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Turkey

Turkey Tours

Are you ready to take on Turkey? We have put together exhilarating Turkey tours that are guaranteed to please.

Straddling both Asia and Europe, the wonders of the Orient and the history of the classical period collide in Turkey to create a truly unique and inspirational travel destination. Home to ancient cultures, brilliant blue seas, vibrant cities and a remarkable history dating back over thousands of years, Turkey has long been an attraction for travellers the world over.

Excellent Turkey tours

Discover the beauty of this majestic country on one of our Turkey tours as we journey back through time - starting in cosmopolitan Istanbul, we travel to the WWII memorials of Gallipoli, visit Troy as well as the classical temples and roman ruins of Pergamum before heading along the Silk Route to gaze upon the incredible dreamlike landscape and rock formations of Cappadocia.

We'll also visit the popular Blue Mosque - which was built in the early 1600s and Hagia Sophia - the former Greek Orthodox Christian patriarchal cathedral, which was also once an Ottoman imperial mosque and now a museum.

You can also finish off your trip to Turkey in style by enjoying three relaxing nights onboard a traditional Mediterranean gulet boat.

Special offers on Turkey tours

If you want to experience Turkey, it doesn't have to cost a fortune. At Encounters Travel, we take pride in offering value for money on Turkey tour packages.

Find the perfect package tour for you and take advantage of our unrivalled online special offers. Want to know more about our magnificent Turkey trips? Please don't hesitate to contact us.

More information about Turkey tours

Do you want to know more about Turkey and its beauty? Or do you need accurate visa information?

Contact the Turkey tourism board for more information.

15 Tours | From NZ$760 p/p

15 Tours starting at

NZ$ 760

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15 Tours | From NZ$760 p/p

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Anatolian Adventure
Map Map

Duration:

10 Days

Country(ies):

Turkey

Tour Type:

Small Group

Group size:

Min: 2 | Max: 20

Meals:

B- 9, L - 0, D - 6

Highlights:

Istanbul, Gallipoli battlefields & memorials, Troy, Pergamum Acropolis, Ancient Greek & Roman ruins at Ephesus & Hieropolis, Pamukkale ca...

   From

NZ$2280(p/p)

View Tour
Taste of Turkey
Map Map

Duration:

8 Days

Country(ies):

Turkey

Tour Type:

Small Group

Group size:

Min: 2 | Max: 20

Meals:

B- 7, L - 0, D - 4

Highlights:

Istanbul Old City, Gallipoli Battlefields, Troy, Pergamum, Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, Pamukkale - Calcium Travertines, Hieropolis

   From

NZ$2430(p/p)

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Discover Turkey
Map Map

Duration:

8 Days

Country(ies):

Turkey

Tour Type:

Small Group

Group size:

Min: 2 | Max: 20

Meals:

B- 7, L - 0, D - 5

Highlights:

Spice bazaars, Blue Mosque & Hippodrome in Istanbul, Greek & Roman ruins at Ephesus, coastal Kusadasi, calcium travertines at Pamukkale, ...

   From

NZ$2455(p/p)

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Best of Turkey
-15%
Map Map

Duration:

11 Days

Country(ies):

Turkey

Tour Type:

Small Group

Group size:

Min: 2 | Max: 20

Meals:

B- 10, L - 0, D - 7

Highlights:

Istanbul Old City, Cappadocia underground cities fairy chimneys, Sultanhani Caravansary, Pamukkale calcium travertines, ancient Greek & R...

   Deal

NZ$2880(p/p)

NZ$3390

View Tour
Turkey Encounters
-15%
Map Map

Duration:

17 Days

Country(ies):

Turkey

Tour Type:

Small Group

Group size:

Min: 2 | Max: 20

Meals:

B- 16, L - 0, D - 6

Highlights:

Istanbul old and new; Gallipoli war memorials; ancient sites at Troy, Ephesus, Hieropolis, Aphrodisias & Aspendos; Pamukkale travertines,...

   Deal

NZ$4730(p/p)

NZ$5570

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Aegean Legacy
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Duration:

11 Days

Country(ies):

Turkey

Tour Type:

Small Group

Group size:

Min: 2 | Max: 20

Meals:

B- 10, L - 3, D - 7

Highlights:

Gallipoli Battlefields, Ancient city of Troy, Calcium Travertines of Pamukkale, Hieropolis, traditional Gulet Cruise, Fethiye

   From

NZ$3365(p/p)

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Istanbul to Athens Explorer
Map Map

Duration:

15 Days

Country(ies):

Greece, Turkey

Tour Type:

Small Group

Group size:

Min: 4 | Max: 20

Meals:

B- 14, L - 0, D - 7

Highlights:

Istanbul Old City, Cappadocia scenery, Underground city, Pamukkale, Ephesus ruins, Acropolis & Parthenon in Athens, Epidaurus, birth plac...

