Turkey (Türkiye) Guided Tours and Vacation Packages

The currency of Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TRY). While Turkey has considered adopting the euro in the past, it has retained the Turkish Lira as its official currency. When visiting Turkey on an Insight Vacations 'Business Class' tour, you may exchange foreign currency for Turkish Lira at banks, exchange offices, or ATMs.

The official language of Turkey is Turkish. It's the most widely spoken language in the country used in everyday communication and official settings. While Arabic is not widely spoken in Turkey, especially outside of certain regions and communities, there are a number of minority languages spoken in Turkey like Kurdish and Zaza spoken by smaller segments of the population, making Turkish, Kurdish and Zaza the top 3 languages spoken in Turkey.

Turkey offers diverse attractions. Istanbul beckons with its rich history and iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Cappadocia captivates with its unique landscapes and hot air balloon rides. Antalya boasts stunning beaches and ancient ruins. Pamukkale showcases surreal terraces of travertine pools. Lycian Rock Tombs in Dalyan offer a glimpse into ancient civilizations. These destinations epitomize Turkey's blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination.

The best time to visit Turkey is outside of the peak summer months, during April, May, September and October. Turkey in April and May enjoys mild temperatures, making it an ideal time to enjoy outdoor activities. Turkey in September marks the end of the peak tourist season and the start of Autumn, making it the perfect time for exploring its rich cultural and historical sites. Turkey in October brings pleasant weather, ideal for enjoying city sightseeing.

Tipping in Turkey is customary but not obligatory. Istanbul tipping follows similar norms. When travelling with Insight Vacations, certain tips and gratuities are included in your tour package. Baggage handling at hotels, service charges and tips for hotel waiting staff (for included meals) will be taken care of by your Travel Director. There are a few instances where individual tipping is welcome, such as tipping at restaurants and your taxi when exploring by yourself.

Female tourists in Turkey should opt for modest clothing, such as knee-length dresses or long skirts, and tops that cover the shoulders. While not mandatory, some areas may require a head covering for visiting religious sites, therefore, it's advisable to carry a scarf for when its needed. Wearing conservative clothing is respectful and helps avoid unwanted attention. Overall, modesty and comfort should guide clothing choices when visiting Turkey.

Traditional Turkish kebabs, such as shish kebab and doner kebab, and savoury delights like menemen (a scrambled egg dish), lahmacun (Turkish pizza), and meze (assorted appetizers) - this is Turkey food at its best. Indulge in sweet treats like Turkish baklava and Turkish delight. In Turkey, street food is also popular, offering delights like simit (sesame bread rings) and börek (filled pastries). Turkish cuisine is a rich fusion of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Central Asian insiration.