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Heroes and Heroines Aegean Coast
The Aegean Coast has the highest concentration of ancient sites in Turkey.
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Our Team Steppes Travel is made by the people who work here. Incredible holidays are made possible because of their vast travel experience and the great enthusiasm they bring to their work.
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Our Tour Experts We carefully select our experts based on their knowledge, companionship and influence, ensuring that you can travel with the most knowledgeable leaders in the field.
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Heroes and Heroines The people who lead the way when it comes to those things which matter to us: exploration, the environment, women’s empowerment and education.
Turkey holidays
A classic in its own right. Turkey’s cities pour with history, its coastlines dazzle under the sun and its culture always shines proudly – it epitomises everything that is right about a great destination.
The ease with which one can reach Turkey is remarkable, with daily flights to and from almost every UK airport into all the main towns of Turkey.
In Istanbul, at the crossroads of Asia and Europe, the familiar and the exotic sit comfortably side by side; but travel further east and the culture and atmosphere become more obviously Central Asian.
Highlights of Turkey
Black Sea Coast
This craggy and spectacular coastline comes as a surprise with its wealth of history and dramatic scenery.
Cappadocia
Home to the countries capital, Ankara, this plateau-like, arid highland area of Turkey is considered the heartland of the country.
Eastern Turkey
Much less explored than the rest of Turkey this vast region offers the intrepid traveller a perfect playground, without the crowds.
Istanbul
Friendly, welcoming and packed full of epic historical sites, Istanbul provides all that you could wish for from a grand city.
Mediterranean Coast
This turquoise coast is littered with picture-perfect fishing villages, idyllic islands, pebble coves and spectacular ruins.
Experiences
Choose from our collection of curated experiences that will help us to create a bespoke and memorable journey for you.
Idea
Greece
Greece-Classical Greece Mega Yacht Cruise
Cruise the stunning Aegean Coastline on board a luxury gulet, exploring dramatic hillside villages, secluded bays and idyllic islands all whilst enjoying five-star comfort and luxury amenities at a more affordable price than a private charter.
Why we like Turkey
Turkey is a vast and diverse country with vibrant cities, historical sites, mile upon mile of pretty coastline, incredible scenery and magical landscapes, like those found at Cappadocia. Delicious food, warm, welcoming people and an efficient infrastructure which makes travelling around Turkey effortless are all waiting.
What to expect on your holiday to Turkey
There are two distinct sides to Turkey. There is the southern coastline crammed with cheap hotels catering to mass package tours and cheap flights, and then there is the rest of the country. We can help you choose the south coast-based hotels with care. Admittedly, there are points where the two meet, but for the most part, it is possible to travel around Turkey without encountering crowds of foreigners.
Some ideas for a Turkey holiday
- Spend a week cruising the Aegean coast in a luxurious gulet, a wide-beamed traditional sailing/motor yacht.
- In Cappadocia, visit underground towns that housed over 3,000 people and stay in stylish hotels with bedrooms cut into rock.
- Istanbul is the filament between east and west – there’s not enough space here to extol its wonders. Don’t miss it.
- Journey through eastern Turkey and visit Gobekli Tepe, the recently excavated 9,000-year-old temple that has rewritten the history books.
- Attend the Sufi, or Whirling Dervish festival in Konya, in December.
- Transport yourself back to Roman times as you stroll around the ancient city of Ephesus.
- Climb Mount Nemrut at sunrise and marvel at the colossal stone heads of Antiochus.
Explore Turkey
- Aegean Coast
- Black Sea Coast
- Cappadocia
- Istanbul
- Eastern Turkey
- Mediterranean Coast
Where to Stay
Every captivating tailor-made itinerary needs a perfect base. Our team has handpicked this collection of properties to give you luxury options in styles to suit any adventure.
When to travel
Turkey in January
Temperatures can be as low as -9.C in some regions of Turkey, with snowfall likely. During the months of January and February, the country can be less crowded, although visiting the cities is a more popular option than coastal regions.
Turkey in February
February will be marginally warmer than January, with the climate varying according to the region, due to the country’s sheer size. Some regions of Turkey will experience temperatures as low as 3.C, whereas other areas can see temperatures averaging 14.C.
Turkey in March
Certain regions of Turkey will experience many days of rainfall, particularly on the south west coast. During springtime in Turkey, temperatures will be ideal for sightseeing in the big cities and with less crowds than in the months to come.
Turkey in April
Springtime is an excellent month to travel to Turkey with temperatures in their low 20s on the south coast and longer days of sunshine, however it should be noted that in northern regions during April, they may experience more rainfall and cooler temperatures.
Turkey in May
As spring draws to a close and the signs of summer begin, temperatures will continue to rise and yet be quieter than July and August, when many choose to visit on their summer holidays both to coastal destinations and the country’s top cities, including Istanbul.
Turkey in June
On the Mediterranean coast, June will experience higher levels of humidity with warmer, temperatures and long days of sunshine. It will start to get busier at coastal resorts as the temperatures start to rise.