   From

NZ$6505(p/p)

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Classic Turkey & Greek Islands
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Duration:

14 Days

Country(ies):

Greece, Turkey

Tour Type:

Private

Group size:

Min: 2 | Max: 20

Meals:

B- 12, L - 0, D - 5

Highlights:

Acropolis, Parthenon, Greek islands of Santorini, Mykonos & Samos, Ephesus, Pamukkale & Hieropolis, Cappadocia landscape & underground ci...

   From

NZ$6960(p/p)

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Fethiye & Kekova Gulet
Map Map

Duration:

8 Days

Country(ies):

Turkey

Tour Type:

Small Group

Group size:

Min: 2 | Max: 20

Meals:

B- 7, L - 6, D - 7

Highlights:

Fethiye, Olu Deniz, Butterfly Valley, St Nicholas Island, Yesilkoy, Kas, Simena, Ucagiz, Kekova, Gokkaya, Bayindir Limani, Kalkan.

   From

NZ$1010(p/p)

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When is the best time of the year to visit Turkey?

The best times to visit are from March to May and between September and November as the temperatures are pleasantly warm and the attractions are less crowded.

What is the official currency of Turkey?

The currency used in Turkey is the Turkish lira and if you want to exchange money you will get a better rate when you have arrived.

What should you wear in Turkey?

What you wear depends on where you are. If you are visiting a mosque or religious site then women will need to dress conservatively, but in bigger cities and tourist areas, the clothing standards are more relaxed and European.

Can you drink the tap water in Turkey?

Tap water is safe for general purposes, but most people drink bottled water.

How do I plan a trip to Turkey?

Planning a trip to Turkey depends on several factors, such as what all you’d like to accomplish and specific places you’d like to see but most importantly, your budget.

How much is a meal in Turkey?

Meal prices in Turkey can vary – the cost of your meal depends not only on the type of meal but also where you’re planning on dining. When dining out, an average meal in Turkey costs around $8 per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch and dinner. Turkey offers relatively affordable food by Western standards and some of the most delicious food can often be found at bazaars and street markets.

Is it safe to travel to Turkey?

Turkey is relatively safe for tourists as there is little risk of violent crime, most crime in major cities entails petty theft. However, it is important for visitors to take caution and avoid specific areas which pose a high risk. Each of our tour guides are experienced in guiding visitors through the major attractions in Turkey safely.

Do people in Turkey speak English?

Although the official language of Turkey is Turkish, English is widely spoken in Turkey - specifically in Istanbul. Most locals tend to speak a relatively high level of English which visitors are often impressed by. However, an attempt to speak to locals in Turkish is often met with gratitude and is considered a sign of respect.

Do you need vaccinations to go to Turkey?

Travellers should ensure that they are up to date with routine vaccinations. Certain vaccines are recommended for Turkey by both the CDC and WHO. These organizations recommend the following vaccinations for Turkey: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies, anthrax, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.

How much would a trip to Turkey cost?

A trip to Turkey will vary in cost depending on your accommodation, food, activities and the duration of your trip. We recommend budgeting around $50 per day for those interested in comfortable accommodation in a private hotel room, activities, meals etc.

Where should we go in Turkey?

Turkey is a fascinating country which boasts natural scenery from mountains, seas and forests to vibrant nightlife in modern cities.Istanbul is a must-see during a trip to Turkey as the city encompasses two continents: Europe and Asia. Istanbul boasts a wide array of sights which include: Ottoman Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia with its intricate mosaics and the underground Basilica Cistern.Another must-see attraction is Ankara, which is Turkey’s second-largest city and offers a quieter and more historical atmosphere. Browse the cobblestone streets of Ankara and check out the quaint Ottoman houses.

How many days in Turkey is enough?

We recommend spending a minimum of 6 days in Turkey to see the sights and experience the true culture and history of this incredible country. Our Turkey tours take you through all of the hidden gems and major attractions in Turkey, from natural scenic beauty to modern cities and ancient historical sights.

What is the best month to visit Turkey?

The best months to visit Turkey are from March to May as the weather is typically warm and dry. The attractions are also quieter and less crowded which means no need to wait in long lines.

Is it expensive in Turkey?

