Best Amasya Tours & Things to Do in Amasya | Turkey

✓ Last reviewed: May 2026 — Verified and updated by our licensed Turkey travel experts. Quick Answer: An Amasya tour offers a unique journey into one of Turkey's most beautiful cities, famous for its riverside Ottoman houses and ancient rock tombs. A guided tour typically costs between $150 and $400 USD per person per day. The ideal duration for a visit is 2 to 3 days , with the best time to go being spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October) for pleasant weather. What is Amasya and Why is it Called the "Apple of Turkey"? Amasya is a captivating city in northern Turkey , nestled in a narrow, dramatic valley carved by the Yeşilırmak River. Often overlooked in favor of more famous destinations, Amasya is a true hidden gem, a place where history feels alive and palpable. Its visual signature is the stunning contrast between the traditional, half-timbered Ottoman Yalıboyu houses lining the riverbank and the sheer rock cliffs towering above, into which the tombs of ancient Pontic kings are carved. The city's endearing nickname, the "Apple of the Eye of Turkey " (or simply the "Apple City"), comes from its world-famous Amasya Misket Elması , a delicious and aromatic muscat apple grown in the fertile surrounding plains. This isn't just a modern marketing term; the apple has been a symbol of the region for centuries. The legend of Ferhat and Şirin , a famous Turkish love story akin to Romeo and Juliet, is deeply rooted here and even involves the hero carving through mountains for water, a story often intertwined with the region's agricultural bounty. A visit to Amasya is a step back in time, offering a more authentic and serene experience than the bustling streets of Sultanahmet Istanbul Turkey , and represents a core part of what makes our guided Turkey tours so special. Why Should You Visit Amasya on Your Turkey Trip? While Istanbul has its imperial grandeur and Cappadocia its fantastical landscapes, Amasya offers something distinctly different: intimate, living his