Turkey in July
During the summer months, temperatures are high and most of Turkey’s regions will experience long, dry days of very little rain. The cities, including Istanbul, will be quieter as the summer is a popular time to visit coastal resorts.
Turkey in August
Like any Mediterranean destination during the summer, Turkey will experience high temperatures, ideal for a summer holiday by the coast. If sightseeing in Turkey’s cities however, it may be less comfortable for some.
Turkey in September
The Autumn months in Turkey will experience marginally cooler temperatures than those of July and August, however, will still be in the mid to high 20s, with minimal rainfall.
Turkey in October
Whilst during the day, temperatures will be in the mid-20s, the evenings will be much cooler. Humidity levels will be much lower than the peak summer months but as Autumn continues, rainfall will be more frequent.
Turkey in November
With the cooler climate throughout Turkey, it means that there will be fewer tourists travelling to the country. Winter will have begun in Eastern regions, even experiencing the first signs of snow, yet some coastal destinations will still see highs of 25°C.
Turkey in December
In certain regions of Turkey during the winter months, particularly in mountainous areas and Eastern Turkey, temperatures can fall below zero and snowfall is likely.
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Meet our experts
A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.
Katie Benden
The excitement of travelling the world has always hugely appealed. Largely cemented from my first solo trip to Egypt and the Middle East. The crazy hustle and bustle of Cairo was a huge assault on the senses, scrambling through the claustrophobic tunnels of the Great pyramid took me out of my comfort zone and I was left humbled by the warm hospitality of the Nubian people in Aswan as we shared dinner together.
Talk with our experts
- 01285 880 980
Kate Hitchen
My travels were first inspired by my love of the UK, which I take as much pleasure in exploring as countries far and wide. For me, travel is all about the adventure, the people I meet and the food I sample along the way.
Talk with our experts
- 01285 880 980
Let’s chat
Is it okay to visit Turkey during Ramadan?
Yes. Turkey is a great place to visit during Ramadan as you get a greater insight into the Muslim culture along with a shed load of local festivities. Be prepared for coming across a few difficulties getting hold of alcohol in restaurants but this should not be a problem in your hotels.
How can I avoid the crowds when visiting Cappadocia?
If you do not mind colder temperatures and potentially a snowy landscape, then the winter months are a great time to visit Cappadocia. Cappadocia is a must during a visit to Turkey, and hot air balloons take flight all year round. Imagine this otherworldly landscape in a winter blanket of white. Incredibly Instagramable.
What are the quality of hotels like in Turkey?
Hotel standards vary greatly between Eastern and Western Turkey. Hotels in the east are clean and comfortable but simple, and usually business style. Cappadocia is an exception with boutique cave hotels in a unique setting. The coastal regions on the Aegean Sea and the western capital of Istanbul have an impressive offering of accommodations with Bodrum and Istanbul home to the Mandarin Oriental, Kempinski Hotels and LUX, Six Senses and Four Seasons.
Do I need a visa to enter Turkey?
Yes, you will need to obtain an e-visa prior to arriving in-country. The link to use is https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/. The visa is valid for entry into Turkey within 180 days from the day you apply online. You cannot exceed a stay of 90 days. It is a multiple entry visa and the charge is USD35.
If you are a UK citizen you may still obtain a visa on arrival. You will be required to pay for this in hard cash in USD.
Can I drink alcohol?
Alcohol is widely available in Turkey, especially in the larger cities and tourist areas. Local spirits such as ‘Raki’ are hugely popular among locals, and should be tried during a visit.
Is the food safe to eat?
Like any country when you travel, we always suggest eating at busy places which are popular with the locals and where the food is fresh. Avoid buffets and food which is not freshly prepared.
Is there anything I need to know before arriving?
It is compulsory for everyone in Turkey, local and tourist, to carry photo ID with them at all times. Make sure you have a photocopy of your passport before departing.
Is Turkey safe?
Please refer to the current FCO guidelines regarding travel to Turkey. There are a few restrictions still in place for the southeastern reaches of the country but by and large travel to the country is trouble-free. As a tourist destination, Turkey is safe to travel around. When visiting the bazaars and crowded places, we always recommend caution and keeping an eye on your belongings, as with any destination, and leaving valuables at home.
What should I see during my stay?
Being such a diverse country with a wealth of history, Turkey has lots for visitors to see and do. Highlights include a visit to the mesmerising Blue Mosque, which dominates the Istanbul skyline, and inside is an oasis of tranquillity amongst the buzzing city outside. Those wanting to leave the hubbub behind should travel to Cappadocia, where they will be met by an ethereal lunar landscape and villages carved into the rock. Here it is possible to take a balloon ride as the sun rises over the valleys and canyons of this remarkable scenery.
How long are the flights to Turkey from the UK?
From London to Istanbul, the flight time is four hours.
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Why Choose Steppes?
Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.
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