"Birthplace of many great civilisations, Turkey’s history suffuses every aspect of life. Tread in the steps of the Silk Road traders, Julius Caesar, Alexander the Great and the Ottomans to discover a country full of laid-back charm. A violet sky studded with slender minarets and ancient domes forms a beguiling backdrop to Istanbul where Asian mystery fuses with European flair.”
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Turkey
Turkey offers the full scope of attractions from cultural cities to picturesque landscapes, and a beautiful coastline.
There is no marmite scenario here, Turkey has a bit of everything, so there are plenty of places to love or hate, although the latter may never be applicable. The country is made up of Black Sea ports, sandy Anatolian plains, Mediterranean coasts and cosmopolitan cities.
The obvious starting point is Istanbul, a hugely atmospheric city, and a great destination for a long weekend. As well as being packed with historical and cultural treasures, modern Istanbul has a contemporary buzz to it. Once you’ve seen some of Istanbul’s numerous sights, indulge in a visit to a traditional hammam or a haggling contest in one of the city’s sprawling bazaars.
Elsewhere, the bizarre rock formations that characterise the Cappadocia region of central Turkey are the result of ancient volcanic eruptions that deposited thick layers of soft rock. The forces of nature have, over the ages, sculpted outlandish shapes such as the so-called ‘fairy chimneys’ – toadstool-like rock pinnacles that litter the valleys – while into it humans have, going back centuries, dug homes, churches and even entire underground cities. Some of these subterranean homes have been converted into cave-hotels – chic boltholes that offer everything the modern troglodyte could want.
Finally, the shores of the beautiful Lycean coast are home to an increasing number of excellent hotels and all but guaranteed good weather in a UK summer and even spring and autumn. This coast is also excellent for exploration from a gulet traditional wooden sailing yacht, and this is something else we can organise.
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
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January, February, and March are fairly cold months in Turkey, although temperatures do warm up by March. Snow is not uncommon in January and even February, especially in the interior around Cappadocia. Because of the low temperatures, this is a quiet time to visit Turkey, so you are likely to have the sites more or less to yourself.
January, February, and March are fairly cold months in Turkey, although temperatures do warm up by March. Snow is not uncommon in January and even February, especially in the interior around Cappadocia. Because of the low temperatures, this is a quiet time to visit Turkey, so you are likely to have the sites more or less to yourself.
January, February, and March are fairly cold months in Turkey, although temperatures do warm up by March. Snow is not uncommon in January and even February, especially in the interior around Cappadocia. Because of the low temperatures, this is a quiet time to visit Turkey, so you are likely to have the sites more or less to yourself.
The temperatures in these spring months are moderate, making this an ideal time to visit the many ancient ruined sites dotted around the country. April is also peak tulip season, and the parks and gardens of Istanbul are bursting with color; although it can be rainy during April too. As this is such an ideal time to visit Turkey it is also the most expensive for hotels in places such as Istanbul and Cappadocia. However, many of the hotels along the Turquoise Coast are still closed.
The temperatures in these spring months are moderate, making this an ideal time to visit the many ancient ruined sites dotted around the country. The parks and gardens of Istanbul are bursting with color; although it can be rainy during April too. As this is such an ideal time to visit Turkey it is also the most expensive for hotels in places such as Istanbul and Cappadocia.
The summer months, from mid-June through to mid-September are very hot, perfect for relaxing on the beautiful Turquoise Coast and swimming in the Mediterranean. However, these high temperatures make exploring Turkey's ancient heritage quite uncomfortable, as there tends to be little or no shade at the plethora of ancient sites. This is also peak season for cruise ships, making coastal resorts and the more popular ancient sites such as Ephesus very busy. Cappadocia, by contrast, tends to be quieter over the summer months, and beautifully carpeted with wildflowers throughout, making this a great time for hiking.
The summer months, from mid-June through to mid-September are very hot, perfect for relaxing on the beautiful Turquoise Coast and swimming in the Mediterranean. However, these high temperatures make exploring Turkey's ancient heritage quite uncomfortable, as there tends to be little or no shade at the plethora of ancient sites. This is also peak season for cruise ships, making coastal resorts and the more popular ancient sites such as Ephesus very busy. Cappadocia, by contrast, tends to be quieter over the summer months, and beautifully carpeted with wildflowers throughout, making this a great time for hiking.
