History tours · TURKEY HISTORY TOURS

Turkey History Tours: Our 15 Picks

22 tours  ·  from $31 a head

Every trip has one free day too few. These 15 turkey history tours earn it, priced and timed so the decision takes a minute.

Istanbul Gedikpasa Historical Turkish Bath with Privacy Option - What happens on the warm marble
History Tours, Istanbul History Tours, Tour Reviews, Turkey History Tours

Istanbul Gedikpasa Historical Turkish Bath with Privacy Option

1.Istanbul Gedikpasa Historical Turkish Bath with Privacy Option

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,285 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $60Our pick

At Gedikpasa Hamami in Istanbul’s Old City, you’ll follow a traditional 45-minute ritual: warm marble rest, kese scrub, and foam massage. Men and women use separate sections with same-gender therapists. Optional foot and oil massages are available, but confirm what private means before paying extra.

“Here's a tip: If you have 24 hours in Istanbul on a long layover (or maybe you have longer) come here for a nice little scrub down and a relaxing massage. Came here immediately after a flight and they made me feel very relaxed and clean. Placard at the entrance says it's from the 1400s and one of the oldest remaining hamams in Istanbul. Very interesting history, beautiful architecture inside. Very private. Genders are separated so no need to feel awkward about nudity. Only issue, they didn't use conditioner on my hair and my hair felt dry afterwards. Not a huge deal. Felt very nice all covered in light and…”

Check availability →Read our full review

Antalya: Ancient Perge, Aspendos Theater & City of Side Tour - Perge: the day’s best lesson in ancient city life
Ancient History Tours, Ancient History Tours in Turkey, Antalya History Tours, History Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Turkey History Tours

Antalya: Ancient Perge, Aspendos Theater & City of Side Tour

2.Ancient Perge, Aspendos Theater & City of Side Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,237 reviews · 9 hours · from $41

Travel from Antalya to Perge, Aspendos, and Side with an English, German, Spanish, or French-speaking guide. Walk Perge’s colonnaded avenue, visit Aspendos Theater, enjoy a local lunch by the river, and finish at Side’s Temple of Apollo. Guides such as Ozzy, Recep, Ibrahim, and Fatima are praised for clear explanations and good humor.

“We are so glad we did this trip, it was amazing. Recep our guide was lovely and helpful. Perge Antik is a beautiful historic site, then we went on the Aspendos which is so well preserved. Side completely blew us away with beautiful location of the Temple of Apollo, just wow! We stopped for a lovely organic lunch with a view. An amazing day. Thank you Recep!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Istanbul: Gedikpasa Historical Hammam with Privacy Add-On - The Kese Scrub: Firm, Traditional, and Not a Gentle Rub
History Tours, Istanbul History Tours, Tour Reviews, Turkey History Tours

Istanbul: Gedikpasa Historical Hammam with Privacy Add-On

3.Gedikpasa Historical Hammam with Privacy Add-On

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 918 reviews · 1 - 2 hours · from $59

Step into Gedikpasa Hammam, a 550-year-old bath beside Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar. Your same-gender therapist guides you through steam, a kese scrub, foam massage, and marble rest. Choose a private Halvet section or added oil, cream, foot, or face treatments. Halis and Sahin are among the therapists praised for attentive care.

“It was an amazing ing experience!!! Wonderful staff and the location ideal!!! Highly recommend!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Ancient Perge, Aspendos Amphitheater and City of Side Tour - Side puts ancient ruins beside the Mediterranean
Ancient History Tours, Ancient History Tours in Turkey, Antalya History Tours, History Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Turkey History Tours

Ancient Perge, Aspendos Amphitheater and City of Side Tour

4.Ancient Perge, Aspendos Amphitheater and City of Side Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 644 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $42

This 10-hour Antalya day trip combines Perge’s Roman streets, Aspendos Theater, Side’s seafront ruins, and Apollo Temple, with hotel pickup, lunch, and a guide. Guides may include Ibrahim, Ozzy, Oğuzhan, Recep, or Gamze. Expect a small group of up to 15, long drives, and limited time at some stops.

“This tour was a very enjoyable dive into history! Our guide, Ms. Gamze, was exceptional. With a background in history and archaeology, her knowledge was both deep and comprehensive. I highly recommend her tour for anyone looking to explore these incredible historical sites. Her expertise and enthusiasm made the tour both informative and enjoyable, ensuring that we left with a greater appreciation for the rich heritage of Perge, Aspendos, and Side.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Istanbul Historical Tour with Guide, Lunch and Transfers - Blue Mosque: start with Ottoman grandeur
Guided, History Tours, Istanbul History Tours, Lunch Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours, Turkey History Tours

Istanbul Historical Tour with Guide, Lunch and Transfers

5.Istanbul Historical Tour with Guide, Lunch and Transfers

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 561 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $248

Spend about eight hours exploring Istanbul’s historic center with an English-speaking guide and a maximum of 15 people. Visit the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Grand Bazaar, with admission, lunch, hotel pickup, and return transfer included. Expect a full day on foot, mosque dress rules, and possible waiting at Hagia Sophia.

