Looking for small group tour to Turkey for solo traveler
Jan 15th, 2012, 04:05 PM
#21
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<< We are both talking about a charge for a single supplement which is an extra charge for traveling solo >>
That is not what I'm talking about. I am calling a single supplement a person traveling w/o a companion regardless of any additional charges such as on the site I linked.
SS = person traveling solo
Let's just forget this. I was trying to be helpful and explain to the OP that there are usually few spaces for singles on tours but apparently quite a few people disagree with me.
That is not what I'm talking about. I am calling a single supplement a person traveling w/o a companion regardless of any additional charges such as on the site I linked.
SS = person traveling solo
Let's just forget this. I was trying to be helpful and explain to the OP that there are usually few spaces for singles on tours but apparently quite a few people disagree with me.
Jan 16th, 2012, 10:34 AM
#22
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adrienne, Why is this so confusing? Have you ever seen a "single supplement" that doesn't include a charge? If there is no additional charge, then I can't imagine them calling it single supplement. Supplement MEANS charge or fee, doesn't it? By the very definition -- if there is no charge for traveling without a companion, there there is NO single supplement. If there IS a single supplement, then there IS a charge.
When OAT lets a person travel w/o a companion, then there usually is NO single supplement. When they charge extra for a person to travel w/o a companion then there IS a single supplement. Exactly what we are both talking about. What am I missing here? Or what are you missing here?
And I don't see where "quite a few people disagree with" you regarding the fact that there are few spaces for singles on tours -- in fact that seems to be what everyone (myself included) is agreeing with.
When OAT lets a person travel w/o a companion, then there usually is NO single supplement. When they charge extra for a person to travel w/o a companion then there IS a single supplement. Exactly what we are both talking about. What am I missing here? Or what are you missing here?
And I don't see where "quite a few people disagree with" you regarding the fact that there are few spaces for singles on tours -- in fact that seems to be what everyone (myself included) is agreeing with.
Jan 16th, 2012, 11:05 AM
#23
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adrienne,
You have not traveled solo on tour, so you don't know the definition of single supplement. You incorrectly thought it referred to a person traveling solo. It doesn't. It refers to the <i>extra charge</i> that a person traveling solo incurs because most tour rates are based on double occupancy.
Instead of copping an attitude, just admit that you were mistaken about the definition.
And it's not true that there are few spaces for singles on tours. I have been on over a dozen tours solo with 7 different companies. Tours don't care whether you travel solo <i>as long as you pay the single supplement</i>, which can be anywhere from a few hundred dollars to twice the double occupancy rate.
You have not traveled solo on tour, so you don't know the definition of single supplement. You incorrectly thought it referred to a person traveling solo. It doesn't. It refers to the <i>extra charge</i> that a person traveling solo incurs because most tour rates are based on double occupancy.
Instead of copping an attitude, just admit that you were mistaken about the definition.
And it's not true that there are few spaces for singles on tours. I have been on over a dozen tours solo with 7 different companies. Tours don't care whether you travel solo <i>as long as you pay the single supplement</i>, which can be anywhere from a few hundred dollars to twice the double occupancy rate.
Jan 17th, 2012, 11:10 AM
#24
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Odysseys Unlimited offers small group tours that are limited to 12-24 participants. Their first tour for 2012 doesn't leave until April 8, though. I don't see any tours for March. Single supplement is $995.
http://www.odysseys-unlimited.com/to...gendary-turkey
Several years ago I took a Cosmos tour of Turkey. It's not a small group tour, though. There were about 5 or 6 of us singles as I recall. Most people were mid-40s to late 60s, plus 2 college students traveling with their parents. The tour included a lot of driving, but I didn't mind.
They currently have availability in March. Single supplement is $380, but they will match single travelers in twin-bedded rooms on request if you don't want to pay the single supplement.
http://www.cosmos.com/product.aspx?c...iew&trip=26720
Globus, their more upscale arm, also has tours to Greece. IME Globus tourists tend to be older than Cosmos, probably because of the higher cost. Their 14-day Turkish Delight tour is sold out for March; first availability isn't until April 6. Single supplement is $480.
http://www.globusjourneys.com/Vacati...key/?year=2012
http://www.odysseys-unlimited.com/to...gendary-turkey
Several years ago I took a Cosmos tour of Turkey. It's not a small group tour, though. There were about 5 or 6 of us singles as I recall. Most people were mid-40s to late 60s, plus 2 college students traveling with their parents. The tour included a lot of driving, but I didn't mind.
They currently have availability in March. Single supplement is $380, but they will match single travelers in twin-bedded rooms on request if you don't want to pay the single supplement.
http://www.cosmos.com/product.aspx?c...iew&trip=26720
Globus, their more upscale arm, also has tours to Greece. IME Globus tourists tend to be older than Cosmos, probably because of the higher cost. Their 14-day Turkish Delight tour is sold out for March; first availability isn't until April 6. Single supplement is $480.
http://www.globusjourneys.com/Vacati...key/?year=2012
Jan 17th, 2012, 11:25 AM
#25
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Thank you all for your replies!
And Adrienne, I appreciate your trying to help, but yes, everyone else is correct in their explanation of a 'single supplement', you simply misunderstood. I'm still at a loss though on finding an appropriate trip!
