Tour guides Turkey

5 ideas for guided tours in Turkey

• Antalya

  

  Antalya, on the Mediterranean coast, is one of the gems of southwestern Turkey. Its shoreline, edged with crystal-clear waters, draws visitors as much for its beaches as for its atmosphere.

  Among the finest are Kaputaş, tucked into a cove; Lara, lively and well-equipped; and Patara, vast and almost wild, stretching for 18 kilometers.

  The city itself rests on a limestone plateau, surrounded by olive groves. The historic center preserves its Ottoman houses and old minarets, including the famous Yivli Minare, decorated with 12th-century tiles—a true symbol of the city.

  Down by the old harbor, the buzz is constant: restaurants, bars, markets… a place where locals and travelers cross paths. And if history calls, don’t miss Aspendos and its perfectly preserved Roman theater, just a few kilometers away.

• Pamukkale

  

  In the province of Denizli, in the southwest, lies Pamukkale, literally the “cotton castle.” A strange name for an equally unique place.

  Picture a white hillside, shaped by hot water that has flowed over the limestone for centuries. Over time, natural pools formed, filled with turquoise water that stands out against the whiteness of the terraces.

  It’s a very popular site, and swimming is now restricted to preserve its magic. But by stepping off the main paths, you can still find peaceful viewpoints.

  At the top, the ruins of Hierapolis watch over the site. This ancient spa city, founded in the 2nd century BC, holds an impressive theater that once seated 12,000 people.

• Cappadocia

  

  In the heart of the country, Cappadocia astonishes. Everything here feels otherworldly—landscapes shaped by the wind, valleys brushed in soft colors, and troglodyte villages where history seeps into the stone.

  The village of Uçhisar, clinging to the rock, and the plains of Göreme make an ideal starting point. Here you’ll find houses carved directly into the cliffs, still lived in today.

  A little further on, the underground city of Derinkuyu leaves a lasting impression. Once, thousands of people lived here with their livestock, in a vast labyrinth dug deep into the earth.

  And then there are the valleys with evocative names—white, rose, red—where nature gave free rein to its imagination. A lunar landscape, dotted with vineyards, waiting to be explored on foot or from the basket of a balloon.

• Izmir

  

  On the Aegean coast, Izmir shows another side of Turkey—free, vibrant, modern. It’s the country’s third-largest city, yet also one of the most laid-back.

  A guide helps you grasp its unique atmosphere, where tradition meets modern life. Start with a stroll along Atatürk Caddesi Avenue, lined with seaside cafés and a pace that flows gently by.

  The Kordon promenade is another highlight. Beginning at the Clock Tower, you’ll pass through Konak Square, then reach the small Yali Mosque, octagonal in design and built in 1755.

  Further on, the Kemeralti district brims with energy. Bazaar stalls, shops, and scents—this is where the Orient gathers. And for a breath of nature, head to Lake Karagöl: just fifteen kilometers away, it’s a favorite spot for families and perfect for unwinding.

• Bursa

  

  Bursa, nicknamed the Green City, rests at the foot of the Uludağ Mountains in the Marmara region. Surrounded by nature, it moves with the rhythm of the seasons.

  In winter, its ski resorts draw snow lovers. But throughout the year, the city holds onto its treasures. Around the bazaar, cobbled streets lead to ancient caravanserais, including the famous Koza Han, a silk cocoon market that has been active since the 15th century.

  Just across the way, the Ulu Camii Mosque, crowned with 20 domes, embodies Ottoman art in all its splendor. Another hallmark of the city: its hammams, with the oldest found in the Çekirge district.

  And if you’re after views, climb along the ramparts. In the evening, the city lights up softly, and from above, the panorama stretches all the way to the mountains.