TÜRKIYE
Turkey's standouts.
The 10 most-booked historical tours in Turkey. What each one is really like, who runs it, and what it costs.
Step into Acemoglu Hammam in Istanbul for clay mask, kese scrub, foam wash, plus optional 30-minute massage and flexible bath privacy.
“So nice, very intimate just me and my boyfriend, we were taken care of so well, such good value for money. Will definitely come back”
Gedikpasa Hammam in Istanbul: 550-year Turkish bath steps from Grand Bazaar, plus Halvet privacy add-on, scrub and foam massage.
“We had an absolutely amazing experience at this hammam! From the moment we walked in, the staff made us feel so welcome and taken care of. The atmosphere was incredibly warm, relaxing, and authentic. Every detail was perfect, and you could really feel the attention and care they put into everything. The heat was just…”
A small-group day tour in Istanbul hitting the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar with lunch and transfers.
“We did not realize that all four major attractions were in one place. A lot of walking on hilly road and up and down visiting all three. After visiting Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and then 15 minute walk to the grand bazar and back we were dead tired. Had a simple lunch in a nice…”
VIP-style day in Istanbul: Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi, Grand Bazaar, plus a sunset Bosphorus yacht cruise with lunch.
“Fabulous guide and tour. He was very informative and timed our visits to avoid crowds. The boat ride was wonderful. They came around constantly serving fruits and cheeses. It was a luxurious yacht for our group of 15 which probably holds 150 people. We had a nice lunch at a rooftop restaurant that was very…”
8-hour boat tour from Kaş to Kekova’s Sunken City and Simena Castle, with multiple swim stops, onboard lunch, and free drone videos.
“Lots of time for swimming/snorkelling, great lunch, we had an excellent day”
Taste Turkish classics in Beyoğlu on a guided 3.5-hour walk from Galata Bridge to Taksim Square. Small group, funicular ride.
“Our guide Erol was knowdgeable and fun. He explained so much about the food we were sampling, and its history. No question went unaswered. I would recommend the tour, and particularly Erol as a guide.”
A short Avanos pottery workshop in Cappadocia: wheel time, tea or coffee, and a take-home mug or vase for just $13.
“The hosts are super amazing and they make the experience feel so easy. We had a lot of fun and loved this indoor activity! Highly recommend 🥰”
A private guided day hitting Istanbul’s biggest Roman and Ottoman icons, with mosque dress rules, Grand Bazaar haggle help, and shortcut entry.
“Hands down one of the best tours I’ve ever been on! If you want to see most of the main historical sites in Istanbul during a short period of time I highly recommend this tour. Sude was my local tour guide and she is a highly trained professional proficient and very passionate about the history…”
Watch the Sema whirling dervish ceremony in a historical Göreme cave, with a guide and a traditional drink afterward.
“Very nice show, enjoyed the atmosphere and interaction with guide prior to and after the show”
Acemoglu Historical Turkish Bath in Istanbul: clay mask, kese scrub, foam massage, tea, plus private bath options or 30-min massage from $30.
“Clay mask was great and a beautiful Hammam! Swimmingpool and steam/sauna was great afterwards. Great thing to do in combination with highlights of Istanbul.”
