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Short TripsClose to HomeRound The WorldPerfect for...
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Download Turkey Key FactsTurkey is so much more than its coastal resorts. It’s standing in the shadow of former empires, sipping coffee on ancient city streets, playing games of backgammon with friendly locals, eating honeyed baklava, white-water rafting, ballooning over lunar landscapes and meze on Mediterranean harbours as the sun goes down. If you’re planning a gap year to Turkey, get ready for the time of your life. With bountiful opportunities for adventure, cultural immersion and historical riches beyond compare, this diverse, continent-spanning country is the ideal destination for travellers in search of something really special.
Read more in our Turkey Travel Guide.
Turkey Trips and Tours
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Turkey Facts
Capital City
AnkaraCurrency
Turkish Lira (TRY)Language
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Type C and FTurkey Highlights
Istanbul
There’s nowhere quite like Istanbul, with cultural fusion creating unique experiences, from history to food. The atmosphere is electric, with the bazaars a feast for all the senses. Soak up stunning panoramas of a skyline created from beautiful architecture, and immerse yourself in the culture as you wander through grand mosques and palaces.
Cappadocia
Watching colourful hot air balloons flood the sky at sunrise - or hopping in one yourself - is the ultimate bucket list moment! Cappadocia feels straight out of a dream, with otherworldly rock formations and complex underground cities, plus mouthwatering meals showing off the best of Turkish flavours.
Pamukkale
You’ll be pinching yourself as you set eyes on the naturally formed white mineral pools, filled with thermal waters for a spa-like experience. It doesn’t get more aesthetic than this, especially at sunset when the pools glow golden. After a relaxing dip, you can see the ancient ruins perched at the top of the terrace pools.
Antalya
Calling all beach lovers! Get ready for a sun-kissed slice of the Turkish Riviera. From swimming in the clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea or sipping cocktails in the best bars of the Old Town, Antalya is a coastal hotspot. You can even trade a day by the sea for mountain adventures and hidden waterfalls.
Ephesus
Well-preserved ruins spread across the city of Ephesus, bringing to life ancient Roman stories as you walk the marble streets. A visit here on Turkey trips is truly memorable, as you see breathtaking remains from one of the Wonders of the Ancient World and the Great Theatre that once hosted gladiator fights
Turkey Travel Advice
Climate & Weather
Turkey has four distinct seasons, with temperatures varying depending on where you’re travelling. Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to October) are perfect for hiking and exploring, with pleasant temperatures averaging 20°C. Summer (July to April) is perfect for beach holidays, with hot, sunny weather. Winter (December to February) can bring snow in areas like Cappadocia and Istanbul.
Best Time To Visit
Turkey is a year-round destination, so the best time to visit depends on preference. For beach holidays along the Turkish Riviera, July to August is most popular, with summer welcoming hot and sunny weather. Spring, from April to June, and autumn, from September to October, are also ideal times for a beach holiday, with quieter towns - especially perfect if you want to combine the coast with hiking or sightseeing adventures.
Istanbul and Cappadocia can offer magical winter escapes, with snow falling between December and February. You could even choose to ski in the mountains!
Customs & Culture
Turkish culture blends many Eastern and Western influences, creating a rich and welcoming atmosphere you’ll quickly fall in love with. Enjoy the country’s renowned hospitality as you feast on mouthwatering local flavours, from tea and sweet Turkish delight to famed kebabs. As you wander through intricately decorated mosques and grand palaces, remember to dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Travellers should cover their shoulders and knees, and women should cover their heads.
Your trip leader will be able to advise you on customs and culture on our Turkey tours.
Passports & Visas
Entry requirements and visa regulations are different for every destination and your purpose of travel. We recommend staying updated on the latest official information before you go travelling. Your passport should be undamaged and have enough blank pages for stamps and visas. Many countries require your passport to have at least 6 months of validity beyond the date of entry.
For more information and resources regarding entry requirements, check out our Visa Advice page.
Health & Safety
At Gap 360, your safety and well-being are our top priorities. From the moment your trip is confirmed until you arrive back home, you'll have access to a 24/7 emergency contact number for any urgent issues. For anything non-urgent, our friendly team is also available during office hours to help.
We strongly recommend checking the FCDO advice for Turkey as it's regularly updated with the latest safety and travel information, and you can even sign up for email alerts to stay informed of any changes. In addition, you can check the FCDO general travel advice for British nationals abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Turkey is a transcontinental country, meaning it is located in both Asia and Europe! Its location has resulted in the rich blend of cultural influences you can experience today.
When you should visit depends on what you want to experience in Turkey. If you want to see the iconic Cappadocia hot air balloons, the most reliable time to visit is between April to October. This is also the perfect time for a beach holiday along the Turkish Riviera, with peak temperatures in summer from July to August. You could even visit Turkey for a cosy winter escape, witnessing Istanbul in the snow between December and February.
There is such a vast selection of things to do in Turkey, every traveller will find an activity to suit them. Fly over Cappadocia in a hot air balloon, get your adrenaline pumping with watersports along the coast, and experience natural wonders at Pamukkale’s thermal baths. Delve into fascinating ancient history, you’re spoilt for choice with ancient ruins to explore, including the remains of one of the Ancient Wonders of the World.
What to wear in Turkey depends on when you are travelling and where you are visiting. Dress for warm weather during the summer, and bring layers for cooler evenings. If visiting religious sites, such as Mosques, travellers should cover their shoulders and knees, and women should cover their heads with a scarf.
Gap 360 has partnered with Masta and Nomad Clinics, one of the UK’s largest networks of private travel clinics. Through Masta, you can arrange a Travel Telephone Consultation, an in-person Consultation, and book your vaccinations at your nearest clinic.
Turkish is the official language of Turkey. English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Travellers can get a non-stop flight from the UK to Turkey in approximately 4 hours.
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