Turkey is a relatively affordable country to visit as the food is fairly cheap, with the average meal costing roughly $6. Accommodation is also quite affordable with a comfortable hotel room costing less than $50 per night, depending on which hotel you choose.Retail shopping in Turkey is also relatively cheap in comparison to neighbouring countries.

TOUR REVIEWS

Took care of every single detail from prior to our arrival in Cario until we we're dropped of at the airport a week later. Our hotels, tours, meals, and tour group we're all wonderful. Our tour guide was wonderful!
The price was great and the people wonderful!

This is our first travel through Encounters Travel and so far the arrangement is working very well. Our travel is not until April 2017 so I am more than hopeful all will continue to run as smoothly as it has so far.

Anthony has been a pleasure to work with and when he is not available, other members of the team respond in a timely manner. I have booked a total of 6 trips since December 2013 and plan to book more to fill my bucket list.

Everything about the trip was thought through, fine-tuned , and marvelous. From Ant Horribin helping us arrange the trip, to rep Waled Ali, and our guide Big Mo, we could not have asked for a better team. Our sincere thanks to them.

Encounters Travel did an excellent job in all aspects of our trip! Egypt was amazing and the trip was made especially enjoyable as a result of the quality of the guides. I highly recommend Encounters Travel!
Worth every penny! Go to Egypt with Encounters Travel!

ratings

Turkey Country Guide

Turkey Country Guide Flag

Factfile

Time: GMT+3
Dial Code: +90
Area: 783,562 km2
Elevation: The lowest point in Turkey is the Mediterranean Sea at 0m | The highest point in Turkey is Mount Ararat at 5,166m (16,949 ft.)
Population: 81,916,871 (2018)
Capital: Ankara
Government: Parliamentary representative democratic republic
Language: Turkish

Turkey, officially known as the Republic of Turkey, is a transcontinental country positioned in mainly Western Asia, with a smaller portion on the Balkan Peninsula in Southeast Europe. Turkey is bordered by eight countries; Greece, Bulgaria, Georgia, Armenia, Iran, Iraq, Syria and the Azerbaijani exclave of Nakhchivan. It is also encircled by seas on three sides, with the Aegean Sea to the west, the Black Sea to the north, and the Mediterranean Sea to the south.

Ankara is the capital and Istanbul is the largest city in the country as well as the culture and commercial centre. It is also classified as a leading global city. Around 70-80% of Turkey's citizens identify themselves as ethnic Turks and Kurds are the largest minority at about 20% of the population. The official language is Turkish, which is the most widely spoken Turkic language in the world. Minority languages that are spoken include Arabic and Bosnian. Turkey is a secular state with no official state religion.

This country has a unique ecosystem and habitat diversity that has produced substantial species diversity. The coastal areas of Turkey bordering the Aegean and the Mediterranean Seas have a temperature Mediterranean climate while the coastal area bordering the Black Sea have an oceanic climate. Turkey has 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is home to two of the Seven Worlds of the Ancient World and the world's oldest religious site. The country also has the world's 13th largest GDP by PP and the 17th largest nominal GDP.

Highlights

  • Istanbul Old City - this walled section is the oldest part of Istanbul, with most of its historical sights.
  • Troy - an ancient city and famous archaeological site that was rediscovered in the 19th century.
  • Pergamum - the site of an ancient Greek city and acropolis that is now called Bergama.
  • Temple of Artemis at Ephesus - this Greek shrine, known as the Temple of Diana, is dedicated to the goddess Artemis.
  • Hierapolis - positioned on hot springs, the ruins of this ancient city include baths and Greek monuments.
  • A hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia - the best way to view this moonscape region of cone-shaped formations is from above.
  • Silk Road - a historic system of caravan trails through Turkey, Iran, India and China that allowed trade.
  • Pamukkale calcium travertines - a natural site in Denizli, famous for a carbonate mineral left by flowing water.

Tips

  • Dress modestly when visiting mosques and religious sites and in some cases cover your head.
  • Drinking in public and inebriation is not acceptable away from tourist destinations.
  • Do not be overly tactile with your partner in public spaces.
  • The Turks will appreciate it if you learn some basic Turkish phrases and greetings.
  • Beware of scams in the bigger cities and look after your valuables when walking around.
  • Carry cash and make sure that you have small denominations for tipping.
  • Bargaining is acceptable and encouraged in marketplaces and seen as a form of dialogue.
  • During the month of Ramadan avoid eating, drinking and smoking in public.

VIDEO FEATURE

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POSTS FROM OUR BLOG

Need some travel inspiration or looking for some handy travel tips? Our blog provides excellent insight into our travel destinations - from tour updates to country guides, packing lists to little known things to do, you'll find it all in our travel blog.