Turkey holiday Packages
From relaxing beach escapes to a city break in Turkey, you’ll find a variety of options with Qatar Airways Holidays. Choose from a long list of fun activities, fascinating attractions, historic sites, natural wonders and luxury hotels in Turkey, and experience the beauty of this diverse country that is steeped in heritage and charm.
Sample the delights of local cuisine that has been influenced by the Mediterranean, Central Asia and Arabia, or visit the country’s natural attractions where majestic rock formations tower over sapphire lakes, and winding lush valleys and rivers snake towards the rugged coastline.
Good to know
Turkey holiday experiences
- In a land where the old meets new, you’ll find a variety of Turkey travel packages where you can explore the past and embrace the modern culture, while enjoying stunning natural areas of beauty.
- The capital Ankara is a historic city that is awash with heritage and ancient sites to discover. The hilltop Citadel dates back 3,000 years and is home to Byzantine architecture and a Turkish village. You can learn more about the city’s past at the Museum of Anatolian Civilization, and its cultures at Ethnography Museum of Ankara. For a spot of retail therapy, visit Ankara’s Tunali Hilmi Caddesi shopping centre for modern stores, or browse the stalls of traditional markets and bazaars.
- Istanbul offers a true blend of western and western culture and architecture. This is where Europe meets Asia, and the city has been a key trading post for thousands of years. The ancient Old City of Sultanahmet and the Hippodrome that hosted chariot races coexist with soaring skyscrapers and the magnificent dome-roofed Haghia Sophia. Sample the flavours of traditional Turkish tea and coffee, unwind in one of the city’s Turkish hamams, or pick up a souvenir from the buzzing Grand Bazaar.
- Turkey’s landscapes are magnificent and you can soak up the sunshine on its Mediterranean coast at beaches in Antalya, hike up the Kackar Mountains, or bathe in thermal mineral-rich waters in the town of Pamukkale. Nature-lovers can visit the country’s wetlands and national parks like Goreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia. The more adventurous traveller can hike through Valla Canyon or Goynuk Canyon; and visit cobalt crater lakes like Nemrut Lake in Bitlis.
- Go scuba diving in turquoise waters in Marmaris, swim in turquoise lagoons beneath the cascading Duden Waterfall, or climb the magnificent snow-capped Mount Ararat.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Hagia Sophia - Istanbul has its fair share of impressive mosques and churches, but perhaps none more so than the Hagia Sophia. Built in the 6th Century, it’s considered the most important example of Byzantine architecture in the world and remains a popular attraction amongst visitors to the city.
- Ballooning in Cappadocia - The sight of countless hot air balloons rising above the stone stacks and cave homes of Cappadocia is one of the images most associated with Turkish tourism. Carpeted with wildflowers in late spring and snow in the winter, this historic region in Turkey’s lesser-travelled eastern half is ideal for those who enjoy hiking, cycling and exploring the wilderness.
- Ephesus - Once the most important city in the Greek empire and a major trading port, Ephesus is a beautifully preserved ancient city that was home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The site offers a remarkable insight into life in ancient societies and also the importance of the region to the Greeks, Romans and all those who came after.
Turkey is often considered a year-round holiday destination, though you can expect to have a significantly different experience if you choose to visit in winter, rather than summer.
Spring (April - May) and Autumn (September - October) are generally considered the best seasons for visitors, as temperatures are pleasant but manageable. Large crowds can be expected throughout the summer months, and temperatures can exceed 40℃. While winter sees the fewest visitors, it's also a great time to visit the spectacular snow-swept vistas and comfy cave-homes of Cappadocia.
For those who prefer the hustle and bustle of city streets and thronging marketplaces, there's no better location than Istanbul - the capital of the old Ottoman empire. Built upon the banks of the mighty Bosphorus, it's easy to spend weeks exploring the labyrinth alleys of the city centre, catching ferries from west to east and wandering past the old wooden mansions that line the river.
If you’d rather kick back and relax on the beach, Turkey boasts plenty of idyllic coastal towns and larger beach resorts, too. While the towns of KaÅŸ, Bodrum, Fethiye and Kalkan all line the Turkish Turquoise Coast, each boasts a distinct identity and offers visitors a unique experience.
Alternatively, Turkey's Black Sea Coast is better known for its mountainous terrain, a dazzling array of castles, monasteries and mosques, and empty coves and beaches. While the weather is considerably wetter and windier in this part of the country, it's more than made up for by the lush and verdant landscape it produces.
Turkey is home to a significant number of the world’s most famous monasteries and mosques. While the secular nature of the country means that there are no dress restrictions for the general public, you must wear appropriate clothing when visiting religious sites.
Though the vast majority of businesses in those towns and cities that regularly receive tourists will accept card payments, it’s necessary to carry cash in more rural areas.
Turkey has always been a diverse country, but nowhere is this more true than Istanbul. Once known as Constantinople, it remains one of the most intriguing, thrilling and romantic cities on the planet. Whether you’re looking for a cultured city break for two or want to introduce the kids to a modern, multicultural city that wears its history on its sleeve, it’s an unmissable holiday destination.
For those who enjoy splashing around in pristine seas, discovering secret coves and exploring hidden underwater cities, the Turquoise Coast is the ideal destination. With several towns and cities lining this part of the coast, you can tailor your destination to your tastes. If you want big, brash and fun, Marmaris is a good option. Need something a little quieter that’s managed to retain its traditional character? Take a look at Bodrum.
If hiking and outdoor pursuits are your thing, the staggering landscapes of Cappadocia are where you’ll find the perfect playground. Its combination of exquisite vistas, mouth-watering local cuisine and relative isolation makes it a popular destination amongst those who like to escape it all and enjoy a more solitary experience.
If you’re looking for luxury and want to enjoy a romantic adventure in the heart of Istanbul, there’s no better place to go than Raffles Istanbul. Highly-regarded for the exemplary standard of service it offers, guests enjoy stunning views of the Bosphorus and a central location. Alternatively, families looking to head to the coast might want to look at the El Vino Hotel in Bodrum. Equipped with a pool and jacuzzi and situated close to all the coastal action, it’s the perfect place to base yourself for fun by the sea.
While Turkey is often characterised as the bridge between East and West, it’s so much more than that. Boasting bountiful history, pristine coastline, well-developed seaside resorts, gorgeous landscapes and one of the most enticing, exciting and atmospheric cities in the world, it’s got a little something for everyone. With package deals to Turkey with Qatar Airways Holidays, all your flights, transfers and accommodation are taken care of, allowing you to relax and take it all in or head off exploring as soon as you arrive.