Fully ATOL Protected

Customer Rating
0203 393 1003

OPENING TIMES

SALES
Monday to Friday:
Saturday and Sunday:
CUSTOMER SERVICES
Monday to Friday:
Saturday:
Sunday:
FAQs

LET US INSPIRE YOU...

Speak to one of our experts

CALL US 0203 393 1003
Closed

Turkey Cruises

Mosques, Markets & Mediterranean Magic

An unforgettable journey of culture, colour and coastal bliss! At the crossroads of Europe and Asia lies Turkey, a vibrant Mediterranean cruise destination. Loved for its ancient history, iconic landmarks and bustling bazaars, there’s plenty of things to see and do. 

Explore Istanbul’s architectural marvels like Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. Journey back in time and uncover the remarkably preserved ruins of Ephesus. In Antalya, relax on a sun-soaked beach surrounded by dramatic landscapes. You can experience all these and more on a cruise to Turkey!

Whether you’re sailing for Croatia or arriving from Italy, Turkey is an incredible addition to your Eastern Mediterranean cruise. Greece and Turkey cruises also are popularly paired. It blends idyllic isles like Santorini and Mykonos with culturally-rich cities such as Istanbul and Ephesus. 

Combining old-world heritage and dazzling coastlines with the unrivalled relaxation at sea, cruises to Turkey offer the ultimate way to experience the timeless beauty of this country.

Turkey Cruise Packages 2026 & 2027

  • Bespoke Tailor-Made Itineraries
  • Exclusive LoveitBookit Savings
  • Incredible Value Inclusions

Top Things to Do in Turkey

Discover Istanbul’s iconic landmarks

Istanbul is an energetic metropolis where tradition and modernity thrive side by side. Discover the best places to visit in Istanbul, including the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. These two crown jewels idyllically sit across each other, representing two different eras. However, both are characterised by cascading domes, towering minarets and elaborate interiors. 

Perched above the Bosphorus Strait is the Topkapi Palace. This complex was once the beating heart of the Ottoman Empire. Today, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the empire’s opulent royal life and history.

Get lost in the buzz of bazaars

Once you’ve had your fill of sacred landmarks, experience Istanbul’s lively local shopping scene next. The Grand Bazaar is one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets. It showcases Turkey’s rich craftsmanship through handmade charms, carpets, ceramics and more. 

Meanwhile, the Spice Bazaar invites foodies and shoppers alike on a sensory-inducing journey. Filled with the enticing aromas of herbs, dried fruits and teas, it’s truly a stop rich in flavour and fragrance. From magnificent mosques to sprawling bazaars, there’s plenty of things to do in Istanbul.

Indulge in a traditional Turkish bath

A Turkish bath offers the perfect combination of relaxation and culture. This cleansing ritual dates back to the early Roman and Byzantine eras. It was refined in the later Ottoman period, creating the traditional bath experience you can enjoy today. 

A classic Turkish bath includes steam therapy, vigorous body scrubs and foam massages. Trying this traditional spa-like ritual is one of the most unmissable things to do in Turkey. Where warmth meets tranquillity, hammam baths help guests discover the pinnacle of rejuvenation. 

Step into the ancient world at Ephesus

Ephesus is an ancient city, one of the best-preserved classical metropolises in Europe. Walking around feels like stepping into a living museum, where beautifully-preserved ruins and sacred pilgrimage sites echo the authentic spirit of Ancient Greece. It’s home to the iconic Library of Celsius, which once housed an estimated 12,000 scrolls. 

It’s also the site of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. From stunning temples and theatres to Roman residences, Ephesus evokes a heightened sense of nostalgia at every turn. 

Turkey Cruises Highlights

Timeless Treasures

Timeless Treasures

On Turkey cruises, some of the major port stops are Kusadasi and Istanbul. These serve as the springboard to Turkey's world-class historical and architectural heritage.

Istanbul was the imperial capital of some of the greatest civilizations in human history. The Eastern Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires once thrived here. Today, the metropolis is the cultural heart of Turkey. It's where layered history seamlessly blends with architectural grandeur and modern energy.

