What are the most popular destinations?

Turkey's December tourism centers around three main locations. Istanbul draws visitors to the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace. Cappadocia's otherworldly landscape features distinctive rock formations and hotels built into caves such as MDC Cave Hotel. The thermal pools of Pamukkale round out the winter attractions. A boat trip on the Bosphorus and time spent in the Grand Bazaar offer shelter from December weather. As one TourRadar traveler noted "Cappadocia in winter was breathtaking with snow-capped fairy chimneys and the hot air balloon ride over the snowy landscape was unforgettable."

Are there any special events or festivals in Turkey during December?

December brings two notable cultural celebrations to Turkey. The Whirling Dervishes Festival runs December 10-17 in Konya marking Rumi's death anniversary. Istanbul embraces the holiday season with Christmas and New Year markets concentrated in Taksim Square and the Nişantaşı neighborhood. A TourRadar traveler mentioned "The Mevlana Festival in Konya was a highlight of our December trip with mesmerizing Sema ceremonies at the Mevlana Cultural Center."

What is the weather like in Turkey during December?

Turkish winter weather varies by location. Istanbul sees temperatures of 8-12°C (46-54°F) with rain showers. Cappadocia drops to 0-5°C (32-41°F) often with snow which transforms the landscape. The coast near Kusadasi stays mild at 12-15°C (54-59°F) making visits to sites like Ephesus comfortable. According to TourRadar travelers "the climate in December was perfect for exploring historic sites like Hagia Sophia and the Underground Cities without the summer crowds."

How much should I budget for a December trip to Turkey?

December travel costs in Turkey range from 130-220 USD daily including stays at properties like Arte Cave Hotel in Cappadocia or Efe Boutique Hotel in Kusadasi. Winter rates drop 15-20% below peak season prices. Budget for entrance fees to major sites: Topkapi Palace (50 EUR) and Hagia Sophia (25 EUR). A TourRadar traveler mentioned: "December offered great value for money with lower accommodation rates and fewer tourists."

What indoor activities are recommended for rainy December days?

Turkey's indoor attractions provide refuge on wet December days. Istanbul's Grand Bazaar and Spice Market offer covered shopping. Ankara's Museum of Anatolian Civilizations presents regional history. Traditional hammams welcome visitors year-round. A TourRadar traveler recommended "We spent a rainy December afternoon at Istanbul's Topkapi Palace and the archaeological museums followed by traditional Turkish tea at the historic Pera Palace Hotel."

What winter activities are available in Cappadocia during December?

December transforms Cappadocia into a winter destination. Balloon flights over snow-dusted rock formations cost 220-350 USD per person. The region's Underground Cities remain accessible year-round. Cave hotels like Under Cave Hotel offer unique accommodation. As one TourRadar traveler shared: "The December snow made Cappadocia look like a winter wonderland especially during our morning balloon flight."

