15 days through Turkey: Istanbul to Cappadocia

This tour was awesome! I loved learning about the history of Turkiye through our guide, Alp. He is so knowledgeable and taught us tons of stuff about the history, culture, and religions of his country. He was really dedicated to sharing his knowledge with us and answered all our questions with a lot of patience. And he was always checking in with us to make sure we were doing well. Before the tour, I thought that Turkey would be more third world-like, but it’s not. So I learned to appreciate Turkiye more on this trip. The only negatives about this trip: I think a few of the hotel rooms were a bit small and a few didn’t have fridges. Plus I was solo on this trip and felt that I always got the worst rooms! But other than that, it was a great tour.

Only two things marred an otherwise outstanding tour. Barbaros was replaced as tour guide part way through the tour. He was too inexperienced for a group of experienced travellers. It's up to Exodus to ensure there staff are up to it before sending them out. Three star hotels are fine. It is only somewhere to sleep after all. But many of us had maintenance issues with many of the hotels we stayed in such as broken toilet seats, broken or missing fittings, hair dryers, fridges and air con not working etc. The hotels need to be properly maintained. Several of the hotels had no alcohol which is fine. However access to a drink is essential for thirsty travellers. This wasn't the case in Cappadocia at the Ciner Hotel where the nearest outlet was a long walk away. But an awesome tour otherwise.

Atahan really knew his ancient history he was very professional and the tour ran very smoothly The mic in the bus was sometimes not so clear to hear but when on the ancient sites it became clear as to what Atahan was saying It was a bit rushed in places we did not have enough time to visit a museum in Selcuk but managed to just make the castle and fort I think it needs to be a 17 day tour where we have a guided walk around Istanbul as well as enough time in Selcuk My main criticism was a bit to much time for lunch in restaurants where a simple light snack would have been enough Atahan was very helpful in explaining food items and menu choices This was my first time using Exodus and I would highly recommend them.

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 inspirational What 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!

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 trip What 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? none Is 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.

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.

A lot of time spent driving from one site to another but there was so much to see and do that the long minibus journeys were worth it. I hadn't expected so many nationalities there so that was a nice surprise and the mixed age range worked very well What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia was magical - I've read some reviews saying it was expensive but I think the cost compares well with similar flights in the UK. Also, seeing Pamukkale at sunset was a sight I'll never forget, but I would have liked longer there. And the Turkish Hamam experience is something that will stay with me for life - probably for all the wrong reasons!!! What did you think of your group leader? Funda was brilliant - her knowledge and enthusiasm for sharing her country and culture with us was faultless. My only criticism is that, being so small she needs to find a better way to identify herself at the airport as she got lost in the crowds and was very difficult to locate. Praise too to our driver Takim - glad it was him and not me negotiating that Friday evening traffic back into Istanbul. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? As others have said - take plenty of anti-diarrhoea tablets. Euros seemed to be the preferred currency in some areas. Be careful in Antalya where most of us got ripped off in one way or another. Note - the two hour boat trip in Antalya is exactly the same as the one hour trip but is done at half the speed (and costs twice the price) Is there anything else you would like to add? The hotel in Kusadesi is very disappointing - totally out of keeping with the rest of the trip - this review would have earned 5 stars were it not for the 'mass tourism' experience there. And remember that this is a highlights trip - it is not advertised as an in depth tour of all the archaeological sites the country has to offer so, in many cases, you don't get time for more than a quick taster and overview of their history - if you want to spend hours and hours at Ephesus and Aphrodisias book some other trip.

You do lot traveling but see so much turkey off tourist track but be prepared for some tourist bits september 2011. such variety if you into roman stuff holiday for you. only thought in danger over developing best bits What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Balloon flight over Cappadocia mountanis that was amazing but not cheap whole area is great. but experince of life time event. Troy was susurprising good and istanbul Hagia sofia is terrific  . aspensis theater intact was amazing. Ephesus is all cracked up to be. but hotel in kusadsi is so un exodus it felt I was on package holiday it was no good and hotel in istabunal could been better but hotel in old antalya was amazing owner was charecter to What did you think of your group leader? our leader was great very helpful driver was great glad i did not drive into Istabunal on peak friday night traffic it was experince . gave us bags advice which we took for most eating places and they were spot on. although want hassle can fine few resturant of your own. take boat trip when in Antalya is worth it but go on  small one and haggle as they lower price lot and do not beleive big group coming on as they never appear when he told us . when went on boat ride in istabunal do not let unknown person lead towards boat that did not exist. as i was not happy and did not go telling others not to. which in end they did not Do you have any advice for potential travellers? makes sure got money for water as you drink lot there. do not leave anything valuable in your case as one bags was looked through. someone had camera stolen on tram in istabunal so keep all items hiden and tied to belt or yourself Is there anything else you would like to add? Its amazing huge and friendly country. people nice . just be careful in cities as cities any where can be dangerous.in danger of over developing west will exodus do east as that not as developed. we been with exodus 3 times and hoope to go on another when we can afford it

First time I used exodus. Impeccable service for the money one pays. In general, hotels, sites, guide, driver, etc were all one expects from such a trip. Well done Exodus. I shall be using you again in the near future, probably as soon as next year! God be with us all. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Istanbul's cleanliness despite the 17 million who live there.Fantastic food.The fact that all Western civilisation started from there, including all of Christianity.The gentleness of the Turks, including that of our driver and guide.  What did you think of your group leader? Could not have been better.  Difficult to find such a well-informed, gentle and helpful leader, who made our stay super-enjoyable.  Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Yes.  Two advices. 1. Do not do Termessos!  Not worth the climb, except for the excercise!2. Try and chose your own restaurants where possible.  It's fun and exciting and worth all the hastle!  Try and eat where the Turks eats and not the majority of tourists. Is there anything else you would like to add? Yes.1..Take off Termoessos from the tour.2. Chose a better hotel in Kusadasi. 3. Suggest, rather than 'impose' restaurants.Â

Fantastic fortnight in Turkey. Saw so much of the country in such a small amount of time, visiting the cost, ruined hill top villages, country retreats, Troy and Ephesus. I found it very interesting and certainly showed me the hidden country that you don't always see on the 'normal' beach holiday. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The best part of the trip was the balloon ride in Cappodocia, which was such an incredible experience as there were around 30 balloons in the air that day. We saw the amasing sights of the volcanic landscape from a privledged point of view, and I really enjoyed it. But learning about the history of the ancient ruins and seeing these mystical places was also an inspiration for me, which Termessos captured effortlessly in its secluded magnificence. What did you think of your group leader? Phylis was incredibly knowledgable about the sites, reciting the history from memory. She is a good guide Do you have any advice for potential travellers? I think this is a good trip to go on, and certainly shows you so many different aspects of Turkey which you weren't expecting. You are a long time on the coach at times, but that is the price you have to pay for seeing so much of the country- and it is worth paying. Turkey has so much history and so many different aspects, which this trip gives a good snap shot of.