Turkey Tours in May 2026
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10 best Turkey trips in May 2026
Compiled by
SteffTurkey travel expert at TourRadar
- Premium Turkey in Depth (9 destinations)
- Essential Turkey (from Istanbul to Antalya)
- 6 Days - Ephesus, Pamukkale, Antalya&Cappadocia / by Plane
- Sacred Pathways: Tracing the Legacy of the Seven Churches 10 Day Tour
- 10 Days Wonders of Turkey
- Turkey Beauty Tour
- 9 Days Highlights of Turkey Tour
- Aegean Prelude Tour
- Flying Carpet Tour
- Fire of Anatolia Tour
Premium Turkey in Depth (9 destinations)
14 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“One of the best trips I have done; everything was perfect.”
Steve, traveled in June
Duration 15 days Destinations Istanbul, Çanakkale, Selcuk, Pamukkale, Kas, Antalya, Konya, Cappadocia Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Premium From
- NZ$9,245
Essential Turkey (from Istanbul to Antalya)
24 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great bunch of people, incredible sights and activities. 10/10 Would recommend.”
Elliot, traveled in June
Duration 10 days Destinations Istanbul, Çanakkale, Ayvalik, Selcuk, Pamukkale, Fethiye, Kayakoy, Kekova, Antalya Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Intrepid Travel May departure dates
See All Departure Dates2 May, 2026 10+ spaces left 9 May, 2026 10+ spaces left From
- NZ$1,630
6 Days - Ephesus, Pamukkale, Antalya&Cappadocia / by Plane
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The length of the tour, the amount of information, the amount of touring vs free time. It was ideal.”
Rachael, traveled in March
Duration 6 days Destinations Istanbul, Izmir, Ephesus Archaeological Museum, Kusadasi, Pamukkale, Antalya, Konya, Cappadocia Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Tour Altinkum Travel May departure dates
See All Departure Dates7 May, 2026 10+ spaces left 14 May, 2026 10+ spaces left From $1,902
17% Off- NZ$1,579You save $323
Sacred Pathways: Tracing the Legacy of the Seven Churches 10 Day Tour
20 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The whole tour in overall was enjoyable and eye opening to be able to see Türkiye in a short time.”
Jason, traveled in September
Duration 10 days Destinations Istanbul, Çanakkale, Pergamum, Izmir, Kusadasi, Pamukkale, Konya, Cappadocia, Ankara, Bolu Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Dorak Tours May departure dates
See All Departure Dates6 May, 2026 10+ spaces left 20 May, 2026 10+ spaces left From $4,372
25% Off- NZ$3,279You save $1,093
10 Days Wonders of Turkey
80 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The guides, accommodations and sites were amazing. I'll need to return for a longer stay.”
Barbara, traveled in August
Duration 10 days Destinations Istanbul, Kusadasi, Pamukkale, Ephesus Archaeological Museum, Antalya, Cappadocia Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Guide of Ephesus May departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 May, 2026 10+ spaces left 2 May, 2026 10+ spaces left From $3,104
50% Off- NZ$1,552You save $1,552
Turkey Beauty Tour
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Fantastic tour!!! Beautiful sights!!”
Yvonne, traveled in December
Duration 8 days Destinations Istanbul, Kusadasi, Selcuk, Pamukkale, Konya, Cappadocia, Goreme, Ankara Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Fez Travel May departure dates
See All Departure Dates4 May, 2026 10+ spaces left 11 May, 2026 10+ spaces left From
50% Off- NZ$3,427
9 Days Highlights of Turkey Tour
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The authentic Turkish cuisine at lunch were delicious and elaborate with so many choices on the buffet.”
Anna, traveled in May
Duration 9 days Destinations Istanbul, Selcuk, Kusadasi, Pamukkale, Antalya, Konya, Cappadocia Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator City of Sultans May departure dates
See All Departure Dates6 May, 2026 10+ spaces left 13 May, 2026 10+ spaces left From
50% Off- NZ$2,397
Aegean Prelude Tour
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Very quick response from the company. We were happy our trip!”
Yan, traveled in May
Duration 7 days Destinations Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Pergamum, Kusadasi, Selcuk, Pamukkale, Marmaris Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Fez Travel May departure dates
See All Departure Dates2 May, 2026 10+ spaces left 9 May, 2026 10+ spaces left From
50% Off- NZ$2,804
Flying Carpet Tour
14 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Touring the country was a fabulous experience, and that was primarily due to the efforts of my guide Omer.”
Bret, traveled in May
Duration 15 days Destinations Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Pergamum, Ephesus Archaeological Museum, Kusadasi, Pamukkale, Marmaris, Koycegiz, DalyanSee all destinations Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Fez Travel May departure dates
See All Departure Dates9 May, 2026 10 spaces left 23 May, 2026 10 spaces left From
50% Off- NZ$6,773
Fire of Anatolia Tour
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Very well organized tour. We visited all the sites mentioned in their brochure. Hotels were very good to excellent.”
