Best of Turkey in 13 Days Tour

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

It was almost too much to absorb. So much history, culture, archeology, faith, nationalism. I’ll be processing what I experienced for months.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The scale of the archeological sites."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I am a solo traveller and was very worried about traveling in a group. I have only gone on a tour once before as half a couple. Being with my ex shielded me from having to interact with the other people in the group. I was pleasantly surprised at how nice everyone on the RS tour were. There were no high maintenance people in the group.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It is hard to pick just one. The snow storm in Cappadocia was a fun adventure since our guide handled everything making it far more fun that irritating. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Loved everything

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Hagia Sophia"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Excellent. Great group of people who now are new friends.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our guide Taylan and his knowledge of the history of Turkey."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our excellent guide Taylan provided a wealth of historical, cultural and political information. Our hosts at dining spots and hotels were warm and inviting, as were the owners of Yuksel Hali Turzim, who sent taxis to our location on the highway when we were stuck in the snow and then provided food and drinks. Taylan made sure all dietary restrictions were met, made suggestions for excursions on our down time and made sure we ended our tour laughing and dancing with a sip of raki.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Pammukale. The weather didn't cooperate for ballooning in Cappadocia, so we went in Pammukale and got to see this breathtaking landscape from the ground and air. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Really enjoyed the whole experience. Good balance between different elements, and an excellent tour guide and driver.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Most memorable was getting caught in the snow storm and being saved by the carpet guys."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Mine was. a excellent guide who not only took care of us but also taught us so much about the Turkish culture and history and about all of the Roman and Greek archaeological sites. We didn’t realize how amazing Türkçe for its ancient heritage. We loved our tour group. Although we have always enjoyed the Rick Steves group camaraderie, this was a very fun friendly group. The food was great and the more remote stops were the best meals. Also saw some unbelievable landscapes.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The landscapes of Capadocia were a wow as was all of the archeological sites. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our first group tour of any kind and it was excellent. The organization, excellent guide, driver and tour members made it a fun and enjoyable time. We did not realize just how much the social aspect of getting to know other tour members would add to the experience. We would often walk to a site chatting to other members and on arrival, would look around for our spouse to make sure they were there. They were also enjoying chatting to others.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Ballooning, rock formations, hotel and everything Cappadocia."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Every moment was better than expected. Our guide Mine brought Türkiye to life for us with her life experience as well as her educational background. Our days were full and carefully calculated to bring us the best experience. She offered many recommendations for restaurants and shops and was accurate in her assessments. Traveling with a group was new for us and turned out to really enhance the experience. We shared new foods, new cultural experiences, new understanding of religions.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Cappadocia from both land and air was exceptional."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

At a "Breakfast With Rick Steves" event in Hershey, PA during the Q&A, someone asked RS what his favorite city is, and his response, Istanbul, inspired us right into our initial RSE, 13-day tour of IST and Turkiye. So totally pleased with every moment of his rec. The guide, accommodations, activities, food, transfers, and other participants far exceeded any expectations we may have had. I came to love this country and its beautiful history and people. It was a 100 on a 10-point scale for me/us.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Strong contenders include: lunch in the home of a local woman who prepared us a wonderful/loving lunch; Ephesus; travertine cliffs; the mosques; Topkapi Palace, speaking with an imam; the rug co-op; Aspendos; Valley of the Kings; and a Saturday farmers' market , but Cappadocia (and Cappadocia Estates and ballooning) topped my list of sights/activities. All these, and unmentioneds, took life and context thanks to our amazing guide, whose breath of smarts & love for her work/clients were awesome."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Fun, active, interactive and very educational

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Cappadocia in general with all the sites and even including the hotel "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour group mixed well and bonded quickly.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hot air ballooning"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The Rick Steves Turkey tour was everything I expected. Wonderful places, people, food, and activities. Our guide Mine was fantastic. Turkey is such a beautiful, historic, and fascinating country. I'm recommending this tour to our friends and neighbors.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many "wow" moments on the Turkey tour but Cappadocia stands out. It was one "wow" moment after another. The area is so beautiful and rugged and steeped in history. The ancient caves cities, the sunrise balloon ride over the "fairy chimneys", the hotel in Mustafapasa, and our lunch with a local women. Each moment left me in constant wonder and awe of this region in central Turkey."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I am ever so grateful that we got to tour with Mine. I noticed how she expertly tweaked our schedules to maximize our time. ✅🙌🕌 Great itinerary, great group and great guide, Turkiye does have its challenges, I am so glad that I did the tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Like Rick did with Mine back in 2011, Ben and I raced through the stadium at Aphrodisias bringing the crowds to cheer. We have the video clip to prove it! Youth beat beauty this time!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was an outstanding tour on so many levels. Our guide Mine was excellent: very knowledgeable, fun, warm, and her love for her country was evident in everything she showed us. Our fellow tour members were fantastic - friendly, interesting, well-traveled - we quickly became one big, happy travelling family. Turkey is a beautiful and diverse country and although we were able to see so much of it on this tour, it still left us eager to return. Thank you RS for yet another great trip!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The balloon ride in Cappadocia was definitely a big wow moment, but honestly there were many, many wow moments on this tour. Close runners up include seeing the Library of Celsus at Ephesus, sailing and swimming on the Mediterranean, lunch at the home of a local woman, the Hagia Sofia, and the cave hotel we stayed at in Cappadocia. Honestly, Turkey is really one bit "wow moment." "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our eighth RS Tour, and was one of our top experiences. The tour featured a number of wonderful natural features and interesting historical ruins, a guide who was very personable and incredibly knowledgable, and a delightful tour group that enjoyed each others company.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our three days in Cappadocia was incredible and memorable - a once-in-a-lifetime hot air balloon ride over a magnificent landscape, amazing caves housing ancient churches and villages, a local farmer's market, hikes through awesome geological features, and a unique, first-rate hotel"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my first RS tour and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Our guide, Mine, was a wonderful educator and ambassador of all things Turkiye. I learned so much about both the ancient and modern history and culture of Turkiye. Erson, our driver, did a superb job. The 28 tour mates made the tour all the more enjoyable. The tour covered a wide range of sites: mosques, a palace, small villages, bazaars/markets, bustling cities, amazing ruins, beautiful coasts and striking landscapes.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The hot air balloon ride over the amazing scenery of Cappadocia was definitely a wow. I also really enjoyed our time in Ephesus. Being invited into the Cappodocia area home of Fahriye and enjoying her delicious meal was also a highlight for me. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Learned so much about a country of which I knew so little. As usual on RS Tours, my fellow travelers were great. Mert, our guide was both so knowledgeable about Turkey and yet so attentive to our individual needs that it enhanced our experience significantly.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"For me, it was the city of Istanbul. The vibrancy of a modern large city together with the unique history and traditions like the grand bazaar and magnificent architecture like Hagia Sophia almost overwhelmed me. It was amazing to see in person the things I've only read about. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Everything was so well planned, including breaking up bus travel days by stopping for hikes to mind-boggling sites and well timed lunch breaks. I loved getting to popular sites early, just as gates opened, with plenty of time for a thorough visit and leaving just as the big crowds arrived about 1pm! Mert, our tour guide was super knowledgeable and added a depth of background history to each place we visited. Overall - SUPER!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"This trip was mind-boggling from start to finish, with daily wow moments. I joined only focused on Istanbul, but Central Turkey - EVERY site we hiked to in Cappadocia, stops at a Silk Road Caravanserai and Aspendos Roman theater - were all very emotional high points for me. I've travelled on my own for years using Rick Steves books, but must admit - this tour was the best!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was absolutely the best from beginning to end. Our tour guide was knowledgeable, kind, and personable. His historical knowledge and thoughts on current world issues gave us a better understanding of Turkey. Our meals were always delicious and satisfying. Our tour group made the experience fun, as we enjoyed getting to know others from our home region; we would travel with any of them again!! I'm not sure how you could improve on a perfect trip!!! A huge thank you to our tour guide Mert!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The balloons in Cappadocia were a WOW moment. However, sitting with our tour guide's friend in her home and asking questions made me realize we all have similar commonalities. Our faith, family, and community are what's most important. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our guide, Mert, was amazing. He filled our heads with a vast wealth of knowledge that made every site we visited that much more special. His endless energy, and sense of humour kept us going, and kept us, and kept us entertained. The people of Turkey are kind, helpful and friendly, and this added to the overall great experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It’s hard to pick one moment from a tour filled with special moments.I really enjoyed the Capadocia area with the cave city and strange rock formations, Getting to go for a hot air balloon ride was a thrill, and the ancient sites of Ephesus and Aphrodisias were fascinating, but I think my favourite wow moment was the Blue Mosque. It is stunning. The food is also amazing, and I miss it already."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was the most spectacular tour I have ever taken. It was exotic and I learned a lot of history.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Floating over Capadoccia in a hot air balloon as the sunrise appeared over the volcano…."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

I enjoyed the tour of Turkey. I learned so much about the history and culture of Turkey as well as visiting the sites. Mert, our guide, was knowledgeable, friendly, well organized. and knew so much about all aspects of Turkey.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Ephesus"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our guide was experienced, organized, knowledgeable, up-beat, patient, fun, available, and an all around nice guy!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Cappadocia Region. The hikes and hot air balloon were highlights."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Turkey was a very pleasant surprise -- geographically it's at the "edge" of a typical Rick Steves trip, but turned out to be spot-on in terms of a Rick Steves experience: a great introduction to the physical, social, political, and cultural essence of a new place for me. I couldn't be more pleased with how our trip went. The Turkish people are open, welcoming, and friendly; our guide was outstanding, with his own fascinating combination of life experiences and perspectives.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I'm a bit of an ugly American here, but I was most wowed by how modern and developed Turkey is. From the hustle and bustle of ancient Istanbul, to the sprawl of what seemed like "multiple downtowns" as we bussed away from Istanbul (20m+ people!), to the modernity of Ankara (10m+ people!) and all it's sleek buildings; to the sophisticated superhighways connecting everything, to the construction cranes that seemed to be everywhere: Turkey is an amazing country!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour was educational, thought provoking, entertaining, organized, efficient and friendly. This was our first Rick Steve's tour after using his books for almost 40 years. So the result was no surprise - Rick has a great formula for travel.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia was a magical experience."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was amazing and we experienced far more than anticipated in Turkey. Our guide, Yaren, went above and beyond to make our experience enjoyable and packed with so much information. Her love of her country and fellow countrymen was so evident. I loved that we saw so much and did so many different things…

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Of course it was the ballon ride but also the Turkish bath and the many ancient sites, meals together, and Yaren and our driver, Mustapha."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had a wonderful experience visiting all the ancient sites and museums, tasting the different Turkish dishes and spices and conversations with the locals and our new travel companions. We couldn’t have had a better guide. She is a Turkish lady who knows so much about culture, politics, and especially archeology.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"We were wowed by Capadocia and our hotel room in a stone cave. So beautiful!"

