Turkey Tour Packages

Turkey is one of the easiest, safest, and most fascinating ways to learn about Islamic culture, as it sits on the border between the Islamic world and the European Union. It's no surprise that Turkey is the world's sixth most visited country, thanks to its excellent food, rich history in Istanbul, hot air balloon flights over Cappadocia, and magnificent mosques. Despite the recent volatility in the country due to Syria, Turkey is not o Read More

Turkey is one of the easiest, safest, and most fascinating ways to learn about Islamic culture, as it sits on the border between the Islamic world and the European Union. It's no surprise that Turkey is the world's sixth most visited country, thanks to its excellent food, rich history in Istanbul, hot air balloon flights over Cappadocia, and magnificent mosques.

Despite the recent volatility in the country due to Syria, Turkey is not only a secure destination but also one that we believe everyone should visit at least once in their lives.

Akbar Recommended Best Turkey Tour Packages

When Is The Best Time To Visit Turkey?

Visit throughout the spring for the best weather. The days are becoming longer, and the heat hasn't yet arrived. This is prime season in towns like Istanbul and Cappadocia since the weather is nearly ideal. Hotels will be fully booked and prices will be exorbitant. Beach resorts, on the other hand, are closed during this time.

Autumn is also a fantastic time to visit. The days are becoming shorter, and there's a greater likelihood of rain in October, but the weather is still pretty pleasant. It's a terrific time to visit the coast because cities are incredibly crowded and beaches are tranquil.

Summer brings plenty of sunshine and warm weather, attracting both locals and tourists to the beaches. However, cities empty out, resulting in fewer lineups for access to Istanbul's major attractions. Winter is cold and rainy, but there are significantly fewer travelers as a result.

What can you expect to face in turkey?

Language: Turkish is the official language of Turkey. Kurmanji, Arabic, and Zazaki, on the other hand, are commonly spoken languages as well.

Currency: The Turkish Lira is the country's official currency (TRY). 1TRY=0.10USD

ATMs and credit cards: In Turkey, credit and debit cards, particularly Visa and Mastercard, are extensively accepted. Only high-end hotels and restaurants accept American Express as a form of payment. It's a good idea to have cash on hand when shopping in the markets. Fortunately, ATMs are widely available in Turkey. You'll probably obtain a good exchange rate if you withdraw money from an ATM.

Plugs: The typical plug in Turkey is type F, and the standard voltage is 220 V with a 50 Hz frequency.

Safety: Tourist destinations such as Istanbul, Antalya, and Cappadocia are quite secure if you take standard precautions. However, because things can change, it's best to do your study ahead of time and check government websites.

What to Pack?

It might be difficult to know what to bring for conservative nations, especially for female travelers. While some nations have stricter cultural and societal requirements than others, it's always preferable to err on the side of caution and dress modestly to prevent unwanted attention or offending others.

The majority of the time, you'll need to cover up in countries with a strong Muslim, Hindu, and/or Buddhist influence. It's critical to always respect local and religious traditions, and you should be aware of your actions to ensure that they don't insult local customs — and that starts with dressing modestly.

Keeping your knees and shoulders covered is considered a gesture of respect, so make sure you have the appropriate clothing in your suitcase. You may need to cover your arms (down to your hands), hair, and feet when visiting a conservative destination.

Although headscarves are not necessary anywhere in a conservative country, we've noticed that if you get unwelcome attention as a visitor, all you have to do is cover your head and no one will bother you. Always bring something you can drape around your shoulders and cover your legs with, just in case you need it while out exploring.

Essentials for female travelers:

1.        Sun Hat: To shield yourself from the sun, you'll need a wide-brimmed hat. Just in case, bring one or two extras, and make sure they're not made of a heavy substance that will make you sweat!

2.        Light Scarf: You should bring a scarf on every vacation, but you'll need many in conservative countries. They're perfect for covering your shoulder and chest while yet allowing you to flaunt your style!

3.        Sunglasses: Always use sunglasses to protect your eyes.

4.        Sandals: Because you'll be walking a lot, I recommend investing in a pair of comfy (and stylish!) sandals.

5.        Day Bag: The ONA Prince Street Messenger is built of high-quality, durable materials and can easily accommodate all of your photographic equipment and a wallet.

