Highlights of Turkey

34 Reviews

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  Anonymous
  Written on November 5, 2013

  4.0 - Good

  A fascinating excursion visiting some very important sites.An illuminating insight into the history, culture and topography of this important "new" nation. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Truth to tell, the trip through Turkey was inspirational in so many ways. Rather like analysing a rich tapestry, one has to admire the colour, texture, content and skill of the artist(s).The lavish Islamic architecture of Istanbul's Blue Mosque amongst others has to make such buildings remarkable icons of huge historic and modern importance. The Topkapi Palace evokes a sense of the huge lavish empire which was that of the Ottomans, while the phenomena of Cappadocia with its startling landscapes and the blazing white cliffs of Pammukale leave unforgettable images in the mind's eye.Ancient monuments of World Heritage status, the poignant juxtaposition of Galipolli's natural beauty alongside memorials to the many dead on both sides in that cruel war. All was inspirationalWhat did you think of your group leader?Our group leader was a very personable and skilled young man. He was knowledgeable and at the same time keen to interact with members of the group and to show an interest in each and every one.Clearly he was well versed in the necessary skills of diplomacy and always ready to be flexible whilst ensuring that we covered the salient items of the itinerary.I feel that we learned a great deal about Turkey from one of its proud citizens.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Read about the country and try to learn a few words. Locals were very warm but especially to hear a few words in Turkish from visiting tourists. Be prepared to be amazed regardless of what you have read or seen in books or films. We travelled in October. Prepare for extremes of weather.North of the Taurus Range nights were cool and required warm clothing. Once we reached the south coast we experienced weather reminiscent of an excellent British Summer. Bring your swimmies!! Is there anything else you would like to add?The hotels were at times disappointing: the best was in Fethiye, others were sometimes cramped or austere.However, relatively little time was spent in our hotels and so given the value for money, it was not too much of a problem. If you're concerned about the accommodation, get a list of the hotels where you'll be staying and see if they feature on Booking.com or Tripadvisor, for example.If you have euros take some with. Often things worked out cheaper paying in euros than in Turkish Lira and if you think on the last day that you won't be back in Istanbul before 8pm, make sure to purchase  items from the Spice Market at the start of your trip.  güvenli bir yolculuk!
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  Anonymous
  Written on October 22, 2013

  5.0 - Excellent

  An absolutely amazing holiday, done at a leisurely pace with a brilliant local guide - (Fatih) who answered all the questions I put to him. I can highly recommend this tripWhat was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Discovering how hard and to what lengths the Turks (particularly the farmers and artisan workers) will go in order to earn some money. In addition, all the ancient sites we visited, the principal one must be Termessos and the hike to it.What did you think of your group leader?Fatih conducted the tour in a very professional manner, is extremely knowledgeable not only about the sites we visited but also about turkey itself. To sum up, his role as a guide was excellent.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?noneIs there anything else you would like to add?In view of the 3,000 plus kms we did for this tour, there are a few days when a lot of time necessitated the group being in the coach but short breaks for snacks etc were always organised.
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  Anonymous
  Written on January 5, 2013

  4.0 - Good

  Thoroughly enjoyed getting a full flavour of Turkey and the chance to immserse myself in the culture.  Saw lots of out of the way places that were so interesting, such as an Ottoman house used as a living museum depicting life in those times and the crafts used.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Being up in a forest path, in an amazing amphitheatre looking down over the mountains; some of us chose to spend time with the person who makes Dervishes' felt hats - that was so interesting; Gallipoli which is so moving and a monument to both sides of the war - we were made to feel welcome by the Turks; having an evening with a lady in Capadocia in her own home - what an astonishing building and a nice meal.  Too many things to choose from!What did you think of your group leader?Kemet was wonderful.  She was well informed and kind as well as good fun.  When a restraunt was getting behind with orders, she went and helped in the kitchen so we did not have to wait too long!Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Enjoy!Is there anything else you would like to add?Yes -Sadly a lovely lady on our trip died (of a pre-existing illness) Exodus were so kind and thoughtful and supportive to the bereaved, our party and our guide. Our group leader was a tower of strength. This is a very rare thing to happen, but it shows when the chips down Exodus are the goods.Also, I did feel Christianity was underplayed.  I will explain - we did not get to see the famous churches in Capadocia even though they were within walking distance and we had time; we missed Mary's house though we were near it and we were taken to see the "cave of the sleepers" with no mention of the huge ruin next to it that turned out to be a very early Christian catacomb!For Exodus to consider:  I understand the tour is cutting out Konya but the Dervish history and mosque were so interesting. I am concerned that this is being replaced by more free time in Istanbul. Though to be fair, I know Istanbul and it may be that other travellers felt they did not get enough time there.  However,  I just worry that if trips are going to more comfortable hotels and having more free days, they will turn into ordinary package holidays. I am older and I choose Exodus because I like the "young" feel of trips, mixing with all ages, and I enjoy the fast pace; while I am in a country I want to see and experience everything I can.  I'm not ready for Saga yet!!!That said, I wouldn't want to travel with anyone else!
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  Anonymous
  Written on November 6, 2012