Overall rating: rating 3 of 5

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Turkis bath"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour opened up a whole new world to my understanding of a land, history, culture and the implications of how archeology speaks to these topics. Our guide Yaren had impeccable credentials and unmatched passion for teaching, sharing, and helping us to understand all the different nuances of our tour experience. Be prepared for your plate to overflow with information.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"When we walked into our hotel room at Cappadocia. The most impressing lodging I have ever been in. Totally unique. You just have to see it yourself."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

We learned a great deal about Turky history up to about 1400 then about the founding of the country in the 1920's

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The hot air baloon ride"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Informative tour of a very interesting country; however, lots of bus time makes the tour somewhat arduous to accomplish

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Cappadocia area including balloon ride and caves"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

My wife and I absolutely enjoyed our tour of Turkey. This is our 6th Rick Steves tour, and definitely our favorite country to visit. Our tour guides did a fantastic job leading our group and provided superb background information about the country, especially on the long bus rides between major cities and sites.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Riding the hot air balloon over Cappadocia."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We were the only people from our tour that took the fabulous food and culture tour before our Turkey tour. Well worth it. Wish it was included in the tour. Would like to see the tour extended so that the bus rides were not as long and that more than one night was available in many places. Turkey was amazing and our guide, Togay did a wonderful job as did Lale when she joined us toward the end of the tour. Definitely a step out of our normal travel comfort zone but well worth it!!!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were too many WOW moments to list just one: the people and their kindness despite the language barrier, the colorful spice market and the fresh vegetable and fruit markets (Incredible), the Hot Air Balloon ride and Cappadocia Estates, our picnic overlooking the fairy chimneys, the beauty of the Mosques, the feeling of safety that we had. So many more too numerous to mention."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Every day was a sensory experience of new sights, sounds and tastes! Our guides were outstanding, the pace good and we had the loveliest travel companions! The people of Türkiye were friendly and we felt safe everywhere we traveled.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The hot air balloon ride, at sunrise over Cappodocia exceeded our expectations! The experience went flawlessly from start to finish. We so enjoyed our first hot air ballon ride over the unique topography of the “fairy chimneys!” It was truly a magical morning!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Loved everything about Turkey —the food, culture, history, people. Spice market, grand bazaar, cruise, Ephesus, hot air ballon ride, museums, Istanbul’s fish wrap street food was the best meal ever!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Many “wow” moments: Hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia, museums, Ephesus, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Spice Market, fish wrap street food, learning about Islam, meeting locals. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great guide and great country!

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Culturally, my trip to Turkey was wonderful. The sites and experiences were top notch. I am glad I took this trip. However, I felt like I was being rushed a lot of the time, though I am an experienced independent traveler. In addition, I have taken 2 Rick Steves trips. I believe the Turkey trip should have been 14 or even 15 days so that we could have had more time to rest.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Turkish bath in Antalya. If we had stayed in the town one more day, I would have returned. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Although I've travelled extensively internationally, I have never been on an organized tour before, and I had high expectations of the Rick Steves tour. This experience absolutely exceeded my expectations. I could tell this is a well-oiled machine because all logistics were very smooth, and our guide used her considerable expertise to optimize our group's experience at every opportunity. I appreciated the candor and insight our guide shared with us regarding current events, as well as history!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I have a few. First, launching at dawn in a hot air balloon over Capadoccia along with hundreds of other balloons was a once in a lifetime experience. What a thrill! Second, during our tour at the Anatolian Civilizations Museum in Ankara, there was a moment as I listened to our tour guide when the sheer scope of the thousands of years of sweeping history of Asia Minor and it's impact across civilizations hit me. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour far exceeded my expectations. From the moment we arrived in Istanbul through to the last day in Kuşadası, we thoroughly enjoyed every experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It’s hard to pick just one wow moment, because I had so many wow moments in this trip. I have to say the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations was probably my number one. The amount of ancient artifacts they have there is amazing!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour was a great introduction to Turkey, its history, culture and geography. There was a good balance between scheduled activities and free time. A couple of highlights were the visit to the carpet factory, with its dazzling display of carpets, and the Bosphorus boat ride. We appreciated the "day off" in Antalya. As with our previous RS tour, we enjoyed getting to know our congenial fellow travelers. And our tour guide, Yaren, was wonderful.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our first look at the amazing landscape of Cappadocia. The caravanserai en route to Konya was also pretty amazing. Third "wow" - the cave hotel room in Mustafapasa."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Yaren knowledge and passion brought to life the museum treasures of Turkey to life. We learned of some surprising historical facts and history unbekownst to us.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Experiencing the Hot Air Balloon ride in Cappodocia and swimming in the Mediterranean sea"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I usually avoid "tours" when I travel because I want to experience my travel without a bunch of others, dictated times and places, and restrictions on other travel. I chose to go with the RS tour because I wanted to visit areas of historic ruins, current locations without crowds, and less time searching out decent hotels and places to dine. RS Tours delivered on all of my concerns.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"We had a walking encyclopedia for a tour guide who also worked to create a team environment."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

There was such a wide variety of experiences - it was great!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many wow moments - the Grand Bazaar, Kaymaldi underground city, Aspendos Roman Theatre, Ephesus, the hot-air balloon ride"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

It was a worthwhile tour. Our guide, Yaren, really added so much to the trip with her extensive knowledge of Turkey, enthusiasm and sense of humor. I had a few issues with the quality of the hotels. Nonetheless, I would recommend this tour to friends.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The tomb of Rumi and the Blue Mosque were absolutely stunning. I also enjoyed our visit to the pools of Pammukale. These two sites alone made the trip worthwhile. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my first time stepping into Asia, and the experience was amazing! Our guide Mert shared his vast knowledge of the history, culture, geology, food, politics and ways of Turkey, helping me overcome some preconceptions. The people in our tour group were, to a person, friendly, fun and supportive. I took the pre-tour foodie tour led my Lale and I'm so glad I did – I got a taste of Turkish culture through the dishes we sampled as we visited other areas of Istanbul. Delicious!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I am interested in the ways people have found to live and thrive, so my "wow" moments were many: the translated Hittite tablets in the archaeology museum in Ankara, the dwellings (and our hotel) dug into the rock in Cappadocia, our lunch and visit with the head of one such home, the Roman terrace homes in Ephesus, the caravanserai, the bazaars and markets, and our talk with two imams in their mosque. The geology of Cappadocia was jaw-dropping, and the balloon ride was well worth the splurge. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had a wide variety of experiences which were appealing in themselves but made even more enjoyable by the enthusiasm of our guide, Mert. I learned some of the ancient history of Asia Minor in school, but I knew almost nothing about contemporary Turkey so it was interesting to learn a bit about it from Mert and Lale (food tour) and from experiencing a little of it myself.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"An acquaintance told me that the entire country of Turkey is an archeological site. I very much enjoyed how we visited many stunning locations that would have been overrun with people had they been in Italy or Greece, but were relatively quiet in Turkey. Sometimes this was due to our guide being very strategic in his schedule planning, but even a popular place like Ephesus had beautiful quiet places off the main tourist area. The archeological museums were similarly uncrowded."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The level of detail and insight we received from our guide, Mert, was exceptional. He is so passionate about sharing the culture of his country and that showed in the care and attention he gave to the group. As a woman traveler, I felt safe. The thought that went into the itinerary and pacing was spot on.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Honestly, my wow moment came from the opportunity to sit down and have frank discussions with the Imams at the mosque midway through the tour. It was such an intimate experience and opened my eyes as a traveler to always make sure I have the real facts before forming an opinion. Also, just the feeling of connection with the ancient sites and knowing I was walking the same path as history. Wow."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was an excellent tour which did not waste one second of our time. We had a great mix of history, culture, adventure, and leisure. The structure was perfect for our style of travel. We got up early, got places before the crowds, and had lots of time on the back end to explore further on our own.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Do I have to choose one? One "wow" was getting to Ephesus when it opened and being able to see it untouched by the crowds of the day. Our guide, Mert, had highly specialized knowledge of Ephesus and its place in history and he enthusiastically shared it with us."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I appreciated the immersion into culture, politics, religion, and history

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Cappadocia hot air balloon ride"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

