Inspiring • Authentic • Tailor-Made

Inspiring • Authentic • Tailor-Made

Pettitts Travel UK 01892515966

Northern Turkey Holidays

A heady mix of eastern and western cultures and traditions, the region of northern Turkey is centred on the magnificent city of Istanbul. Best known for being the continental boundary between Europe and Asia, a frontier delineated by the iconic Bosphorus Strait, here cosmopolitan cities retain age-old customs, modern architecture adjoins classical remains and high-end boutiques stand alongside traditional bazaars. Straddling the European and Asian continents, Istanbul is the focal point of the region and is undoubtedly one of the world’s great cities. Known in antiquity first as Byzantium and then Constantinople, the city spans both sides of the Bosphorus with the historic district of Sultanahmet – which juts out into the strait – a treasure trove of ancient sights. Walk the Hippodrome, explore the underground basilica water cistern and visit Emperor Justinian’s greatest achievement, the monumental Hagia Sophia which was built in 537 AD. Also visit the stunning Topkapi Palace and the cavernous medieval Grand Bazaar. From Istanbul it is possible to travel south to Bursa, which sat at the far western end of the famed Silk Road, or the Gallipoli Peninsula with its thought-provoking First World War cemetery, Anzac Cove and military museum. All of our Turkey holidays and bespoke tailor-made tours to northern Turkey are unique and fully personalised.

Holiday Ideas for Northern Turkey

Classical Turkey

10 days from
£3445 per person

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Istanbul City Break

5 days from
£895 to £1100 per person

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Central Turkey and the Caves of Cappadocia

8 days from
£2790 per person

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The Hidden Heritage of Turkey's Ottoman Empire

11 days from
£3850 per person

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When to visit Northern-Turkey

JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Best Times
Good Times

Northern Turkey can be visited the year-round, however, it is generally considered that the best time to travel to the region is either spring between April and June or in the autumn months of September and October. During these periods the weather is pleasantly mild throughout the day with temperatures no higher than 25°C and the risk of rainfall relatively low. Summers can be hot and sometimes oppressively humid with the temperature regularly topping 30°C. In contrast, winter in northern Turkey can be surprisingly cold and breezy with grey overcast skies. This is the main period for rainfall in the region and, if there is a north east wind, it is not uncommon for there to be snowfall during the months of January and February. Another travel consideration unrelated to the weather are Turkey’s two most important holiday periods – Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr. Dates are not fixed and both holidays begin 10 to 12 days earlier each year and so occur in every season throughout a 33 year cycle. This is a busy travel period for domestic travellers and closures of tourist sites and restaurants should be expected.

What is a Tailor-Made Holiday?

We create a holiday tailored to your specific requirements, including:

  • When you go
  • Duration
  • Time spent in each place
  • How much you want to spend

We offer our experience and knowledge to help create your perfect, tailor-made itinerary

What to do in Northern Turkey

Dominated by the city of Istanbul, northern Turkey is an area of the country rich in both culture and history. From Roman remains and medieval bazaars to grand mosques and 20th century military sites, northern Turkey is a fascinating region to explore. An undoubted highlight is Istanbul and, in particular, the historic district of Sultanahmet with its mosques, souks and archaeological remains. Visit the centre of the Ottoman Empire Topkapi Palace, explore the extraordinary 1400 year old Hagia Sophia and beautiful Blue Mosque, shop in the atmospheric Grand Bazaar and marvel at a whole host of ancient sites including the Byzantine-era Basilica Cistern and the Roman Hippodrome. From Istanbul it is possible to travel south to visit the First World War cemetery, Anzac Cove and military museum in Gallipoli, the enigmatic ancient ruins of Homer’s Troy or Assos, one of Turkey’s hidden gems.

Places in Northern Turkey

Head Office: 8-9 Orchard Business Centre, North Farm Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells Kent, TN2 3XF

London Office: 5th Floor, 116 Pall Mall (IoD Building), London, SW1Y 5ED

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