Turkey Travel FAQ

Turkey Golden Tours is an Istanbul-based travel brand organizing guided day tours, private itineraries, Bosphorus cruises and multi-day travel packages throughout Türkiye.

Its itineraries include popular destinations such as Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Ephesus, Gallipoli, Troy, Kuşadası, Antalya and Fethiye. Selected programs may also combine Türkiye with destinations in Greece.

Turkey Golden Tours is operated by Velena Travel, a travel agency registered with the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies, TÜRSAB, under licence number A13807.

Displaying the operating agency name and licence number allows travelers to identify the legal company responsible for arranging their booking.

The available travel experiences include:

• Guided Istanbul sightseeing tours
• Morning, afternoon and sunset Bosphorus cruises
• Cappadocia tours from Istanbul by plane or bus
• Cappadocia hot-air balloon reservations
• Ephesus and Pamukkale tours
• Gallipoli and Troy tours
• Multi-day Turkey tour packages
• Private and tailor-made Turkey itineraries
• Airport, hotel and cruise-port transfers
• Private yacht cruises and group events

Availability and inclusions vary by itinerary.

Yes. Many itineraries can be arranged as private tours, while selected products operate as scheduled small-group tours.

A private tour is designed exclusively for your party and normally provides greater flexibility over timing, pace, transportation and optional stops. A small-group tour follows a more structured program and may offer a lower per-person price.

Yes. A tailor-made itinerary can be prepared around your travel dates, group size, preferred destinations, hotel category, transportation preferences and available time.

Custom routes may include Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Ephesus, Gallipoli, Antalya, Fethiye or other destinations. Domestic flights, private vehicles, hotels, guides and optional activities can be combined into one coordinated program.

Choose the relevant tour and submit the reservation request form with your travel date, number of travelers, contact details and preferred tour type.

The reservations team will check availability and provide the applicable price, itinerary and booking conditions. Your reservation becomes confirmed only after you accept the offer and complete the required booking procedure.

No. Submitting a form is an availability and reservation request.

Your booking is confirmed after the reservations team has verified availability, agreed the itinerary and price with you, and issued a written confirmation or tour voucher.

Providing complete information helps the team prepare an accurate offer. Please include:

• Travel date
• Number of adults and children
• Hotel or accommodation location
• Arrival and departure details
• Preferred destinations
• Private or small-group preference
• Hotel category for multi-day programs
• Dietary or mobility requirements
• Optional activities such as a Cappadocia balloon flight
• Cruise-ship name and schedule, where applicable

Day tours may sometimes be arranged at short notice, but advance booking is strongly recommended.

Multi-day packages, private tours, domestic flights, cave hotels, licensed foreign-language guides and Cappadocia hot-air balloon flights should be requested as early as possible. Availability becomes more limited during spring, summer, autumn, public holidays and major events.

Yes. Solo travelers may join available small-group tours or request a private tour.

A single supplement or private-service surcharge may apply to accommodation, private transportation or services priced for a minimum number of guests. The reservations team will explain the available options before confirmation.

Do you organize tours for families and groups?

Yes. Tours can be arranged for couples, families, friends, school groups, corporate groups, travel agencies and cruise passengers.

For larger groups, the quotation can include a suitable vehicle, licensed guide, group entrance arrangements, restaurant reservations, airport assistance and additional operational support.

Unless otherwise stated, prices displayed as “from” are starting prices per person.

The final price may depend on travel date, availability, group size, hotel category, flight cost, tour type, language, optional activities and seasonal conditions. The confirmed quotation will show the applicable price for your booking.

Inclusions vary by product. Depending on the selected itinerary, a tour may include:

• Professional licensed guide
• Air-conditioned transportation
• Hotel or airport transfers
• Domestic flights or intercity bus tickets
• Accommodation
• Breakfast, lunch or dinner
• Scheduled museum and archaeological-site entrance fees
• Bosphorus cruise
• Parking, highway and service charges
• Local operational assistance

The relevant tour page and confirmation voucher provide the definitive list.

Entrance fees are included when they are specifically listed under the tour’s “Included” section.

Some private tours may exclude entrance tickets to provide greater flexibility. Optional museums, special sections, temporary exhibitions and activities not named in the itinerary may require separate payment.

The available payment method and payment schedule are provided with the confirmed quotation.

Before making a payment, check that the amount, currency, itinerary, cancellation terms and operating agency details match your reservation. Keep the payment receipt and written booking confirmation for your records.

Cancellation conditions vary because tours may contain services with different supplier rules, including domestic flights, hotels, balloon flights, yacht charters and entrance reservations.