I enjoyed Turkey, but too much time was spent in the bus and stopping at sites that did not interest me.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Haga Sophia"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Mert, our guide, was astonishing. I think a huge part of being on a tour is having questions answered you might not have thought to ask had you been traveling on your own. Mert made everything we saw or experienced seem more of a whole, including our understanding of Turkey's place in the world today. His depth of knowledge (history, art history, geology, local customs, food - etc) and skill at explaining information made the trip.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I guess it had to be seeing Cappadocia. I did do the balloon ride - terrified of heights - and must say it was mesmerizing. But just seeing that topography, and hearing Mert's explanations, was unlike anything I'd experienced before."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Enjoyed all aspects.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Being so close to Greek and Roman ruins. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The tour met my expectations. We experienced a new culture & saw a new part of the world. Excellent guide, good travel partners, got to see what a Rick Steves tour is like. Glad we (my wife Vicki was also on the tour) made the tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I did not have a "wow" moment. Being on a well-organized tour with an excellent local guide made the time and money worth it. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The guide was the best. Full of fun and life and love of his country.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The balloon ride over Cappadocia to see the sunrise. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The tour was amazing. I would give it an outstanding rating, except for the long bus rides. We visited so many historical sites, museums, and a wide diversity of experiences, such as Hot Air Ballooning, swimming in thermal pools with Roman columns, speaking with an Iman, etc. is hard to list all of them. Our guide was amazing - cannot say enough good things about him. His knowledge of Turkey and his outstanding personality made it an amazing experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Hot Air Ballooning was my 'wow' moment. Seeing the sunrise from 8000 feet and flying over an unique part of the earth was an experience I will never forget."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The Turkey tour proved true to the itinerary, everything I was hoping for. It was very active ('most active' is an apt description), which I liked. Our days were filled morning to night seeing the sites, learning, exploring the culture, and covering a big chunk of the country. Our tour guide was a gem; a very proud, funny, very knowledgeable, and energetic Turk. The sites were amazing, the tour group was fun and friendly, and a great experience of a lifetime.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were many highlights on this tour. I especially liked Cappadocia and I'm glad we spent the most time there. There is the ubiquitous (must do) balloon ride over the land of fairy chimneys. Later, we got to wander to explore this landscape, not once, but twice. There is the farmer's market unlike any you've probably ever seen. And then the wonderful time visiting the old woman, serving us a very tasty and nutritious lunch and delighting us with her quick wit answers. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We generally travel independently, relying on Rick Steves' books and forums, but traveling in Turkey seemed a bit daunting and this tour intrigued us. It was the perfect choice for us. We got to see so much and our tour guide, Togay, was amazing. We could not have covered as much ground or had as many experiences so smoothly doing it on our own, plus the group we traveled with was wonderful.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many "Wow" moments: The Topkapi Palace; Hagia Sophia; the Blue Mosque; Rumi's burial site; ancient cave churches and the underground city; but perhaps our most favorite moments were the hot air balloon ride over the amazing fairy chimneys of Cappadocia and the fantastic Turkish Baths. We've never been so clean or relaxed. This trip was packed with Turkish delights."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We really enjoyed learning about the lives of the other members of our group and our guide. We felt like we made the most of our time in Turkey, seeing so many places with so much history and a variety of experiences with religious and military conflicts. Seeing the geography and how it affected human cultural developments was priceless.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The balloon ride in Kapadokya, as well as the tour of the caves the same day. We saw the area from 8,000 feet above ground as well as 5 stories underground. It was both beautiful and awe-inspiring to see our pilot's expertise at handling the balloon and how humans centuries before engineered systems to survive underground for many years."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour of Turkey was filled with adventure and wonder. The natural beauty of Turkey was stunning. The people were friendly, welcoming and industrious. The food was incredibly delicious and healthy. The Roman ruins were some of the best we have seen anywhere. We learned so much about the history, culture, and values of this impactful nation.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Two: The hot air balloon ride at sunrise over the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia and walking the streets of ancient Ephesus."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had a wonderful experience - loved learning about the history of Turkey, had a terrific guide Togay, and a great group of fellow travelers. Prior to our trip, we vastly underestimated Turkey as a travel destination.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Really enjoyed the Blue Mosque. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was fabulous! Our guide, Yaren, made tweaks so that we could have the best experiences and avoid some crowds and rainy walks. I learned so much and have added an "I must go back there!" to my travel list.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Loved experiencing things that I otherwise would likely not have the opportunity to participate in.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The hot air balloon ride was so unique and special - the views from the height of the balloon were outstanding. This experience will always be a highlight of my travels."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was a very well organized tour lead by a fantastic tour guide. I would highly recommend it to anyone.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The wow moments started from the first sight of Istanbull all the way to finishing up in Ephesus. Along way, there was Cappadocia and the balloon ride."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The Türkiye tour was fun and eye-opening. Our fellow travelers were interesting in the best ways, and easy companions. Some are new Facebook friends.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Anatolian museum in Ankara really opened my eyes to how advanced ancient civilizations really were. To the untrained eye, cuneiform writing looks somewhat like Greek. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was life changing! I learned so much about history that I had forgotten or never learned.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many! Wow came out of my mouth daily. The hot air balloon ride stands out though. Museum that traced human evolution was also amazing. Swimming amongst the Roman columns was also spectacular."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour and guide, Yaren, exceeded my expectations. This was my first Rick Steves Tour and wont be my last!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Cappadocia was magical! The balloon ride was spectacular! I never knew Turkey had so many archaeological sights and they amazed me! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Fabulous Tour with an incredible guide, Mert, who has endless energy and a great sense of humor, in addition to being an amazing historian . He was also always available to ask questions about the culture, the lifestyle, the food, etc. Bus rides went by quickly when we were getting history lessons or just hearing fun personal stories about Turkey

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The sunrise hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia was phenomenal. Also loved exploring the underground caves of Kaymakli and Fairy Chimneys of Pasabag. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We planned that Turkiye would be our first Rick Steves Tour (after decades of travelling RS-style throughout Europe and other countries/continents), and it was fabulous! We gained a huge appreciation of this country thanks to Mert our phenomenal guide, the wonderful food (thanks, Lale!) and the amazing sites, activities and overall organization. We're still thinking of this trip and the stellar experience that we dream of re-visiting.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were several, but it would be hard to top a sunrise balloon ride over the Cappadocian landscape. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The experience made us very happy indeed. As long time independent travelers who use to attend Rick's UW experimental college classes and soon after were off doing our own travel experiences - this first trip was really great. The country really shined with the excellent itinerary mixed so much history and culture along with great food through out. We thought Mert Taner was really awesome and his energy kept us all engaged and present for the whole tour. A gold medal trip!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hanging out on the second floor outside patio after a day of sight seeing and a balloon ride early in the morning having a glass of wine listening to music playing across the small town for a few hours. We were placed in this type of moment thanks to the great Cappadocia Estates - and the small town of Mustafapasa. Perfect in everyway. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my first Rick Steve's tour, after traveling with many other travel companies, and both me and my husband were extremely impressed! We learned so much about the culture of Turkey, and that's really what we enjoy on our trips, as well as seeing as much as possible.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Probably, the hot air balloon ride over the troglodyte dwellings in Cappadocia - absolutely "other-worldly!""

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Mert was a exquisite guide 5star to him

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Cappadocia Hot air balloon ride"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Lots of interesting places and history. Some very unusual (in a good way) tour experiences. A fantastic guide. Several long days on bus even if broken up were a bit tough. I was disappointed in how quickly we had to go through Hagia Sofia and the limited parts we could access but that was due to government policy so nothing R.S. could do.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Not formally part of the tour but the balloon ride would have to be it."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

This was our second time to see Turkey and it didn't disappoint! Such a beautiful country. The tour is well planned and very efficient. I know that a tour means we move alot but I felt I didn't have any down time at all. Very busy all the time! Thats why I take many self planned trips. But I missed more quiet time to just absorb my surroundings. It was sad to not see the water in the pools at Pamukala as I saw 12 years ago.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I was extremely impressed with the terrace homes under the cover at Ephasis. So well preserved!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Being my first Rick Steves tour, I have no comparisons, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I couldn't imagine experiencing Turkey any other way.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The culture, the history, the extraordinary sights -- Turkey was a whole series of wow moments."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Turkiye offers great sightseeing trips, history, archeology and gastronomy, so even on our own we probably will have a great time. But Rick Steves tour added the convenience of not having to 'learn from mistakes'. As a bonus, our guide Yaren is SUPERB! Not only she knows her historical facts, but also she takes extra care of our group's various little requirements.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Pamukkale travertines, Ephesus ancient city, and of course Cappadocia landscape and hot air balloon ride. Istanbul and Kusadasi were also WOW in every aspects."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

ALL of the logistics of our tour were managed seamlessly and we could relax and enjoy the pleasure of learning about Turkey.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing the archeological sites with our guide, Yaren Turkoglu was a bonus. Her experience and passion for the culture and history of Turkey added so much to my appreciation."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Our guide was excellent and the tour exceeded my expectations. We had experiences that I would not have been able to plan myself.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Swimming in the Mediterranean on our optional boat trip was the best moment of the trip. Our group got along well and the sites were beautiful."