6.        Long dresses

7.        Leggings, maxi skirts and flowy pants

8.        Long sleeves tops, a shawl, short tunics etc.

10 Turkish delicacies to savor

Turkish cuisine as we know it now evolved during the Ottoman Empire's expansion and encounter with a wide range of influences. The flavors of the Middle East, Central Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Balkans may all be found in modern Turkish cuisine. While Turkish cuisine outside of Turkey is dominated by meat, the local cuisine is dominated by eggplant, garlic, lentils, zucchini, pistachios, and cheaters. It's a really interesting mix of flavors. To obtain a true taste, you'll need to try at least a couple dishes.

Are You Starving Yet? Here are some of our favorite Turkish dishes that you must try.

1.        Turkish Delight: You may have tried Turkish delight outside of Turkey, but the good stuff is hard to come by. The aromatic flavors of Bergamot orange, rosewater, mastic, or lemon are used in traditional Turkish delight desserts.

Turkish treats come in a kaleidoscope of hues and are sold in a variety of outlets. They're usually bite-sized, so you can sample them all!

2.        Baklava: Baklava is everything a dessert should be: flaky, crispy, soft, and oh-so-sweet. Baklava is an art form in Turkey, and each artist has their unique signature. Baklava containing walnuts, pistachios, or hazelnuts, as well as a variety of sweet flavors like honey, rosewater, or orange flower, can be found.

3.        Simit: It's been compared as the love child of a pretzel and a bagel. Sesame seeds are commonly used to coat these spherical, doughy carb treats.

While they're delicious at any time, they're much better when you get one right out of the oven. They're the ideal snack to have when strolling across Istanbul!

They're also a lot of fun to photograph!

4.        Kunefe: If you like the concept of cheese as a dessert, you'll fall in love with kunefe at first sight! Shredded filo is packed with melted cheese and steeped in a sweet syrup to make this sweet cheese pastry. Yum!!

5.        Lahmacun: Lahmacun is the ideal Friday night snack, similar to a cheese less pizza yet lacking in nothing. This popular grab-and-go lunch is made with Turkish flatbread and topped with generously seasoned meat and herbs.

6.        Balik Ekmek: These sandwiches with fried or grilled fish topped with a variety of veggies and placed inside fresh Turkish bread are one of Istanbul's most famous dishes.

7.        Su Boregi: Su börei, sometimes called water borek, is filo packed with cheese and parsley. During the summer, you can find vendors offering quick and cheap food like this outside of Turkish cities. Because most of Turkey is lovely all year, it's always a nice time to relax outside while enjoying a delicious lunch. Anyone up for a picnic?

8.        Kofta: This classic meatball/meatloaf meal can be found in India, Central Asia, the Caucasus, the Middle East, and the Balkans. We could try to explain what this thing is, but it would be impossible. There are 291 different varieties of kofta!

Vegan and vegetarian kofta are also available. Try batırık köftesi, which uses tahini instead of eggs for a vegan option. Çiğ köfte is a delicious lentil-based vegetarian dish.

9.        Kumpir: Let us introduce you to the Turkish equivalent of a baked potato!

A potato is seasoned with salt, butter, and cheese to make this popular dish. They don't end there, though! On a kumpir, you'll find pickled cabbage, coleslaw, Russian salad, olives, and pickles, among other things.

Which types of toppings would you choose?

10.      Turkish Breakfast: While many of us associate a special brunch with Sundays, the Turkish people prepare a gourmet feast seven days a week.

You will be served a table full of dishes with a classic Turkish breakfast. We're talking about cheeses (feta is popular), sesame-seed bread, a variety of jams and dips, eggs, and, of course, a robust Turkish coffee to wash it all down.

Where to go and what to do?

Istanbul

Istanbul, which lies on the banks of the Bosphorus, is a metropolis that dates back thousands of years and was previously known as Byzantium and then Constantinople until being renamed Istanbul in the early twentieth century.

Architecture, culture, and trade routes from all over the world collide in Istanbul, creating a fascinating melting pot that is truly exhilarating. However, you should exercise caution and prudence when seeing the city, since scammers will frequently try to catch naïve visitors off guard.

Where to Stay in Istanbul?

There are numerous fantastic areas of Istanbul that are perfect for travelers, and the best spot to stay will mostly depend on your needs. Look for a hostel or hotel around the Golden Horn or Galata neighborhoods if you want to experience the city's fantastic nightlife and bars.

If you want to learn more about Istanbul's history and Roman legacy, the Sultanahmet neighborhood puts you right in the middle of it.

