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Travelers love kimkim

"Kimkim is the perfect solution for independent travelers who are too busy to plan it all themselves" - Gayle R., traveled with kimkim in October 2019

Introducing Turkey

Discover Turkey.
Go for the food and culture, stay for the sun and sand. Turkey offers one of the best archaeological and culinary experiences in the world—not to mention world-class beaches and sailing along its Aegean and Mediterranean coasts.

Where should you go?

In the words of Napoleon, "If the Earth were a single state, Istanbul would be its capital." Turkey's most famous city is filled with impressive Ottoman and Byzantine sites, excellent restaurants, and maze-like bazaars—you could easily plan an entire five-day trip around it. Another must-visit is moon-like Cappadocia, where "fairy chimneys" and underground cities decorate two otherworldly valleys. Other top picks include ancient Ephesus, the mineral spas of Pamukkale, and coastal Antalya.

When is the best time to visit?
There's a Turkish destination for every season—and in fact, much of the country is enjoyable year-round. Weather is dependably good in Antalya and Izmir, along with a number of notable small towns: Fethiye, Marmaris, Göcek, and Bodrum, to name a few. If you're heading north to Istanbul, know that it can get quite cold in winter (December-March). 

How many days do you need?
Nine to ten days is a great trip length for most travelers—it's enough time to cover the highlights and spend some time getting off the beaten path. Consider this classic 9-day tour that starts in Istanbul and continues to Cappadocia, Izmir, ancient Ephesus, and the white travertine terraces of Pamukkale. Or, you might combine Istanbul and Cappadocia with Konya, Antalya, and Fethiye. See more itineraries

Explore trips by duration: 5 days · 9 days · 10 days

Turkey Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
Famous Hot Air Balloons in Cappadocia
Explore Classic Turkey From Istanbul to Pamukkale - 9 Days

This 9-day tour will explore the diverse regions of Turkey, starting with a guided tour and a boat cruise in the vibrant city of Istanbul, discovering the famous Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman sites. Next head to the lunar-like terrain of Cappadocia where you can take a hot air balloon ride over the stunning valleys, visit a historical caravanserai, and explore the underground city of Kaymakli. After discovering Izmir and the ancient city of Ephesus, end your trip at a spa hotel near the famous white travertine terraces of Pamukkale.

Balloon Flight in Cappadocia
Explore Istanbul and Cappadocia - 6 Days

Discover two of Turkey's most popular destinations, the bustling capital of Istanbul and the lunar-like valleys of Cappadocia. Explore the Ottoman and Byzantine sites of Istanbul with guided walking tours, a trip to the grand market, and a boat cruise along the Bosporus Strait. Then fly to Cappadocia to admire its stunning valleys with a hot air balloon ride over the famous fairy chimneys, plus a visit to the UNESCO Göreme Open Air Museum and the caves of Kaymakli Underground City.

Hikers on the Lycian Way
Map of Hiking the Lycian Way in Turkey: Kas, Adrasan & Antalya - 9 Days
Hiking the Lycian Way in Turkey: Kas, Adrasan & Antalya - 9 Days

On this 9-day tour, you'll hike the famous Lycian Way, an ancient trade along Turkey's Mediterranean coast. You will be completing the trail from west to east, beginning in Kas, continuing to through Adrasan, and finally ending in Antalya. On the way, you will pass through ancient Lycian cities like Phellos,  Aperlai, Phaselis, and Cirali. You will also tour remote Mediterranean villages by boat, visit sites featured in Greek mythology, and enjoy some of southern Turkey's most beautiful scenery.

Adorned Fishing Boats in Istanbul
Explore the Sites of Istanbul - 5 Days

Channeling the words of Napoleon, "If the Earth were a single state, Istanbul would be its capital", this tour explores the Ottoman and Byzantine sites of the city, including the Hagia Sophia, the Grand Bazaar, the Blue Mosque, and Basilica Cistern. View these grandiose structures by boat by cruising along the Bosphorus Strait and the Sea of Marmara, stopping on the island of Buyukada for a peek into the posh life of the 19th century. Peruse the Spice Market, explore the hip neighborhood of Beyoğlu, and climb the Galata Tower for amazing views of the city.

