Most travelers’ Turkey tours include a visit to Istanbul, the country’s capital city, and with good reason. It’s home to breathtakingly beautiful structures such as the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia, plus lively taverns, restaurants, and shopping bazaars. For an itinerary packed with food, scenery, and history, follow our guide to spending 48 hours in Istanbul.

For more to do in Istanbul and beyond (think hot-air-balloon rides and trying local bites), check out 8 can’t-miss moments to cross off your bucket list in Turkey.

Because of the country’s diverse landscapes, cultural offerings, and topography, many Turkey tours, like our Grand Tour of Turkey, cover a lot of ground. Be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes, plus clothing you can layer.

Many tours to Turkey include visits to mosques and other religious sites, so pack pants, long skirts, and shirts that keep shoulders, upper arms, chests, and legs covered. Women are required to cover their heads when visiting mosques, so a light wrap or shawl will come in handy, too.

Plan to visit the ATM before your guided tour to Turkey begins. Although credit cards are widely accepted in major cities like Istanbul and Ankara, tours of Turkey often include visits to more rural areas, where many vendors only accept cash. Plus, having some Turkish lira and kuruş will come in handy for taxi rides, tips, and using public restrooms.

Cats and dogs roam freely in many places throughout Turkey, but there’s typically no need to fear them. Locals often take care of—even revere—their furry friends, so the animals tend to be friendly.

There’s so much to see and do in Turkey, and traveling on an itinerary designed by our expert travel planners ensures you don’t miss a single highlight or hidden gem. And, because we handle all the planning for you, you don’t have to worry about how to get from place to place. Plus, you’ll meet local guides along the way for a true insider’s perspective.