Tour guides Turkey

5 ideas for guided tours in Turkey

• Antalya

  

  Antalya, on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, is one of the gems of the southwest. Its shoreline, lapped by crystal-clear waters, draws visitors as much for its beaches as for its atmosphere.

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

  The city itself sits on a limestone plateau, surrounded by olive groves. Its historic center preserves 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, life hums: restaurants, bars, markets—you’ll find locals and travelers mingling here. And if history calls, don’t miss Aspendos with 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 curious name for a place just as unique.

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

  It’s a popular destination, and swimming is now restricted to help preserve its beauty. But step off the main paths, and you can still find quiet viewpoints.

  At the very 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 spectators.

• Cappadocia

  

  In the very heart of the country, Cappadocia is full of surprises. Everything here feels otherworldly—landscapes carved by the wind, valleys painted in soft hues, and troglodyte villages where history seems to live inside 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 straight into the cliffs, still inhabited to this day.

  A little farther on, the underground city of Derinkuyu is striking. 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 has run free with 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 a different side of Turkey—free, vibrant, modern. It’s the country’s third-largest city, yet also one of the most relaxed.

  A local guide can help you feel its unique atmosphere, where tradition and modernity meet. Start with a stroll along Atatürk Caddesi, with its seafront cafés and life moving at an easy pace.

  The Kordon promenade is another must-see. Starting from the Clock Tower, you’ll reach Konak Square, then the small Yali Mosque, octagonal in shape and built in 1755.

  Farther on, the Kemeralti district buzzes with life—bazaars, shops, spices—the Orient comes alive here. And for a nature break, head to Lake Karagöl: just fifteen kilometers away, it’s a favorite spot for families and perfect for fresh air.

• Bursa

  

  Bursa, nicknamed the “Green City,” lies at the foot of the Uludağ Mountains in the Marmara region. Surrounded by nature, it lives in tune with the seasons.

  In winter, its ski resorts draw snow enthusiasts. But all year long, Bursa keeps its treasures close. 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.

  Facing it stands the Ulu Camii Mosque, with its 20 domes—a stunning example of Ottoman architecture. Another of the city’s highlights: its hammams, the oldest of which are found in the Çekirge district.

  And if you love a good view, climb along the old city walls. At night, Bursa lights up softly, and from above, the panorama stretches all the way to the mountains.