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Luxury Turkey Holidays & Tours

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Holidays to Turkey

With cosmopolitan cities, traditional caravan towns, jagged mountains and a coastline bordering three seas, Turkey is a melting pot of cultures.

Straddling Europe and Asia, Istanbul has been home to some of the world’s greatest empires for over 1,500 years. Picturesquely situated on the banks of the Bosphorus, the city never fails to capture the imagination with its mosque-spiked skylin...

Straddling Europe and Asia, Istanbul has been home to some of the world’s greatest empires for over 1,500 years. Picturesquely situated on the banks of the Bosphorus, the city never fails to capture the imagination with its mosque-spiked skyline. Marvel at the towering domes and minarets of the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace, meander through the ancient Grand Bazaar and relax in the city’s steamy Turkish baths.

Central Turkey is best known for the unique natural rock formations, honeycomb hills and underground cities of Cappadocia. One of the most unusual places in the world, Cappadocia’s distinct geology is a result from a volcanic eruption. Today, visitors will be rewarded with spectacular views of balloons floating over the surreal landscape and hikes to hidden monasteries and cave dwellings. Heading towards the Black Sea, explore the beautiful Ottoman town of Safranbolu, or to the east you will find the Plains of Mesopotamia, which are relatively unknown and little-visited where Mt Nemrut, Akdamar Island on Lake Van and snow-capped Mount Ararat particular highlights.

The western Aegean coastline passes some of the most iconic classical sites of the Mediterranean with Troy, Pergamum and Assos giving way to pretty seaside towns and villages. A trip to the region wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Ephesus, a perfectly preserved Greco-Roman city home to some of the country’s most important ancient ruins. Ephesus also combines well with the picturesque hill town of Sirince, renowned for its olive oil and fruit wines. The Turkish Mediterranean Coast conjures images of vibrant blue seas where the ever-present sun shines on the hillside houses and white-washed buildings festooned with pink bougainvillea. Bodrum, Fethiye and Antalya are some of our top-picks on the ‘Turquoise Coast’. Pettitts Travel have led the way in designing tailor-made holidays and tours to Turkey.

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Places to visit in Turkey

Perfect for a city break, or as part of a longer tour, Istanbul in Northern Turkey is a cultural gem. The ancient district of Sultanhamet is a highlight with its quaint cobbled streets, impressive mosques, imperial palaces and vibrant markets including the atmospheric Grand Bazaar. Travel to Cappadocia in Central Turkey home to fascinating underground cities, extraordinary rock formations and ancient cave systems.

For those interested in classical history, follow the Aegean Coast to Izmir visiting the ruins of Troy, the beautiful village of Assos, ancient Pergamon and the city of Ephesus with its exceptionally well-preserved Greek and Roman remains. From the Black Sea coast spent time exploring the region’s Ottoman heritage in Amasya, Kastamonu and Safranbolu or relax beside the azure seas of Turkey’s southern Mediterranean Coast.

Booking with Pettitts Travel
1

Getting to know you
A crucial part of our process, discuss your plans with us either by phone, video or in person.

2

Helping you to design your trip
Entirely tailor-made, there is complete flexibility to incorporate all your requirements.

3

On-hand support, when you need it
Our team are on hand to answer any questions and ensure you are fully ready, and excited, for your trip.

4

Full confidence whilst you are away
Enjoy full support from our UK team and trusted local partners throughout your journey.

We’re pleased to confirm that Pettitts Travel will not apply any surcharges to our package holidays when we are operating as a tour operator, regardless of changes in global costs. The price you agree at the time of booking is the price you will pay, a commitment we have proudly upheld for the past 38 years.

Meet our Turkey Travel Consultants

Paul
Senior Travel Consultant
Steven
Managing Director
Katie
Senior Travel Consultant

Your holiday to Turkey

The tours featured here are an ideal starting point from which to begin the planning of your holiday to Turkey. Whether following them as outlined or using sections as a starting point at the preliminary stage, our experienced travel specialists will be happy to ensure all of your requirements are incorporated. Pettitts Travel have organised tailor-made tours to Turkey for well over two decades and the team have travelled extensively throughout the country. So whether a first-time visitor or a return traveller, you can be assured that we can help with creating an itinerary that is unique to you. All of our private tours include hotels and transport, guided sightseeing and entrance fees. Where required you will have your own car with driver and local guides for sig...

The tours featured here are an ideal starting point from which to begin the planning of your holiday to Turkey. Whether following them as outlined or using sections as a starting point at the preliminary stage, our experienced travel specialists will be happy to ensure all of your requirements are incorporated. Pettitts Travel have organised tailor-made tours to Turkey for well over two decades and the team have travelled extensively throughout the country. So whether a first-time visitor or a return traveller, you can be assured that we can help with creating an itinerary that is unique to you. All of our private tours include hotels and transport, guided sightseeing and entrance fees. Where required you will have your own car with driver and local guides for sightseeing visits. Whilst you are on your holiday you will also have access to round the clock support and assistance, both from our partners in Turkey and our UK office.