  4.0 - Good

  A very interesting trip, especially for those with a fascination for anciant sites as it covers quite a few. Extensive travelling interspered with stops of interest so cannot really be considered "leisurely" in the fact that there isn't very much actual free time. However, gives a good general overview of Turkey and its quite complicated history.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Obviously Cappadocia which was more extensive than I imagined and quite mind blowing.The peace and serenity at Teremossos compared to the frantic activity at Ephesus. Arriving at Assos harbour as the sun set.The tour of Gallipoli - very moving.What did you think of your group leader?Gorkhan was great. Very charming as well as good looking but also knowledgeable about every site we visited but who also understood when we wanted some quiet time on the coach.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Be prepared for extensive tavelling. Read up on the sites you are likely to visit before the holiday (if you have an interest) as it is hard to assimilate all the information on site and a little background knowledge would go a long way to adding to your enjoyment.Do try the hamam in Selcuk (or any other place). It was quite an experience!Try to stay a few more days in Istanbul at the end of the trip to visit the places you didn't get around to and just to enjoy exploring - it's a grat city.Is there anything else you would like to add?The trip has certainly given me the desire to go back to Turkey to explore further afield. So perhaps another trip is in order when the funds allow.
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  Anonymous
  Written on September 12, 2012

  5.0 - Excellent

  This trip allows you to see a fair amout of Turkey and most of the main sites in 14 days.  All the sites visited were well worth seeing and I wasn't disappointed by any of them.  I now wish I had time to see the rest of the country.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?All the areas visited were interesting but I particularly liked the Cappadocia area and the underground city at Derinkuyu was amazing.The story of Troy is one of the most well known and it was great to see the place after much imagining. Istanbul is a great city and you could easily spend more time there.What did you think of your group leader?Kiymet our tour leader was very knowlegable and informative.  She ensured that the trip ran smoothly and made time for everyone. Excellent.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Think about when to go. It was pretty hot at times and, for me, if it had been any hotter visiting some of the sites would not have been as enjoyable.If you use the laundry service provided by the hotel at Antalya be careful, they obviously wash all colours together and some of my clothes came back prety grey.Is there anything else you would like to add?Great trip, well worth going on.
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  Anonymous
  Written on September 11, 2012

  5.0 - Excellent

  The Highlights of Turkey trip was an excellent introduction to the vast array of fascinating sites around the country.While the intinerary is very full and some travel days are long, all of the places visited were worth the effort.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?The ancient ruins at Troy were magnificent. To be able to visit a place with such a powerful mythological legacy is a real treat for the imagination.What did you think of your group leader?The group leader was very professional and well organised. Everything on the trip went as planned and there were no logistical hitches en-route.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?The heat wasn't as bad as I anticipated, though I would avoid July and early August if possible. Also, if you are unfamiliar with Hellenistic/Roman history, some advance research will greatly enhance the experience.Turkey is not a foodie destination and much of what is on offer is quite bland. On a positive note, food is fresh and generally very local. Coffee is also an unexpected disappointment.
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  Anonymous
  Written on June 16, 2012

  3.0 - Average

  I felt that we spent too much time in the coach.With some tweaking and refinement I am sure this could be avoided.Perhaps cut outPergamum and Troy and less time at the war graves.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Termessos TheaterEphesusStadium AphrodisiasIstanbulWhat did you think of your group leader?Very nice girl and very capable, but she did tend to waffle and repeat herself. Her choice of local motorway buffets became monotonousDo you have any advice for potential travellers?Avoid the restaurants in the Istanbul fish markets, they are poor value. Instead go on the Bosphorous trip to Anadolus Kavagi.The fish is beautifully cooked and presented and great value, especially the set menusIs there anything else you would like to add?Allow extra time in Istanbul, it is facsinating
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  Anonymous
  Written on May 3, 2012