Mohamed, traveled in May
Duration 11 days Destinations Istanbul, Ankara, Cappadocia, Goreme, Pasabag, Uchisar, Konya, Pamukkale, Kusadasi, SelcukSee all destinations Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Fez Travel May departure dates
See All Departure Dates8 May, 2026 10 spaces left 22 May, 2026 10 spaces left From
50% Off- NZ$6,119
What people love about Turkey Tours in May
This trip has totally exceeded my expectations. This has been mainly due to Ugur our tour leader who was also our guide. His leadership and knowledge has been extraordinary and we had an absolute ball. We learned so much about Turkey, its history, its people and culture including its delicious cuisine. The ancient places we visited and and the history of them was passed on to us by Ugur in an easy to understand way that encouraged us to find out more and ask questions. The accommodation was mainly in the old town, close to the sights and of exceptional quality. Another highlight was our day boat trip to the Kekova Sunken City that provided us with the opportunity to relax and have a swim in the turquoise water. All in all a great trip that gives you an exceptional advertiser for going and see more of Turkey.
Premium Turkey in Depth (9 destinations)
- Turkey Beauty Tour
guides Tamer, Ensar. kay, Asar did great. nobody was there with a sign at ISTANBUL airport both times. pick up was 15 minutes late this morning
- Aegean Prelude Tour
Tour and Itinerary were comprehensive and good. Driver was very good at his job, but would have preferred if the Guide and Driver didn't have loud, animated conversations during our drives, as that was when we were all resting. There were a few extras along the way, that we were not informed about as an option from the guide, until I asked. Also, there was a Museum with relics, etc. in Efesus, that we were not told about either. I understand one has to pay extra for it, but we should have been told about the option to visit it. When I asked what the building was, we were already quite far from it, and the little free time at the end, would not have allowed for enough time to go all the way back. Would have worked well if the guide had given us a little free time in between as the distances are large, but I guess he didn't want to wait for us, and instead wanted to finish off his tour and go back to the van. Logistically, this was not to the advantage of the clients. Also, accommodations in Kudasadi were below average. The hotel is really run down and we were expecting to be put up at the Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel (or similar) as per the itinerary, which was much nicer. Lastly, the guide was extremely professional, pleasant, knowledgeable and factual, but lacked a personality and the ability to make the information he was giving us, less dry and more interesting. If these few things could be improved on, I think it would be a very good tour.
What our customers ask about Turkey Tours in May 2026
What is the weather like in Turkey during May?
Turkey's climate in May creates excellent conditions for exploring the country. Istanbul sees temperatures between 20-25°C (68-77°F) which makes walking through historical areas comfortable. Cappadocia's cool mornings work well for balloon rides before the temperature rises to 22-24°C (71-75°F). The Aegean coast near Kusadasi and Ephesus maintains steady warmth around 25°C (77°F) with minimal rain. Recent visitors on TourRadar consistently mention the "perfect spring conditions for exploring ancient ruins."
What special events or festivals happen in Turkey during May?
May brings notable cultural events throughout Turkey. The International Istanbul Tulip Festival fills the city with millions of flowers in early May. Traditional spring celebrations come alive during the Hidrellez Festival on May 5-6 with folk music and dance performances. Cappadocia hosts the Turkish Air Games Festival where visitors can watch competitive hot air balloon displays. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "We were lucky to catch the tulip festival in Istanbul - the city was absolutely beautiful with flowers everywhere."
How busy are tourist attractions in Turkey during May?
Tourist numbers in May hit a sweet spot between low winter attendance and summer crowds. Key attractions like Hagia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar welcome steady visitors without feeling packed. Historical sites including Ephesus offer space to explore at a relaxed pace. According to TourRadar feedback "May offered the perfect balance - sites were lively but not overcrowded and we could take photos at Pamukkale's white terraces without masses of people."
What are the accommodation options like in Turkey during May?
May presents strong value as hotels prepare for peak season. Distinctive options like Cappadocia's Gamirasu Hotel offer cave room experiences at pre-summer rates. Along the coast the Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel in Kusadasi and similar properties operate with good availability. One TourRadar guest observed: "We got excellent rates at boutique hotels in May just before peak season prices kicked in."
What marine activities are available in Turkey during May?
Water activities begin to pick up in May across Turkey's coastlines. Bosphorus cruises run regularly in Istanbul under clear skies. The Aegean region near Kusadasi sees tour boats heading out to hidden beaches with water temperatures reaching 20°C (68°F). TourRadar reviews suggest "taking advantage of fewer crowds on boat tours along the coast with perfect weather for combining historical sites with marine activities."
What are the best day trips available in Turkey during May?
Spring weather in May opens up excellent day trip possibilities. Popular options take visitors from Istanbul to the Princes' Islands through Kusadasi to ancient Ephesus or to see Pamukkale's white terraces. Tour operators run spring-specific schedules that connect multiple locations. A recent TourRadar review noted: "The day trip to Ephesus in May was perfect - comfortable temperature for walking through the ancient city and beautiful spring flowers everywhere."