Turkey has two, even three personalities: a huge historic city, a beach riviera and a volcanic plateau full of hot-air balloons. The best time to go mostly depends on what you're after. Here is how to pick your season, and the trip that goes with it.
1. Istanbul, a year-round stopover
Istanbul works in any season, but spring (April to June) and early autumn (September-October) are the sweet spot: mild weather for walking between Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar, and beautiful light for a Bosphorus cruise. Summer is hot and packed with visitors from all over the world. Winter is mild for a big city, and the sites are much quieter.
Our two trips Istanbul & Antalya and Istanbul & Bodrum both start with a few nights in Istanbul on a bed-and-breakfast basis, then head to the coast.
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, is best for a beach holiday from May to October. That's when the soft all-inclusive hotels in Antalya and Bodrum are in full swing, the sea is warm and the sun is guaranteed. July and August are the busiest and most expensive; June and September give you great weather with fewer people.
- 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 trip3. Cappadocia by hot-air balloon: the right weather window
Hot-air balloons take off over the fairy chimneys at dawn, when the wind is calmest, and they always depend on that day's weather: a flight can be postponed if it's too windy. Conditions are usually most stable in spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November), so that's when you have the best chance of flying.
Our Istanbul & Cappadocia trip runs with departures on request, on full board with a French-speaking guide. The balloon flight is optional, about €300 per person, paid on the spot.
Istanbul & Cappadocia
9 days/8 nights on full-board basis, 4- and 5-star hotels, French-speaking guide. International flight not included.
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4. Our 3 trips compared
One thing to know before you compare prices: only two of our three Turkey trips include the international flight.
Comparing our 3 Turkey trips
| Organised trip | 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 |
So for Istanbul & Cappadocia, add the price of a Casablanca-Istanbul return flight before comparing. Our ticketing team can quote it for you.
5. Our practical tips
Documents & formalities
Check that your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your return date, and look at the current entry rules before you book flights.
Budget on site
Set aside money for guide and driver tips (often mandatory on escorted trips, around €60 per person) and, if you're tempted, the optional balloon flight in Cappadocia.
Choosing the right season
Riviera (Antalya, Bodrum): May to October. Cappadocia: spring and autumn, when the weather is most stable. Istanbul: pleasant almost all year round.
Frequently asked questions about Turkey
What is the best time to go to Turkey?
It depends on your trip: 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 trips?
Yes for the Istanbul & Antalya and Istanbul & Bodrum trips, with Turkish Airlines. The Istanbul & Cappadocia trip 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 trips.
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 trip, with a free quote within 24 hours.