“It’s a long day, but it is the best way to see all of the main historical sites within the old city. Our guide was excellent.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Kas: Kekova Island Sunken City & Historical Sites Boat Tour - The boat ride from Kaş to İnönü Bay
History Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Turkey History Tours

Kas: Kekova Island Sunken City & Historical Sites Boat Tour

6.Kas: Kekova Island Sunken City & Historical Sites Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 441 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $84

Spend about eight hours cruising from Kaş toward Kekova Island, with four swimming stops, a view of the Sunken City ruins, and time in Simena. Captain Ergun is often praised for his friendly commentary and drone photos, though boat and crew assignments can vary. Lunch is included, while drinks cost extra.

“Tour was amazing, boat very clean, the staff was friendly, we saw lots of beautiful islands. We were very pleased with everything on this tour. Thank you guys!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Istanbul Heritage Tour - Incl. Lunch - Grand Bazaar time and the shopping detour
History Tours, Istanbul History Tours, Lunch Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours, Turkey History Tours

Istanbul Heritage Tour – Incl. Lunch

7.Istanbul Heritage Tour – Incl. Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 416 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $216

Spend about seven hours touring Istanbul’s old city with hotel or cruise-port pickup, a guide, included entrance fees, and lunch. Visit Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar, Topkapı Palace, Hagia Irene, and Gülhane Park. The group can reach 25 people, and guide quality may shape the day.

“Points of interest and lunch were great! High pressure sales at the leather shop was not good and sales personnel got mad when we tried to leave and yelled at us as we walked away.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Full-Day Private Guided Cultural Tour of Istanbul - Sultanahmet Square gives you the city in miniature
Full-Day, Guided, History Tours, Istanbul History Tours, Local Culture & Traditions Tours, Local Culture and Traditions Tours in Turkey, Private History Tours, Private History Tours in Istanbul, Private History Tours in Turkey, Tour Reviews, Tours, Turkey History Tours

Full-Day Private Guided Cultural Tour of Istanbul

8.Full-Day Private Guided Cultural Tour of Istanbul

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 279 reviews · 5 to 7 hours (approx.)

Spend 5 to 7 hours exploring Istanbul’s old city with a private English-speaking guide. Visit Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, the Hippodrome, and Grand Bazaar, with time to adjust the route, stop for lunch, or browse Turkish crafts.

“Funda was experienced and very knowledgable she is an amazing guide and helped us with our experience to make sure we dont miss any attractions and took right in front of the long lines helping to cut short the waiting times.”

Check availability →Read our full review

From Antalya: Day Tour of Ancient Roman Sites - Perge, where the day begins among broad Roman ruins
Ancient History Tours, Ancient History Tours in Turkey, Antalya History Tours, History Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Turkey History Tours

From Antalya: Day Tour of Ancient Roman Sites

9.Day Tour of Ancient Roman Sites

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 278 reviews · 9 hours · from $89

Travel from Antalya with an English-speaking guide to Perge, Aspendos, Side, and Manavgat Waterfall. You’ll see Roman baths, colonnades, a 15,000-seat theater, and Side’s Temple of Apollo. Guides such as Fatima, Cigil, Kerem, and Tuly are praised for lively explanations. Expect a full day, outdoor walking, lunch, and limited time at each stop.

“An excellent day trip with an informative guide and pleasant company all round. Highly recommended.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Istanbul Food Tour - History and Culture of Turkish Culinary - Starting beside the Golden Horn at Galata Bridge
Food & History Tours, History Tours, Istanbul History Tours, Local Culture & Traditions Tours, Local Culture and Traditions Tours in Turkey, Tour Reviews, Tours, Turkey History Tours

Istanbul Food Tour – History and Culture of Turkish Culinary

10.Istanbul Food Tour – History and Culture of Turkish Culinary

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 265 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $127

Walk from Galata Bridge through Beyoğlu and İstiklal Street to Taksim Square, stopping for meze, raki, stuffed mussels, tantuni, wet burgers, coffee, baklava, and Turkish sweets. Guides such as Tolga, Erol, and Gamze bring the food and neighborhoods to life. Expect about three and a half hours of walking, tasting, and local stories in a small group.

“We had a great time, our host was very friendly and knowledgeable and took us to some great places that we wouldn't have found on our own. Great wsy to spend a few hours in the Taksim area. She also introduced us to the Tunel funicular that we would never have found on our own. Would highly recommend.”

Check availability →Read our full review

From Izmir: Guided Tour of the Ancient City of Ephesus - A short Selcuk break before the ruins
Ancient History Tours, Ancient History Tours in Turkey, Guided, History Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Turkey History Tours

From Izmir: Guided Tour of the Ancient City of Ephesus

11.From Izmir: Guided Tour of the Ancient City of Ephesus

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 205 reviews · 9 hours · from $117

Travel from Izmir to Ephesus in an air-conditioned minivan, then walk marble streets with a guide such as Alpi, Erman, or Alperen. See the Library of Celsus, Great Theatre, Temple of Artemis, and optional House of Virgin Mary. Lunch is included, while Terrace House and Mary’s House tickets cost extra.

