Hot Air Balloon Ride
Rise above Cappadocia's valleys at sunrise on a hot air balloon flight, one of Turkey's most unforgettable experiences.
Turkey (Türkiye) spans two continents, with Istanbul straddling the Bosphorus between Europe and Asia. Shaped by Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman history, it is home to grand mosques and palaces, remarkably preserved ancient cities and some of the most unusual landscapes on earth.
Watch hot air balloons drift over the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, walk the white travertine terraces of Pamukkale, explore the Roman streets of Ephesus and relax on the beaches of Antalya and the Turquoise Coast. Add warm hospitality and wonderful food, and Turkey makes a rewarding holiday for families, couples and groups alike.
Explore Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace and the Grand Bazaar in one of the world's great historic cities.
Float over surreal rock valleys at sunrise, stay in a cave hotel and explore rock-cut churches and underground cities.
Walk through Ephesus, Hierapolis and Aspendos, among the best-preserved Greek and Roman sites in the Mediterranean.
Swim in the clear bays of Antalya, Kaş and Ölüdeniz, and sail past islands and sunken ruins on a traditional gulet.
Enjoy kebabs, mezze, baklava and endless glasses of Turkish tea, served with famous Turkish warmth.
Turkey's largest city spans Europe and Asia. Admire the six minarets of the Blue Mosque and the Byzantine domes of Hagia Sophia, descend into the columned Basilica Cistern, shop in the Grand Bazaar and take in the views from the medieval Galata Tower.
*Mosques close to visitors briefly during prayer times; modest dress is required and women should carry a headscarf.
In central Anatolia, volcanic rock has been carved by nature into fairy chimneys and by people into cave homes and churches. See the frescoed chapels of the Göreme Open-Air Museum, climb Uçhisar Castle for valley views and spend a night in a cave hotel.
*Balloon flights take off at sunrise and depend on the weather; keep a spare morning in Cappadocia in case your flight is postponed.
Turkey's Mediterranean coast pairs Antalya's Roman harbour and old Kaleiçi quarter with pine-clad cliffs, the lagoon of Ölüdeniz near Fethiye and the famous cove of Kaputaş Beach near Kaş, ideal for beach resorts, boat trips and sailing.
*The beach season runs from about May to October, with the warmest sea in July and August.
Rise above Cappadocia's valleys at sunrise on a hot air balloon flight, one of Turkey's most unforgettable experiences.
Cruise the strait between Europe and Asia past palaces, mosques, waterfront mansions and the Bosphorus Bridge.
Browse lamps, ceramics, carpets, jewellery and spices in the covered lanes of Istanbul's historic Grand Bazaar.
Fly tandem from Babadağ mountain and glide down over the turquoise lagoon and beach of Ölüdeniz.
Sail from Kaş or Üçağız to see the ruins of the sunken city of Kekova and the castle village of Simena.
Descend into the tunnels, rooms and rolling stone doors of one of Cappadocia's largest underground cities.
Bathe in warm spring water among fallen Roman columns in the Antique Pool at Hierapolis, above Pamukkale.
*From balloon flights and Bosphorus cruises to ancient ruins and sunny beaches, Turkey offers something for every traveller.
Turkish culture blends Anatolian, Islamic and Ottoman traditions. Watch the mesmerising Sema ceremony of the whirling dervishes, relax in a traditional hammam, see hand-knotted carpets being woven, and join locals over glasses of tea and cups of Turkish coffee, a tradition recognised by UNESCO.
Turkey can be visited all year. Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) bring pleasant weather for sightseeing in Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale and Ephesus. Summer (June to August) is hot inland but perfect for the beaches of Antalya and the Turquoise Coast. Winter (December to February) is cool and rainy in Istanbul and cold in Cappadocia, where snow on the fairy chimneys makes a magical sight.
Istanbul has warm summers, with highs of around 28°C, and cool, damp winters. Cappadocia is hot and dry in summer and cold in winter, with night temperatures often below freezing. The Mediterranean coast around Antalya has hot, sunny summers, often above 30°C, and mild winters.
Peak Season: April to June and September to October for sightseeing, and July to August on the beaches of the Mediterranean coast.
Off-Peak Season: November to March, when there are fewer crowds and better hotel offers, though some coastal resorts close for the winter.
Turkish cuisine is one of the world's great kitchens. Feast on kebabs such as İskender, a generous Turkish breakfast spread, mezze, gözleme and pide, followed by baklava and Turkish delight. Vegetarians will enjoy lentil soup, olive-oil vegetable dishes and many meat-free mezze, and Indian restaurants can be found in Istanbul and the main resort areas.
Turkey is well connected to India, with non-stop flights to Istanbul and onward domestic flights to every major region. Within the country, a wide network of domestic flights, coaches and trains makes it easy to combine Istanbul, Cappadocia and the coast in one trip.
Turkish Airlines and IndiGo fly non-stop from Delhi and Mumbai to Istanbul in about 7 to 9 hours. Domestic flights link Istanbul with Kayseri and Nevşehir for Cappadocia, Izmir for Ephesus, Denizli for Pamukkale, and Antalya and Dalaman on the coast.
Indian passport holders need a visa for Turkey. Travellers holding a valid US, UK, Schengen or Irish visa or residence permit may be eligible for an e-Visa; others apply through Turkey's visa centres in India. Check current requirements before you travel; we assist with visa applications.
Travel between regions by domestic flight or comfortable long-distance coach, with high-speed trains on routes such as Istanbul–Ankara–Konya. In Istanbul, the metro, trams and ferries are easy to use with an Istanbulkart, and private transfers suit sightseeing tours.
April to June and September to October are ideal for sightseeing in Istanbul, Cappadocia and Ephesus. July and August are best for beach holidays on the Mediterranean coast, while winter brings snow to Cappadocia.
Yes. Indian passport holders need a visa. Those with a valid US, UK, Schengen or Irish visa or residence permit may qualify for an e-Visa, while others apply for a regular visa. Rules change, so check the latest requirements; our team can assist with your application.
Non-stop flights from Delhi and Mumbai to Istanbul take about 7 to 9 hours. From other Indian cities, you can connect via these gateways or via hubs in the Gulf.
A 5 to 6-day trip covers Istanbul and Cappadocia. With 8 to 10 days, you can add Pamukkale, Ephesus and a few days on the Antalya coast.
Balloons fly all year at sunrise, weather permitting. Spring to autumn offers the most reliable conditions, while winter flights are more often cancelled because of wind, fog or snow.
Yes. Lentil soup, cheese or spinach gözleme, olive-oil vegetable dishes, salads and many mezze are vegetarian, and Indian restaurants are available in Istanbul and the main resort areas.
Turkey uses the Turkish lira (TRY). Cards are widely accepted in cities and resorts, but carry some cash for small shops, markets and taxis.
Cover your shoulders and knees, and remove your shoes before entering. Women should cover their hair with a scarf, and visitors should avoid prayer times.
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