Turkey and Istanbul Holidays: Planning Your Trip

Istanbul at the Heart of the Trip

Turkey and Istanbul holidays usually revolve around the great city that bridges Europe and Asia, where Byzantine and Ottoman heritage layer up at every turn. Hagia Sophia has stood as a marvel of Byzantine architecture for more than a thousand years, Topkapi Palace served as the opulent home of Ottoman sultans, and the Basilica Cistern, the Grand and Spice Bazaars and the tile-clad Blue Mosque fill out an itinerary that rewards three to five days of exploring.

Most travellers base themselves in Sultanahmet for its proximity to the major attractions, choosing from accommodation that spans luxury hotels to budget hostels. Getting around is straightforward thanks to buses, metro lines, trams, ferries and taxis, all easily accessed with a rechargeable Istanbulkart.

Beyond the City

Part of the appeal of a Turkish holiday is how easily Istanbul opens onto the rest of the country. Cappadocia tempts with fairy-chimney landscapes, sunrise balloon flights and cave dwellings, the Turquoise Coast strings together Antalya, the Blue Lagoon at Oludeniz and the Lycian Way hiking trail, and Pamukkale's cotton-castle terraces sit beside the ancient ruins of Hierapolis.

Closer to base, day trips reach the Princes' Islands, Edirne, Bursa and the historic sites of Gallipoli, Troy and Ephesus. Cultural experiences such as a Turkish bath, a whirling dervish ceremony and long afternoons wandering the bazaars add texture to any trip, while the warmth of local hospitality is often what visitors remember most.

Practical Details

Spring and autumn bring the mildest weather and smaller crowds, making them the best windows for a visit. Turkish is the official language but English is widely understood in tourist areas, the currency is the Turkish lira with credit cards broadly accepted, and an e-Visa can be arranged online where required. Tipping around ten percent in restaurants is customary, modest dress is expected at religious sites with women covering their heads in mosques, and tap water in major cities is treated. Seasonal events such as the spring Tulip Festival, the Istanbul International Film Festival and December's Whirling Dervishes Festival can add an extra dimension to your timing.