We recently hosted our first Atlas Adventures trip to Turkey! We spent six stunning days in Istanbul and Cappadocia partaking in walking tours, cooking classes, horseback riding, sunrise hot air balloon rides, and visiting all the amazing souks. Packing for a trip in early spring can sometimes prove challenging, but our trip leader Lucy had excellent suggestions to make sure everyone was prepared.
Temperatures in Turkey vary significantly in April, so layering is key to staying comfortable. Be sure to check the weather beforehand—Istanbul typically sees temperatures between 48-62°F, while Cappadocia ranges from 34-68°F (with the coldest temperatures occurring at night and early morning). We lucked out with plenty of sunshine during our trip, making versatile layers essential when temperatures rose throughout the day.
When it comes to planning what to pack for Turkey, remember that the country can be more conservative, but that doesn’t mean you have to cover up. Istanbul, in particular, has a mix of cultures, with one foot in Europe. You'll notice how modern it feels. As we were traveling in early spring with cooler weather, we didn’t need to worry too much about skirt length or covering our shoulders. If you plan to visit a mosque during your visit, they will provide a head covering and a skirt, if needed. However, for these visits, we always recommend wearing full-length pants or a long skirt for ease.
For Turkey in April, we recommended packing lightweight sweaters and jackets. Early mornings in Cappadocia can be very fresh and a little cool! Especially if your trip includes a hot air balloon at sunrise (highly recommend!). You might find by the end of that experience that you’re hot and the sun is very warm, so again, layers will be important.
A must for any packing list for Turkey is to always bring shoes that are broken in, and you can do a lot of walking in them. Be prepared for them to get wet, dirty, or dusty due to the landscape! The terrain around Istanbul's old town and all over Cappadocia can be uneven and dusty, especially in the rain. Our trip included lots of walking (especially during our food tour), so having the proper footwear is key to remaining comfortable all day. Comfortable shoes were also a necessity during our horseback riding excursion.
Sweaters & Blouses
Pants, Skirts & Dresses
Jackets & outerwear
If you’re considering a trip to Turkey, reach out for a consultation with our team to help plan your trip itinerary! We have expertise all over the world and can get you VIP perks and upgrades when you book with us.
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