The applicable cancellation deadline, non-refundable components and refund conditions must be provided before payment. The conditions written in your quotation, voucher or booking agreement take priority over general website information.

Changes may be possible subject to availability and the rules of the booked services.

Domestic flights, hotels and special activities may charge amendment fees or fare differences. Contact the reservations team as soon as possible if you need to change your date, traveler names, hotel, flight or itinerary.

Hotel pick-up is included on tours that specifically list a transfer service.

Shared transfers normally cover designated central service areas. Hotels in pedestrian zones, areas closed to tourist vehicles or locations outside the standard route may require a nearby meeting point or an additional private transfer.

Yes. Transfers may be arranged from Istanbul Airport, Sabiha Gökçen Airport, domestic airports, hotels and cruise ports.

Please provide the flight number, landing time, accommodation address or cruise-ship information when requesting the service. Transfer arrangements must be confirmed in writing before arrival.

Both options are available.

Flight-based tours reduce long road journeys and are useful for travelers with limited time. Bus-based packages may provide a lower price but can include overnight travel. Some itineraries combine domestic flights, intercity buses and private or shared road transfers.

The transportation type is stated in the tour’s basic information and itinerary.

Cappadocia tours generally use either Kayseri Airport or Nevşehir Airport.

The selected airport depends on flight availability, schedule, fare and the itinerary. Airport transfers between the airport and your Cappadocia hotel are included only when listed in the confirmed package.

Luggage allowances depend on the airline, route and ticket class used for your reservation.

Your confirmed flight information should state the checked-baggage and cabin-baggage allowance. Additional charges may apply for excess luggage. Travelers carrying oversized bags, sports equipment or several suitcases should inform the reservations team before tickets are issued.

Hotel standards depend on the selected package and confirmed category.

Multi-day programs may use three-star hotels, four-star hotels, boutique properties or upgraded accommodation. Cappadocia packages may include a cave hotel or cave-style hotel when this is specified. Final hotel names depend on availability and are provided with the booking documents.

English-speaking licensed guides are standard on many scheduled tours.

Private guides in Spanish, German, French, Italian and other languages may be available on request. Foreign-language guides should be booked early, particularly during peak travel periods.

Meals are included only when they are named in the itinerary or the “Included” section.

Day tours frequently include lunch, while multi-day packages may include breakfast and selected dinners. Drinks, alcoholic beverages and meals during free time are normally excluded unless specifically stated.

Dietary preferences and food allergies should be provided before booking.

Vegetarian meals can usually be arranged, while vegan, gluten-free, halal or allergy-sensitive options depend on the restaurant, hotel or yacht. Travelers with serious allergies should explain the exact ingredients and level of risk in writing.

Many tours are suitable for children, but suitability depends on duration, walking level, departure time and transportation.

Long sightseeing days, overnight buses, archaeological sites and underground cities may be tiring for younger children. Child prices, free-infant policies and seat requirements vary by tour and must be confirmed during booking.

Many itineraries can be enjoyed by older travelers, particularly when arranged privately.

However, historical areas may contain uneven streets, stairs, hills and limited seating. Cappadocia valleys, underground cities, Pamukkale terraces and Ephesus require moderate walking. Tell the team about mobility limitations so that a suitable pace and vehicle can be considered.

Accessibility differs significantly between destinations and attractions.

Some museums and modern areas are accessible, while ancient sites, boats, piers, underground cities and old-city streets may present serious limitations. Contact the team before booking with the wheelchair dimensions, transfer ability and assistance requirements so the route can be evaluated accurately.

A folding stroller can usually be carried in the vehicle when space is available.

Compact strollers work best in city areas. Large strollers may be difficult to use on cobblestones, archaeological sites, boats, stairs and valley paths. A baby carrier may be more practical for certain destinations.

Visa requirements depend on nationality, passport type and travel purpose.

Some travelers may enter without a visa, while others must obtain an e-Visa or a visa from a Turkish diplomatic mission. Always check the official Republic of Türkiye e-Visa service or Ministry of Foreign Affairs information before traveling. Turkey Golden Tours does not make immigration decisions or guarantee entry.

Türkiye generally requires a passport or travel document to remain valid for at least 60 days beyond the permitted period of stay stated in the visa, e-Visa, visa exemption or residence permit.

Additional requirements may apply according to nationality. Confirm the current rule with the official Turkish authorities and your airline before departure.

Türkiye can be visited throughout the year, but the ideal period depends on the route.

Spring and autumn generally provide comfortable conditions for Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus and Pamukkale. Summer is popular for coastal destinations but can be hot at archaeological sites. Winter offers fewer crowds and possible snow in Cappadocia, although weather may affect outdoor activities.