“Great logistic for the tour. Transportation of high quality. Our guide Erman speaks perfect Spanish, it was easy to understand all the information provided. This city it's amazing we enjoyed and leaned a lot.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Fire of Anatolia Dance Show at Ancient Aspendos Theater - Choosing between Troy and Evolution
Ancient History Tours, Ancient History Tours in Turkey, Antalya History Tours, History Tours, Show, Tour Reviews, Turkey History Tours

Fire of Anatolia Dance Show at Ancient Aspendos Theater

12.Fire of Anatolia Dance Show at Ancient Aspendos Theater

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 198 reviews · 3 - 8 hours · from $64

Travel to Gloria Aspendos Arena for Fire of Anatolia, a large-scale Turkish dance performance staged in the ancient Aspendos Theater. You will see 120 dancers combine folk dance, ballet, modern choreography, dramatic lighting, and fast footwork in the shows Troy or Evolution. Transfers from Side may be added, while dinner is available with selected Kemer and Alanya options.

“Magnificent show. Professional dancers. Not the expected touristic attraction. An amazing experience in an ancient roman theatre”

Check availability →Read our full review

Antalya: Hiking in Termessos Ancient City - A four-hour journey from Antalya to the mountain
Ancient History Tours, Ancient History Tours in Turkey, Antalya History Tours, History Tours, Tour Reviews, Turkey History Tours

Antalya: Hiking in Termessos Ancient City

13.Hiking in Termessos Ancient City

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 152 reviews · 4 hours · from $62

Join Önder on a four-hour small-group hike from Antalya to Termessos, a 1,050-meter ancient city in Güllük Mountain National Park. You’ll see the theater, agora, cisterns, tombs, gates, and temples while walking through quiet mountain ruins. Transportation is included, but entrance fees are extra.

“The tour was beautiful and the theatre in particular was unbelievably scenic. Our guide Onder was excellent. He was really knowledgeable on the ancient city itself as well as rich Turkish history. Onder is incredibly friendly and went above and beyond for us, giving us great advice on our stay in Antalya and beyond. This was certainly a major highlight in our entire Turkish holiday. Thank you Onder.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Full Day Historical Walking Tour of Istanbul Old City from Hagia Sophia - The Blue Mosque and the rhythm of worship
Full-Day, History Tours, History Walking Tours, Istanbul History Tours, Old Town & Historic Centre Walks, Old Town and Historic Centre Walks in Istanbul, Old Town and Historic Centre Walks in Turkey, Tour Reviews, Tours, Turkey History Tours

Full Day Historical Walking Tour of Istanbul Old City from Hagia Sophia

14.Full Day Historical Walking Tour of Istanbul Old City from Hagia Sophia

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 114 reviews · 6 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $43

Spend 6 to 8 hours on foot in Istanbul’s Sultanahmet with an English-speaking guide and a group capped at nine. You’ll visit Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, Topkapı Palace, and Hagia Irene, with the Basilica Cistern replacing Topkapı Palace on Tuesdays. Entrance fees and lunch cost extra.

“Ahsen was my guide and was lovely. I'm so glad I chose this tour. I learned so much more about the Mosques, history, culture, palace and the Sultans. A rich learning for me and well worth it.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Private Cultural Tour of Istanbul with Certified Guide - Topkapi Palace: two hours inside the Ottoman center
Guided, History Tours, Istanbul History Tours, Local Culture & Traditions Tours, Local Culture and Traditions Tours in Turkey, Private History Tours, Private History Tours in Istanbul, Private History Tours in Turkey, Tour Reviews, Tours, Turkey History Tours

Private Cultural Tour of Istanbul with Certified Guide

15.Private Cultural Tour of Istanbul with Certified Guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 81 reviews · 7 hours (approx.)

Spend about seven hours with certified guide Murat Bozbulut exploring Istanbul’s old city in a private group of up to five. You’ll visit Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, and Basilica Cistern. The tour is offered in English, with Spanish skills also noted, and hotel pickup may be available.

“Murat is one of the touristic guides we’ve ever met. He has all the knowledge of Turkish history and culture. We have visited the main buildings of Istanbul (Sofi, Blue Mosque, Cistern and Topkapi) during 7 hours, and he was able to keep us interested. It’s also remarkable his skills in Spanish”

Check availability →Read our full review

2-Day Private Istanbul: Old City + Food Tour (Tickets+Tastings) - Hagia Sophia: start with Istanbul’s most layered monument
2-Day Experiences, Food & History Tours, History Tours, Istanbul History Tours, Old Town & Historic Centre Walks, Old Town and Historic Centre Walks in Istanbul, Old Town and Historic Centre Walks in Turkey, Private History Tours, Private History Tours in Istanbul, Private History Tours in Turkey, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Tours, Turkey History Tours

2-Day Private Istanbul: Old City + Food Tour (Tickets+Tastings)

Scroll to Top

Pick a century, or pick a city.

Ancient, medieval, colonial, modern, and the cities that do each one best.