I was hoping to avoid the Gap/Intrepid, etc type of tours because I read a lot of complaints regarding poor quality accommodation standards (even when paying extra for comfort level), young age ranges, bad guides, long drives, etc... So, I'm still looking! 
I'm willing to pay a little more for a better trip but trips either seem to be of this standard or uber expensive...
Well, thanks again, everyone, appreciate your input!
And Adrienne, I appreciate your trying to help, but yes, everyone else is correct in their explanation of a 'single supplement', you simply misunderstood. I'm still at a loss though on finding an appropriate trip!
I was hoping to avoid the Gap/Intrepid, etc type of tours because I read a lot of complaints regarding poor quality accommodation standards (even when paying extra for comfort level), young age ranges, bad guides, long drives, etc... So, I'm still looking! I'm willing to pay a little more for a better trip but trips either seem to be of this standard or uber expensive...
Well, thanks again, everyone, appreciate your input!
Jan 17th, 2012, 01:01 PM
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Roxanne,
One option would be for you to take one of the lower priced coach tours, but break away from the group in Cappadocia and go hiking. For example, if they stay in Cappodocia more than one night they will probably offer an "optional tour" for an additional cost. Skip this and do your own thing.
When I traveled with tours, I always broke away and explored on my own. I also used to fly in early before the tour began and/or stay for up to a week after the tour ended to hang out on my own. In fact, I did this so often that I finally decided to skip tours altogether and just do the whole thing independently.
Small groups tend to be pricier because they don't have the economies of scale. For example, here's a tour to Turkey with Eldertreks, which offers small group travel for people 50+. It includes hiking in Cappadocia, but it's pricey: $5995 plus $1020 for single supplement: http://www.eldertreks.com/tour/detai...ary/ETTD000050
I hope you find what you want. Good luck to you!
One option would be for you to take one of the lower priced coach tours, but break away from the group in Cappadocia and go hiking. For example, if they stay in Cappodocia more than one night they will probably offer an "optional tour" for an additional cost. Skip this and do your own thing.
When I traveled with tours, I always broke away and explored on my own. I also used to fly in early before the tour began and/or stay for up to a week after the tour ended to hang out on my own. In fact, I did this so often that I finally decided to skip tours altogether and just do the whole thing independently.
Small groups tend to be pricier because they don't have the economies of scale. For example, here's a tour to Turkey with Eldertreks, which offers small group travel for people 50+. It includes hiking in Cappadocia, but it's pricey: $5995 plus $1020 for single supplement: http://www.eldertreks.com/tour/detai...ary/ETTD000050
I hope you find what you want. Good luck to you!
Jan 18th, 2012, 07:38 AM
#28
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Hi Roxanne, saw your post and thought I'd give you a recommendation for a tour company I have used. I do not know if Kagan has any group tours organized for the time you want to go but it is certainly worth an email to him. I booked Kagan in '07 for our 2-day overnight cruise stop in Istanbul and another day Ephesus. We had a private group of 15 people. I had decided upon Kagan after much searching of the tour guides in Turkey. He fit all the criteria I was looking for. He organized a wonderful tour of Istanbul for us (our ship did an overnight) so we were able to see most of the attractions. Kagan took care of everything for us, admission tickets, etc. We truly had a wonderful 2 day tour in Istanbul. He also met us at Ephesus and we spent another day w/ Kagan. He is truly a wonderful tour guide, very knowledgeable, speaks excellent English and you will love touring w/ him. Need I say more?
Here is his website: http://www.privatetoursinturkey.com/index.html
E-mail address:
[email protected]
[email protected]
As I said, I don't know if he has anything going in March but at least email him to see. His prices are reasonable also. Good luck.
Here is his website: http://www.privatetoursinturkey.com/index.html
E-mail address:
[email protected]
[email protected]
As I said, I don't know if he has anything going in March but at least email him to see. His prices are reasonable also. Good luck.
Apr 10th, 2017, 08:39 AM
#29
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Thanks to all for the great leads on possible tour companies. I'm searching for a small group that is predominantly solo folks. I'm a woman, middle age, and very active so I prefer to find a small group tour in the general vicinity of my age range. I'm looking for a 2 week tour in late Spring or early to mid Summer. Going to check out all your good suggestions for tour groups.
Thank you!
Thank you!
Apr 10th, 2017, 04:39 PM
#30
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@ cas58: I trust you realize that there is no reason to join a tour unless that is your preference. Also, given that conditions in Turkey have changed since this thread was begun, you might want to start a new thread. Just an idea....
Apr 10th, 2017, 05:13 PM
#31
I just checked ricksteves.com, the company I used for a tour of Turkey back in the 90. They have suspended their Turkey tours for 2017. I would certainly not make a decision on whether to visit until after the referendum and whatever aftermath ensues.
Dec 24th, 2017, 12:07 PM
#33
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Roxanne, I have travelled once with Sights and Soul in the US http://sightsandsoul.com/ and Explore, out of the UKA https://www.explore.co.uk/ . They were very different experiences but I enjoyed both and they are small group tours. I am also considering Peregrine https://www.peregrineadventures.com/en-ca this spring, even fewer people. All offer single supplements. I haven't checked their schedules to see if they offer Turkey in the spring but throw them into the mix...
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