The summer months, from mid-June through to mid-September are very hot, perfect for relaxing on the beautiful Turquoise Coast and swimming in the Mediterranean. However, these high temperatures make exploring Turkey's ancient heritage quite uncomfortable, as there tends to be little or no shade at the plethora of ancient sites. This is also peak season for cruise ships, making coastal resorts and the more popular ancient sites such as Ephesus very busy. Cappadocia, by contrast, tends to be quieter over the summer months, and beautifully carpeted with wildflowers throughout, making this a great time for hiking.
Early September is still hot, but from the middle of the month, onward temperatures begin to cool, although sea and land temperatures are still warm, creating similar conditions to the spring months but with shorter days. Again, this is an excellent time to explore the cities and ancient sites, as well as to visit the Turquoise Coast as prices are lower and crowds are fewer. Prices tend to be high for the boutique hotels in Istanbul and Cappadocia, although hotels along the Mediterranean typically close by mid-October.
Temperatures begin to cool, although sea and land temperatures are still warm, creating similar conditions to the spring months but with shorter days. Again, this is an excellent time to explore the cities and ancient sites, as well as to visit the Turquoise Coast as prices are lower and crowds are fewer. Prices tend to be high for the boutique hotels in Istanbul and Cappadocia, although hotels along the Mediterranean typically close by mid-October.
In November, it's quite chilly throughout most of the country, with the exception of the southeast (around Antalya) which remains fairly warm. Temperatures in Konya and Cappadocia can be quite cold and snow is not uncommon, creating fantastic panoramas. Istanbul is much quieter than at other times of the year, making this a great time to visit if you don't mind the cooler temperatures and occasional rain or snow.
In December, it's quite chilly throughout most of the country, with the exception of the southeast (around Antalya) which remains fairly warm. Temperatures in Konya and Cappadocia can be quite cold and snow is not uncommon, creating fantastic panoramas. Istanbul is much quieter than at other times of the year, making this a great time to visit if you don't mind the cooler temperatures and occasional rain or snow.
Istanbul
Istanbul
Istanbul, a vibrant metropolis and Europe's largest city - it combines atmosphere with great architecture and fascinating history. The former church, now mosque, of the Aya Sofia, the beautiful Blue Mosque, and the Topkapi Palace are just three of the sights of this often-overlooked city.
Read MoreTurquoise Coast
Turquoise Coast
Turkey has one of the longest coastlines of any country along the Mediterranean coast, and the stretching from Cesme to Alanya is bordered by such clear and picturesque waters that it is known as the Turkish turquoise coast.
Read MoreWhat People Say
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The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…
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We got in touch after hearing about Hide & Seek from a friend. Have to say hats off to Jamie, he was so patient throughout, even through our indecisiveness! Ultimately we ended up with the most incredible holiday of our lives. Thank you again, we will be back!!
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Thank you for arranging our Safari holiday in Kenya and Tanzania for us. It was to celebrate our 40th. Wedding anniversary which was on July 1st. 2018, and through your arrangements, we have had a holiday that we will never forget...
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Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable once in a life time holiday. Hopefully we will be in touch again soon!
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Spot on in terms of itinerary . We not disappointed by any of the suggestions and had the best holiday ever! Thank you!
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Jamie was very helpful throughout the booking process and recommended the perfect holiday. There was nothing we would change having now been out to Tanzania. I would highly recommend Hide & Seek to friends and relatives.
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Jamie was excellent. Once I described what we wanted I knew he would come up with the business. ..and he did!!! 5 stars
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We spoke to numerous travel agents over the period we looked at booking our honeymoon and only hide and seek gave me the confidence I was looking for. Really pleased with our decision.
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Hide and seek dealt with our last minute travel plans extremely well. Obviously, our accommodations shifted as availability diminished but ultimately they came up with a vacation that we will never forget.