Overall rating: rating 3 of 5

We saw more than we expected and more than we would have if we had planned the trip on our own. We also leaned a lot of history that was explained by our amazing guide, Yaren. This made us appreciate the places we visited so much more.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Truly, Yaren is an important part of this trip that made us so special. She went above and beyond her role as a tour guide. She was our leader, friend and also our “mother” who made sure that we were all taken care of. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour was probably the best vacation we've ever taken. We took this trip to fulfill our daughter's dream, but my wife and I loved every minute of it. We love history; I learned an incredible amount and saw things that I never dreamed I would see. Our guide was fantastic, and the tour was well-paced. We had time at each major site to explore on our own, and we had plenty of down time. There was a lot of driving, but to see as much of the country as we did, it was necessary.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My wife and I discussed this a great deal - we loved so many of the things we saw and did. That said, the hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia, though an extra cost, was my wow moment. It was a beautiful way to see the landscape. A close second for me was seeing the travertine terraces at Pammukkale. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

My overall tour experience was absolutely incredible. While the itinerary itself was fantastic, the true star of the journey was Yaren. A master of her craft, Yaren brought history to life as we explored Turkey and learned about a new definition of what it means to say something is “old”. Yaren’s love of country and passion for archaeology and history were passed on to us as participants of the tour. Additionally, she handled tour logistics and the care of her tour members adeptly.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It would be too easy to say the balloon ride in Cappadocia was my biggest wow, so I’ll expand to include our visit to the most endearing person ever, Fattia. Please pardon incorrect spelling. Or was it cruising the Mediterranean? Or was it swimming in a Roman Bath? Truly, there were so many wows, space doesn’t allow for a complete list!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Excellent. Went to places that I would never have gone on my own.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Cappadocia "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was amazing and Yaren is one of the best tour guides I’ve ever gad

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Cappadocia balloon ride and visiting Fahriye. Having that local experience was top shelf amazing! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I was pleasantly impressed by my vacation and tour in Türkiye. Primarily, the variety of experiences on this 13 day tour really left me speechless. I found it difficult to choose one or two experiences that really made it for me as I loved it all.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I found it very difficult to answer this but if I need to call out one, I will say seeing the Library of Celsus from the viewpoint with the marble street in the foreground, on a clear morning in Ephesus, comes closest to my geeky archeologist self. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The itinerary and sites were all great, but the true magic from the trip are the guides. Our guide Yaren added so much value to our trip that I never would have gotten reading any book. She was able to answer any question ranging from archaeology, political environment, Turkish cooking, to book recommendations. She handled all of the logistics so I could focus on my own enjoyment of the country.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hagia Sophia was awe inspiring. Our guide Yaren told so many great stories about the building, the art, and it's place in Turkish and world culture that made this portion of the trip so memorable. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I loved the tour- everything about it. Our guide, Yarin, was excellent and helped us in so many ways from what not to miss, ideas for exploring, language support, and more. The locations were great and our driver was amazing getting us from one place to the next.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I had a lot of wows, but I think my favorite was hearing Yarin's perspectives about education and her daily life and getting to know some of the locals- like having lunch in the woman's home in Cappadocia and visiting the Iman- amazing opportunities that I couldn't have experienced without the tour."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was a wonderful experience. Very well planned.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were many. Seeing the landscape in Capadoccia and checking into the cave hotel there. Pamukale and Ephesis."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Ephesus archaeological site"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

I got to really see and understand Turkey, beyond the monuments and sights. I felt actively involved in all phases of the tour. I made good friends. We traveled in comfort and stayed in places with character. I thoroughly enjoyed the trip.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn, and the Sea of Marmara coming together at Istanbul."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great tour guide, Taylan. Great itinerary.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Cappadocia and Pamukkale"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was perfectly spaced out so that you didn't have to make up really early every morning or have to be on the bus for large portions of the day, and yet we visited numerous sites without feeling rushed.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The blue waters in Pammukale."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Over the years, I have used Rick's tour books in my travels and always include duct tape in my suitcase! After reviewing a number of tour companies, we chose his 13 day tour of Turkey. I can't say enough about this excellent and informative tour. Our tour guide Taylen was exceptional with wide knowledge of all the archeological places we visited as well as the cultural nuances of this amazing country. Great value, great people! I am hooked on Rick!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There are many "wow" moments...the sheer expanse of the country and all the agriculture, the warmth of the people, the food, dervishes, Ephesus..."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Exceeded expectations. Guide was wonderful, knowledgeable and capable. Itinerary included nothing but high points.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Balloon flight over Cappadocia. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was just as I expected! It offered lot of opportunities to learn about the rich history, culture and the people of Turkey.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The unique landscape of Cappadocia. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Outstanding!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The whole package."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was a great trip , wonderful people amd an excellent tour guide :Taylan.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The experience of the hot balloon in Coppadocia"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

In spite of many awe-inspiring experiences, of my 7 RS tour experiences this was my least favorite. Reason 1: literally entire days on the bus with not much to look at interspersed with truck stops. Reason 2: our group never really jelled. Reason 3: Most nights spent in large, unappealing cities. Reason 4: high pressure sales at RS endorsed vendors; would have been helpful to have a primer on how to bargain effectively.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many great experiences: interacting with the multitude of "community" dogs and cats, the amazing tiles in mosques and beautiful ceramics in general, the harem at the Topakapi Palace, seeing all the groups of graduates at Atatürk's Tomb, the landscapes of Cappadocia (from hot air balloon, underground and hiking), lunch in local woman's home, conversation with iman, vacation from vacation day (swim in Med Sea, Turkish bath, lovely hotel garden), Ephesus (Wow Moment), seeing a stork fly. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was the absolute best tour I've ever been on in my whole - quite long I'd say... life. The best things were: the outstanding guide, Yaran, who raised the standards of my expectations from guides forever! I want her to guide all my future tours... Also the itinerary was AMAZING and comprehensive of various history and cultural aspects so that we were immersed in Turkey from various perspectives. This was my first ever Rick Steves tours, so I look forward to many more!!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Balloon in Capadocia - my first time in a baloon... But they were all WOW moments!!"

I had a wonderful trip. I had been wanting to go to Turkiye for a number of years and am so glad I did it.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Honestly, it was our guide, Yaren Turkoglu. She was so full of knowledge, love for her country and skill at caring for and managing the tour members, that she was my wow moment. If I had to pick a place or experience, one of the stand outs for me was taking the boat tour along the Bosphorous. It really gave me a sense of how incredibly huge Istanbul is and we saw some of the history of the area along the shores at the same time."

Overall rating: rating 3 of 5

Guide was great! Bus smelled like mold the whole tme. Everyone was coughing and over half people did not feel well. A window was broken on the bus and they replaced it but left glass on the bus. Bus was old, had no electical outlets for modern travel phones and equipment. No wifi etc.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Paying for balloon rides!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Really enjoyed touring Turkey. Weather was beautiful and loved the history of the country

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The seaside city of Antalya. Loved the quaint European feel the boat ride along the coast. The ease of walking and shopping. Beautiful sunsets. Great restaurants and the Turkish bath was definitely an experience. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Wonderful informative leader.hmmm

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hmmm . . . Many . . . Ephesus, hot air balloons, carpet display and weaver, "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The Best of Turkey is an outstanding group tour even for us being seasoned, independent travelers. Even though we prepared by watching all the Turkey TV episodes, Monday Night Travel, and read the guidebook, the tour experience far exceeded our expectations. Our tour guide, Togay, did a marvelous job describing the historical and social implications of all the sites with a touch taking us "out of our comfort zone", Rick's approach to travel.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"No doubt the "wow" moment is silently floating over Cappadocia in a hot air balloon. We felt mesmerized and elated as well viewed the landscape as the pilot deftly navigates among the 100+ balloons."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was well organized, with great communication about what we would be doing each day and how we should be prepared. Our traveling colleagues were such a pleasure, and our tour guide was outstanding.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia! Frankly one of the best travel experiences of my life. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our Guide, Mert, was a Superstar! The tour is well organized with manageable timelines and expectations. The bus was spotless and comfortable. The driving times were broken up well. Our driver, Cinan, was professional and awesome! Hotels were overall better than I anticipated with a couple of absolute stunners!! Included meals were good with enough variety for everyone. Excursions with the accompanying education was not overwhelming and very engaging and just a lot of fun!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"After watching the shows for 20+ years and using Rick's books and audio for countless trips, finally having the Universe align for my wife and I to experience a Rick Steves tour, and in an unfamiliar part of the world, the entire 14 days was a "WOW" moment! Q&A with the Imam, early swim in Pamukkale, Aegean swim in Antalya, Mert plucking the cigarette out of the smoker's mouth in Ephesus! Hard to choose one moment."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Wonderful way to see a fascinating country and a huge amount of the credit goes to our guide (or as we came to think of him "our professor"). Tour is chalk full of history, amazing views, and a chance to better understand the Muslim faith.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Lots of wow moments, but will never forget the hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Absolutely incredible experience. The trip was well planned out and full of enriching and fun moments. You could really tell how much time had been put in and how thorough the Rick Steves team was. It was definitely a trip with a lot of walking and movement but that added to the experience for me as an active person. Our tour guide Mert was absolutely incredible.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The ancient city of Ephesus, Istanbul, and Southern Turkey were breathtaking."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

So many WOW moments. Some on the tour and some on the extensions before and after. The hotels were quaint and comfortable. The insights into Turkish history, politics, economy, and archaeology were priceless. Visiting the cradle of civilization was definitely a highlight of my travels - and the many museums in Turkey were exceptional. My expectations were not well formed and were blown away by the technology, the modern infrastructure, and the cleanliness.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite WOW moment was the balloon trip in Cappadocia. The sites were stupendous, floating over such a unique environment with 100 other balloons was awe inspiring, the pilots were very skilled, even landing on the trailer in a remote area. I highly recommend this experience to everyone who visits Cappadocia. The balloon ride is smooth, the sunrise is exceptional, dipping down into valleys of spires and other strange formations was sensational. I also took the most photos on this segment"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The highlight was our tour guide, Mert. His passion, enthusiasm, and knowledge made our trip awesome.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Cappadocia and Ephesus"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour far exceeded our expectations. We also feel that the tour was excellent value for money as well.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Ballooning in Cappadocia and swimming amongst the ruins in Hierapolis. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

A wonderful trip! It was a great group led by an outstanding guide, Mert. In addition to his passion for his native land, Mert's knowledge of history, politics, religion, and culture was amazing and highly educational. I learned a tremendous amount about Turkey and its long history and role in the shaping of history, religion, and politics. Turkey is a beautiful but complex country. This was my second RS tour and I cannot recommend them enough to my friends and family.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Certainly, the balloon ride and touring in Cappadocia was a "wow" moment that quickly comes to mind, but there were many moments. I took the trip due to my growing interest in Roman history, so the many Roman sites we visited were fascinating. But also learning about the Greeks and the Hitties was very interesting as well. The seaside towns were also wonderful. Like any traveler visiting Turkey, I came home with an expensive rug and a belly full of Raki. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Tour was demanding but well organized with many special events. Our tour guide was brilliant providing us with both current perspectives and past history showing Turkey as it is today… an amazing country with kind and accommodating people who did everything to make our visit memorable .

