Turkey - Independent Travel vs. Group Tour
 

Greetings! I have wanted to go to Turkey for years, and this is the year! Not able to convince any of my friends to travel with me, this will be a solo trip, It's ok. With the help of a great travel agent, I am excited!

I looked at tours with all sorts of companies. Some were inexpensive, but with added single supplement of up to $1000, became overpriced. Through reading forums and posts, I found a great travel agent, Mr. Zafer Yazici of Lirita Tours in Cappadoica. He understood my plight, was able to design a great itinerary for me using airlines within Turkey (to avoid long bus rides) and consequently I am going to see Cappadocia, Ephesus, Pammekule and Istanbul in 9 days. He has me joining tour groups in the different places to avoid costly private tours. He explained everything in a manner I could understand and was always available for consultation.

With diligent perusal, I found my own international airfare. My entire trip including airfare from Tampa is around $1900 for ten days. Without his suggestions and assistance, it could have been twice as high.

Please give him the opportunity if you are looking to travel to this exciting destination. I highly recommend his expertise.

Sounds very good. lot of places. can you pls share the detail itenerary? how much is the Int'l airfare? what does Mr Zafer's tour include like hotel, transfer lunch brkfst ....

Is the tour group too big? ten its hard to follow the guide?

I thought Turkey extremely easy to visit solo and independently. Did you give that option any thought?

We traveled Turkey solo except for Cappadocia, there we found a private guide both very affordable and helpful. Driving in Turkey is not difficult. We didn't drive in Istanbul but did from Izmir to Pammekule, Ephesus, and to coast from Ephesus to Antalya. NO trouble at all.

could you expand on your itinarary? Interested in this tour path. When do you go. Please advise how it goes.

j9dive-- I think it is great you went after your dreams. Sounds like a great plan. A friend of mine (female) went solo and LOVED Turkey. Do plan for some days/afternoons for yourself wandering at the bazaar(s). Happy Travels!

Davero- what car rental agency you used? where you rented from? We are planning to rent a car

We flew from Istanbul to Cappadocia, then to Izmir, then started driving. Turned the car in in Antalya. Our car receipt says Avis but my wife believes it was actually a Budget rental. Cost was @ $390 US for 7 days.

Hello all. I have been without a computer for awhile, so my first chance of writing is now.

I found an aifare on Delta. It wad $832 from Tampa r/t. I grabbed it when I could. The first day when I get to Ataturk, I don'lt leave to go to the city, but instead catch a flight to Cappadocia. I will either get a hamam treatment, go to the open air museum, or sleep. The travel agent I wrote about earlier is arrangingfor a private English speaking driver @ $90 for the next day.

My next leg is going to Ephesus. That is where I will be with a small group. Don't know how many... Then I take a ride to Pammekule. Zafer arranged everything. I am looking forward to the thermal pools.

Next I fly to Istanbul, and will do the typical sights. I think it will be awesome!

Mr. Yazaci suggested hotels and I was able to book some on my own. I found most for less than $100 a night.

As mentioned, including international air, and 3 flights within Turkey, my total for all is around $1850. For ten days, not bad!!! Thanks for your comments and all the help I get from everyone's trip reports!

Hi again - I leave the 9th of November. I forgot to add that above. I will write when I get back. I am getting the hotel to get a transfer in Istanbul. The others were reasonable. Mr. Yazici did detail each, I just don't have it right here in front of me. Sorry.

I hesitated to drive as I shall be by myself. With someone else with me, I may have rented a car. I like knowing that Zafir will be my contact and help with any glitches or problems. THe flights were $50-$150, so not much.

Thanks again for all your interest. I shall do a trip report when I come home.

Hope you have a great vacation, don't forget to give us an update when you return. Turkey's on our agenda for Oct/Nov 2013 and am looking for all the info I can get:)