While the official name of the country is the Republic of Türkiye, most people have been used to calling it Turkey for so long that we'd rather not confuse matters by switching to using Türkiye, at least until the name becomes more globally recognized. The Turkish government's request to change its name was made to the UN and other international organizations on 31 May 2022, and became effective immediately.

There are direct flights from many US cities to Istanbul, both on various US airlines and with Turkish Airlines. Therefore, it makes sense to start your trip across Turkey in Istanbul. If you're already in Europe, there are direct flights to Istanbul from pretty much every European capital and from several other cities, too, and seasonal flights to many of Turkey's coastal destinations.

The best time to visit Turkey is either April through May or September through October. During these months, the weather is mild and you can enjoy the cities, the beaches, and the open-air archaeological sites without the scorching sun and heat that the summer months bring. Avoiding the peak season that runs roughly from June to August, means that you also get to enjoy Turkey without the crowds that flock to the country in the summer. Istanbul is a dream all year round, but if you plan to visit the coastal towns, keep in mind that some restaurants and other tourist businesses there remain closed from November to March.

Turkey is a vast country, with plenty of amazing things to see and do. From visiting sun-drenched ancient ruins to spending time on the beach to exploring one of the world's most mouthwatering cuisines, Turkey has a lot to offer. That said, you can get a good taste of the country even if you don't spend too much time there. In a week, you can explore the charms of Istanbul and add one or even two more destinations to your itinerary. However, the ideal amount of time to spend in Turkey is two weeks. This will allow you enough time to enjoy the cities, the countryside, and the Mediterranean coast at a leisurely pace.

You could spend your whole trip in Istanbul, taking in the city's beauty and savoring her mesmerizing scents and flavors. That said, if you have a week or more, you should continue with a trip not only to Turkey's second most famous destination, Cappadocia, but also to the country's capital city, Ankara, or its coastal towns, like Antalya, Bodrum, and the lesser-known Kas.

US, Canadian, and Australian passport holders need a visa to enter Turkey. A 30 day eVisa, or visa-upon-arrival can be easily obtained. To avoid queues when you enter Turkey we suggest getting an eVisa. The cost is $50 for US passport holders and $60 (US) for Australians and Canadians.