Can we tour Turkey on our own or use a tour?
 

My husband and I have never gone on a tour and have travelled a number of times to Italy, France, Portugal, Croatia on our own, using suggestions from the board regarding where to stay, go, etc.
I am trying to plan our next trip which will probably be next spring (flexible) and am considering Turkey as high on the list. We love to walk, eat interesting food and see culture. Would we be able to tour Turkey on our own or is it advisable to take a tour for this country? What would a good itinerary be for a 10 day or so trip?. I know Istanbul is a total must. Thanks

Totally doable on your own! We had 2 weeks ande visited Istanbul, Cappadocia, and the southern coastal area. Our favorites were Istanbul (5 nights) and Cappadocia (4 nights). The coastal regions weren't our favorites, because, in many ways, some of them were similar to coastal tourist regions anywhere. We preferred to be in places where we definiteloy knew we were in a different country.

Totally do-able on your own. Although there might be a few places where you might want a guide.

Istanbul is definitely good on your own. (LOVE that city!)
Most other places are as well, but it might be worth getting a guide for someplace like Ephesus. You can hire one at the gate.

Very do-able on your own. We spent 16 days there last fall on our own; five in Istanbul, four in Cappadocia and the rest driving along the Adriatic and Mediterranean coasts. We did day tours in Cappadocia and they were great. We wouldn't drive in Istanbul, but it's a very walkable city with good public transportation. For 10 days, I'd split the time between Istanbul and Cappadocia. Ephesus was also amazing and could be seen in an overnight. You'll want at least four days in Istanbul.

You'll love Turkey!

Istanbul can be done on your own. I had a guide for Cappadocia and he arranged a guide for Ephesis. It was nice having a guide I could call when I had a change of plans. My husband & I had a time share for a week in Yalova-I wasnt't very happy there-I called the guide & he arranged a hotel for us in Bursa-then on our drive to Ephesis I wanted an extra night in Assos he arranged it. Its like having a friend in a foreign country.For our flight to Cappadocia he arranged for a friend of his to pick us up at the hotel & take us to airpot. It was great. His name is Edip and he is with Aggos Travel. I have e-mail somewhere-Chris

Spring will be easy to do a flexible DYO, with lodging reserved only in Istanbul, and the local flights.

You will probably consider 10 days rather on the short side even for the very very standard itinerary of 4 nights in Istanbul, 3 nights in Cappadocia and 2-3 nights around Ephesus. This does not give you any beach time (possible not before May), any nature hikes, mountains, safaris, and some more of the at least 20 more historic and scenic sites people could recommend that you should never miss.

Take guided tours in Cappadocia. Fly to Izmir airport, rent a car and do Ephesus, Aphrodisias, Pamukkale, Hieropolis, Herakleia, Prienne, Miletus. Get guides at the entrances to Ephesus and Aphrodisias.

Driving in the area is very straight forward. (compared with what i am facing in Colchester, Essex, with a left hand drive car on the narrowest roads, with double and triple roundabouts and many signs which makes you say,"Oh, we should have taken the second exit from the last roundabout,....maybe..?" waiting for my airline to repatriate me to Turkey.

otherchelebi, you are brave. I'd never drive on the "other" side - what an adventure! I hope you're enjoying your time in England. Sounds like you're return flight is delayed. I have a co-worked on vacation in Turkey who was supposed to be back in the US today. We have no idea when she'll be able to leave. While this isn't a laughing matter, I can think of worse places than Turkey to be "stuck".:)

Several years ago, 6 of us traveled with the most amazing guide (Ali) [email protected]. He was the best guide I have ever had having had many over the decades of guides. He had a driver with a Merdedes van and was resplendant with his knowledge of both history and all religions which were so important in this part of the world. He is amenable to any request and knows all good places to eat. I could not say enough wonderful things about his abilities. My friend has been with him twice and I would gladly go again.Would be glad to speak with you on the phone if this is allowed.

Cindybug

Thanks for the feedback. I am happy to hear that Turkey is doable on our own and I am already getting excited about going. It sounds like we should see Istanbul and then Cappadocia, Ephesus. I am going to start to do some reading.
It also sounds like a guide is a good idea for the last two places--is it expensive to have a guide and how much time do they spend with you?

Ali at tourali.tnn.net can customize a trip for you, give you tips and expenses. If you travel by car with him, he will be with you as much or as little as you like.

I did it with my family couple of years ago. We drove everywhere. Outside if istanbul, roads are great (I often say better than at home). We drove into istanbul everyday from our house in the suburbs. It is a unique experience to drive in the city. Lots of traffic, merging, and more streams of traffic than lanes....yet..once you learn the rules of the road, very organized. I would recommend using transit unless you have inner karma :)

Istanbul can use up many days, but if plan wisely, many of the main sites are close together (Hagia Sofia, Blue Mosque, Cisterns, Grand Bazaar,etc..).

We visited Ankara, Cappadocia (Goreme), Antalya, Kas, Marmaris, Ephesus, Bursa...in roughly 10 days of driving.

Driving will allow you to see some beautiful countryside and ocean views, but time available will determine your best options.

Full disclosure, my SIL speaks Turkish, so we had a leg up.

Hi again,
Three seniors doing own thing in Turkey...accomodations all booked except Marmaris where we will drop a car and stay one night before taking ferry to Rhodes. We are driving from Selcuk.
Suggestions for this accomodation..as we wish to be near port as ferry leaves at 9am.. also how early should we be at port/
We have booked and confirmed ferry crossing!
This will be in mid June.
PS we dont want to break the bank!!!Thanks.Find this sight very helpful.

OOPS I see I am wrong spot..will change later.

Turkey is very easy. We flew from Istanbul to Izmir and drove to Selcuk/Ephesus and Kusadasi. Did a day trip from Selcuk to Pamukale and Hieropolis. We stayed at NIlya Hotel (www.nilya.com) in Selcuk. a very quanit B&B with a remarkable hostess and wonderful breakfasts. Flew back to Istanbul and then to Nevsehir for four days in Goreme (Kelebeck Hotel). Guides in Goreme were very knowledgeable and reasonably priced. Spent our final five days in Sultanahmet region of Istanbul and walked to nearly all the sites.

We did all of the arranging ourselves except the internal airfare, which was arranged by Victoria at Argeus Travel (www.argeus.com.tr). I had tried to set this up on our own, but I could not make it happen.