The tours featured on our website are not set in stone and should be used as inspiration and to formulate initial ideas. By speaking with one of our travel specialists, these ideas can then be refined with duration amended, different places of interest included and accommodation adjusted. With a flight time from London under four hours, Istanbul is an ideal destination for a cultured long weekend. The itinerary Istanbul City Break contains the main highlights of this fabulous city including the ancient Hagia Sofia and grand Blue Mosque, cavernous Grand Bazaar, opulent Topkapi Palace and Byzantine Basilica Cistern. Turkey is synonymous with Greco-Roman, Lydian and Lycian history with key sites including incredible Ephesus, the Greek cities of Didyma, Miletus and Priene, Antalya, Perge and Xanthos which once served as the capital of Lycia. Both Classical Turkey and Turkey – An Olympian Odyssey feature many of these fascinating places of interest. Head inland to Cappadocia, a region of weather-sculpted rock formations and troglodyte underground cities, featured in the tour Central Turkey and the Caves of Cappadocia. Stay in a cave hotel, marvel at ancient frescoed rock-cut churches and explore the subterranean Hittite cities of Derinkuyu and Kaymakli. For something a little different make your way towards the Black Sea coast where well-preserved Ottoman towns such as Safranbolu await discovery.

Hagia Sofia rooftops at sunset overlooking the Bospherous River, Istanbul, Turkey

Historic sites of Turkey

Playing host to mighty empires and feared conquerors and serving as a backdrop to ancient epics and fables, Turkey is brimming with some of the region’s finest historic sites. Originally Byzantium, latterly Constantinople and now modern-day Istanbul, this extraordinary city is one of the most significant in history. Capital of four empires, explore the atmospheric streets of Sultanahmet where highlights include the Hagia Sofia, Basilica Cistern complex, Topkapi Palace and Grand Bazaar. Turkey’s Mediterranean and Aegean coasts are lined with ancient sites, some famous such as Ephesus and Troy to extraordinary, if lesser known remains, including Pergamum, Miletus, Didyma, Priene, Xanthos and Perge. For somewhere different the ethereal landscapes of Cappadocia provide an insight into 3,000 years of Turkish civilisation and have been inhabited since the Bronze Age. Explore underground Hittite cities, subterranean citadels and the UNESCO protected frescoed churches of Göreme.

Myra Ancient Lycian Rock Tomb, Turkey

Landscapes of Turkey

Bridging the continents of Europe and Asia, Turkey is a vast land with an extraordinary diversity of landscapes and climates. From idyllic coastlines and a weather-sculpted interior to rolling plains and high mountain ranges, Turkey is a land of great geographic and topographic variety. Arguably the best known of Turkey’s landscapes is its coast which stretches over 4500 miles with the most visited being the coastal areas that border the Aegean or Mediterranean. Blessed with crystal-clear waters, rocky coves, sandy beaches and proximity to a whole host of ancient sites and historic cities, this is Turkey at its most idyllic. In contrast, Turkey’s often mist-shrouded Black Sea coast is a region of charming Ottoman towns and ancient trade routes. Different again is Cappadocia, nestled within central Anatolia with an ethereal landscape sculpted by millennia of volcanic eruptions and erosion. Cappadocia’s surreal terrain is characterised by towering fairy chimneys, ochre canyons and labyrinthine cave systems.

Red mountain Valley in Cappadocia
Pamukkale Travertine Pools, Turkey
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Speak to a Turkey Travel Consultant

When is the best time to visit Turkey?

Stretching from the Aegean Sea to the mountains of Eastern Anatolia, Turkey is a vast country with a range of climates that vary from region to region. As such, Turkey can be visited the year-round, however, certain times of year are better than others. Istanbul, the Aegean and Mediterranean, Cappadocia and the Black Sea are at their best between April and October. In general, the spring and autumn are mild with little risk of rain, the summer months are, without exception, hot and dry and winters cooler with snow a possibility in Istanbul, Cappadocia and eastern Turkey

Do I need a visa to travel to Turkey?

British citizens can travel visa-free to turkey for up to 90 days.

How long is the flight to Turkey from the UK?

There are a large number of direct flights between different cities in the UK and Turkey. Flights generally take between three and four hours.

What currency is used in Turkey?

Turkish Lira is the currency of Turkey. Credit and debit cards are accepted throughout Turkey, ATM machines are common and reliable, and currency exchanges are found in all major towns and cities. In rural areas where there are fewer facilities it is advisable to carry some cash rather than relying solely on cards.

What languages are spoken in Turkey?

The official language of Turkey is Turkish. English is the second most commonly spoken language in Turkey and there is likely to be an English speaker in all but the most remote places.

Are vaccinations required for travel to Turkey?

For the most up to date advice we would recommend speaking to a medical professional. Currently there are no required vaccinations for Turkey.

How should visitors dress in Turkey?

On the whole it is best to use common sense and consider where you are in the country and what you are doing when it comes to deciding what to wear. In cosmopolitan Istanbul, as well as the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, dressing the way you would in the UK is perfectly acceptable. In contrast, eastern Turkey is more conservative than the west of the country and modest dress for both men and women is advised. When visiting a mosque ensure that legs and arms are not showing and, for women, that hair is covered.

Is alcohol available in Turkey?

Alcohol is readily available throughout all areas frequented by tourists.

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