With a year-round temperate climate, an intriguing history and a wealth of ancient sites, cultural holidays in Turkey take you on a unique journey of discovery. Our expert guides navigate centuries-old cities and towns that lead you to historical gems and lesser-known places off the beaten path, all the while teaching you about Turkey’s incredible past.
Throughout the centuries, Turkey has played host to turbulent empires that have shaped the Western world and the ruins and monuments that can still be seen today pay testament to its past. Explore the ancient cities and UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Istanbul at places such as Hierapolis, Ephesus and Aspendos where you’ll learn about the country’s Roman history and Ottoman empire.
As well as discovering the history and culture in Turkey, there are also lots of natural wonders to uncover. Cappadocia is arguably one of the most famous of them all with its epic fairy chimneys, rock-hewn churches and underground cities. One of the best ways to see the true magnificence of Cappadocia is on a hot air balloon ride where you can enjoy a bird’s eye view of this surreal landscape.
Our cultural tours of Turkey are designed to introduce you to the locals and immerse you in the local traditions. Visit the town of Kas, which lies on the Teke Peninsula, and see the Lycian stone-carved sarcophagi or walk around the ancient Hellenistic theatre. In the centre of the town, narrow cobbled streets are lined with craft shops and cafes where you can sit with the Turks and watch the world go by.
Turkey Culture Holidays
8 DaysfromUSD 1,800
Guided Group (Excl. Flights)
Try a host of different activities in glorious Turkish surroundings
Family
15 DaysfromUSD 2,990
USD 2,690
Guided Group (Excl. Flights)
Visit some of Western civilisation's most iconic sites in Turkey
Culture
8 DaysfromUSD 1,425
Guided Group (Excl. Flights)
Try a host of different activities in glorious Turkish surroundings
Culture
8 DaysfromUSD 2,098
USD 1,800
Guided Group (Excl. Flights)
Paddle one of the finest stretches of the Mediterranean, discovering sunken wonders and secluded bays
Top 5 Places to Explore on Cultural Holidays in Turkey
Cappadocia: One of the most bizarre and spectacular landscapes in the world, Cappadocia is like nowhere else on earth. Its giant rock pillars form a distinctive skyline that is often described as a fairytale setting by anyone that visits. Found among central Turkey’s hilly landscape, these geological wonders are known as the ‘fairy chimneys’. One of the most beautiful sights you’ll see are colourful hot air balloons floating across the sky with visitors wanting to gain a bird’s-eye perspective of Cappadocia.
Goreme Open-Air Museum: Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Goreme Open-Air Museum is one of the most incredible places to visit in Turkey. It’s believed to be a monastic settlement dating back to Byzantine times, later becoming an important pilgrimage site. The museum has been meticulously preserved throughout the centuries and you can see wonderful examples of Byzantine architecture and artwork that pepper the landscape. Wander around rock-hewn churches, monasteries and chapels where fabulous frescoes give you an insight into Goreme’s past. The Dark Church and the Chapel of St Basil are particularly interesting buildings to explore when you visit Goreme.
Ephesus: This ancient site is located in the Central Aegean region of Turkey and is one of the finest classical cities you’ll see in the Mediterranean. The well-preserved remains of Ephesus include Greco-Roman architecture, ancient squares and magnificent monuments. Ephesus was first discovered in the 11th-century BCE by the Ionian Greeks and was deemed a significant religious site. Originally built in honour of Artemis, the temple of Ephesus would later become the Temple of Diana, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. As you explore the marble paved streets, step back in time and walk in the footsteps of Mark Antony and Cleopatra.
Pergamon: Rising above Tukey’s Aegean region, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pergamon is a Greek city home to ancient temples, theatres and monuments protected by the city walls. This fascinating site was once the capital of the Hellenistic Attalid dynasty and dates to circa 323 to 31 BCE. A cable car ride takes you up to the Acropolis of Pergamon where some of the most significant archaeological remains and burial mounds can be found. Roam around the temples, library and palaces and discover the history of the Roman, Ottoman and Byzantine empires of Turkey.
Istanbul: One of the most unique and fascinating cities in western Europe, Istanbul is a heady concoction of cultures from the East and West. This alluring capital of Turkey flaunts imposing mosques, basilicas and palaces among its frenetic streets and the sound of bustling bazaars fills the air. There are so many sites to explore in Istanbul that it’s hard to know where to start but the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque should be top of your list. If you need a little respite from the hustle and bustle of the city, head to Gülhane Park, a beautiful green space next to the palace.
I fell utterly in love with Jordan on this trip. The people gave the warmest welcome, the sights were awesome and the food was delicious. The tour took in the best of Jordan: the northern castles, amazing Roman ruins at Jerash, weird and wonderful Dead Sea, spectacular Petra and the breathtaking Wadi Rum. I have never felt so safe and awestruck in all my travels.
This review is written in the context of being a regular cyclist and having cycled with Exodus “Coast to Coast India” and “Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Panama”.
This trip definitely ranks third in that list. Vietnam is a long, thin country, with 1000+ miles from HCM to Hanoi – it is unclear on what basis the 320 cycling miles on this trip were chosen. Many days the routes are long and featureless, the riding punctuated by aggressive air horns from passing lorries. Some days felt like cycling for cycling sake – starting at a random point out of town, and finishing somewhere equally random.
Long periods on the bus.
That said the segments of cycling along quiet backroads, through traditional fishing villages etc was delightful.
Days are full on – early breakfast and start and late arrivals into destinations leaving very limited chance to appreciate the towns and facilities.
The stops at Whale Island, Hoi An were a welcome relief. The trip to Ha Long Bay at the end was superb.
This was the most amazing trip. Well organised from the moment we landed in Amman. The wonderful sites we saw were enhanced by the fantastic cycle routes we took. The cycling was as described – so in the main downhill through beautiful rural countryside. The roads very very good and the support team exceptional. There were a couple of really steep climbs in parts which i struggled with especially in the heat so I took the support option and out my bike on the back of the truck and rejoined the tour at the top. The sights we saw en route would!not have been possible if we had been on a bus. The hotel s were good quality. We would thoroughly recommend the trip