Discover the Best of Turkey: Unforgettable Tour Packages
Interestingly, Turkey solves the above stated problem. This vibrant country blends ancient landmarks with modern cities, breathtaking coastlines with surreal landscapes, and rich traditions with warm hospitality.
In this article, we'll guide you through the best of Turkey. We'll list must-visit destinations and types of Turkey tour packages suited to different travel styles. Turkey should be at the top of your list if you're ready for a journey that combines affordability with unforgettable experiences.
Photo by Engin Yapici on Unsplash
Why Turkey Should Be on Your Travel Bucket List
Turkey offers a unique mix of landscapes, culture, and history that appeals to a wide range of travellers. From sandy beaches and rolling mountains to ancient ruins and modern cities, the country's geography is both varied and accessible.
As a meeting point between East and West, Turkey reflects a blend of traditions and influences. In cities like Istanbul, visitors can experience this cultural mix first-hand. They can walk from centuries-old mosques and palaces to contemporary galleries and cafés within the same afternoon.
The local food scene is another highlight. Turkish cuisine is known for its variety and flavour, with popular dishes like kebabs, mezes, and fresh pastries found throughout the country. Markets and bazaars offer local produce and spices and an opportunity to connect with everyday life.
For UK travellers, including those from Edinburgh and Glasgow, reaching Turkey is straightforward, with direct flights available to popular destinations. Whether you're planning a short break or a longer getaway, Turkey provides a range of experiences that are worth considering.
Top Destinations in Turkey You Shouldn't Miss
Turkey offers a range of destinations that cater to different travel styles. Here are five standout spots to consider:
Istanbul – Where East Meets West
As Turkey's largest city, Istanbul offers a rich cultural blend. Visitors can explore landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and the vibrant Grand Bazaar, all within walking distance in the historic Sultanahmet area.
Cappadocia – A Landscape Like No Other
Known for its unique rock formations and cave dwellings, Cappadocia is perfect for those who love photography or adventure. A hot air balloon ride at sunrise offers unforgettable views over its 'fairy chimneys.'
Pamukkale – Natural Thermal Terraces
Famous for its white, terraced pools, Pamukkale is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The nearby ruins of Hierapolis add a layer of historical interest to this natural attraction.
Ephesus – A Walk Through History
One of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world, Ephesus offers an immersive experience for history lovers. Key sights include the Library of Celsus, Roman streets, and ancient theatres.
Antalya – Coastal Comfort and Ancient Charm
Set along the Turkish Riviera, Antalya combines beautiful beaches with access to historic ruins. It's a great option for families and travellers looking for a balance of relaxation and sightseeing.
Best Types of Tour Packages to Consider
The wide variety of tour packages to Turkey makes it easy to find something that fits your interests, pace, and travel style. Here are some popular options worth exploring:
Cultural Heritage Tours
These tours are ideal for travellers who enjoy history, architecture, and local traditions. Packages often include visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Ephesus, Pamukkale, and Göreme National Park, along with guided experiences in Istanbul's old city. You'll get a deeper understanding of Turkey's diverse cultural influences through museums, artisan workshops, and traditional performances.
Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts & Cruises
For those who prefer a relaxing holiday, luxury packages include stays at all-inclusive seaside resorts in Antalya or Bodrum. Some itineraries also feature Mediterranean cruises with stops at Turkish ports. This combines comfort with the chance to explore coastal towns, islands, and ancient harbours.
Adventure Tours
Adventure-focused travellers can opt for active tours that include hiking the Lycian Way, paragliding over Ölüdeniz, or exploring the caves and valleys of Cappadocia. These packages often include local guides and small group sizes for a more personalised experience.
Family-Friendly Itineraries
These packages are designed with children in mind, offering a balance of relaxation and activities. Many include visits to aquariums, water parks, beach resorts, and historical sites with interactive elements, making them educational and fun.
Solo & Group Travel Packages
Whether you're travelling alone, with classmates, or in a group of retirees, many operators offer safe, social, and well-organised itineraries. These tours often include flexible options, shared accommodations, and a mix of structured and free time. They are perfect for making connections and exploring at your own pace.
Travel Tips for UK Visitors
Travelling to Turkey from the UK is relatively simple and budget-friendly, especially with a bit of planning. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your trip:
Best Time to Visit:
The most comfortable times to explore Turkey are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November). These seasons offer mild weather, fewer crowds, and ideal conditions for sightseeing, hiking, and beach holidays.
Visa Requirements:
UK passport holders can visit Turkey without a visa for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It's a hassle-free entry process, making it easy for spontaneous or short-term travel plans.
