This is a tough one! Turkiye is a large country with diverse regions each boasting its own drawcards. For first-timers, however, it would be hard to go past Istanbul, Cappadocia, and the Turkish Riviera.

The hardest part about your Turkiye holiday will be deciding which sights to see as there are so many! Some of Turkiye’s most famous attractions are Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, the hot air balloons in Cappadocia, the travertine terraces of Pamukkale, the bustling Grand Bazaar, the ancient ruin of Ephesus and the Turquoise Coast.

Turkiye is one of those rare places that are exceptional all year round. The high season stretches from June to August, with sun-seekers flocking to the coast in summer, meaning it can be crowded and expensive to travel then. The shoulder seasons between March and May and September to November are the ideal choice.

Turkiye is a feast for all of your senses. Travellers can fill their days sprawled out on one of the many beaches that line the Turquoise Coast, hustle for a bargain at Grand Bazaar, step back in time at one of the ancient historical sites, marvel at intricate architecture and watch the sky ablaze with hundreds of hot air balloons.

It depends how much of Turkiye you hope to cram into your vacay. You could easily spend four to five days in Istanbul alone, so ideally aim for 10 to 14 to see some of the country’s most famous cities, ancient historical sites and ruins, as well as leaving a little beach time at the end.

Comfortable shoes or sandals are an absolute necessity! Light, breathable clothing and women will need a scarf or shawl to cover their hair when visiting religious sites.

Your Turkiye itinerary will change depending on your interests. For ancient ruins and history, head to Istanbul, for incredible scenery, add Cappadocia to the list and for relaxation, wining and dining, the Turkish Riviera has you covered. This is just the tip of the iceberg.

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