The Best Historical Organized Tours in Turkey
Guided Group Tours, Vacation Packages, or Planned Itineraries
Get ready to embark on an extraordinary adventure through time and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of history and culture of Turkey. In order to find the absolute best historical tours to Turkey, we've carefully analyzed each tour based on key criteria such as price, comfort, guest ratings, service, and activities to ensure an unforgettable journey. Whether you're a history buff, a lover of art and architecture, or a curious traveler seeking new experiences, these top-rated organized tours, holiday packages, and tour packages provide the perfect blend of adventure and cultural immersion. Great for food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, Turkey is a terrific destination. So, let's find that perfect tour for your next trip below.
The Best Historical Tours through Turkey
Including guided tours, organized tours, holiday packages, all-inclusive vacations, and guided itineraries.
All tour prices are listed in US Dollars before taxes, and come from a base price that is reported by TourRadar. Peak season prices can vary significantly, particularly in destinations where seasonal travel fluctuates dramatically. While we do our best to evaluate all tours to maintain accuracy, always confirm the details directly with TourRadar or the tour company before booking. The information provided on this website is sourced directly from TourRadar and may change at any time.
Why does Turkey appeal to history enthusiasts?
Turkey captivates history enthusiasts with its wealth of historical sites, spanning from ancient times through more recent history. Istanbul, Ephesus, and Antalya offer plenty of amazing museums and sights to explore. Istanbul is known for its world class historical sights, stunning mosques, and dynamic energy. These regional destinations provide a perfect mix of history, culture, and adventure in an affordable package. Plus, the fun and easy itineraries make for a stress-free adventure while creating lasting memories.
How much do historical tours in Turkey cost?
The average daily price of Historical Tours in Turkey is $247 per day. Prices can vary widely due to the included amenities, length of the trip, number of guests on the tour, and many other factors. If you want more information about prices, we have put together a complete analysis of the costs of Historical Tours in Turkey here.
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Which Tour Companies Offer Historical Tours?
A number of fantastic tour companies offer historical tours in Turkey. These are a few of the best, because they offer the highest rated service, provide the best overall quality, and have the most five-star guest reviews to prove it.
Fez Travel
Fez Travel offers local cultural tours through Turkey, Greece, Egypt, and Armenia. Most participants are adults and the tours range in length from 1 day to 3 weeks. The company appeals to travelers of all ages, with many tours focusing on families with children. Many of their tours are priced in the mid-range category.
Turkey Escapades
Turkey Escapades is a smaller tour company that focuses on Turkey. The small group sizes, often less than 9, make for a very personal experience. Certain tours offer the flexibility to be adapted to your unique needs. The company appeals to travelers of all ages, with many tours focusing on families with children. Many of their tours are priced in the mid-range category.
See All Tours from Turkey Escapades
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a large international travel company offering tours all over the world. Some of their most popular destinations include Australia, Thailand, Tanzania, and Italy. Many of the tours fall into the mid-range price category. The company's adventures often highlight activities such as camping, wine tasting, snorkelling, kayaking, cooking classes, island hopping, white water rafting, surfing, horse riding, whale watching, and bird watching.
See All Tours from Intrepid Travel
AB Voyages Egypt
A.B Worldwide Voyages ltd. Is a smaller international tour company with tours to 5 countries, including Egypt, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, and Jordan. Some of their offerings cater to families with children. A large number of their tours fall within in the mid-range price category.
See All Tours from AB Voyages Egypt
Historical Destinations in Turkey
Wondering where historical tours visit in Turkey? With a variety of stops and destinations along the way, there's something for everyone.
Istanbul
Istanbul sits at the crossroads of east and west. It's a major cosmopolitan city that has long been at the center of trade, culture, religion, and activity. The city is filled with beauty and historical sights that make it a world class travel destination. It attracts everyone from backpackers to high end luxury vacationers who appreciate the diversity and culture that flows through the city.