Seven days can provide an introduction, while 9–12 days gives first-time visitors a more balanced experience.

A classic itinerary normally includes Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale and Ephesus. Travelers who also want Gallipoli, Troy, Antalya, Fethiye or coastal relaxation should consider 12–15 days.

Comfortable walking shoes and clothing suitable for the season are essential.

For mosque visits, shoulders and knees should be covered. Women may need to cover their hair in active mosques. Scarves may be available at some entrances, but carrying a light scarf is useful. Cappadocia mornings and Bosphorus evenings can feel cooler than daytime temperatures.

The official currency is the Turkish lira.

Some tours are quoted in euros or another stated currency because they include tourism services, flights or hotels. Cards are widely accepted in major cities and tourist areas, but carrying some Turkish lira is useful for small purchases, local markets and incidental expenses.

Comprehensive personal travel insurance is strongly recommended.

A suitable policy should be considered for medical treatment, trip cancellation, missed flights, baggage problems, personal liability and activities such as hot-air ballooning. Agency or supplier insurance does not necessarily replace personal travel insurance.

Major tourism destinations welcome large numbers of international visitors, but conditions can change.

Travelers should follow local instructions, protect personal belongings and check the current travel advice issued by their own government. Inform the reservations team of any concern that may affect the planned route.

Two full days provide an introduction to Istanbul’s Old City and Bosphorus, but three or four days allow a more relaxed visit.

A balanced stay may include Sultanahmet, Topkapı Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, Galata, the Bosphorus and the Asian side.

Two full sightseeing days are recommended for Cappadocia.

This allows travelers to explore major valleys, fairy chimneys, Göreme Open-Air Museum, an underground city and local towns. A third night provides more flexibility when a hot-air balloon flight is important because flights are weather-dependent.

A balloon flight is included only when it is specifically listed in the tour package.

On many itineraries it is an optional activity that must be requested separately. Flights take place around sunrise and depend on weather, operational approval and availability.

Balloon operators may cancel flights when weather or aviation conditions are unsuitable.

The applicable refund or rescheduling procedure depends on the balloon reservation and supplier conditions. Booking the flight for the first available morning gives you a better opportunity to try again on a later morning if your itinerary allows.

Yes. A one-day Cappadocia tour from Istanbul can be arranged by plane, but it requires a very early departure and a late return.

It is suitable for travelers with limited time. A two-day program is more comfortable and allows a broader itinerary, a cave-hotel experience and the possibility of a balloon flight.

Yes. Pamukkale and Ephesus are frequently combined in two-, three- or four-day programs.

The route may use domestic flights, overnight buses, road transfers and accommodation in Kuşadası, Selçuk or Pamukkale. Combining the two destinations reduces separate travel planning and works well as an extension from Istanbul or Cappadocia.

Yes. Private and guided Ephesus shore excursions can be arranged from Kuşadası cruise port.

The ship’s arrival time, all-aboard time and passenger details must be provided in advance. The route should be planned with sufficient return time and may include Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary and the Temple of Artemis.

The best option depends on your schedule and preferred atmosphere.

A morning cruise works well before afternoon sightseeing. An afternoon cruise offers relaxed daylight views. A sunset cruise combines daylight, sunset and Istanbul’s evening skyline. Private yacht cruises are recommended for families, celebrations and groups seeking an exclusive experience.

Guiding, snacks, meals, drinks and hotel transfers depend on the selected cruise.

Some cruises include live commentary, light refreshments and a stop on the Asian side. Others focus on sightseeing or private service. Check the relevant cruise page for the precise inclusions.

Yes. Private Bosphorus cruises may be arranged for birthdays, anniversaries, marriage proposals, family groups, corporate events and private dinners.

Provide the date, preferred time, number of guests, food and beverage requirements, entertainment preferences and any decoration requests so that a suitable yacht and package can be proposed.

The preliminary schedule may be provided at confirmation, while the exact pick-up time is normally finalized after hotel, flight and operational details have been checked.

For shared tours, final timing may be communicated shortly before the service. Keep your telephone and WhatsApp contact details active.

Minor changes may be necessary because of flight schedules, museum closures, restoration work, prayer times, weather, traffic, maritime restrictions or local operational conditions.

Where possible, the team will adjust the order of visits or provide a suitable alternative without changing the main purpose of the tour.

Contact the reservations team immediately and provide the updated flight information.

The team will check whether the transfer, tour or following service can be adjusted. Additional charges may apply if a new vehicle, flight, hotel night or private service is required.

You can contact the operations team by telephone, WhatsApp or email using the details supplied in your booking confirmation.

For urgent operational matters, use the telephone or WhatsApp number shown on your voucher and include your name, tour date and booking details.