Kusadasi is the gateway to Ephesus, home to archeological wonders that withstood the test of time. The cruise port brims with sun-soaked beaches and a pulsating nightlife, adding another layer of charm.

Delectable Delights

Delectable Delights

Straddling Asia and Europe, Turkey’s culinary landscape is a flavourful fusion of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. The famous signature Kebabs are a staple in traditional Turkish cuisine. These savoury, thinly sliced meats are typically served on skewers or wrapped in a flatbread. 

Be sure to sample the ultimate Turkish dessert – Baklava. This sweet-layered pastry is topped with crushed nuts and syrup! 

Finally, we recommend pairing your delicious local meal with a brewed Turkish coffee, a strong black tea or a refreshing Ayran yogurt drink.

Sun-lit Shores & Sandy Beaches

Sun-lit Shores & Sandy Beaches

Beyond the ancient wonders and irresistible local cuisine, Turkey boasts a stunning stretch of powdery beaches along the Aegean and Mediterranean seas. Some cruises to Turkey set sail for the sun-soaked shores of Antalya. This coastal gem on the Turkish Riviera is steeped with antiquity, azure waters and endless sunshine. 

Indulge in a luxury beach day in Lara Beach. Or, relax on the pebbled shores of Konyaalti Beach, surrounded by dramatic landscapes. There’s plenty of ways to take in Antalya’s sun-lit serenity!

Turkey Facts

First trip to the Turkey, here are some useful facts you might find interesting.

  • Time Zone GMT +3
  • Average Flying Time 3 to 4 Hours
  • Currency Turkish Lira
  • Visa Not Required

Turkey Cruises: Frequently Asked Questions

Which cruise lines go to Turkey?

Here at LoveitBookit, we offer Turkey cruise packages with popular cruise lines. This includes Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Oceania Cruises and Explora Journeys. These incredible cruise itineraries also visit Greek Islands, Croatia, Italy and Montenegro.

When is the best time for a Turkey cruise?

The cruise season for Turkey is usually from spring to the end of Autumn. Summer is the high season, welcoming the highest volume of cruise travellers. It’s also the best time to enjoy the sun-drenched beaches along the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts. Many find spring to be the ideal time, thanks to the pleasant weather. It's perfect for sightseeing ancient ruins, city tours and outdoor adventures.

Where do Turkey cruises call?

Istanbul, Kusadasi (Ephesus), Antalya and Bodrum are the primary port destinations. For Turkey cruises, each cruise hub brings new beauty and unique experiences.

Is there a dress code for mosques in Turkey? 

Dressing modestly is the golden rule that should be observed if you plan to visit a mosque in Turkey. Both men and women are required to wear clothing that covers the knees and shoulders. Women must also fully cover their hair with a scarf.

Is tipping customary in Turkey?

Tipping (bahşiş) in Turkey is a genuine gesture of appreciation but not mandatory. Leaving a 10-15% tip on your restaurant bill is widely practiced. Giving gratuities to the hotel staff, porters and tour guides is also accepted.

Let us inspire you

WHY BOOK WITH LOVEITBOOKIT

LoveitBookit are proud to be accredited as one of the leading, independent cruise agencies in the UK. Our reliable, CLIA-recognised cruise experts are here to help you plan your dream cruise holiday and support you through every step of your journey.

Our passion lies in curating unparalleled cruise experiences for our customers, ensuring you book your dream holiday with absolute confidence. As well as being part of the Travel Trust Association and a 5-times winner of the Platinum Trusted Service Award from Feefo, you can rest assured that when you book a LoveitBookit cruise escape, your holiday is fully ATOL and Financially Protected.

BESPOKE PACKAGES

We handpick cruise itineraries and package them with incredible, added-value inclusions to create the perfect tailor-made holiday experience for our customers.

TRAVEL EXPERTS

Holiday planning made easy! Our dedicated team boasts unrivalled cruise industry and destination knowledge and are committed to delivering exceptional customer service.

AS SEEN ON TV

For holiday inspiration and cruise line insights, you can watch our hottest cruise escapes come to life on your television screen daily with Cruise TV by LoveitBookit.

LET US INSPIRE YOU

Get the hottest deals and latest cruise packages