Nowruz in Turkey from Astana: tours

Nauryz in Turkey from Astana is a 5–7 day trip with departure on March 20–21, when Kazakhstan has public holidays. On the coast, the air warms up to +18…+22 °C, the sea is cool, but excursions are cheaper than in summer. Direct flights operate to Istanbul, Antalya and Dalaman, tickets sell out 1.5–2 months in advance.

When to go to Turkey for Nauryz and how to choose dates?

Public holidays in Kazakhstan fall on March 21–23, and this is the best reference point for the trip. Let's look at how to choose dates to suit your rhythm.

Public holidays and trip duration

Plan a 5–7 day trip if you are flying from Astana. Nauryz in Turkey from Astana is convenient to combine with long weekends. Two days go to travel and transfers. The remaining five — to a resort or Istanbul. A short three-night trip leaves almost no time for rest. The journey takes up half. If you take a week, you have time for both the sea and excursions. Departure on March 20–21 gives a full holiday block. Return on March 26–27 allows you to get home calmly. This rhythm suits both families and couples.

Weather on the coast, in Istanbul and Cappadocia in late March

On the Mediterranean, the air warms up to +18…+22 °C. The water in Antalya, Kemer, Alanya, Side and Belek is still cool — around +16…+18 °C. Few people swim, but walking and going on excursions is comfortable. Istanbul in late March is cool: +10…+15 °C, rain and wind are frequent. In Cappadocia, at night it is around 0 °C, during the day +12…+15 °C. Balloon flights are often cancelled due to wind. Allow 2–3 days in the region with a buffer. In Marmaris, Bodrum, Kusadasi and Fethiye, the season is just waking up. It is quieter and cheaper here, but some hotels are closed.

What to consider when booking hotels and flights?

On holiday dates, demand is high, and not all hotels are open. Below is what to check before paying.

Start of the season in all inclusive hotels and resort operations

Check the hotel's opening date before booking. In Belek, Kemer and Side, some hotels only start in April. Formally the hotel is operating, but pools and some restaurants may be closed. In Marmaris, Bodrum and Kusadasi, only some establishments are open in March. But prices are lower, and the beaches are empty. On the Fethiye coast and in Dalaman, the season also starts later. If you need full all inclusive, choose hotels with year-round operation. Look at reviews for March of last season. This shows what is actually working and what is not.

Flights, connections and transfers to hotels

On Nauryz dates, tickets sell out quickly. It is better to book 1.5–2 months in advance. From the airports of Antalya, Dalaman and Bodrum, group and private transfers to hotels are organised.

How to prepare for the trip: documents, money, things

Packing in late March differs from summer. Below is what to put in your suitcase and how to handle money.

Insurance and packing for the journey

Arrange medical insurance in advance if you plan active holidays. Balloon flights, diving and excursions involve risk. Treatment in private clinics in Turkey is expensive. Insurance covers such expenses. For a calm beach holidays, it is not mandatory, but desirable. Keep documents in a separate folder along with copies. Arrange insurance for the entire duration of the trip, including flight days. Check that the policy covers Cappadocia and the coast.

Currency, cards and cash at markets

Exchange currency on the spot, not in Kazakhstan. The Turkish lira weakens against the dollar and euro, so the rate in Turkey is more favourable. In hotels and large shops in Istanbul and Antalya, cards are accepted. At the markets of Cappadocia, Bodrum and Kusadasi, cash is needed. Keep a small amount in liras for small purchases. Some hotels in the off-season may not accept cards on site. Check this when booking.

Visa and entry rules change: check with the primary source — the MFA of the Republic of Turkey, https://www.mfa.gov.tr/visa-information-for-foreigners.en.mfa. The information on this page was verified on 18.09.2026.

What to do during the holidays

In late March, what is hidden by the heat in summer is available. Let's talk about excursions and gastronomy.

Excursions and natural attractions

From Antalya, it is convenient to go to Pamukkale and Perge. From Kusadasi — to Ephesus. From Cappadocia — to the underground cities of Derinkuyu and Kaymakli. In March, excursions are cheaper than in high season. Queues are shorter, and guides are more available. In Istanbul, on Nauryz dates and spring holidays, the queues at Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and Galata Tower are long. Buy tickets to popular museums online in advance. In Cappadocia, balloon flights depend on the wind. Plan 2–3 days to catch the weather. In Fethiye and Marmaris, fog and rain are possible in spring. For car rental, an international driving licence and a deposit are required.

Gastronomy and shopping in late March

March is the season for artichokes, young lamb and fresh greens. Fish restaurants operate at the resorts. In Istanbul, try street food: simit, balik-ekmek, kebabs. In Antalya and Kemer, not all establishments are open in the off-season, but local ones operate steadily. Shopping in late March is advantageous. In the shopping malls of Istanbul and Antalya, there are discounts. Textiles, leather and jewellery are sold cheaper than in summer. At the markets of Cappadocia and Bodrum, bargaining is appropriate. Turkish cuisine is especially diverse during this period.

What is important to know about celebrating on the spot

There are no large-scale city festivities like in Kazakhstan in Turkey. The holiday takes place more in hotels and restaurants.

Themed evenings in hotels and restaurants

During Nauryz, themed evenings and festive dinners may be held in hotels and restaurants in Turkey. Check the program when booking. Large resort hotels in Belek and Kemer sometimes organize concerts and treats. In Istanbul, the holiday is almost unnoticeable: the city lives its usual life. In Marmaris and Bodrum, there are few tourists in March, so the atmosphere is calm. If a festive program is specifically important, choose a hotel marked as having themed evenings. In other cases, Nauryz will pass quietly and in a homely way.

Features of off-season holidays at different resorts

In Kemer, Belek and Side, not all hotels are open at the end of March. Some open only in April. In Alanya and Antalya, the choice is wider: the city lives all year round. In Marmaris, Bodrum and Kusadasi, only some restaurants are open. But prices are lower and there are no crowds. In Cappadocia, it is cold at night in March, but excursions are cheaper. In Istanbul, there are crowds on holidays due to school vacations. In Fethiye and Dalaman, the season starts closer to April.

In short

• Plan a trip from Astana for the holiday for 5–7 days with departure on March 20–21.
• On the coast, the air is +18…+22 °C, the sea is cool, few people swim.
• In Istanbul and Cappadocia at the end of March, a jacket and warm shoes are needed.
• Check the opening date of an all inclusive hotel before paying for the booking.
• Tickets for holiday dates are bought up 1.5–2 months in advance.