Turkey is a captivating country with a rich history spanning over 700 years. Furthermore, Asia Minor, where Turkey is situated, has been a cradle for various civilizations since the prehistoric Paleolithic Period, dating back to around 2,500,000 to 200,000 years ago. In this incredible land, you can trace the origins of the Hittites, Assyrians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans.
Turkey boasts numerous ancient structures that attract many visitors every year. Historical sites such as Hagia Sophia, Ephesus, Topkapi Palace, Underground Cities, Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, Church of Saint Nicholas in Myra, Göbekli Tepe, and Kayaköy are among the top attractions. In addition, cities like Istanbul, Çanakkale, and Bursa are living testimonials of history, each with its unique charm.
Besides its rich history, Turkey is also blessed with natural wonders, such as coastal towns with blue-flag beaches and 5-star luxury resorts. Some of the most popular destinations include Antalya, Bodrum, Marmaris, Çeşme, and Fethiye, which offer visitors the perfect combination of culture, history, and natural beauty.
Planning a trip to Turkey can be overwhelming, with so many places to visit and explore. It's normal to feel confused about where to go and how to spend your time. That's why we have created this guide to help you plan your trip to Turkey. If you want to skip all the hassle and research of creating a travel itinerary, the professional travel agents recommended by TTP can arrange most travelers' trips, and TTP's Facebook page are great resources for person-to-person tips.
Planning Your Turkey Trip
We have created a 3-step guide to help you plan your Turkey travel itinerary:
- Deciding where to go,
- when to go,
- and making your reservations.
Following these steps, you can create a well-planned itinerary without oversights. Let's take a look at each step in more detail.
Where to Go in Turkey
As we mentioned earlier, Turkey, the bridge between Europe and Asia, has a rich history with abundant historical sites to showcase. In addition, the towns and cities along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts of the country offer some of the most stunning coastal resorts.
If you are looking for a day of relaxation at the beach or dive into water sports while also having the opportunity to explore nearby historical sites, destinations such as Fethiye, Bodrum, Çeşme, Side, and Antalya are some of the best options. On the other hand, if you prefer a bustling city with a rich and lengthy history where you can visit some of the world's oldest structures and impressive museums, cities such as Bursa, Çanakkale, and Istanbul (one of the world's gems) will be the perfect options for you.
Additionally, those who want to get lost in the wilderness and explore untouched historical sites can choose to visit Turkey's Anatolian and Cappadocia regions. Here, they can see the world's oldest religious temple (Göbekli Tepe), impressive underground cities (where up to 20,000 people once lived), out-of-this-world valleys (with ancient Churches, structures, and natural wonders), and some of the most wonderful ancient castles along the way.
Turkey has a variety of destinations waiting to be explored, no matter what you're looking for.
When to Go Turkey
Turkey is a well-known summer holiday destination, and the summer months (May, June, July, and August) are the high season when tourists hit the beaches, five-star resorts, and popular historical sights (especially in Istanbul.)
Did you know that winter tourism is becoming increasingly popular among tourists? While fall months (September through November) offer a travel experience with less hustle and crowds and better deals, winter months (December, January, and February) are also an excellent opportunity for visiting the stunning snow resorts and ski centers in Turkey. Places such as Uludağ Ski Center, Erciyes Ski Resort, and Sarıkamış Ski Center (where you can find crystal snow, the rarest type of snow that can only be found in two locations in the world.) are among the most popular destinations for winter travelers.
Making Reservations: Start Planning Early!
Turkey is the world's 6th most popular travel destination, so its travel services (hotels, flights, rental cars, tours, etc.) often fill to capacity in advance. If you will be visiting Turkey in the summer months when it is the peak season, start planning as early as possible. It is also sensible to plan early if you will go to Turkey during the winter season to take advantage of even better deals.
Expert Help
If you want to skip all the hustle and work to make reservations, remember that our recommended travel agencies can help you plan a custom itinerary tailored to your time, budget, and preferences. Our recommended travel agencies can make any travel arrangements you do not want to arrange for yourself and even get you better deals and combo packages.
Best Travel Agencies 