Currency & Exchange Rates:
Turkey uses the Turkish Lira (TRY), and the exchange rate often works in favour of UK travellers. Many visitors find dining, shopping, and transport significantly more affordable than in other European destinations.
Budget-Friendly Travel:
Domestic flights, intercity buses, and local transport options are widely available and reasonably priced. Whether you're staying in boutique hotels, seaside resorts, or guesthouses, accommodation options suit a range of budgets without compromising on comfort or experience.
Endnote
With its well-connected cities, range of tour options, and straightforward entry for UK passport holders, Turkey continues to attract interest from travellers across the UK. If you're considering a new destination that offers variety, accessibility, and value, exploring available tour packages to Turkey may be a worthwhile place to start.
Like this:
Like
Related
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
8 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
'Hidden gem' city is the most walkable in the world and a UK tourist favourite
Skyscanner has named the most walkable cities in the world for 2025, with a European city taking the top spot There's something truly special about being able to wander through a new destination on foot that makes booking a getaway even more appealing. Without the hassle of hiring a car or figuring out public transport, there's no stress about how you'll get between must-see attractions in your chosen spot. For those still planning a break this year, travel gurus at Skyscanner have revealed the top 10 "most walkable" cities globally in 2025 - with an incredible six located across Europe. The list, determined by walking distances between landmarks and other elements such as the number of pedestrian routes available, has highlighted hidden gems in Italy and Spain. Crowned the most walkable destination on Earth, this stunning historical city sits in the heart of Andalusia, Spain. Cordoba, Spain Skyscanner describes Cordoba as "a wonderful city to visit and explore on foot", boasting the shortest walking distances of all the top 10 cities. This enchanting location was once a prestigious Roman settlement and a significant Islamic hub during medieval times, according the Express. The city is renowned for its magnificent mosque, La Mezquita. The historic Old Town holds UNESCO World Heritage status and is perfect for wandering its narrow, twisting lanes. Additional highlights include Palacio de Viana, La Juderia, and Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos. Strolling between the key sights takes merely 26 minutes (2730 steps), whilst there are 29 walking routes to discover throughout the city and surrounding areas. One visitor on Tripadvisor remarked: "Cordoba was built before cars, so your taxi will probably not be able to take you to the door, but once you are there, you will be able to walk everywhere. "It's a good idea to start at the Roman Bridge, go over and see the models in the Torre de la Calahorra, in particular the model of the original mosque, before you visit the Mesquita, and walk around the narrow streets. Lots of bars, restaurants, shops, and museums. The Jewish Quarter is also worth seeing." Another said: "There is lots to see and do around the many cobbled streets. Lots of cafes, quaint bars, shops, tapas bars and restaurants. Don't be afraid to wander down little alleys, as this is where the hidden gems lie. It's a fantastic couple of days, but wear sensible, comfy shoes as all those cobbles take their toll on your knees and feet." A third visitor remarked: "The restaurants we ate at were reasonably priced, not gouging prices like in other cities. In short, for beauty, history, outstanding city design [long, walkable parks], and kind people - Cordoba is your choice. It really amazed us." The delightful Spanish destination claimed the top spot amongst pedestrian-friendly cities, with Nagasaki in Japan trailing closely behind. Nagasaki boasts the lowest crime statistics amongst the top 10 locations, featuring 531 attractions for visitors to discover and sitting at an average height of merely 89 metres. Regarding Cordoba's European rivals, Italy and Monaco earned recognition for their concentrated city centres and diverse array of attractions. Most pedestrian-friendly cities in the world 2025. Most walkable cities in the world 2025 Cordoba, Spain Nagasaki, Japan Hiroshima, Japan Reggio Calabria, Italy Monte Carlo, Monaco Tartu, Estonia Bursa, Turkey Bolzano, Italy Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Scottish Sun
The tiny island where ‘Europe ends and Asia begins' – with turtle spotting from bars