The Library of Celsus in Ephesus
Map of Wonders of Turkey: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus - 9 Days
Wonders of Turkey: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus - 9 Days

On this nine-day tour you'll experience some of Turkey's greatest natural and cultural attractions. Starting in the atmospheric capital, Istanbul, you'll have plenty of time to explore the mosques, palaces, bazaars, and ancient ruins of this cultural crossroads. Continue to the Cappadocia region, which has to be seen to be believed. Take an optional hot air balloon tour, if you wish. End in the Ephesus area, where you can see some of Turkey's finest ancient ruins.

Fly high above Cappadocia in a hot air balloon
Map of Historic Turkey: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Konya - 9 Days
Historic Turkey: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Konya - 9 Days

Embark on a trip through Turkey's history and discover why this country was one of the most important forces of the ancient world. Begin in Istanbul, a melting pot of east and west which straddles the European and Asian continental border, and end in Antalya, home of some of the world's best-preserved ancient sites. Along the way, you'll visit the otherworldly landscape of Cappadocia, cruise down the Bosphorus River, and visit the tomb of famed Sufi mystic and poet Rumi.

Make the Most of Your Time in Turkey

Have a fixed number of days? Maximize the things to see and do during your visit
Hagia Sofia mosque, Istanbul
How Many Days Should You Spend in Turkey?

Turkey is a huge country, so unless you have 3 weeks or more, it’s wise not to spread yourself too thin. How long to spend will depend on whether you’re on a quick,...

Turkey Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip

Our Latest Turkey Content

Istanbul
Map of 10 Days in Turkey - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in Turkey - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With 10 days, you can mix and match adventures to create the perfect vacation in Turkey. A highlights tour will take you from the Ottoman monuments of Istanbul to the fairy tale valleys of Cappadocia and down to the sun-kissed Aegean and Mediterranean coasts. Make a road trip out of it; visit ancient cities that predate the Bronze Age, and follow that with hikes around more "modern" archeological sites from the Greek, Roman, and Byzantine eras.

Hadrian's Gate in Antalya, Turkey
Map of Turkey Off the Beaten Path: Adrasan, Pamukkale, Urgup & More - 10 Days
Turkey Off the Beaten Path: Adrasan, Pamukkale, Urgup & More - 10 Days

Forgo the major cities and focus on Turkey's natural beauty and historic landmarks. This unforgettable 10-day adventure combines hikes along the famous Lycian Way with tours of ancient ruins and road trips to natural wonders like the thermal pools of Pamukkale and the lunar valleys of Cappadocia. It's an active adventure that showcases a side of Turkey most tourists never get to see.

Sail high above Turkey's iconic Cappadocia on a sunrise hot air balloon tour
Map of 2 Weeks in Turkey - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in Turkey - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Two weeks in Turkey gives you carte blanche to explore high and low, from the historic streets of Istanbul to the lunar valleys of Cappadocia to the sun-kissed Turquoise Coast. You can even take a road trip to historic sights that includes the ancient cities of Ephesus, Pergamon, and legendary Troy. Round out your holiday with relaxing soaks in natural thermal pools, tour World War I battlefields, and hike the scenic Lycian Way.

Turkey Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Turkey map: 5 Days in Turkey - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
5 Days in Turkey - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Turkey map: 2 Weeks in Turkey - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in Turkey - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Turkey map: 10 Days in Turkey - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in Turkey - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Trip Reviews for Turkey

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

The Best of Turkey in 9 Days · Turkey - Dec 28 - Jan 3, 2022

Traveler: Anna G. - Local specialist: Murat Ornek

The tour organized by Mr. Murat was enjoyable, interesting, and generally "smooth sailing". It was my first time in Turkey, but I now have good impressions of the country and its people. There are some other places I wanted to see and things that I wanted to do which did not fit my itinerary, but it will be a good reason for me to return.

The tour guides and drivers that were assigned to me - Mr. Aydin in Istanbul, Mr. Irfan in Cappadocia, and Mr. Onder in Izmir were very knowledgeable,... read more

The tour organized by Mr. Murat was enjoyable, interesting, and generally "smooth sailing". It was my first time in Turkey, but I now have good impressions of the country and its people. There are some other places I wanted to see and things that I wanted to do which did not fit my itinerary, but it will be a good reason for me to return.

The tour guides and drivers that were assigned to me - Mr. Aydin in Istanbul, Mr. Irfan in Cappadocia, and Mr. Onder in Izmir were very knowledgeable, patient, and kind. They introduced to me Turkey through its history, food, and people that we have met during the trip.

