Turkey is a popular tourist destination in the Middle East, well known for its multitude of historical sites. Some of the most iconic tourist attractions include the Blue Mosque with its six minarets, the Hagia Sophia Museum and the Grand Bazaar, a covered market selling all sorts of traditional leather, jewellery and souvenirs. It is also known for beach vacations at the resorts along the Meditteranean Coast, in the many different towns of the country. It is a great place to visit during the summer, with temperatures staying around the low 20s, hitting highs of only 28 degrees Celcius. There is much to do in this Middle Eastern country, be it around the main city of Istanbul, or around the other small towns. Read on to find the best things to do over the summer holidays in Turkey!
1. Go back in history with the ancient Ephesus Ruins (from USD 9.99)
The ancient city of Ephesus flourished as the commercial centre of the country, during the days of the Roman Empire. It is most well known for being close to the Temple of Artemis, which is one of the seven ancient wonders of the world. The city, now in ruins and mostly a tourist destination, was destroyed in AD 614. Go on a tour to find out why it was destroyed and many other facts about this historic site. The half-day tour, about four hours, features a live tour guide that can speak both English and Spanish.
Kusadasi: Ephesus and Artemis Skip-the-line Small Group Tour
Duration: 4.0 hour
2. Collect innumerable artifacts from the Grand Bazaar
Kapali Carsi, better known as the Grand Bazaar by tourists, is a completely covered market in the city of Istanbul. It is one of the oldest and largest markets in Istanbul, which features 61 covered streets and upwards of 4000 stores. There is much to see and buy here at this market, such as intricate artefacts and souvenirs, leather goods, jewellery and carpets. It is the perfect place to soak in the culture and beauty of Istanbul, while also shopping for souvenirs to take home to remember your trip.
The Grand Bazaar
Address: Beyazıt Mh., Kalpakçılar Cd. No:22, 34126 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
Website: The Grand Bazaar
Opening hours: 9am - 7pm (daily)
3. Hike up Mount Nemrut
Mount Nemrut, a World Heritage Site, is an amazing place to go hiking in Istanbul. Besides the breathtaking view waiting for you at the top, the summit is decorated with many large statues. These statues were supposedly erected around what is assumed to be a royal tomb from the 1st century. It is definitely a great place for lovers of nature who enjoy a hiking experience, as well as for history lovers. It is a rather challenging climb on your own, so do hire a mountain guide to help you during your journey.
Mount Nemrut
Address: Nemrut Dağı Milli Parkı, 02430 Kayadibi Köyü/Kahta/Adıyaman, Turkey
Website: Mount Nemrut
Opening hours: 9am - 4pm (daily)
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4. Take in the views while enjoying a Bosphorus ferry ride (from USD 13.01)
Enjoy a lovely 90-minute cruise down the Bosphorus, which is a natural strait in northwestern Turkey and is part of the divide between the European and Asian continents. Sit back and relax on the cruise while you enjoy the sites from a different perspective that is just as beautiful and breathtaking. The cruise also passes by many other historical palaces, as well as the iconic Bosphorus bridge.
Istanbul: Bosphorus Cruise with Audio App
Duration: 1.5 hour
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. Watch the sacred dance at Dervish (from USD 68.0)
Turkey is also extremely well known around the region for its thriving culture. You definitely can’t leave the country without enjoying some the traditional cultural experiences here. Enjoy an evening of spiritual dancing, the whirling dervishes, accompanied by traditional music and chanting. The dance of the whirling dervishes is UNESCO listed and a must-watch during your trip here. Your ticket also includes some Turkish delights to eat before the show, as well as a drink at the bar.
Whirling Dervish Ceremony: Go on a Spiritual Journey
Duration: 1 hour
6. Soak in a turkish bath at Cemberlitas Hamami
A traditional Turkish hammam is something that you definitely must try while you’re in the country. It is a traditional public bath, where people go to cleanse themselves as well as to relax, similar to the concept of the Japanese onsen. Besides access to the public bath, some packages also include massages and beauty treatments, like clay masks and oil massages. Cemberlitas Hamam is a popular public bath that is known for having one of the most authentic bath experiences in the world.
Cemberlitas Hamami
Address: Mollafenari Mh., Vezirhan Cd. No:8, 34440 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
Website: Cemberlitas Hamami
Opening hours: 6am - 12am (dailly)
Price: 160 TRY (26.4 USD) for basic entrance
7. Take a natural sauna at the Pamukkale thermal pools (from USD 87.0)
This beautiful site is definitely for those seeking out the beauty and surreal destinations of the world. Take in the sights of the glistening turquoise waters of the Pamukkale thermal pools and even indulge in a quick dip in Cleopatra’s pool. This tour not only brings you to see these unique water terraces but also brings you to witness the ancient ruins of Hierapolis. The tour includes a professional guide, pick up service from your hotel, breakfast and lunch.
Side to Pamukkale Hot Springs and Ancient Heirapolis Day Tour
Duration: 15 hours
8. Discover the limestone formations at Goreme National Park (from USD 75.91)
Goreme National Park is located in central Turkey and known for its iconic multi-coloured cliffs, rock towers, and rock formations present in the park, as a result of the erosion of the volcanic ash from the nearby volcanoes. There are some hollowed-out underground dwellings in the park known as the Kaymakili Underground City. This small intimate tour group brings you to visit both these sites, as well the Rose Valley, where you get to end the day watching a beautiful sunset over the valley.
Cappadocia: Red Tour (Lunch, Museums, all extra included)
Duration: 1.0 day
9. Immerse yourself in the aura of the archaeological site of Troy (from USD 433.75)
The ancient and mythological site of Troy is certainly not to missed during your trip to Istanbul. The place is renowned for being the site of the Trojan War, and you may recognise the term “Trojan horse”. You can find out more about this ancient story during the trip, which also includes a visit to Gallipoli, as well as Brighton Beach and Johnston’s Jolly. This two-day tour, which covers many tourist attractions, also features a live guide, a night’s stay at a four-star hotel, and transport.
From Istanbul: Troy and Gallipoli 2-Day Trip
Duration: 2.0 day
10. Enjoy a relaxing ride along the Green Canyon (from USD 51.51)
Calling all nature lovers, this last destination will definitely appeal to you. The Green Canyon is a beautiful and uniquely coloured emerald green lake that is located in between the Taurus Mountains. Sit on the boat and enjoy your cruise down this heavenly canyon and take in the beautiful sights. There will also be stops along the way to jump into the glistening waters for a swim. The tour includes local lunch overlooking the lake, a tour guide, and pick up from your hotel.
From Antalya: Green Canyon Boat Trip w/Lunch and Drinks
Duration: 9.5 hour
Summertime paradise in Turkey
There is much to do in Turkey during the summer, especially getting to enjoy the historical sites as well as getting in touch with nature. Be sure to tick all these 10 activities off your to-do list during your summer getaway!
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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