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Ephesus… remarkable…."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The tour was a journey through some of the most fascinating history of the ancient world. We are seasoned travelers and relatively knowledgeable in ancient history, but this tour really tied together so many loose ends and helped bring so many things into perspective.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The balloon ride over Cappadocia."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour, our sixth with RSE, has several major elements I appreciate in a great tour - a well-planned itinerary with variety of experiences (both indoor and outdoor), an experienced and caring tour leader in Yaren, decent and clean hotels/inns, tasty and plentiful food choices, and an interesting bunch of tour members to get to know. I really appreciated and enjoyed the opportunity to see cities and villages, mountains and coast, etc. There is something from everyone on this tour!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My Wow is not a single moment, but the overall impact of the various religious locations visited. Considering the beauty/history/significance of the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Goreme cave churches, local village imams, city of Ephesus, Chora church (post tour), etc. experienced in two weeks is mindblowing. Reflecting on these places/people/moments fills me with joy and gratitude for all I saw and learned from this travel opportunity. My first plunge in the beautiful Mediterranean was Wow too!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Excellent guide and group. Yaren is exceptionally knowledgeable and talented. Her ability to manage the tour and lead the guiding was impressive!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The stadium in Aphrodisias gets a slight edge above all of the wonderful sites and experiences. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Wonderful! There is so much history there; Yaren is just incredible with her background, knowledge and passion for her beloved country. Great sights, experiences and people!

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Excellent

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Ephesus"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Outstanding! I learned an enormous amount about Turkey, the Islamic culture, archeology, and history during this tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Ephesus "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Elwan our tour guide was outstanding in so many ways. She knew si much about Turkwy and was extremly helful on the trip. The itinerary covered a lot of ground and I enjoyed many of the varied experiences offered such as the early morning baloon ride, the boat ride and swim in the Mediteranean Sea and Turkish bath.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Definitely the ballloon ride in Cappadinia."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I enjoyed this unique tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Probably the balloon ride although I really enjoyed the tour of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

What a wonderful way to experience Turkey! Our guide Elvan was friendly, helpful and extremely knowledgeable about the culture, history, geology and the various religions throughout the regions of Turkey. Our fellow travelers were caring, inquisitive and open-minded and a pleasure to travel with. Most of the hotels were excellent and the food delicious. If you are interested in learning more about the crossroads of the original "silk roads" this tour is for you!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There are so many to choose from! From a cultural perspective I would say visiting the beautiful mosques and ancient ruins—including a two thousand year old underground city were my favorites. But from a purely decadent perspective I would have to vote for staying in the beautiful cave hotel and the sunrise balloon ride in Cappadocia."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

So well organized. Our tour director had an incredible breath of knowledge and was able to share the knowledge in a useful manner. Everyone on the tour were interesting and very friendly. Well done!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hot air balloon ride and visiting Aphrodisias. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Loved the tour overall.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Ephasus, especially the residences "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Mert Taner was a superior guide. Very knowledgeable, experienced & able to adjust the itinerary to changing conditions.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Enjoying Ephesus in the morning without all the crowds."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Tour was fun, well organized. Our tour guide (Mert) was exceptional!! He has excellent communication skills, kept us very well informed throughout the trip and has a fabulous sense of humor. He was very knowledgeable and told 'fun/interesting/historical facts/general information' stories of each of the destinations we visited and Turkiye in general.

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I have used Rick Steves' guide books for years but this was my first tour. I was pleasantly surprised by the unique small group tour experience. My fellow travelers - amazing and great fun!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My wow moment - being in a mosque, asking questions of the two imams and experiencing their call to prayer. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The sights we visited, from the Topkapi Palace through the magnificent ruins at Ephesus, resulted in an unforgettable experience. We got to visit so many places that I had heard about since I was a child, and although we had some very full days, I don't see how the tour could have been organized any better.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Definitely Ephesus. The extent of the ruins as well as their amazing condition, resulted in a continuous series of "Wows" throughout our visit. The experience of walking down "5th Avenue" (as our guide called it) and first seeing the library at the end of the street was one of those once in a lifetime moments. And even more, our guide Mert got us there before any other tour groups, so we often felt like we had the place to ourselves."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour guide Mert was fantastic . He is knowledgeable. He has a good sense of humor. We are lucky to have him. Turkey is an amazing country.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Cappadocia "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I am amazed at the rich culture of Turkey which was accurately reflected by our amazing tour guide Mert. I appreciated the exposure to the country “highlights” with tremendous insight and honesty from Mert.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Cappadocia is a wonder."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Beautiful country!! Amazing culture, food, geography and history, all illustrated by our excellent tour guide, Mert. I have never been on a more comprehensive and enjoyable tour… Rick Steves tours, included.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were many. Capadocia and its unique hill dwellings come to mind. Nature and humanity working together over centuries "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Saw a lot of stuff. Mert was outstanding. Appreciate his vast knowledge of the past and present

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Cappadocia"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Overall this was a great tour. Turkey is a fabulous country, and Mert is a proud Turk who was entertaining and did a good job of coordinating our visits to the different locations to avoid crowds, challenging weather, and sudden Turkish travel restrictions. However, perhaps because of the many challenges of getting the group from place to place, he was inattentive to matters like food allergies (I had to check with the staff at the breakfasts and other meals provided before eating).

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My positive "wows" were Cappadocia--both the amazing terrain and the lovely hotel--and seeing Ephesus without any crowds (thanks to Mert).My negative "wow" was at the carpet shop when the "selling"/harassing took place and the salespeople rang a bell and clapped to indicate a sale. In spite of a warning that we would be taken shopping, I am very glad to have avoided that kind of experience on my other RS tours. In contrast, the pottery shop visit was OK--selling there was low-pressure."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my second time on this tour. I went with my SiL originally and found the tour so interesting that I wanted to show my DiL and granddaughter this wonderful country. We went together as 3 generations!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Balloon ride"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Wonderful guide and great tour mates.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I had more than one. While climbing the uneven stairs at the Blue Mosque a young Muslim woman took my hand and helped me up the stairs. It reinforced the value of travel, we are more alike than different."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great tour group and guide

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Swimming in Mediterranean "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

An incredibly exotic, historic and cultural discovery of Turkey and the land once called Anatolia.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Sitting with the Imam and learning what it means to be Muslim. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Everything went well--outstanding tour guide Yaren, great sites, many memorable experiences, great food, very congenial tour group companions.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our guide Yaren--what an amazing wealth of information she brought to the tour: history, classical archeology, biblical history, a thorough understanding of Turkey and its political environment. She made the many beautiful things we saw understandable. She is a real pro at working with people, is extremely kind, compassionate and has a terrific sense of humor"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We loved every day of our tour. Yaran was an outstanding tour guide. She knew the history, the politics, the culture, the food and related all this information in an interesting manner. She was able to simplify the history, so even the novices, like me, could understand. She also shared her personal life and experiences. The hotels, on a whole, were very good. We loved the owner owned hotels with loads of charm.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Ballooning at dawn over Cappadocia. Seeing the ancient site of Ephasis. Swimming in a heated pool among Roman columns. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I went knowing something about Turkey and returned with a changed mind, admiring, affectionate and respectful.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Not a moment but our guide Yaren Turkoglu. Simply spectacular. Everything and more anyone could want in a tour guide."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The Turkey tour is very well organized with emphasis on their culture, food, geography, and historical sites.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I wanted to go to Turkey to see the ancient Roman sites so my wow moments were at Asplendos, Aphrodisias, Hierapolis, and especially Ephesus."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

My husband and I traveled with 26 wonderful people and Yaren; the guide to end all guides. We met the beautiful people of Turkey who are so very gracious and kind. We walked in the footsteps of Alexander the Great, Constantine, and so many others. Beautiful country and magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many moments but being able to hot air balloon over Cappedocia was incredible! The Call to Prayer five times a day is a beautiful way to take a pause in your busy day. We felt honored to share this moment with many others. Istanbul is a huge city but we soon felt a part of its vibrancy and history. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall it was a great tour! Our guide Yaren was fantastic, I liked our fellow travellers, the mix of archeological sites and activities not specifically related to archeology, the mix of planned activities with free time to explore on our own, the food (especially our lunches) and the hotels.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There wasn't really one specific "wow" moment. Each day had its "wow" moments. If pushed I liked especially the serenity of the landscapes including the snow capped mountains, the vibrant cites and the people."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Phenomenal! Yaren took such good care of us. I loved learning about Ancient Rome, and the Turkiyesh people. Yaren provided great information on current life in Turkiye, and the struggles of day-to-day living.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many! The hot air balloon ride, Lale's amazing hotel and the nearby Greek restaurant, Ephesus and Ancient Athena, swimming in the Mediterranean, driving over the mountain range and into Antalya."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Exquisite.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Underground city and Cappadocia Estates hotel"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had wonderful time. It was well organized. Our guide was personable and knowledgeable. We were impressed with the sights that we visited. It made us want to visit Turkey again in he future

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many. The ballon ride in Capadocchia was amazing. Ephesus was incredible. And Istanbul was such an interesting, fun city"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had an absolutely amazing experience. Wished it would never end!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many, but probably the biggest standout was the balloon ride in Cappadochia. Simply incredible!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great guide and wonderful companions made the outstanding sights even more enjoyable

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Balloon ride in Cappadocia was an incredible experience. Loved Ephesus as well."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great tour! Great guide! Interesting sites and history

Favorite "WOW" moment

" Allowing in Cappadoccia"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our adventure in Turkey was exceptional from beginning to end. Our guide Taylan was engaging and expert at involving the whole group in every activity. We left the tour with a whole new appreciation for Turkey and the Turkish people.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our balloon ride over Cappadocia was the experience of a lifetime! From the inflation of the balloons in the predawn light to the soaring flight over the fairy chimneys I felt like we were in another world. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Ballooning in Capadoccia "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was a very comprehensive tour. Our tour guide was outstanding. The long bus rides were worth the effort - we covered a lot of ground!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Roman ruins we visited at the end of the tour and Cappadocia"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

