Turkey is, of course, a land of pilgrimage for many Australians wishing to pay their respects to their ancestors and countrymen that fought on Turkish soil over a century ago. Turkish people are renowned for their hospitality and warmth towards the thousands of Australian visitors that flock to the country every year.
Turkey is a very long way from Australia, and it would be a shame to travel so far without exploring some of the amazing experiences that the county has to offer. Turkey is a land of vast history, the birthplace of many civilisations and the home of some of history's greatest empires. Turkey delights visitors with its dizzying natural scenery, intriguing ruins from throughout human history, exquisite food and unique handicrafts.
Farout Turkey offers a wide range of Anzac tours for Australians, day tours, cruises, small groups and airport-airport package tours to help you make the most of your time in Turkey and discover the vast array of wonderful experiences that Turkey holds.
- Farout package tours operate from airport-to-airport. From the moment you arrive in Turkey until the moment you leave, your every need will be catered for by Farout, however, our tours do not include flights to and from Turkey.
- Please note that Farout does not provide visa services. You will need to obtain a visa before entering Turkey, Canadian government travel advisory can aid with the process.
- All of Farout’s tours are conducted in English.
- To see our full range of single day and package tours, please scroll to the bottom of the page, or click here.
What to see in Turkey
Istanbul is the starting point for most visitors to Turkey and has been a major cultural hub for nearly 2000 years, and a crucial site of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. The most famous sights in Istanbul include the Sultanahmet Camii (Blue Mosque), the Hagia Sophia Mosque, Topkapi Palace, the Basilica Cistern and the Byzantine Wall.
Istanbul offers world-class shopping in its Grand Bazaar, along Istiklal Avenue and the famous Taksim Square, as well as many modern malls.
Farout offers a wide selection of tours beginning and ending in Istanbul.
Gallipoli is, of course, the main attraction for Australians visiting Turkey. With Farout, you can visit this famous battleground, war memorial, and cemetery with a professional tour guide. You will visit Anzac Cove, the Lone Pine Australian Memorial, the key battleground of Quinn’s Post, as well as The Nek, which is the site of the tragic battle as depicted in the movie Gallipoli with Mel Gibson, Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial of the 57th Regiment. Farout
Cappadocia is a stunning region of canyons, amazing rock formations, and vast underground cities, with houses, churches, monasteries, and even a castle carved into the mountainsides. It is also the world's premier location for hot-air ballooning. This surrealistic landscape is the must-see destination of Turkey. Almost all of Farout's tours visit spectacular Cappadocia.
Ephesus is one of the world's best archaeological sites, at one time being the second-largest city in the Roman Empire and home to the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Here you can also visit the 24,000-seat Great Theatre and the luxurious Terrace Houses with their beautifully preserved wall frescoes and floor mosaics. Many of Farout's tours include Ephesus in the itinerary, and there are also tours beginning from there.
Pamukkale is famous for its unusual white cliffs (travertines) and hot springs, which have been used as a spa for over 2000 years. It also features the ancient Roman ruins of Hierapolis. Farout has tours to Pamukkale beginning in Istanbul, Ephesus, and Fethiye.
Fethiye is a simply stunning town on the Mediterranean coast. Famous for its natural beauty, hiking, sailing, seafood, mud baths and its proximity to the Oludeniz Blue Lagoon. Also, near Fethiye is the Saklikent Gorge, which is the longest and deepest gorge in Turkey (20km long). You can visit Fethiye with Farout, or you may also start your tour there.
Food in Turkey
Turkish cuisine is world famous with a rich blend of European and Asian influences. Indeed, Istanbul is one of the best culinary destinations in the world. The most popular dishes are kebap and pide (Turkish pizza), which consists of flat, crusty bread with beef, lamb, chicken, eggs, cheese or vegetables. Don't forget to try the Turkish delight as well!
Almost all food in Turkey is halal, and there are plenty of options available for vegetarians.
When to visit Turkey
Turkey is a large country with many different climatic regions. The north and east of Turkey have cold winters, while the coastal areas of the Aegean Sea boast a temperate climate with pleasant weather all year round. The Mediterranean region can get very hot in summer.
The most popular time to visit Turkey is in the summer, from April to October. Tulip season in Istanbul is from late March to early May. The Mediterranean coastline is especially nice in spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) with temperatures between 20ºC and 30ºC.
Many guests from Australia and other countries come to the Gallipoli to visit this famous battle site and take part in the ANZAC day dawn service on the 25th of April. Farout offers a great range of tours during this solemn time which will allow guests to enjoy all that Turkey has to offer which can be found here.
Travel to Turkey from Australia
Emirates operates daily flights to Istanbul from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide with stops in Dubai
Etihad Airways flies daily from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth, stopping in Abu Dhabi
Qatar Airways offers flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, and Adelaide, with a stop in Doha.
Total Flight time to Istanbul from Major Australian cities is 18-20 hours, plus transfer time.
Turkish Airlines is Turkey’s national Carrier and has been awarded the title of Best Airline in Europe 6 years in a row. Turkish Airlines does not offer any services to Australia; however, they fly non-stop from most Asian cities. You may wish to break up your journey by flying from Australia to Southeast Asia with one of the many carriers operating these routes such as Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin Australia, Tiger Airways, or Air Asia. You may then Connect to Istanbul with Turkish Airlines.
Turkish Visa for Australian Citizens
Australian passport holders can obtain a 90-day, multiple-entry e-visa here. The process is very easy and only takes 5 minutes. Visa conditions can change without notice, so it is best to consult your nearest Turkish Embassy or consulate before you travel.
Turkish Embassies and Consulates in Australia
Turkish Embassy in Canberra
6 Moonah Pl,
Yarralumla
ACT 2600,
Australia
E-mail: embassy.canberra@mfa.gov.tr
Consulate General Melbourne
T: + 90 312 292 29 29
Consulate General Perth
58 Bywood Way,
Lynwood
WA 6147,
Australia
Australian Embassy and Travel Advisory in Turkey
Australian Embassy
MNG Building
Uğur Mumcu Caddesi No: 88, 7th Floor
Gaziosmanpaşa 06700
Ankara
T: (+90 312) 459 9500
General Consulate in Istanbul
Suzer Plaza
Elmadag Askerocagi Caddesi No. 15,
Sisli
Istanbul 34367
Turkey
T:+90 212 393 8542
General Consulate in Canakkale
Kolin Hotel,
Kepez 17100,
Canakkale
Turkey
T: +90 286 218 1721