As regards the hotels, I especially liked the Nisanyan House in Izmir. It felt like "home" and was a serene and quiet place. The food that they served were also authentic and very good. The other hotels were also conveniently located and had good amenities.

Thank you, Trail Travel and Mr. Murat for the memorable and hassle-free vacation. I did not have much time planning it but it all went well, even better than what I expected.

I hope to be back soon.

Murat Ornek profile photo
Murat Ornek, local specialist, responded to this review:

Thanks for this wonderful feedback, Anna.
Hope to see you here again very soon.

First post pandemic trip to Turkey · Turkey - Oct 12 - Oct 18, 2021

Traveler: Sharmistha C. - Local specialist: Murat Ornek

Though an avid travelled, this was my first trip post the pandemic and I was a little nervous at first. However Murat was so helpful and cooperative, I ended up having a wonderful trip. There were 1-2 glitches that could have been avoided but Murat did his best to remedy the situation. The 2 guides I had in Istanbul and Cappadocia were wonderful - Ibrahim and Ramazan - very flexible and cooperative. Murat’s property in Cappadocia is a piece of heaven I would highly recommend. The logistics... read more

Though an avid travelled, this was my first trip post the pandemic and I was a little nervous at first. However Murat was so helpful and cooperative, I ended up having a wonderful trip. There were 1-2 glitches that could have been avoided but Murat did his best to remedy the situation. The 2 guides I had in Istanbul and Cappadocia were wonderful - Ibrahim and Ramazan - very flexible and cooperative. Murat’s property in Cappadocia is a piece of heaven I would highly recommend. The logistics including PCR testing were very well taken care of. I always felt safe because Murat kept track personally.

I am glad I used him and Kimkim 👍🏽

I will probably use both again.

Hotel Review

Gül Konakları

Nevsehir

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

This is far from your regular hotel / B&B experience . You stay in either of 2 heritage properties that transport you to another world. The ambience is extremely well maintained by the owners and they spend a lot of time with you explaining the history of the location. Wonderful people! Cappadocia is a place from your dreams and it’s best experienced from a place like this, unless you want to experience staying at a rock / cave hotel.

Tips for future travelers

The rooms are very different from one another but all details are available online - so it’s best you look up and book a particular room before heading there.

Location

Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Probably due to Covid, there were a bit understaffed at the time we went ….
Authenticity & Character

Murat Ornek profile photo
Murat Ornek, local specialist, responded to this review:

Thanks Sharmy, it was a pleasure to have you and Nivi here.

alai

Highest recommendation for Murat and Team: Magical Whirlwind tour of Turkey · Turkey - Jun 29 - Jul 12, 2021

Traveler: alai a. - Local specialist: Murat Ornek

I have only very high and excellent praises for Murat and KimKim.

Murat has organized a well-tailored trip with must-do highlights of Turkey. He even helped arrange scuba diving at a couple of our destinations. His attention to the details are impeccable, and his communication is always timely.

I can't rave enough about how much of a gift to travelers KimKim is, especially with Murat's role in our much-needed vacation. He has been easily accessible for last-minute changes, and would go... read more

I have only very high and excellent praises for Murat and KimKim.

Murat has organized a well-tailored trip with must-do highlights of Turkey. He even helped arrange scuba diving at a couple of our destinations. His attention to the details are impeccable, and his communication is always timely.

I can't rave enough about how much of a gift to travelers KimKim is, especially with Murat's role in our much-needed vacation. He has been easily accessible for last-minute changes, and would go above and beyond to check in with us throughout our trip.

Our local guide, Önder, is also highly recommended. He is passionate, informative, adaptive and an overall fun human being.

Argus hotel in Cappadocia is a must! The hot air balloon!

The staff at Alley Prime Hotel in Kas are amazing. This was one of our highlights for sure, thanks to Berg (hote manager) and Salman (maitre d). The masseuse, Pelin. The dive group, Dragoman.

All in all... The superb accommodations, the well-thought-out activities, the many white-glove service additions all speak highly to the priceless value of his KimKim and Murat's work. Thank you, Murat and KimKim!

Murat Ornek profile photo
Murat Ornek, local specialist, responded to this review:

Thanks a lot for your words, Al'ai. I enjoyed designing and managing your trip. It was definitely unconventional and fun!
Hope to have you here again.