Two couples, two weeks in Turkey, first time, looking for a tour group recommendation. We want to be comfortable, safe and well looked after, but not have everything "sanitized" and not see some real life.

Any thoughts? I have had Rick Steves' tours recommended in general. Anyone used his tour in Turkey?

Thanks,
Alison

We toured western and central Turkey with Globus a few years ago. Our guide was a former archeologist. All arrangements were excellent -- hotels, meals, bus, itinerary, free time.

Our tour with Cappadocia Tours (http://www.cappadociatours.com) was a
complete success! We enjoyed everything about it, the guide, the hotel, the food and, of course, the destinations. They have taken such a good care of us.

Last Oct/Nov we took the Gate 1 14-day tour of Turkey. Our tour guide's name was Salhi (pronounced Sally) and he did an outstanding job. He had spent many years studying archeology in the U.S. and is Turkish. We were not at all disappointed in the tour. We got our money's worth. I'm sure, alhtough I haven't yet taken a Rick Steves tour, should be great.

We went to Turkey with Odysseys Unlimited. In addition to the usual places to see, we spent five days on a Turkish gulet (yacht) which were a highlight of the trip. Odysseys has small group trips, and our group was only 11. Our guide, Ali, was top-notch.

Check out Pacha Tours - in 1996 I took a 16 day tour (In the Steps of St Paul) and it was fabulous. We wound up having only 4 people on the tour and they still took us!! Their comment was we paid for the date so, of course, they would take us - how lucky. The guide was excellent and we saw everything we wanted to see and then some. If you'd like my trip diary, e-mail me at [email protected]. I would definitely take a tour with Pacha again.

You mentioned Rick Steves and I would imagine his tour would be great. Personally, I can't afford it - darn!

Just got back from a great - and very active - trip with Overseas Adventure Travel. We were a group of 14 (ages @ 60-75). The itinerary - Istanbul, Cappodocia, Konya, Antalya, Kusadaci - also included an overnight village homestay (which was totally unique), and 5 nights on a gullet. Betty, our guide, was the best.
You will love Turkey!

Hi Alison;
There are number of companies operating from USA to Turkey. They are well advertized so you should be able to get itineraries and compare.
In Turkey generally speaking you will be looked after well, becouse companies in US have good partners here in Turkey to service their clients.
However the point is; when you are 20 in a group how well your guide can look after you? 1/20 Plus they will have to practice an itinerary already written.
Nothing wrong with it. The other option would be a private tour to be arranged just for you and according to your demands & interests only. Your private vehicle, your private guide and attention is 1/4 to each of you.
So ask the number in a group if you choose an organized trip. Ask the hotels. It does not mean the company is using a 5 star hotel is the best deal you get. If you are in Cappadocia avoid everydays conventional hotels no matter how many stars they have but stay somewhere local. So search for these details.
Happy travelling and have fun whatever your choice be.
Murat

If you haven't already booked, I'd recommend the Fez tour (www.feztravel.com)- I travelled with them 3 years ago and loved every minute of it- we did the 'Silk Tour'. Once you check out the site and if you're interested in booking, let me know and I can help you get a deal with the price. I'm going again this year, booked for 3 people and had to cancel last minute so I have 3 tickets I can transfer to your name at a reduced rate

My wife and I had a wonderful trip last April arranged by Ilgin of Credo Tours.
http://www.credotours.com/
We were traveling on our own with private guides or small groups at each location. Our guides in Istanbul and Cappodocia were particularly good with very personalized tours, eating lunches at local cafes and restaurants, and getting to meet the locals. Be sure to stay at Esbelli Ev in Urgup.

We returned from a Pacha Tour on July 23, 2006. I can high recommend this tour. We took the 17 Day SuperValue Western Turkey Tour and we added 2 extra days in Istanbul. The guide was the same person throughout the tour and she (Tulay) was excellent. She told us the history, geography and culture of Turkey. The hotels were just 3 star but clean and there were 3 meals provided a day. We could never get a tour for this price anywhere else.

Alison:

Having driven twice through most of central and Western Turkey (independently), I recently recommended to another poster to strongly consider doing it yourselves. With two couples, two to four drivers, get a midsize or a small van and off you go. Stopping and starting whenever you wish.

You can still hire some local guides (Istanbul, Capadoccia, Antalya, Kusadasi(Ephesus), Pamukkale, Bodrum, etc) if you wish. No need of car while in Istanbul.

You have plenty of time to read Rough Guide or Lonely Planet to bone up on the history and culture of a most wonderful Turkey. The roads are quite good, well-signed, plenty of petrol stations (they even wash your car as part of a fill-up service!)and the friendliest people anywhere..excellent food choices, big bang for the US dollar, too.
Think about it...it can be done as easily in Turkey as in Western Europe...we have sent several of our friends and family independently and they all loved doing it that way.
And, oh yes, Esbelli Evi pansyon in Urgup is THE place to stay to experience cave dwelling.

You're in for a most enjoyable journey...go independently! But whichever way you choose to visit, Enjoy!

Stu T. ( will send you a copy of my composite itineraries, lodging and dining recs, etc if you wish..just write [email protected])