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Turkey holidays
Discover a country filled with fascinating culture, amazing landscapes, ancient history and really delicious cuisine with our selection of Turkey holidays. Whether you’re up for exploring the breath-taking ruins of Ephesus, the majestic Hagia Sophia, or just a sparkling white sandy beach, you’ll find it here. Take one of these cheap holidays to Turkey and experience it all, from the sun-soaked resorts of Antalya in all-inclusive hotels to the beautiful capital city, Istanbul.
Our top holiday offers to Antalya
Our top holiday offers to Dalaman
Our top holiday offers to Bodrum!
Things to do in Turkey
Want a holiday with a difference? Turkey is the place for you, whether you want to take advantage of the sunny climate at one of the beautiful Mediterranean white sandy beaches, get in touch with its rich heritage and explore the historical grounds, ruins and museums Turkey has to offer or even give your taste buds a tickle and experience the delicious food. From shopping to Turkish baths, dancing to nightlife, day or night, Turkey holidays offer something for everyone of all ages.
Water activities
Lazy cruises on gulets, kayaking over submerged ruins and the thrills of canyoning can all be part of last minute holidays to Turkey. With over 300 blue flagged beaches Turkey has some great beaches, most with a divine mountain or green forest backdrop.
On the Aegean Coast visit the beaches of Cesme and Alacati which are popular for their mineral springs, sandy beaches and ideal wind conditions which are perfect for sports such as sailing, surfing and kite surfing. If you’re looking for a more relaxing, laid back atmosphere take a trip to Bitez, Gumusluk, Turgutreis and Turkbuku nearby Bodrum. Check out lastminute.com's holidays to Bodrum.
Take to the skies or go underground
See landscapes from a different perspective on all inclusive holidays to Turkey with paragliding or hot-air balloon rides. Or, explore the Caves of Heaven and Hell at Narlikuyu. There is a beautiful Byzantine Chapel at the entrance to the Chasm of Heaven.
Shopping
Istanbul's colourful Grand Bazaar is probably the country's most iconic shopping destination that's perfect for souvenir shopping on cheap package holidays to Turkey. Another labyrinthine market is Kemeralti in Izmir.
Nightlife
The most vibrant nightlife with Irish pubs, nightclubs, cocktails and local meyhanes or taverns is found in Turkish holiday resorts such as Bodrum and Fethiye.
Things to see in Turkey
Istanbul
For those that like shopping or city breaks take a trip to Istanbul and experience the spice markets filled with foods, coffee, spices and souvenirs. Also visit the ultimate shopping centre, Grand Bazaar with over 4000 shops. Legends and reality come together in Istanbul's colourful history with scheming sultans and ambitious courtiers jostling for power when the city was at the heart of the huge Ottoman Empire. Topkapi Palace has an opulent interior, while the Süleymaniye Mosque and the richly gilded Aya Sofya are both city landmarks.
Antalya
Time spent in Antalya on Turkey all inclusive holidays lets you see a city that is home to the historic old quarter of Kaleiçi with its narrow, winding streets and an aquarium with the world's largest tunnel. It also has beautiful beaches and the Düden Falls which cascade spectacularly into the sea.
Ancient ruins
Every part of Turkey has ancient ruins. Hierapolis is a must-see with its Roman ruins, while Bergama's Acropolis covers a wide area and includes the 10,000-seat Hellenistic Theatre and the Temple of Trajan.
The natural landscape
Family all inclusive holidays in Turkey are the perfect opportunity for exploring its varied landscapes, including the saucer-shaped travertines or natural terraces at Pamukkale and the fantastical rock formations in the Cappadocia region.
Planning your trip
Most Turkish holiday destinations are reached via six main airports. These are:
- Ataturk International Airport near Sultanahmet
- Sabiha Gokcen International Airport in Istanbul
- Antalya International Airport
- Adnan Menderes Airport at Izmir
- Milas-Bodrum Airport and Dalaman International Airport
Be sure of the best prices by visiting our pages about flights to Turkey.
Public transportation
Turkey is well connected by domestic air routes, while modern intercity buses criss-cross the country. Turkey's rail network is being constantly updated. Towns and cities have minibuses and, sometimes, Metro services.
Typical food and gastronomy
Turkey offers a great variety of food that will get your mouth watering; the cuisine is infused with flavours and dishes from Central Asian, Middle Eastern to Balkan cuisines. It’s most famous for their Shish kebab but you don’t have to spend an evening in the pub to enjoy these ones. The food on menus in Turkish holiday resorts is very often seasonal and spiced up with international influences. Fish and seafood are widely eaten around the coastline and further inland, while vegetable dishes, kebaps from Anatolia and, of course, sticky baklava are all restaurant staples.
What is the Best time of the year to visit Turkey?
City parks come alive with colour in April for the Istanbul Tulip Festival. Tulips originated in Turkey before the Ottomans exported them to the Netherlands. The Cappadox Festival at Uchisar in May is a mix of music, nature, art and gastronomy. Wherever you stay, you'll discover and enjoy traditional Turkish holidays and traditions.
Weather & climate
Being a large country with a coastline and mountains, Turkey's climate and weather can vary considerably. The highest coastal temperatures are from June to August, while spring and autumn are perfect for sightseeing. October to April sees heavy mountain snowfall and is the high season for Turkish winter holidays.
Visas and other essential information
For holidays to Turkey from the UK, extended multi-entry visas can be obtained online.
What language is spoken in Turkey?
Turkish and Kurdish are the official languages, but English is spoken at major Turkey holiday destinations.
Accommodation in Turkey
From all-inclusive holiday villages to city pensions and backpacking hostels, Turkey has accommodation to suit all budgets. To be sure of the best price deals, book your flights and hotels in Turkey at the same time.
Extra tips
With good internal travel links, it's easy to plan two-destination holidays to Turkey. To appreciate the contrasts in Turkey, plan a visit that takes in Istanbul and Cappadocia.
If you enjoy European destinations then plan your next holiday at lastminute.com
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