Tours to Turkey from Aktobe: prices

Tours to Turkey from Aktobe are a route with a connection through Almaty or Astana, because there are no direct flights. Holidays in Turkey are planned in advance: high season from May to October, mild weather in September and October, and in winter Istanbul, Cappadocia and ski resorts operate.

When is the best time to plan a trip to the Turkish coast?

A holiday on the coast of Turkey depends on the season and the flight dates. It is worth understanding when to go and how to build a route from Kazakhstan.

What to consider when choosing flight dates from Kazakhstan

There are no direct flights from Aktobe to Turkey, so the route is built through Almaty or Astana. Tours to Turkey from Aktobe are more convenient to book in advance in order to choose flight dates and a hotel to suit your rhythm. Holidays in Turkey begin not on the day of purchase, but on the day of the connection, and it is better to leave a gap between segments of at least three hours. Morning departures from Kazakhstani cities give more options for a connection. In high season, connecting flights fill up faster, and tickets for the desired date are gone a month to a month and a half in advance. If the dates are flexible, it is more profitable to look at the middle of the week. The Turkish side welcomes guests all year round, but in winter some resort hotels are closed, and this also affects the choice of date. Check that daylight remains between arrival and check-in.

How the season affects hotel occupancy and prices

The season on the coast of Turkey opens in May and lasts until October, and the peak of heat falls on July and August. From May to October, hotel occupancy on the coast is at its maximum, and the cost of accommodation grows along with demand. July and August are the most expensive months, and the heat in Antalya and Kemer becomes exhausting. The velvet season in September and October offers a warm sea and mild weather, while prices gradually decrease. The swimming season in Alanya, Side and Kemer starts earlier than in Bodrum and Kusadasi. In winter, not all hotels on the coast operate, but Istanbul, Cappadocia and ski resorts are open. It is worth booking tours for May and September dates two to three months in advance.

Which destinations suit different formats of holiday?

Turkey offers both beach resorts and cities with a rich programme, so the destination is chosen for the group and the goals of the trip. Below are two approaches that are most often combined in one route.

Beach resorts for a calm family vacation

For a family holiday in Turkey, Belek and Side are most often chosen. Belek is green areas, sandy beaches and large complexes with water parks, where children have something to do all day. Side attracts with a gentle entry into the sea and ancient ruins right by the shore. Kemer is suitable for those who want to combine the beach with mountains and pine air. Alanya pleases with a long coastline and a fortress on a rock. Antalya is convenient as a base: from the city it is easy to go on a sightseeing tour or to a neighbouring resort. In Belek and Side, hotels more often operate on an all inclusive basis, which simplifies everyday life with children. The holiday here is measured, without noisy parties until morning.

Cities and regions for active travellers

For active travellers, Bodrum and Marmaris on the Aegean coast are suitable. Bodrum is known for its white houses, marina and nightlife, while Marmaris is known for its bays and walks along green slopes. Fethiye and Dalaman are good for yachting, paragliding and hiking along the Lycian Way. Kusadasi is convenient as a starting point for Ephesus. Istanbul combines shopping at the Grand Bazaar with walks along the Bosphorus. Cappadocia is a separate destination with hot air balloon flights; people go there not for the sea, but for the landscapes. Aegean cuisine is lighter than Antalya cuisine, while Istanbul cuisine has absorbed both.

What is important to know before departure

Preparation for the trip begins long before the departure date, and some issues are worth settling while still in Aktobe. Below are two points that most often cause difficulties for tourists.

Money, cards and cash on site

The main currency of payment in Turkey is the lira, but in tourist areas dollars and euros are readily accepted. Cards from Kazakhstani banks do not work everywhere, so it is worth having cash with you at markets and in small cafes. Small notes will come in handy for tips and transport. It is more convenient to exchange at banks and exchange offices, not on the street. Large hotels and shops accept cards without problems, but it is worth checking withdrawal limits with your bank before departure. Keep part of the sum separately from your wallet in case of loss.

What to fill your suitcase with?

When packing for a holiday, focus on the season and the region. In Kemer and Antalya in summer you need light clothes, hats and sunscreen, while in Istanbul and Cappadocia in spring a jacket will come in handy. Take comfortable shoes for sightseeing tours of ancient cities and hikes along the coast. It is better to assemble a first aid kit with your usual medicines at home: in Turkish pharmacies some medications are sold by prescription. For the beaches of Side and Belek, add swimsuits and towels, for yachting in Fethiye — a windbreaker. An adapter for sockets will come in handy if your equipment has a plug of a different standard.

How to choose a hotel for your needs

The hotel base of Turkey is divided into city hotels, all inclusive resort complexes and boutique hotels in old quarters. The choice depends on how much time you will spend on the territory and how far you are ready to go from the sea.

Types of accommodation and meal plans

The meal plan affects the trip budget more than the hotel category. All inclusive covers breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks, which is convenient at resorts in Kemer, Side and Belek. Half board is suitable for those who want to try local cuisine in the city. Bed and breakfast at the hotel restaurant leaves the day free for trips. In Istanbul and Bodrum, people often choose bed and breakfast because there are many cafes nearby. City hotels are convenient for short stays and sightseeing programs. Resort complexes are designed for long stays and include pools and animation.

What to clarify when booking

Before confirming a booking, it is worth asking a few questions that are then difficult to resolve on site. Clarify the distance to the beach and how to get there. Ask whether transfer is included and how long it takes from the airport. Check whether the hotel has Russian-speaking staff and children's infrastructure. Clarify whether sun loungers and umbrellas by the pool are paid. Ask whether the air conditioner works around the clock and whether there are time restrictions. Separately ask about noise: proximity to night clubs in Marmaris and Bodrum can interfere with sleep.

How to build a route around the country

Turkey is well suited for combined trips: in one vacation it is realistic to see the sea, the city and the mountains. The route is built around domestic flights or car rental.

Combined trips with domestic flights

Domestic flights around Turkey allow you to combine two regions in one trip. The Istanbul — Dalaman flight takes you from the metropolis to the Aegean coast in a little over an hour. The Istanbul — Antalya direction opens access to the Mediterranean Sea and the resorts of Kemer and Side. From Istanbul it is also convenient to fly to Izmir and from there get to Kusadasi. Dalaman airport serves Fethiye and Marmaris, and this is already a different character of holidays. It is logical to start the route with a big city and finish at the beach. Such a plan saves travel time and leaves energy for impressions.

Car rental and movement between cities

Car rental is convenient for routes along the coast, where you want to stop in bays according to your own schedule. The roads between Antalya, Kemer and Fethiye are scenic, but in places winding. In Istanbul and Izmir it is better to use public transport: parking in the center is expensive and scarce. Comfortable buses run between cities, and dolmushes run along the coast. For a trip to Cappadocia, it is more convenient to take a car with a driver or join an organized transfer. Gas stations are common, but on mountain sections it is better not to delay refueling.

Briefly

• The season on the coast lasts from May to October, the velvet period is September and October.
• There are no direct flights from Aktobe, the route is built through Almaty or Astana.
• Family holidays are more often chosen in Belek and Side, active ones — in Bodrum and Marmaris.
• Cappadocia and Istanbul are suitable for a trip outside the beach season.
• The hotel base is divided into resort complexes, city hotels and boutique hotels.