Tours to Turkey

Turkey is a year-round destination. But, as a large country, the seasons can vary significantly from north to south and between coastal and inland areas.
 

Discovery Tours

Typically, the best time to visit Turkey for cultural and discovery tours is in late spring/early summer and September. These months boast beautifully warm yet comfortable temperatures that are perfect for swimming in the glistening turquoise seas. You’ll also benefit from fewer tourists in the cities and at popular ancient sites. Even Winter on the Turquoise Coast can be comfortable for swimming, and this coastline is temperate year-round with drops of snow on the tops of the mountains.

 

Multi-Activity and Family Tours

For blazing hot summer days, travel to Turkey’s sun-drenched Turquoise Coast in June, July or August. Temperatures can soar into the late 30°Cs, but sea breezes will make it feel cooler. Our Turkey Family Coastal Adventure is the perfect blend of active and relaxing – choose from exploring ancient Roman sites, evening lake cruises and canoeing to Patara Beach. 

 

Cycling and Walking Tours

April, May, September and October are great times to visit Turkey if you’re joining one of our Cycling or Walking tours. The temperatures are a bit cooler, so Spring and Autumn are perfect for exploring by bike or on foot. Follow quiet, dusty trails along the Lycian Way for stunning vistas of glistening turquoise blue waters and golden beaches. Or join our Cycle Turkey trip to pedal through deserted rural farmland and uncover ancient ruins without the crowds. Explore central Turkey on our Walking in Cappadocia trip, where you'll hike through spectacular landscapes and visit the impressive underground Christian city of Kaymakli. 

Turkey’s climate is diverse and regionally varied, offering a mix of Mediterranean warmth, continental extremes, and coastal breezes. Antalya and Izmir, located on the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts, enjoy some of the country’s warmest temperatures year-round, often softened by refreshing sea winds. Istanbul, in the Marmara region, experiences a blend of coastal and inland weather, while Cappadocia and Ankara, in Central Anatolia, see more pronounced seasonal shifts. Here's a season by season guide:

Spring: Spring begins with mild, showery days in March and gradually warms to pleasant conditions by May. Average daily temperatures range from 10°C to 25°C, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Summer: Summers are typically hot and dry, especially in coastal regions. Average highs reach around 35°C, and can occasionally climb higher. It’s a popular time for beach holidays and open-air dining.

Autumn: Temperatures begin to cool, especially inland, but coastal areas remain warm and sunny through September. Autumn is a great time for cultural travel and exploring historical sites with fewer crowds.

Winter: Winters vary by region – coastal areas stay relatively mild with temperatures between 5°C and 15°C, while inland regions can be much colder, with light snowfall common in places like Cappadocia and Eastern Anatolia.

Turkey is generally considered a safe destination for solo travellers, with relatively well-developed tourism infrastructure. As with any country, make sure you follow common-sense precautions and stay aware of your surroundings, and avoid walking alone at night in isolated areas. Our small group tours are especially popular among solo adventurers, offering the perfect balance of independence and connection.

 

You'll explore iconic landmarks and hidden gems alongside like-minded travellers, all guided by an expert tour leader and local guides. With your accommodation, itinerary and transport fully arranged, all that's left for you to do is show up and immerse yourself in the new experience!

If you're a UK, US, Canadian or New Zealand citizen, you can visit Turkey as a tourist for up to 90 days (within a 180-day period) without a visa. Australian tourists require an e-visa. Relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page.

Turkey has around 35 international airports, and as our small group trips have different start locations, your arrival airport may vary, so check the trip page to find more details. Dalaman Airport is best for Fethiye or Kas; Kayseri Airport for Cappadocia; Antalya Airport for Antalya; and Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gokcen International Airport for Istanbul.

 

It's not all about flights – you can also travel by train; check out partnership with International Rail who can help you create your itinerary to the start (and/or end) of your trip. 
 

There are modern and efficient metro and tram systems in major cities like Istanbul, while the rest of the country benefits from decent bus and high-speed train networks. Our small group trips use a mix of public and private transport, including ferries, allow you to travel at ease knowing that all the logistics have already been organised for you!

Meze. Baklava. Gözleme. Turkey's food and drink is a fusion of Mediterannean, Middle Eastern and Central Asian influences. Food is deeply tied to hospitality; sharing meals is a cherished part of Turkish culture. 

 

Traditional meals often feature meat, so vegetarians may have limited choices, although this is increasing in more urban areas. If you're travelling to Turkey as a vegan, be aware that many of the meat-free dishes have butter, eggs, cheese or yoghurt in them, and many sweets are made with honey.

 

If you have any allergies or dietary requirements, it's worth noting that the avaialbility of ingredients are often limited in Turkey which may affect gluten-free or dairy-free travellers; we'd advise bringing specialised dietary items with you. Remember to tell us at the time of your booking and also to your tour leader on day one of the trip. Read Caroline's take on our Flavours of Turkey food tour here.

With a variety of destinations and experiences, family-friendly infrastructure, a beautiful climate and family-friendly infrastructure, Turkey is one of Europe's top destinations for families. Our Family Turkey Coastal Adventure is suitable for ages 7+, and sees you spend a week on the Mediterranean coast in southwestern Turkey. Kids will love the evening lakeside BBQ, river tubing and sea kayaking – there's something for all ages, from younger years to teenagers.