Cheers Hostel is well-reviewed and conveniently located; they have female-only and mixed dorm rooms, as well as individual rooms, for roughly $20 USD each night. Another fantastic, respectable alternative is Agora Guesthouse, which offers bunks for $21-31 USD per night. Stanpoli Hostel offers more affordable options, with female and mixed dorms beginning at $13 USD per night.

No:4 Suites has cheap private rooms for roughly $27 USD per night if hostels aren't your style.

Top Places to Visit in Istanbul

The architecture in Istanbul is genuinely magnificent, with influences and styles ranging from the Byzantine Hagia Sofia (more than 1,400 years old) to the Romanesque Galata Tower.

Istanbul is also the birthplace of the tulip, and between March and May, Sultanahmet Park and Emirgan Park are ideal sites to see a large number of flowers in bloom.

The Church of the Holy Savior in Chora, which is intricately decorated with exquisite frescoes and mosaics, is another destination worth visiting if you like historic art.

Visits to the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar, and a Bosphorus cruise were also highlights of my stay in Istanbul. The Grand Bazaar was incredible—one it's of the world's oldest and largest covered markets.

We strongly advise you to join a group tour. It's ideal for solitary female travelers with limited time, as well as anyone who would prefer to get their bearings in a place with the support of a guide. If you're on a budget, your hostel may be able to recommend an excellent guide or offer walking tours.

If you're a "foodie," try to sample as much local cuisine as possible; if you have the time, take a Food Walking Tour! You'll learn more about history, culture, and daily living in the area, as well as be fed all day.

Take a trip up the Bosphorus strait for a wonderful treat and a lesser-known tourist site. You'll get great views from the river.

Istanbul is the world's only metropolis divided between two continents, with the Bosphorus Strait separating the European and Asian halves of the city. You can get to the Asian side via cruise or ferry, and I recommend spending some time in Kadikoy.

How to Get Around Istanbul

With a great number of routes and alternatives ranging from the subway to buses, trams, overland trains, and even boats that transfer passengers to different areas of the city, the public transportation network in this massive city can be perplexing at times.

Because it is a refillable card that covers all of the major public transportation alternatives, the Istanbulkart is the best way to pay for your transportation. If you're traveling with a friend or family, you can use the same card to tap for many individuals, making it much easier to get around in groups.

Taxis can be reasonably priced, but be aware of drivers who try to negotiate fixed pricing or who try to overcharge you.

Our Top Picks other than Istanbul

Turkey, the ultimate cultural melting pot, established itself as the Silk Road's central center. It was, and continues to be, the meeting point of Eastern and Western cultures.

Turkey is the Middle East's gateway to Europe, with a rich history and breathtaking natural beauty. Oh, and the cuisine!

Turkey, one of our top bucket-list locations and one of the world's most visited countries, is a must-see for everyone.

Here's your guide to 10 locations to visit in Turkey (that aren't Istanbul), from white sand beaches to quirky bazaars.

Ephesus:

The ancient city of Ephesus was an important Roman city and was home to everyone from Alexander the Great to Cleopatra. In terms of population and cultural significance, it was Asia Minor's metropolis and second only to Rome.

One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, this cultural hotspot is one of the best-preserved ancient Roman cities along the Mediterranean. From Izmir, Kusadasi, or Selçuk, it's also a simple day excursion.

Cappadocia:

This fanciful location in Anatolia is known for its "fairy chimneys" and the rainbow of hot air balloons that float overhead.

Take a seat on one of the beautiful terraces that overlook the desert countryside. And get started right away! Start spotting hot air balloons early in the morning by watching the sunrise.

Bring your camera to Rose Valley to capture the breathtaking scenery, then explore the intriguing cave homes before watching the sunset over Göreme.

Kas:

This Mediterranean seaside village is one of the world's top scuba diving locations.

It's also a lovely small bougainvillea-covered village with ancient ruins and top-notch eateries strewn around the coast.

Turkish cuisine consists of much more than just kebabs! In reality, some of Turkey's best regional delicacies have never left the country.

From su börei to kunefe, this location is a gastronomic must-visit.

Gumusluk, Bodrum:

Bodrum is a popular summer vacation destination that is well worth a visit. While some of the places can grow crowded, Gümüşlük is only open to locals and those on special trips.

The Gümüşlük International Jazz Festival is arguably most known for this beach town, although it's a terrific destination to come at any time of year.