1. A fascinating and important country. 2. A passionate and erudite guide. 3. Congenial traveling companions.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Two weeks of working to understand Muslims was a slow-motion wow."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Turkey was amazing!! The chance to learn about the history and experience the culture exceeded our expectations. Taylan, our guide was incredible!!! The members of our group were interesting, easy-going, friendly and by the end of the trip, felt like family.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It was all amazing, but the balloon ride in Cappadocia will always stand out as one of the most memorable moments of my life."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Yaren was a terrific guide. She was involved and engaged throughout the entire tour, even through the grief of losing her father.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Balloon trip Cappadocia"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Got to know a lot about Turky

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Istanbul "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour guide, Yaren, was fabulous! I felt like every day was a master class on history and archeology. I learned so much! The food also was delicious. I intend to start cooking Turkish food!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favor "wow" moment was the balloon ride in Cappadocia. So breathtaking to be soaring over such beautiful landscape!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great two weeks of exploration and learning. The leader, Yaren, was an exceptional guide.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations was a wow for me. Every day had great learning and events."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Turkey with Yaren as guide was fantastic. Many new insights and learnings from the trip.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Balloon ride in Cappadocia was one of life's great experiences. Also Istanbul and Ephesus were remarkable."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This trip was above expectation for surprising new learning about history and culture. Interactions with locals was more than expected and I found them to be very kind and friendly. We liked this trip so much we are seriously thinking about exploring different areas of Turkey in 2025.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Cappadocia—from the national park with unique stone shapes and dwelling area to the balloon ride. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Wonderful tour! Yaren is an exceptional guide with a wealth of knowledge about the history, politics, and religion of Turkey.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The optional balloon ride in Cappadocia! Gliding silently over the landscape as the sun came up will be a favorite memory forever. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Unique sights, outstanding guide, hotels in great locations.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The unique scenery and hot air balloon ride (optional on the tour)."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The experience made me realize how many misconceptions I had about Turkey. The trip was not only an educational journey through mosques, museums, archeological sights, and food, it was a cultural experience I will never forget. I wish everyone could have the opportunity to experience Turkey with our exceptional guide, Yarin.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Haig Sophia, experiencing the center of the cultural universe. But really so many "awe" moments."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Best of Turkey was a busy tour packed full of so many adventures. Our guide, Mert, kept us entertained, gave us much food for thought, and imparted history & knowledge about the places we went and events surrounding our locales. Outstanding tour!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I truly can’t pick one because there were so many. My “WOW” would have to be Mert. So full of history and knowledge. Really humorous and thoughtful!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Thoroughly planned to the minute. Even on bus rides we were brought up to date on local lore, local politics and historical items of interest. I cannot praise our guide Mert enough. I would recommend him to anyone. His enthusiasm, humor and wit was an additional plus to this experience. I can’t say enough what a wonderful experience I had.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"All were wows !!!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Overall, very pleasant. Change my perspective of a moslem country.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The tour guide, Mert, is very knowledgeable. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Favorite "WOW" moment

"swimming in the Aegea, visiting a mosque with a private meeting with the imams. The hotels and food"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I have three -- Boat trip and swim in Antalya, Anatolian civilizations museum in Ankara, white cliffs at Hierapolis"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Wow- what an incredible tour. The diversity of activities and sites is incredible. Our guide, Mert, did a masterful job of sharing his beautiful country with us. One of my favorite tours!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hard to pick just one! Taking the hot air balloon up at dawn in Cappadocia surpassed my imaginations. Getting scrubbed down at the Turkish bath felt so relaxing. Getting to know my amazing, diverse and friendly fellow travelers inspired me in so many ways. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

As good as expected

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Too many yo single out one! Each day was a "best!""

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was a fabulous tour! We saw so many wonderful things in Turkiye, and we had the most outstanding tour guide I have ever encountered! Mert Taner was knowledgeable, organized, personable, and caring! He made a fabulous experience even more wonderful! We had an excellent group of about 25 travellers, and we got to know all of them over the two weeks of travel. Even the time on the bus was not wasted -- we heard informative lectures from Mert on a wide variety of subjects.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia was the highlight for me, although there were many other great adventures. My father (who just turned 90) and I loved our first ever hot air balloon ride over magical Cappadocia!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

All my expectations for the tour were met. Our tour leader went way beyond his duties making sure that everything was perfect for us. This was my first time taking a tour in Europe and this Tour of Turkey went without a hitch. Every detail was handled with professionalism. Some of the bus rides were long but they were broken up with stops and seeing attractions along the way.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite moments on the tour was understanding the role that Turkey has and is playing in the world. Our Tour guide was very knowledgeable about history, politics, and the culture of Turkey."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was great fun. We shared the experience with 4 other friends from around the U.S. Our guide Yaren absolutely MADE the trip. She is an excellent guide. Her knowledge of archeology and art and Istanbul, and Turkey at large really shone through. She is a kind, thoughtful, articulate, smart person - top notch guide.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Yaren was able to find a restaurant serving kokorech on our last stop. It is a Turkish specialty of grilled lamb intestine. It was outstanding and enjoyed by several members of the tour."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We have taken seven Rick Steves tours and this was one of, if not the best one. Turkey is an amazingly diverse and fascinating country. This tour provided us a rich sample of experiences, sites, scenery, tastes, cultural milieus, and urban and rural environments. We enjoyed the food and accomodation, our fellow travelers. We also had a special treat of being in a majority Muslim country during Ramazan (Turkish spelling) and interacting with the warm, hospitable Turkish people.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"From a visible impression the greatest "wow" moment was seeing the uniquely stunning Cappadocian landscape from a hot air balloon. A close second was our first view of the Istanbul skyline from our first hotel in Istanbul. A cultural "wow" moment was at the opening of the Farmers' Market in Urgup when the muezzin called to prayer for the success of the market and all the vendors stopped what they were doing and silently prayed with hands outstretched. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I didn't expect to fall in love with Turkey, but after this tour I can't wait to go back. Being immersed in a different culture that felt as warm as it was unfamiliar, was a fascinating, boundary-stretching experience in the very best sense of travel. The itinerary combined a diversity of small and large scale sites,urban and rural and sights, travel modes, food ways, music, history, and modern political events. Our guide made it all flow into an intoxicating whole. At the top of my RS tours!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"1 Wow? Hard to pick only 3 Bucket list "wow" - sunrise hot air balloon ride over the incredible landscape of Cappadocia.Unforgettable! Being in the farmer's market on a snowy morning to see the farmers arrange their perfectly gorgeous produce with such pride and artistry, then pause as one to pray for blessings of success for the day. Swimming in the thermal pool at Heiropolis among fallen Roman columns. Unexpectedly experiencing the energy/excitement of a political rally near our hotel. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The tour was very informative and provided the highlights of Turkiye in a way that would be difficult to do on one's own.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Definitely the balloon ride and Ephesus. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Our group was very friendly. Our tour leader was very helpful and knowledgeable. Many of the towns and sites we visited were wonderful. Lots of good activities included filling out the days. I will travel with Rick Steves and groups again.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Cappadocia landscapes and hot air balloon ride. Bucket list stuff. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

fabulous tour, great hotels, best guide ever, overall an amazing experience

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Cappadocia and all the experiences from our three days there"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was a wonderful tour that introduced travelers to the history and culture of Turkey. Our time in Istanbul was limited but we were able to gain insights to the breadth of this metropolis. Although we drove to many places throughout Eastern Turkey, the bus rides never seemed long. We stopped and saw things along the way which made the days pass quickly. Our guide filled the time in between with interesting commentary about the past and the present. It was all great.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The biggest surprise was the beautiful port city of Antalya. We stayed in the old Roman quarter which was charming and fun. We had a relaxing day visiting the wonderful archeological museum and got to experience a Turkish haman. For most of us, however, the balloon ride over Cappadocia, although not on the official tour, was undoubtedly an amazing experience. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our Best of Turkey tour was even better than I anticipated. We saw and learned so much! Our guide Yaren, an Istanbul native, was able to provide a local perspective to our experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite "wow" moment was going to Fariye's house for lunch. I loved being able to see a local small-town home and the food was some of the best I ate during the trip."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was fantastic. We saw so much of such a big country, but the logistics were flawless at every step. Yarin was a **FANTASTIC** guide -- it was so clear she was so passionate about Turkey and sharing everything about it. The sites we saw were bucket-list worthy every day. I saw so many artifacts and places in person that I had only seen in magazines and videos, it was just so magical.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Best: All the archeology stuff. Most Meaningful: We had so many great "Rick Steves" moments -- at one point before Aprodesias, we stopped for lunch at a run-down looking place. I'd never have had the courage to stop there on my own. But it was a major hidden gem with amazing food and delightful staff. These are the little moments that take a tour from an 9 to an 11. Yarin knew all the spots :) Really wonderful."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

My overal experience was fantastic. The tour included learning about Turkey in great detail. It included many historical sights as well as cultural experiences of the present time. The accomomdations were great, the food was amazing, and meeting people in our group allowed for comraderie and new friendships. Our tourguide, Yaren, is so knowleadgable and caring, and made sure we were alwyays taken care of and our questions were always answered in great detail.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It is hard to mention just one "wow" moment, but it was definitely the hot air baloon ride over Cappadocia at sunrise. This was my first hot air baloon ride, and the views are mesmerizing. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The guide made the trip

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Cave chapels"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

EVERY Detail was handled - our 1st tour experience and we had nothing to do but enjoy the experience

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Having an Imam privately make the call to prayer - just for us."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Istanbul, Cappadocia and the Turquoise coast were all highlights. Ankara and Konya were less interesting. Guide and people on the trip were fabulous.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Balloon ride and other sites in Cappadocia."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

