Which excursions to choose in Turkey: a guide for your first trip
The range of excursions available in Turkey can leave even a seasoned traveler feeling overwhelmed. Boat trips, rafting, jeep safaris, ancient cities, Pamukkale, Cappadocia—you want to see it all, but vacation time is usually limited.
We explore which excursions in Turkey are worth choosing, depending on your preferred style of vacation.
If you are in Turkey for the first time
For a first trip, it is best to combine different experiences.
You can dedicate one excursion to historical sights and another to nature or the sea. This way, in just a few days, you can experience several different sides of Turkey.
If you are staying in Antalya, Side, or Belek, consider visiting ancient cities, canyons, and the region’s natural attractions.
From Kemer, it is convenient to choose routes connected with the mountains and coastline, while from Alanya, boat trips, active excursions, and tours around the surrounding area are especially popular.
If you want beautiful nature
Canyons are one of the best options.
Köprülü Canyon is a great choice if you want to combine beautiful scenery with an active day out. Tazi Canyon is especially popular for its impressive views and photo opportunities.
Another category of its own is Pamukkale, famous for its white travertine terraces. This trip usually takes longer, but it allows you to combine a natural attraction with a visit to the ancient city of Hierapolis.
If you want the sea
Boat trips are especially enjoyable when a regular beach holiday is no longer enough.
Routes vary depending on the resort: some include small bays and swimming stops, while others offer longer journeys along the coastline.
Before booking, it is worth checking how long the trip lasts, whether meals are included, how many swimming stops are planned, and what type of boat or yacht is used.
If you want something active
Rafting, buggy rides, quad biking, jeep safaris, and combination tours are ideal for those who find it hard to spend their entire vacation on a sun lounger.
Several activities are often combined into one program. For example, rafting can be paired with other activities during the same day.
Be sure to check age restrictions and the organizer’s requirements, especially if you are traveling with children.
If you are interested in history
Turkey is an excellent choice for lovers of ancient history.
Side, Aspendos, Perge, and many other ancient cities allow you to literally walk among structures that are thousands of years old.
These excursions are especially interesting with a guide. Without historical context, ruins may seem like simply beautiful old buildings, while a good explanation helps you understand what the city was like and how people lived there.
If you are traveling with children
When traveling with children, it is especially important to consider the duration of the excursion and the amount of time spent on the road.
A young child may find it difficult to spend most of the day on a bus, even for a very beautiful attraction. That is why boat trips, short sightseeing tours, or excursions located close to your resort are often more convenient.
Before booking, it is also worth checking age restrictions, meal arrangements, and whether you need to bring any extra clothing or footwear.
Is Cappadocia worth visiting?
If you have never been to Cappadocia and are prepared for a long journey, it is one of the most unusual destinations in Turkey.
However, it is important to understand the scale of the trip. Cappadocia is located far from the Mediterranean coast, so this is not a short excursion that lasts just a couple of hours.
Do not look only at the price. Check the duration of the tour, whether an overnight stay is included, what meals are provided, and what exactly the program includes.
How to choose an excursion and avoid disappointment
Before booking, check a few important details: where you will be picked up, how long the journey takes, what is included in the price, which expenses are paid separately, and what you need to bring with you.
The most expensive excursion will not necessarily be the most memorable one for you. Some travelers will remember a flight over Cappadocia, others will prefer rafting, while for someone else, a simple boat trip with stops in beautiful bays may become the highlight of the vacation.
So first decide what kind of experience you want, and only then compare specific excursion programs.
On OneTripGo, you can browse excursions at popular resorts in Turkey, compare programs and prices, and choose the option that best suits your trip.