Turkey is a destination with a double, even triple, personality: an ancient megacity, a beach riviera and a volcanic plateau dotted with hot-air balloons. The best time to go mostly depends on what you're after — here is everything you need to pick your season and your tour.
1. Istanbul, a year-round stopover
Istanbul can be visited in any season, but spring (April to June) and early autumn (September-October) offer the best balance: mild temperatures for exploring Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque or the Grand Bazaar, and ideal light for a Bosphorus cruise. Summer is hot and busy with visitors from around the world; winter stays mild for a metropolis, with noticeably quieter sites.
Our two tours Istanbul & Antalya and Istanbul & Bodrum both start with several nights in Istanbul on a bed-and-breakfast basis, before heading to the riviera.
Istanbul & Antalya
10 days/9 nights with Turkish Airlines: 4 nights in Istanbul on bed-and-breakfast basis, 5 nights in Antalya on soft all-inclusive basis. Flight included.
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2. Antalya & Bodrum, the riviera at its best
The Turkish riviera, between the Mediterranean and the Aegean Sea, is best enjoyed as a beach holiday from May to October: this is when the soft all-inclusive hotels of Antalya and Bodrum run at full swing, with warm seas and guaranteed sunshine. July-August bring the biggest crowds and highest prices; June and September offer an excellent weather/crowd balance.
- Antalya: the old town of Kaleiçi, Duden waterfalls, seaside resorts.
- Bodrum: Castle of St. Peter, turquoise coves, a chicer and livelier atmosphere.
Istanbul & Bodrum
10 days/9 nights with Turkish Airlines: 4 nights in Istanbul on bed-and-breakfast basis, 5 nights in Bodrum on soft all-inclusive basis. Flight included.
Discover the tour3. Cappadocia by hot-air balloon: the right weather window
Hot-air balloon flights over the fairy chimneys take off at dawn, when winds are calmest, and remain by nature subject to the day's weather: they can be postponed if winds are too strong. Conditions are generally most stable in spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November), making these the best windows to maximise your chances of flying.
Our Istanbul & Cappadocia tour runs on weekly guaranteed departures (Saturdays and Mondays), on a full-board basis with a French-speaking guide. The hot-air balloon flight remains optional, at around €300 per person, payable on site.
Istanbul & Cappadocia
9 days/8 nights on full-board basis, 4- and 5-star hotels, French-speaking guide. Departures every Saturday and Monday. International flight not included.
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4. Our 3 tours compared
One essential point before comparing prices: only two of our three Turkey tours include the international flight.
Comparing our 3 Turkey tours
| Tour | Duration | Flight included | Formula | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Istanbul & Antalya | 10d/9n | Yes (Turkish Airlines) | Soft all-inclusive + B&B | From 17,590 MAD |
| Istanbul & Bodrum | 10d/9n | Yes (Turkish Airlines) | Soft all-inclusive + B&B | From 16,390 MAD |
| Istanbul & Cappadocia | 9d/8n | No, to be added | Full board | From 6,400 MAD |
The Istanbul & Cappadocia rate should therefore be compared by adding the cost of your Casablanca-Istanbul round-trip flight, available on request from our ticketing team.
5. Our practical tips
Documents & formalities
Check your passport's validity (at least 6 months after your return date) and the entry requirements in force before booking your flights.
Budget on site
Budget for guide/driver tips (often mandatory on escorted tours, around €60 per person) and, if you wish, the optional hot-air balloon flight in Cappadocia.
Choosing the right season
Riviera (Antalya, Bodrum): favour May to October. Cappadocia: spring and autumn for the most stable weather. Istanbul: pleasant nearly all year round.
Frequently asked questions about Turkey
What is the best time to go to Turkey?
It depends on your tour: spring and autumn are ideal for Istanbul and Cappadocia, while the Antalya and Bodrum riviera is best enjoyed from May to October.
Is the flight included in the price of the Turkey tours?
Yes for the Istanbul & Antalya and Istanbul & Bodrum tours, with Turkish Airlines. The Istanbul & Cappadocia tour is offered without the international flight, to be added separately.
How much does a trip to Turkey from Morocco cost?
From 6,400 MAD per person excluding flight for Istanbul & Cappadocia, and between 16,390 and 17,590 MAD flight included for the Antalya or Bodrum tours.
Is the hot-air balloon flight in Cappadocia included?
No, it's an option at around €300 per person, payable on site and subject to the day's weather conditions.
Dreaming of Turkish beaches or hot-air balloons?
Our advisors help you choose the right season and the right tour, with a free quote within 24 hours.