Turkey is one of the most fascinating countries that must be on your bucket list. Once you step foot in Turkey, it promises an amazing experience that is unforgettable. A long time ago, Turkey became a center of the Ottoman Empire. This glorious country is a great destination that straddles the continents of Asia and Europe. It has acted as the bridge between the two continents. Ankara is the capital of Turkey but Istanbul is a popular place among travelers around the world. Learn about the top places to visit in Turkey with these tours that you can’t afford to miss.
1. Golden Horn, Istanbul - contributed by Tour Guide, Dilek Orubegarcia
If you take a tour around the Golden Horn, you can have a cup of coffee on Pier Loti hill accompanied by the magnificent view of the area. Then, walk down from one of the oldest and largest Muslim cemeteries in Istanbul. It hosts graves of Ottoman sultans and court members, grand viziers, high-ranked religious authorities, civil servants and military commanders, as well as intellectuals, scientists, artists and poets.
At the end of the cemetery, down at the bottom, you’ll arrive at the very famous Eyüp mosque, which was the traditional site for the coronation ceremony of the Ottoman Sultans, where the new sultan was girded with the sword of Osman. Many tourists get down by cable car, but I prefer walking down and looking at the historical tombstones and talking about them.
Before coming to Eyüp Sultan Mosque, which is very important for Muslims, there is a wonderful fountain built by Suleiman the Magnificent at the place where the graveyard ends. This is easy to miss. It has got large and magnificent arches and was built in the classical Turkish Fountain Architecture style, made of neat cut stone. Surviving documents show that in the 16th century in particular, the Ottoman government favoured supplying public fountains rather than private homes with mains water.
2. Hagia Sophia, Istanbul
Trust me, you will be enchanted to see Hagia Sophia with your own eyes. This magnificent building in the world is a must-see place to visit in Turkey. It is an impressive mosque and ancient church from the 6th-century but now it is a famous museum in Istanbul. It has stunning architecture on the walls of the building. Please make sure that this place is in your itinerary during your trip to Turkey. There is a professional tour guide who will tell you about the history behind the spectacular of Hagia Sophia. It is worth the cost to visit here.
Hagia Sophia
Address: Istanbul, Turkey
Website:
3. Spice Bazaar, Istanbul (from USD 70.0)
You will love every minute you spend time in thecolorful Spice Bazaar. You can shop and eat local food for the whole day. If you want to make a purchase, you will have a chance to bargain. But before that, the exhilarating way to come to the bazaar is to cruise the water of the Bosphorus Strait and see the sights of the sea and land. It certainly gives pleasure to anyone who experiences it. You will also be able to view the glorious Bosphorus Bridge that links Europe and Asia.
Morning Bosphorus Cruise and Spice Bazaar
Duration: 4.0 hour
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4. Golden Horn, Istanbul
If you take a tour around the Golden Horn, you can have a cup of coffee on Pier Loti hill accompanied by the magnificent view of the area. Then, walk down from one of the oldest and largest Muslim cemeteries in Istanbul. It hosts graves of Ottoman sultans and court members, grand viziers, high-ranked religious authorities, civil servants and military commanders, as well as intellectuals, scientists, artists and poets.
At the end of the cemetery, down at the bottom, you’ll arrive at the very famous Eyüp mosque, which was the traditional site for the coronation ceremony of the Ottoman Sultans, where the new sultan was girded with the sword of Osman. Many tourists get down by cable car, but I prefer walking down and looking at the historical tombstones and talking about them.
Before coming to Eyüp Sultan Mosque, which is very important for Muslims, there is a wonderful fountain built by Suleiman the Magnificent at the place where the graveyard ends. This is easy to miss. It has got large and magnificent arches and was built in the classical Turkish Fountain Architecture style, made of neat cut stone. Surviving documents show that in the 16th century in particular, the Ottoman government favoured supplying public fountains rather than private homes with mains water.
Turkey Tour Guide
Rose The Guide
Professional Tour / Travel Guide and Photographer Certified by Turkish Republic Ministry of Culture and Tourism. I am a knowledgeable and motivated individual with years of experience in organizing group tours in several areas; have the ability to motivate different sets of audience; have the ability to communicate effectively and possess high degree of energy and enthusiasm.