One of the top attractions is a glowing blue cave ISLE GO The tiny island where 'Europe ends and Asia begins' – with turtle spotting from bars Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) OFF THE coast of Turkey is one of the most remote Greek islands with colourful bars, turtles and magical caves. The island of Kastellorizo is scattered with brightly coloured buildings, bars, bright blue waters and you can even spot turtles swimming along the coastline. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 Kastellorizo is a Greek island that's just one mile off the coast of Turkey Credit: Alamy 6 It's a great place to spot turtles who swim by waterfront bars Credit: Alamy Win one of 8 incredible holidays to the Caribbean, Mexico and Greece by voting in The Sun's Travel Awards - enter to win here Kastellorizo is often referred to as the the place on the Turkish coast "where Europe ends and Asia begins" - including by Condé Nast Traveler. The reason why the Dodecanese island is called this is because of its location very near to the Turkish mainland. In fact, it's just one mile off the country's coast. While the island has been part of Greece since 1948, it's proximity to Turkey means it gets a mix of cultures. The island is very small, you can even walk to each side in just 30 minutes - but there's still lots to see and do. On the waterfront is lots of restaurants and bars in colourful pink, yellow and blue tavernas. To eat, there's plenty of dishes with fresh seafood and Mediterranean flavours. When it comes to drinks, there's plenty on offer including local beer like Mythos, Fix and Alfa. While tourists take in views across the blue seas, they might spot a turtle too. Karpathos: Greece's Underrated Island Paradise 6 The harbour has colourful bars and restaurants along the front Credit: Alamy 6 You can even venture to the glow in the dark cave Credit: Alamy The loggerhead sea turtles, also called Caretta caretta, are frequent visitors to the harbour. These turtles are often seen swimming near the waterfront hoping to get something to eat as they're often fed by locals and tourists. One of the top-rated restaurants on the island is Alexandra's Restaurant which has 557 reviews and a rating of 4.5 on Tripadvisor. One visitor wrote: "What's not to love? Great food, great wine, great setting and turtles feeding next to the tables." Another added: "Definitely the best restaurant in Kastellorizo! The food is delicious the service is polite and fast and the ambience is so romantic - you can also watch the sea turtles. If you order fish you can feed them some too!" For incredible views, visitors can head to the highest point of the island which is found at the 14th century castle ruins. Another popular attraction is the Blue Cave, where you can go on boat tours to visit the fluorescent waters. With a guide, you can take a boat out to the Blue Cave, which glows in the dark as the sunlight bounces off the white sandy seabed. A boat trip to the Blue Cave on Kastellorizo typically costs around €15 (£13.50) per person. Many visitors have described it as being a "magical experience." 6 You're likely to spot turtles if you snorkel in the sea Credit: Alamy There are no sandy beaches per se on the island as it's surrounded by rocky coastline. But, it's still a great place to go swimming, snorkelling or exploring on a boat. You can't fly directly to Kastellorizo, so for any visitors, the way to get there is to fly to either Athens or Rhodes and take a ferry. There is an option to fly from Rhodes to Kastellorizo which takes 40 minutes. Another option is to fly into Antalya in Turkey, drive to Kaş, and then take a short ferry to the island. It's possible to do Kastellorizo as a day trip, or stay there for longer in a hotel on the island, of which there are around 20. For another incredible Greek island, this one was named the world's best - and read more from someone who went on holiday to find beach clubs beachside restaurants. Here's another Greek island with 70 beaches that experts warn you should see before it gets too popular.
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Daily Mirror
Molly-Mae Hague's £2k a night holiday with Tommy and Bambi after moaning she 'has no fun'
Reunited love birds Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury are currently soaking up the sun in Turkey on their latest family holiday. The former Love Island stars have been sharing snaps of their jolly with baby Bambi with their followers on social media. It's a far cry from their last trip abroad, when Molly-Mae, 26, kept Tommy out of shot as she tried to conceal the fact she had rekindled her romance with the boxer following a brief split last year. But it's all happy families this time around. Fresh from spending time in St. Tropez, Molly-Mae has been enjoying the delights of the Turkish resort city of Antalya with her beau and their two-year-old daughter. Copy Molly-Mae's £33k gold Rolex with this £150 alternative that 'gets so many compliments' Molly-Mae's 'incredibly chic' sunglasses are surprisingly affordable and still in stock The mum-of-one is staying at a £2,000 a night hotel, which "has been carefully curated to deliver a true family holiday without compromise" and boasts 553 spacious suites and private villas Regnum Aqualantis is a favourite with celebrities. Stacey Solomon calls it her "second home", and the likes of Dua Lipa, Rita Ora, Jason Derulo and Sir Tom Jones also checking into the hotel group's other sites across the world. The vacation is a welcome break for Molly-Mae, who recently bemoaned her lack of a social life. "I will get to the end of summer without having done one fun thing," the reality TV star moaned while talking to her sister Zoe in July. "Zoe, I haven't socialised once. I am going to get to the end of this summer, I haven't done one social fun thing. I haven't a life. I haven't a life. It's not good. It's all kids-related, if it's not work and kids I am not doing anything. It's not good. People going for a drink with their friends or to a beer garden." She added: "Oh my gosh, I don't remember the last time I did my hair and makeup and put an outfit on for something that wasn't work related. I don't do anything. Lets normalise it. For the girls that are going to get to the end of summer and not done one fun thing."