Turkey Tours in December 2026

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Ancient Wonders
Absolute Turkey: Winter
4.2 (5 traveler reviews)
"Great tour, weather was good as winter not started yet."
Jeni, traveled in November
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Istanbul, Bolu, Ankara, Goreme, Cappadocia, Konya, Beysehir,Antalya,Pamukkale,Selcuk,Sirince,Pergamum,Ayvalik,Troy,Çanakkale,Gallipoli+9 more
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G Adventures
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5 Dec, 2026
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19 Dec, 2026
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City & Culture
5 Days Istanbul & Bursa Winter Escape
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Istanbul, Bursa
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
MarmaraWestern Turkey+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
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Guide of Ephesus
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US$1,250per person
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1 Dec, 2026
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2 Dec, 2026
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Best of Turkey (Winter)
4.3 (13 traveler reviews)
"The itinerary was great and hit ALMOST everything i wanted to see. Every day was an adventure."
Stefanie, traveled in March
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Istanbul, Gallipoli, Çanakkale, Troy, Izmir, Selcuk,Pamukkale,Antalya,Aspendos,Konya,Cappadocia,Saratli,Ortahisar,Goreme,Pasabag,Avanos,Ankara+11 more
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All Ages Welcome
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Trafalgar
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11 Dec, 2026
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26 Dec, 2026
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Ancient Wonders
Wonders of Turkey Luxury Tour 10 Days
4.9 (34 traveler reviews)
"Been a wonderful revisit to Turkey. All transportations are fulfilled and timing are right"
Goldilocks, traveled in May
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Istanbul, Gallipoli, Çanakkale, Troy, Pergamum, Kusadasi,Selcuk,Pamukkale,Sultanhani,Cappadocia,Goreme,Devrent,Avanos,Uchisar,Ortahisar+9 more
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All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English, Spanish
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Have A Travel Agency
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From $3,750
US$1,875per person
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1 Dec, 2026
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2 Dec, 2026
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Ancient Wonders
7 Days Gallipoli & Turkey Classics Tour
4.8 (8 traveler reviews)
"The hotels were great as were all provided meals."
Helen, traveled in April
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Istanbul, Gallipoli, Eceabat, Çanakkale, Troy, Pergamum,Kusadasi,Selcuk,Sirince,Pamukkale,Konya,Cappadocia,Cavusin,Ozkonak,Ortahisar+9 more
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Ages 8+
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Turkey Escapades
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6 Dec, 2026
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13 Dec, 2026
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Ancient Wonders
Turkey Classics Tour
4.6 (132 traveler reviews) award winner
"This tour was fantastic with our tour guide G, being knowledgeable and helpful."
Michael, traveled in October
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Istanbul, Gallipoli, Çanakkale, Troy, Kuşadası,Ephesus Archaeological Museum,Pamukkale,Sultanhani,Konya,Cappadocia,Goreme,Ankara+7 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
Fez Travel
25% Off
From $1,815
US$1,361per person
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7 Dec, 2026
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14 Dec, 2026
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Ancient Wonders
Absolutely Turkey (Small group tour)
4.5 (96 traveler reviews)
"We felt immersed in the culture and history and with such a small group, it felt much more personal!"
Brenda, traveled in February
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Istanbul, Ankara, Cappadocia, Goreme, Uchisar, Sultanhani,Pamukkale,Selcuk,Izmir,Pergamum,Troy,Çanakkale,Gallipoli+7 more
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Ages 6+
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Eskapas
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28 Dec, 2026
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Ancient Wonders
Wonders of Turkey-7 Days
4.8 (13 traveler reviews)
"The organization was superb! We felt very safe the entire trip."
Nancy, traveled in April
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Istanbul, Goreme, Avanos, Uchisar, Cappadocia, Cavusin,Ortahisar,Izmir,Selcuk,Kusadasi,Pamukkale+5 more
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All Ages Welcome
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Have A Travel Agency
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1 Dec, 2026
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Ancient Wonders
Anatolian Civilizations (Small Group)
4.5 (112 traveler reviews)
"Great professional experience."
Peter, traveled in July
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Istanbul, Ankara, Cappadocia, Goreme, Uchisar, Sultanhani,Pamukkale,Selcuk,Izmir,Pergamum,Troy,Çanakkale,Gallipoli+7 more
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Ages 6+
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Eskapas
7% Off
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12 Dec, 2026
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13 Dec, 2026
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Ancient Wonders
10-Day Private, Premium Tour of TURKEY | A Regal Sojourn for Kindred Spirits! | VIP Road Trip | by ANGELS VACATIONS
4.8 (5 traveler reviews)
"The trip gave us a wonderful chance to get a sense of Turkiye, its long history and its agriculture and scenery."
David, traveled in July
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Istanbul, Cappadocia, Uchisar, Devrent, Pasabag, Goreme,Sultanhani,Konya,Pamukkale,Ephesus Archaeological Museum,Kusadasi,Pergamum,Troy,Çanakkale,Gallipoli+9 more
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All Ages Welcome
Operated in
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Angels Vacations
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1 Dec, 2026
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2 Dec, 2026
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Ancient Wonders
10 Days Wonders of Turkey
4.6 (184 traveler reviews) award winner
"Overall the trip was excellent."
Guy, traveled in May
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Istanbul, Kusadasi, Pamukkale, Selcuk, Antalya, Cappadocia,Goreme,Cavusin,Pasabag,Devrent,Avanos,Ozkonak,Uchisar+7 more
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Guide of Ephesus
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1 Dec, 2026
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Ancient Wonders
10 Days -Best of Turkey Tour / by Plane
4.7 (153 traveler reviews)
"Tour Altinkum Travel organised itinerary very well."
Xianglong, traveled in June
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Istanbul, Kusadasi, Selcuk, Pamukkale, Antalya, Cappadocia,Goreme,Avanos,Uchisar,Cavusin,Ortahisar+5 more
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All Ages Welcome
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Tour Altinkum Travel
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1 Dec, 2026
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Ancient Wonders
10 Days Turkey Escapades Tour
4.8 (48 traveler reviews)
"The tour is exceptionally well organised with clear and advanced communication. All transfers are stylish and comfortable."
Raquel, traveled in April
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Istanbul, Gallipoli, Eceabat, Çanakkale, Troy, Pergamum,Kusadasi,Selcuk,Sirince,Pamukkale,Konya,Cappadocia,Cavusin,Ozkonak,Ortahisar+9 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
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Turkey Escapades
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4 Dec, 2026
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11 Dec, 2026
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Ancient Wonders
8 Days - Istanbul, Ephesus, Pamukkale & Cappadocia / by Plane
4.7 (99 traveler reviews)
"Day tours, accommodation, transport, timeliness etc all EXCELLENT."
Rita, traveled in May
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Istanbul, Kusadasi, Pamukkale, Selcuk, Cappadocia, Goreme,Avanos,Uchisar,Cavusin,Ortahisar+4 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
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Tour Altinkum Travel
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1 Dec, 2026
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2 Dec, 2026
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Ancient Wonders
MAGNIFICENT TURKEY | Istanbul, Ankara, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Ephesus, Izmir, Troy and more
4.2 (6 traveler reviews)
"There was a lot packed in on this tour and we learnt/saw a lot about Türkiye."
Graham, traveled in September
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Istanbul, Ankara, Cappadocia, Pamukkale,Ephesus Archaeological Museum,Izmir,Pergamum,Troy,Çanakkale,Gallipoli+6 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Western Turkey
Operated in
English
Operator
Greca
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1 Dec, 2026
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2 Dec, 2026
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