5. Blue Mosque, Istanbul (from USD 115.94)
You’ll be thrilled to view the beautiful Blue Mosque, which is also known as Sultan Ahmed Mosque. It still functions as a mosque for Muslims to worship. You can purchase a half-day tour to see this popular attraction in Istanbul. The interior of the mosque is really stunning. During this tour, you also have the opportunity to see the gift given to the Ottoman Sultan Abdul Hamid from Kaiser Wilhelm II Germany, which is the German Fountain. The tour guide will tell you a story of Kaiser’s journey to the glorious Ottoman Empire and the relationship between the two kingdoms.
Istanbul Classics Half-Day Morning Tour
Duration: 4.0 hour
6. Cappadocia (from USD 1.0)
If you don’t want to miss any significant places in Turkey, you better purchase a tour ticket. Your trip will be well planned. You don’t have to worry about additional charges because all taxes, fuel surcharges, and service fees are included plus you will be given a professional and friendly tour guide. If there is anything you are curious about, just ask a question. Did you know what’s interesting to visit here? There is an astonishing hot ballon air ride, which is highly recommended for you to try between 5 am and 8 am. It’s a perfect location to spend time with your loved ones.
Turkey Highlights 4 Day Tour from Istanbul Hassle-Free Package
Duration: 4 days
7. Galata Tower, Istanbul
The prominent Galata Tower was built in 1348 by Genoese. There is a tour that offers a half-day sightseeing option to visit the Jewish District with a free pickup service from your hotel located in Istanbul. You will be taken to the Galata district and can also view the historic Neve Shalom Synagogue. This Jewish place is where Jews expelled from Spain have lived safely for more than 500 years. During the tour, you will walk past the Jewish Hospital in this remarkable city.
Galata Tower
Address: Istanbul, Turkey
Website:
Tip from tour guide
Galata Tower is 69 m (226 ft) in height and weighs around 10,000 tons. It offers one of Istanbul’s most iconic views and overlooks Beyoğlu and Karaköy from its perched position. At night, the colorful lights of the tower can be seen from all over the city. If you're not afraid of heights, take the chance to go up to enjoy the views!
8. Ephesus (from USD 219.0)
You can book a 5-hour private tour to ancient Ephesus and Şirince. You will sail with cruise ship docks and disembark at Kusadasi Port. But what makes it look amazing? You will be amazed to see the Library Celsus, Great Theatre, and Roman baths. An expert tour guide will take you to explore the remnants of this great archeological site and listen to the history of this wonderful place. In Ephesus, you can see the Temple of Artemis, which is one of the Seven Wonder of the Ancient World.
Kusadasi Shore Excursion: Private Half-Day Ephesus Tour
Duration: 5 hours
9. Topkapi Palace, Istanbul (from USD 107.28)
The history of the Topkapi Palace is exciting. It is a remainder of the great Ottoman Empire. Around 4,000 people crowed this palace at its peak and it was home to 25 sultans for almost 400 years. This palace is directing the Golden Horn and situated in peaceful gardens. Apart from that, you can also visit museums to see the attractive Iznik tiles and the ornate stateroom of the harem. You need at least one to two days to discover it and the right time to come here right when it opens to avoid the crowds.
Istanbul: 1 or 2-Day Private Guided Tour with Hotel Transfer
Duration: 7.0 to 2.0 hour
10. Kos Island: Kalymnos and Pserimos (from USD 30.34)
This adventure will be more awesome by joining the 8 hour sailing tour to Kos Island on your lazy day. You can swim and snorkel while exploring sea life. Very interesting isn’t it? There is a small island named Pserimos where you can enjoy the wonderful view with a breath of fresh air. Then you can have your lunch at Plati, which serves traditional Greek dishes. This full day sailing tour will be departing from Kos Harbour in the morning. The place you are visiting to relax is situated directly on the beach, and there you’ll find seafood restaurants and local bars. Apart from that, you will have the chance to sail to Kalymnos and visit its capital, Pothia. You will meet the well-known sponge divers and learn interesting facts, history, and gain knowledge about sponge diving. There will be demonstrations of cutting and bleaching sponges for you to watch.
Kos Town: Kalymnos & Pserimos Day Cruise & Optional Transfer
Duration: 7.5 hour
What are you waiting for? Save your money!
Make your dreams come true! Enjoy the prosperous country that is wealthy in history, wonderful culture, and great food in Turkey. You’ll be definitely enhancing your knowledge about world history besides viewing the sights of interesting places in the country. Don’t wait for a long time, plan now, save your money, and get your tickets! You will not be able to feel the excitement until you experience these sites for yourself.
In light of the February 2023 earthquake that devastated Turkey and Syria, Trip101 urges you to be apprised of the latest news if you have any plans to travel to Eastern Turkey. Other parts of the country remain open to travelers.
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