  4.0 - Good

  This was a well thought-out tour which showed us some amazing sights and a good introduction to Turkey and its history. Although it involved a lot of travelling, we had a comfortable bus and our time was efficiently organised with no wastage. Our guide was excellent, knowledgeable, always ready to sort out any problems, and good company.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Impossible to say: Aya Sophia and the Blue Mosque in Istanbul; Cappadocia; the Roman ruins at Aspendos, Thermissos, Aphrodisias and of course Ephesus (especially the terrace houses); some of the exhibits in the museums at Aphrodisias and Antalya; the ruins of Hieropolis and the travertine steps at Pamukkale - all were memorable highlights of the holiday.What did you think of your group leader?Excellent, as noted above.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?No. Everything was as you would expect. At the time of year for our tour (April) it is as well to prepare for both cold times (we visited a frozen lake and were in deep snow) and warm (we swam in the sea). Also, if you have Euros they are widely accepted, prices often (irritatingly) being quoted in Euros.Is there anything else you would like to add?The only disappointment was the poor breakfasts in every one of the hotels - always terrible instant coffee, watery fruit juice, no fruit, little cerial (and often no cold milk for it!).  Although there was a good spread of olives, cheeses and cooked meats, these did not appeal to an Englishman's early morning palate!
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  Anonymous
  Written on April 2, 2012

  5.0 - Excellent

  This trip really is a journey through the cross roads of the world.  Turkey is a colourful, historic and cultural journey with a range of activities for all the history geeks and adventurers.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?I am afraid I can't name just one inspirational moment but for me there are 3.  Climibing the top of a mountain to look upon a almost undisturbed Roman ruin with a complete theatre that hangs over the edge of the mountain and sits on the clouds was inspirational.  Capadoccia's eerie landscape and underground cities and churches were inspirational and of course Istanbul.  What can I say about Istanbul. A beautiful city with so much to see, so much history to immerse yourself in and a true feeling that you are standing upon the cross roads of the world.What did you think of your group leader?Kymet was a excellent leader.  She spent time getting to know everyone including their needs and tried to cater as much as possible for each individual. It is evident that she loves her country, that she loves history and that she loves her job as a tour leader and it makes the entire tour fun and interesting for all.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?My only advice would be to prepare for long drive times.  You travel over 3000 kilometeres in 12 days which is hectic but Kymet tries to make everyone as comfortable as possible and is especially happy if people need regular comfort stops so don't be afraid to ask.Is there anything else you would like to add?In Turkey there is literally a WC everywhere and most are in good condition. It is also cheaper than you think it will be.  Most meals were around 50 lira for my partner and I which is about £20 depending on the exchange rate. Admitedly by the end of this tour you probably won't want to see another ancient city for a while but the journey to that point is so much fun and you learn so much that you feel it has all been worth it.
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  Anonymous
  Written on April 2, 2012

  5.0 - Excellent

  This trip really is a journey through the cross roads of the world.  Turkey is a colourful, historic and cultural journey with a range of activities for all the history geeks and adventurers.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?I am afraid I can't name just one inspirational moment but for me there are 3.  Climibing the top of a mountain to look upon a almost undisturbed Roman ruin with a complete theatre that hangs over the edge of the mountain and sits on the clouds was inspirational.  Capadoccia's eerie landscape and underground cities and churches were inspirational and of course Istanbul.  What can I say about Istanbul. A beautiful city with so much to see, so much history to immerse yourself in and a true feeling that you are standing upon the cross roads of the world.What did you think of your group leader?Kymet was a excellent leader.  She spent time getting to know everyone including their needs and tried to cater as much as possible for each individual. It is evident that she loves her country, that she loves history and that she loves her job as a tour leader and it makes the entire tour fun and interesting for all.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?My only advice would be to prepare for long drive times.  You travel over 3000 kilometeres in 12 days which is hectic but Kymet tries to make everyone as comfortable as possible and is especially happy if people need regular comfort stops so don't be afraid to ask.Is there anything else you would like to add?In Turkey there is literally a WC everywhere and most are in good condition. It is also cheaper than you think it will be.  Most meals were around 50 lira for my partner and I which is about £20 depending on the exchange rate. Admitedly by the end of this tour you probably won't want to see another ancient city for a while but the journey to that point is so much fun and you learn so much that you feel it has all been worth it.