Türkiye
Türkiye is one of the world's few transcontinental countries, uniquely positioned at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. It's where East meets West, and as such, it's home to a rich blend of cultures, histories, and landscapes shaped by historic empires. From the iconic city of Istanbul to ancient ruins, turquoise coastlines, and dramatic mountain ranges, Türkiye draws travelers keen to explore its history, nature, and food.
Best Time to Visit Türkiye
The best times to visit Türkiye are during spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October), when the weather is most pleasant. Average temperatures range from 60–80°F (16–27°C) depending on the region. The inland areas, such as Cappadocia (where the iconic hot air balloons are) or Ankara, experience hotter summers and colder winters, while the coastal areas, like the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, enjoy milder year-round weather perfect for sailing, swimming, and seaside walks. Winter travelers can also find snow and skiing in the mountains.
Sustainable Package Trips in Türkiye
We offer privately guided travel packages through one locally-owned Turkish partner who has been steadfastly pioneering sustainable travel in this country and raising the bar for responsible tourism. The tour packages are designed with light active and adventure in mind, such as walking and hiking, kayaking, and sailing experiences. There's also a strong dedication to cultural food and history, wherein travelers will gain meaningful insights into Türkiye’s layered history and heritage. Your guides will be passionate local experts who will be able to provide important context and answer questions along the way.
Why do we write "Türkiye" instead of "Turkey"?
We use “Türkiye” in alignment with the country’s preferred international naming, reflecting local language and cultural identity. Don't worry - it's the same country of "Turkey" that you may be imagining!
How to Get to Türkiye
Most international travelers arrive via Istanbul (IST), a major global hub with frequent flights from Europe, Asia, and North America. Since our packages don't primarily focus on the big cities, some of our tours start in smaller cities like Antalya or Izmir, or in the Göcek Islands of the 'Turkish Riviera'.
Customize your Türkiye Trip
These trips can be customized to modify the duration, accommodation level, and activity level. Our packages can also be combined with one another for a slow-travel, extended stay; for example, adding on a city trip extension to Istanbul and/or Cappadocia with a more off-the-beaten-path adventure. Contact us to chat about options or start planning your custom trip.
Reviews
Debi S.
May 23, 2025
Delicious food and fascinating history
This trip was wonderful, especially for the food and history. Our guides were terrific! The restaurants were absolutely delicious, and I appreciated the variety. The historical focus was great, with visits to fascinating ancient cities. My favorite part was how well the guide explained so much history.
Vicki B.
May 21, 2025
Personalized, varied experiences with great food
Yugen Earthside highlights small group, personalized tours. Pros for choosing this company include being able to choose your own itineraries, a flexible time schedule, knowledgeable and accessible guides, boutique hotels, and excellent and varied food. Be as active or as leisurely as you choose. Our Turkey trip had varied experiences such as visiting ancient ruins, wine tasting, a meal at a Michelin-rated restaurant, museums, neighborhood markets, mosques, a fish auction, and enjoying food specific to each city we visited. Local transportation and walking when appropriate emphasize the company's commitment to sustainable travel.