, which is itself a fascinating destination full of culture, history and delicious food choices – but there is so much more on offer in tour comparison Turkey.
Compare tours through Turkey to find history, stunning architecture and culture
Tour comparison Turkey includes itineraries beginning and ending in both bustling Istanbul and the coastal town of Bodrum, from where there is convenient access to the Greek Islands. This proximity means there are plenty of combined tours offering the best of both Turkey and Greece, and those choosing these options also enjoy visits to some of Turkey’s more remote historic sites en route to the country’s south-west corner, such as Ephesus, where knowledgeable local guides lead you through the ancient site.
Local guides also lend their expertise in Istanbul, Gallipoli and Troy, and visits to Istanbul include priority entrance to magnificent Hagia Sophia, free time to shop at the Grand Bazaar, and discounts at authentic rug and carpet stores. When you compare tours through Turkey, there are several varieties of accommodation listed that combine to ensure a complete experience of the fascinating country, including gulet sailing cruises and exclusive accommodation in local homestays.
Tours also offer pre-reserved tickets to whirling Dervish ‘Sema’ performances, and optional excursions such as hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia, Ephesus guided tours, visits to Turkish Baths, and Bosphorus cruises. For those choosing to visit possibly the most important location for Australians and New Zealanders outside their own shores, Gallipoli, there are ANZAC Day dawn service tours available.
Itching to plan your trip? Take a look at our tour comparison Turkey below and find the right itinerary for you.
Want a taste of that insider Turkey tourism knowledge we mentioned before? We have collected the best facts from real life tour guides. Impress them on tour with how much you already know.
- The Turkish capital of Istanbul is situated on the Asia-Europe border, making it one of the only cities in the world that is transcontinental.
- Istanbul is home to the world’s narrowest strait used for navigation – the Bosphorus, which also divides the Asian side of the city from the European section.
- Istanbul is a lively multi-cultural city whose history dates to the seventh century BCE, which was first named Byzantion then Constantinople.
- Turkey is bordered by several seas: the Aegean, Black, Marmara and Mediterranean.
- Popular destinations outside of Istanbul include the peninsula resorts at Bodrum, the cruise ship port of call at Kusadasi, the ancient ruins of Ephesus, the beaches at Fetiyhe and Antalya, Central Anatolia’s capital Ankara, the replica legendary wooden horse of Troy, and ANZAC wartime memorials at Gallipoli.
- The region of Cappadocia is a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring Göreme National Park and the famed fairy tale rock landscape.
- Some of Turkey’s most prominent former leaders include Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, and national hero Mustafa Kemal Atatürk – whose surname means ‘Father of the Turks’.
- There are a number of locally-produced items from Turkey that make ideal souvenirs, including leather, carpets and kilims, nazars or ‘evil eyes’, and Nargile Water Pipes.
- Singers Tarkan and Sezen Aksu, artists Fikret Mualla and Nevin Çokay, architect Mimar Sinan and poet Fuzuli were all Turkish.
- Tulips and rose oil are native to Turkey, and the Volitan was invented here.
Courtney Gahan is a serial expat, traveller and freelance writer who has bartered with Moroccan marketeers, seen the sun rise at Angkor Wat and elbowed her way through crowds on NYE in NYC