I learned so much about Turkey on this tour! The historical, political, cultural, and religious perspectives presented by our guide were very enlightening and true to the Rick Steves philosophy that travel really does build better understanding and breaks down barriers.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia was amazing! To see this unique landscape while floating silently above it at sunrise is an experience I will never forget."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was a fabulous way to see the best of Türkiye. Through unique experiences every day, we learned about the history, people and culture. Our guide was knowledgable, friendly, and encouraged questions. All aspects of the tour were very well organized.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Experiencing the Cappadocia region from the birds eye view of a hot air balloon was definitely a highlight."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The tour was very well planned and organized. Our guide was so knowledgeable and informed regarding history and Tukey itself

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The hot air balloons over Cappadocia was my WOW moment. The moon was full when we arrived. It was so interesting to watch the balloons fill and rise. We saw the sunrise in between a sky full of balloons"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour definitely covered the highlights of Turkiye - the architecture, history, culture, local people, food and natural wonders. The guide was warm, approachable, organized, and very knowledgeable. The hotels were unique to the country. The tour group was well-travelled, interested in learning, friendly and considerate.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia. The mosques and palaces in Istanbul. The hotel breakfast buffets. The cave hotel."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

This is our first RS' tour and it was wonderful and Turkey is simply amazing! Our tourguild, driver, tour members and turkish people everyone we met are wonderful. My husband and I would like to go back sometime after we retired from work.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The ancient cities, the cave houses, Turkish cuisines, and of course the balloon ride are my Wow moments."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our 2nd RS tour, which followed our Greece tour. It was a perfect combo with Greece given the common history of the two. What a positive eye-opener we had to a country that is a mix of modern Western and traditional Middle Eastern cultures. We saw wonderful sights, ate amazing food, and relished learning more about the culture. The Turks are warm and friendly people, and we always felt safe. Many speak some English. We highly recommend this adventure!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It is hard not to choose the balloon ride over Cappadocia in a glorious sunrise as our wow moment, especially since we had never done one. We’d do it again in a heartbeat. The balloon company was so safe and conscientious that we floated away with not a care in the world. Another wow would be the simple Turkish lunch with Fahriya in her home, and also being invited by shopkeeper Mustafa for the three of us to have apple tea on his upper terrace under grape vines.There were countless more wows!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

My overall experience on the RS tour of Turkey was very good. Our guide, Mine, was excellent in terms of communication and her in depth current & historical knowledge of Turkey. My fellow tour members were a joy to spend time with and they were all delightful. The sights we saw were breathtaking. This is my 6th RS tour and this tour matched past tours in those attributes. The two exemptions were three of the activities were an extra cost and a couple of sites involved a selling component.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My "wow" moment was exploring the ancient Roman city of Hieropolis & the calcium deposits. Prior to arriving at the main entrance, I was in awe of the huge calcium deposits draped over the sloping hill where Hieropolis resided. These deposits created the illusion of snow that you could go skiing down into the valley. .The Roman theatre was one of the best preserved I've seen. After walking all the way to the Necropolis and back, I enjoyed soaking my feet in the heated waters. . "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We usually travel independently. This was our first tour and it exceeded expectations. We visited many interesting sites such as museums and ancient cities and also were exposed to local culture by visiting an Imam for a Q&A session and having lunch at a villager's house. The itinerary made efficient use of time by visiting sites in a logical order which optimized travel time. We could not have seen as much in the time available if we had been travelling independently.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Not an easy selection when there were so many, however I'd say Capadoccia. When we arrived the entire group was wowed by our hotel, and we were subsequently wowed by the out of this world landscapes, The Goreme open air museum, the underground city, and the local villages and the farmers market."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Very knowledgeable guide, Mine and excellent itinerary

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were many however Ephesus was outstanding. Mine organized our route to avoid the crowds for about 80% of it "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I thought the entire tour was excellent. The accommodations were comfortable and in some cases memorable. Our guide, Mine was very knowledgeable and her commentary was entertaining as well. The pace of the tour more than met my expectations.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Cappadokia was amazing! I really enjoyed our accommodations there there as each room was so unique."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was very educational

Favorite "WOW" moment

"How friendly and helpful the Turkish people were"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour ran smoothly and covered a wide variety of experiences. Other tour members were pleasurable company, engaged in the experience and there were no complainers. The tour leader was extremely knowledgeable, experienced and personable.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The terraced houses at Efesus (Ephesus) were extraordinary and unlike any other ancient site that I am aware of, perhaps excepting Pompeii."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Turkey is one of the most interesting, varied and friendly places we have visited. The two week tour was packed with things to do, new experiences and incredible sights to see. Everyone welcomed us and it was so easy to talk to the Turkish people, who clearly take pride in their country. Our guide made every minute count and brought the Turkish culture to life for us. We not only had a great time, we were enriched by this tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The hot air balloon ride over the unique landscape of Cappadocia was "weather permitting," and after 2 days of cancellation, we were thrilled that we had perfect weather for a once in a lifetime experience. Seeing over 100 balloons rise into the air together adds to the beauty of the moment. Not to mention that the day we did finally get to go was my birthday!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I had not any any experience with organized tours beyond small groups hikes. It was a revelation; so well organized and so thoughtfully planned. I had been concerned about the time on the bus, but all of the stopping at local rest areas - with various shops, restaurants, and local color - really added so much to the trip.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The local hamam! It was a convivial atmosphere with girls, their mothers, and grandmothers from the neighborhood. The whole "treatment" was so energizing and cleansing."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Yaren is absolutely perfect. We had a “merry band” of travelers in our group.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The hot air balloon ride over Capadoccia- glorious! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Once again, Rick Steves Tours gave us an incredible travel experience. Since this was our 10th RS tour, we have come to expect no less. RS does not disappoint.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many that it is difficut to pick just one. My WOW moment was my overall inpression of Turkey. The people, food, friendliness, the landscape and history of the country. A surprise WOW moment was the Anatolian Civilizations Museum collection."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Exceptional tour guide.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Balloon ride in Cappadoccia"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Touring Turkey was a fascinating experience made meaningful by agenda and coordination of the Rick Steves group.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Discovering additional evidence of Celtic roots in anatolia but then I am a world Celtic scholar who knew what to look for."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was very well planned and executed, our guide Yaren was unbelievably knowledgeable and wonderful, was a great leader and manager, and our fellow travelers were interesting and lovely people to spend time with.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"We loved hearing the call to prayer in the different cities when the cities were quiet. We have no religious affiliations but loved this aspect of the country."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The whole operation was so smooth, well thought out, and carefully put together, I felt. I am thoroughly impressed.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Of course, the Cappadocia balloon ride was a highlight, but all other sites and events were absolutely memorable. The lunch at Fehie (?) Abula's house, the conversation with the young Imam, beautiful mosques, ruins, impressive museums, cruise and boat ride, strolls in town, everything."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our first Rick Steves tour met and exceeded our expectations. The guide was extremely knowledgeable and managed the group experience very well.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The sheer number and magnitude of ancient sites in Turkey."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I learned so much about all things Turkish and it was amazing. My encounter with Turkish culture was nothing short of amazing. I was able to learn so much about their unique way of life, which was a truly incredible experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The people and culture The food (I am a vegetarian) The variety of activities "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We greatly enjoyed our RS Türkiye tour! Our guide, Mert, was incredibly knowledgeable and had so much interesting information to share with us. The trip was very well organized and we were informed each day on how the day would go, and it mostly followed the plan that we were given in advance.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"We would have to say that there were 2 WOW moments/experiences: the hot air balloon ride over the "fairy chimney" terrain AND the tour of Ephesus, with its ruins!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Mert Taner is an outstanding tour guide. His passion, knowledge and love of Turkey's history is amazing. He keeps people engaged and informed. The sites, museums, and hotels were also well chosen.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The balloon ride at sunrise. Stunning."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our Turkey tour was positive all around. The sites, the scenery, the historical information, the food, the people and the wealth of knowledge we gained from Mert. We were surprised by the modern and progressiveness of Turkey while still maintaining their culture and heritage. Turkey was a delightful place to visit.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Som many “wow” moments…Cappadocia and the balloon ride, of course. The Travertine cliffs. Ephesus. Swimming in the Mediterranean. The baklava I helped make in our cooking class! 😊"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour was expertly led by Mert, who loves his country and made sure we experienced it as much as possible in 13 days. We finished with a much better understanding of its long history and its current position in this part of the world. It is a strenuous tour, and there were some “extra” hikes I didn’t choose to do. No worry, cuz he gave us other options. Our group was an interesting mix and really gelled.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many but I’ve got to go with these three: lunch with Aunty Fahrique in her abode with veggies from her garden, the swim in the Mediterranean Sea, and the Turkish bath experience.(not sure I’d do it again but it was a “wow” experience! . I also enjoyed the extra “foodie tour” led by Lolly the day before the tour officially started. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Well organized, educational, comfortable. We learned so much about Turkey from our guide, Mert.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hard to limit it to just one. The balloon ride in Cappadocia was a fantastic and unique experience. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour exceeded my expectations. It was well planned logistically so that we had exposure to the fantastic cultural, historical, and geological attractions in Turkey but also had ample free time to explore on our own.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Tie between Ephesus and ballooning in Cappadocia."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Such a variety of stops, activities, experiences and historical periods covered on this tour. It made me totally love Turkey!!!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It's hard to beat the hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia, but I also loved the demonstration at the Hereke Carpet Weavers Assn and learning more about carpets."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Awesome trip!! Türkiye is a fascinating country with so many historical sites and interesting people. We had done essentially the same tour by car in 1996 using Rick's Guidebook so it was very interesting to see how things have changed -- and not! Our experience was sooo much better this time because of the outstanding guide, Mert, who provided much more information than would could possibly research on our own. And I wanna do it yet again!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Watching the sunrise over the mountain while high in the air underneath a balloon, surrounded by many other colorful balloons, while hovering over the surreal landscape of Cappadocia. Magical!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my first tour of any kind. I was very satisfied, and would recommend it to all my friends.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"This would have to be the balloon ride."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