Pamukkale:

This UNESCO World Heritage monument, which means "cotton castle" in Turkish, has an ethereal grandeur.

Since Roman times, the thermal waters of the white terraces have been a popular spa resort. Scale the roughly 200 m/655 ft cliff to take in the wonder of this one-of-a-kind location.

You can also visit Hierapolis, an ancient Greek city, while you're here.

This vital commerce port was also regarded as a cultural and philosophical hotspot. It's also included in the Pamukkale ticket, and it's a simple add-on to your trip.

Izmir:

This city has been dubbed "Turkey's most ignored city" by CN Traveler, and it's simple to see why. While tourists’ throng to Istanbul and other coastal locations, locals are allowed to enjoy this hidden gem.

This coastal city, Turkey's third-largest, has always had an eye on Europe. Izmir, a crossroads of cultures, presents a distinct blend of European and Middle Eastern influences.

Take in the vista from Asanor, marvel at the wonders of the Roman Empire, and people-watch from one of the many sidewalk cafes.

Fethiye:

Fethiye is a bustling resort town and a popular yacht dock. It is an outgrowth of the ancient city of Telmessos.

Explore the Lycian rock tombs before relaxing on the beautiful beach. This coastal town is a dream come true for culture buffs and beach bums alike.

Bring your swimsuit since the lüdeniz, also known as the Blue Lagoon, is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches on the earth.

Mardin:

This is one of Southeast Anatolia's must-see cities, as it is one of Northern Mesopotamia's ancient cities.

Mardin, which is close to the Syrian border, has a vibrant mix of Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, Seljuk, and Mongol influences. The history and architecture are unlike anything else on the planet.

Make sure to fuel your journey with a unique coffee blend like dibek, a cardamom-infused coffee, or menengic, a pistachio and milk concoction.

Konya:

Sufis visit this Turkish town in Central Anatolia as a place of pilgrimage.

The local tekke, or Sufi lodge, is the most famous attraction here. The grave of Jalaluddin Rumi, the founder of the Mevlana order, is located in the heart of tourist.

Explore Sufi traditions before attending a whirling dervish ceremony at the Mevlana Cultural Center.

Dervishes who spin. This is an interesting look at Sufi culture if you've never seen them twirl.

Marmaris:

The Turkish Riviera's crown jewel is this town on the Mediterranean coast.

Because of its immaculate beaches, this gorgeous location is also known as the Turquoise Coast.

Of course, it's a beach lover's paradise, but it's also a lot more. Whether you're seeking for heart-pumping outdoor activities or nonstop nightlife, this is the place to be.

This is also an excellent starting point for island hopping. You may be in the Greek island of Rhodes in only three hours.

Finally!

We could go on and on about where to go and what to do in Turkey because it is such a fascinating country. However, reading about a location versus visiting and experiencing it firsthand are two completely different things. So, if you haven't already, put Turkey on your bucket list and go to www.akbartravels.com to book or design a unique package to this magnificent country.

Dreaming of a Turkey vacation? Need help with planning your Turkey trip? Backed with over 40 years of expertise in offering cheap & best tour packages for Turkey, Akbar Travels is your one stop destination for the most valuable deals for Turkey. Travel to Turkey by choosing from a variety of our affordable Turkey tour packages from Dubai in the UAE. These packages have been especially curated in a way so that you get to explore the best of Thailand.

Filter through our Turkey vacation packages and choose the one that suits you best!

As the world leader in creating holidays since 1978, we connect you to the real Turkey in a way like no other. We’re an award-winning travel company, with offices in India, USA, UK, Middle East, Europe and Turkey and can create fun-filled Turkey holiday packages to cater for all your needs. Akbar Travels also arranges affordable holiday packages in Indian destinations such as Kerala tour packages, Kashmir tour packages, Goa tour packages, Andaman tour packages, Himachal tour packages, Rajasthan tour packages, Leh Ladakh tour packages, as well as international destinations such as Singapore tour packages, Turkey tour packages, Thailand tour packages, Bali honeymoon packages, Mauritius tour packages, Maldives tour packages, Europe tour packages, Sri Lanka tour packages etc.  Our tailor-made itineraries to some of the most fascinating places in the Middle East and the world provide you with the flexibility to travel when you want and in accordance with your interests and budget.

Akbar Holidays provides you a range of Turkey packages, ranging from best Turkey packages for couples & family to Turkey packages in the UAE. Book your Turkey package with Akbar Holidays today!