A region-by-region guide to Turkey — find the best places to visit and the tours that take you there.
Planning a trip to Turkey and wondering where to start? From the imperial skyline of Istanbul to the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, the white terraces of Pamukkale and the turquoise Mediterranean, here is our region-by-region guide to the country’s must-see destinations — each linked to the tours that visit them.
01
Spanning two continents along the Bosphorus, Istanbul — once Constantinople — is where most journeys begin. Wander imperial Sultanahmet to see Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapı Palace, haggle in the Grand Bazaar, then sail the strait between Europe and Asia at sunset.
02
Western Turkey’s Aegean coast pairs classical ruins with seaside charm. Walk the marble streets of Ephesus and its Library of Celsus, bathe in the white travertine terraces of Pamukkale above ancient Hierapolis, and enjoy figs, olives and seafood in laid-back coastal towns near İzmir.
03
Turkey’s sun-drenched Mediterranean — the Turquoise Coast — blends golden beaches with spectacular ruins. Base yourself in Antalya to explore the cobbled Kaleiçi old town and Düden Waterfalls, then visit the perfectly preserved Roman theatre of Aspendos and the ancient cities of Perge and Side.
04
In the heart of Central Anatolia, Cappadocia’s moonscape of fairy chimneys, cave churches and underground cities is unlike anywhere on Earth. Sleep in a boutique cave hotel and rise before dawn for the region’s signature hot-air balloon flight over the Göreme valleys.
05
Where Europe meets Asia across the Dardanelles, Çanakkale guards two legendary sites. Pay respects at the moving WWI battlefields and cemeteries of Gallipoli, then step into myth at the ancient city of Troy with its iconic wooden horse — an easy overnight from Istanbul.
06
The Lycian coast around Fethiye is the spiritual home of the gulet “Blue Cruise.” Drop anchor in hidden coves, swim above sunken ruins at Kekova, soar by paraglider over the Ölüdeniz blue lagoon and hike to Butterfly Valley — sea, sun and ancient history in one.
07
A vast plateau ringed by mountains, Central Anatolia is the cultural and historic core of Turkey. Konya — home of Rumi and the whirling dervishes — and the Seljuk caravanserais of the old Silk Road lie on the scenic route between Cappadocia and the coast, while Ankara serves as the modern capital.
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