Pamukkale
Pamukkale, located in southwestern Turkey, is home to the famous travertine terraces, which is a stunning natural wonder that is recognized for its cascading white pools that are filled with turquoise thermal waters. It has been a popular attraction for centuries due to its unique landscape and the therapeutic properties of its mineral-rich waters. Visitors can walk barefoot along the travertine pools but swimming has been limited to preserve the environment. Pamukkale is also home to the ancient city of Hierapolis, where guests can explore ruins such as a well-preserved theater, ancient baths, and the Necropolis.
Kusadasi
Ephesus, located in western Turkey, is one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world and a world-class destination for history enthusiasts. Once a thriving Greco-Roman city, it is home to many iconic landmarks. Many visitors stay in the nearby town of Selçuk, which has hotels and restaurants. This is also a popular destination with cruise ship passengers and tour groups, who usually visit for the day before moving on.
Antalya
Antalya is a resort city in Turkey that attracts European and international tourists. The beaches are lined with hotels and the water is a beautiful blue color. Also nearby are many historical and archeological sights.
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Other popular destinations for historical tours through Turkey include Konya, Gallipoli, Pergamum, Çanakkale, and Ankara.
Historical Tours vs. Independent Travel: Pros and Cons
When deciding between a self-planned trip and an organized tour, remember to evaluate the key features of each travel style.
Organized Tours
- Learn detailed stories and context from expert guides.
- Visit significant landmarks efficiently.
- Access exclusive areas not open to the public.
- Guides bring history to life with engaging narratives.
- Save time on researching destinations.
- Enjoy a curated itinerary of top historical sites.
- Guides answer questions for deeper understanding.
- Group tours can provide a social learning experience.
- Avoid logistical challenges like tickets or reservations.
- Guides help connect the dots between events and eras.
- Less flexibility in the itinerary.
- Group size might impact the experience.
Independent Travel
- Full control over your itinerary and pace.
- Focus on sites that interest you most.
- Flexibility to spend more time at certain locations.
- Explore at unconventional hours to avoid crowds.
- Customize your trip around niche historical themes.
- Requires time-consuming research to plan.
- Risk of missing key details without a guide.
- May overlook important or lesser-known sites.
- Difficult to understand the full historical context.
- Navigation and logistics can be more complex.
- No expert to answer questions during your visit.
- Potential for long waits without pre-booking tickets.
- Self-guided tours may lack the interactive element.
Which is cheaper?
Are guided historical tours worth the money compared to independent travel? It depends on the specifics. Tours combine accommodations, meals, transport, tickets, and activities into a single cost, while independent travelers manage and pay for these individually. To determine which is more affordable, compare the tour's total price with what you'd spend booking everything separately. Preferences like staying in low-cost lodging or indulging in fine dining can influence whether a tour costs more or less. Make sure to check out the tour package to see what is included, or not, very carefully before deciding.
Also, before booking a tour, make sure you know exactly what is included as tour companies sometimes change their itineraries or included amenities to keep them updated with seasonal changes and customer interests.
More Tour Options
See also The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Turkey, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Turkey, The Best 10-Day Tours in Turkey, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours in Turkey, The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey, The Best 3-Week Tours in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in Turkey, The Best Anzac Day Tours in Turkey, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Turkey, The Best Adventure Tours to Turkey, The Best Eco Tours in Turkey, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Turkey, The Best Art History, Museums, and Cultural Tours Tours in Turkey, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Turkey, The Best Cultural Tours in Turkey, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Turkey, The Best Photography Tours in Turkey, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Turkey, The Best Religious Tours in Turkey, The Best Walking Tours in Turkey, The Best Tours Under $1000 in Turkey, The Best Luxury Tours to Turkey, The Best Budget Tours to Turkey, The Best Tours for Seniors to Turkey, The Best Contiki Tours to Turkey, or The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey for more tour ideas. With so many options, there's a guided tour or vacation package for every type of traveler.
Also, if you're departing from a specific destination, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Istanbul, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Fethiye, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Antalya, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bodrum, The Best 10-Day Tours from Istanbul, The Best 10-Day Tours from Antalya, or The Best 2-Week Tours from Istanbul for more package tour options.
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