A good survey of a second-world country. As my first structured "tour," I have nothing to compare it to.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"A one-on-one political discussion with a Turkish TV reporter I met in a coffee shop. The sort of chance encounter that reveals things that you won't read anywhere."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

This was our 6th RS tour and much more intense than previous ones (and we are older, of course!) The amount of free time was a lot less, and more time on the bus. But we experienced a fascinating country and learned a lot about the culture. Wish we'd had an extra day in Istanbul so that we could have toured the mosques, palace, and market at a more leisurely pace - we saw a lot but it was exhausting!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Capadoccia was incredible. The balloon ride, touring the underground caves and the cave churches were all "wow! moments."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We were expertly guided by our guide, Togay. I saw sites I had always dreamed of seeing, like Cappadocia and the Turquoise Coast.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Definitely Cappadocia….both the other-world scenery and the hot air balloon ride. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

We saw a lot of different places in Turkey including scenery rolling by in the many, many hours of travel between destinations. Our guide, Togay Kovuk, prepared us for the tour overall, and our activities each day. Before the tour, we were advised that there would be a lot of walking and climbing up and down uneven ground and there was. The places we visited were well worth the climbs. The group was congenial and diverse, making the tour very enjoyable. And educational.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were many. So many wonderful breakfasts with fresh fruits, veggies, olives and cheeses. Often the settings were inspiring as well, from views of the Bosporus and many mosques to looking out at the Aegean seas. Great way to start each day! Also the beauty and tranquility of Suleyman Mosque in Istanbul, the Underground City in Cappadocia, and the wonderful hotel suite in Mustafapasa with a jacuzzi bath. A bit of luxury after very busy days."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Tour was very well organized and covered all the high points of Turkey, excellent guide (well informed, helpful and a lot of fun), great bus driver and clean, well located hotels.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Walking the marble streets of Ephesus and wandering the dirt roads in Cappadacio. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Lots of new learnings. Great country and nice people.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"No beggars or people standing on street corners asking for a handout!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Our guide, Togay, was informative, funny and helpful. Most of the major sights in Istanbul were crowded, but he rearranged the timing of our visits to help us avoid long lines and too many people. In general our hotels were comfortable and breakfasts were good, but some of the group meals were pretty mediocre.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Like many people, I was thrilled by the balloon ride in Cappadocia. The early morning light, the scenery, watching so many colorful balloons drift along--unforgettable. I also enjoyed seeing Istanbul from the water during our Bosphorus cruise, and wish there had been time to go farther north."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our guide Togay was excellent - knowledgeable, thoughtful, kind, and fun. This tour is rated as “most active” and the days were certainly packed with activities, but I don’t think I would have wanted to miss any of them. Turkey is a big country and there is no way around some long travel days, so we had less free time than I have experienced on previous RS tours. Still, we had a wonderful day of “vacation from our vacation” in Antalya. Yummy food, friendly people. Highly recommend this tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The obvious answer is the Cappadocia balloon ride. I’m so glad I pushed myself outside my comfort zone to do this. But there were other “wow” moments as well. For instance, some of the ancient sites really took my breath away - Aspendos, Hierapolis, Aphrodisias. I really enjoyed swimming off a boat at Antalya, and walking by myself to a fort in Kusadasi. And the extensive and delicious food offerings at the highway rest stops were amazing!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

very well organized, our guide Togay Kovuk was above and beyond helpful, entertaining and personable. I would minimize Konya if the drive would allow this. I would prefer more Hagia Sophia to see upper levels during the day

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Balloon ride in Capadoccia, swimming in the Mediterranean, the Roman ruins of Efesus and Aphrodisias."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Turkey is a amazing diverse beautiful experience. The tour was expertly narrated by Yaren!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many - looking across the Golden Horn and seeing the beautiful sites of Istanbul; the first siting of the Fairy Chimneys, Ephesus!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our first Rick Steves tour exceeded all expectations. Unlike our past personally arranged vacations, we saw, experienced and learned more than we thought possible.The walks were daunting but doable. The hurry up bus schedule actually became fun. The food was plentiful and reflective of the country, and the hotels were fine - some a little curious, others great. We made friends with many of our companions, with our tour guide becoming a friend as well. It was a great tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The balloon ride was wonderful, but there were countless little moments full of surprises."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We covered a lot of ground and information

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Roman ruins in Aphrodisias, Ephesus and the mosques in Istanbul"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was great. This was the first time that we went on a group tour so there was some trepidation. But we never could have seen as much as we did with the time that we had if we had tried to do this on our own. And our fellow tour members were some of the greatest people we have met. And, above all,. Our guide Yaren was beyond wonderful - taking care of us all the time. Rick - you need to give her a raise if you have not already done so!!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many. Certainly the hot air ballooning and fairy chimneys, but it was the "smaller" moments that impressed me the most. Meeting and talking with the two imans, the turkish bath, lunch with the Turkish woman, hearing the call to prayer several times every day. While there were some touristy moments, totally expected. I felt very immersed the culture of Turkey.for two short a period of time! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

excellent, very knowledgeable guide and great overview of Turkey with interesting and fun stops

Favorite "WOW" moment

"formations at Cappadocia and seeing Whirling Dervishes again"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was a wonderful adventure. The country, our fellow travelers, our wonderful guide Yaren, all combined to make this a WOW trip. So many experiences in one trip! In order to fit everything in, it was a fast-paced schedule which Yaren managed admirably. I have fond memories of our happy band of travelers.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My first WOW was the size of Istanbul airport, and then the size of the city! We came a few days early and ventured out to absorb this part of the world which was so different for us. The call to prayer brought a frequent reminder that we “weren’t in Kansas anymore!” The Turkish people were always willing to engage and share jokes and smiles. A definite WOW was Yaren’s knowledge and passion for things modern and ancient which she generously shared with us. Loved the activities in Antalya!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Our guide Yaren was very knowledgeable and made it fun to travel as a group. She was very engaged and answered questions. Turkey trip helped me to understand about the history and I am more interested to learn more about the biblical history.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It was a balloon flight in Cappadocia. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Very enjoyable and educational tour conducted by an outstanding guide

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Aphrodisias! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

A great experience! Türkiye is a much more diverse country than I realized, and I'm so glad that I got to see a great selection of the country in order to meet such warm people and eat their amazing food.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Upon the realization that everywhere you walk/stand is the birthplace of civilization and that the ground around you is littered with ancient artifacts too numerous to be housed in a museum, and so these artifacts are in the landscaping."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was a great tour with a great guide.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Going in the warm springs in Pamukkale and swimming from one Roman column to the other."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

First, our tour guide Yaren was stellar. Her depth of knowledge and fun attitude made the trip amazing. The group also gelled nicely. As a solo traveler, I wasn't sure what to expect but everyone was very welcoming and geuninely nice.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It is hard to pick out one, but I think the Turkish Bath experience was hard to beat. Doing it with the group toward the end of the trip made it even more interesting. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our first RS tour. It was awesome. We definitely will do other RS tours in the future.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many. Our guide Yaren T was awesome. Our traveling companions on the tour were great. We really became a community over the two weeks, and the experience was much enhanced by that dynamic. In terms of sites and experiences, it is hard to pick one, but I'd say the full day for fun at Antalya stands out--our boat ride and the Turkish bath, and the beautiful old town restaurants. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was like a graduate course in Western Civilization mixed in with a very pleasant vacation experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Interview with Imam."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Well organized tours and very knowledgable guide Mert. We are impressed by both culture and nature.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hot air balloon in Cappadocia, sunset hiking in Zelve valley, boat trip in Antalya."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour guide was Mert and he is incredibly good. He has so much energy and good information to share. Mert looked out for all tour members. The tour has a good active pace which we enjoyed. It was a good mix of things we got to see and do. Liked the one off items like visiting a local farmers market and going on an informal afternoon walk near our hotel in Cappadocia with Mert.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Her: Hot air ballooning in Cappadocia and learning about a new culture. Him: Exploring in Cappadocia "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Top experience-best trip ever

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Having history come alive at each stop with our outstanding guide Mert"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We have followed Rick's books for years for self-touring. When it came to Turkey we felt it was a good fit to actually take a Rick tour. We saw and learned so much; Mert was a volcano of information as our guide.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Cappadocia. The otherworldly landscape, getting up early for the awe-inspiring balloon ride, staying at the Cappadocia Estates cave hotel."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

good. good food and good locations and experiences.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"balloon ride and boat around Istanbul."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I felt I spent two weeks walking on more layers of human history than I've ever experienced. A fascinating combination of exotic food and spice, other-worldly geography, daily calls to prayer, marvelous tour companions and an exceptional guide, Mert. Mert's ability to share his extensive knowledge of history and current affairs made the long bus rides enjoyable, and brought the ruins of past civilizations to life.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It would be hard to top the balloon ride over Cappadocia, which was calming and invigorating at the same time. But I also enjoyed our conversation with the imams, and lunch at our home visit. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had an amazing, exhausting, exhilarating time. We adored our guide Mert and his boundless energy and knowledge. We enjoyed all our travel companions— such interesting people with a variety of fascinating travel experiences.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many fabulous moments but, I loved one of the smallest moments. I loved being in Mert’s friend’s house for lunch in Ortahisar. Her food was exquisite yet so simple and the experience was so personal. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our guide Mert was fantastic! We learned so much about the culture, history, politics and religion. This was our fourth Rick Steves tour and we both agree it was by far the best.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My “Wow” moment was near the end of the tour where we were touring Ephesus and we got to tour the Terrace houses that had been unearthed. The mosaics and frescos were incredible. Hard to believe they had been there for thousands of years and so many more left to unearth. -Erin There were about 3 or 4 things I really enjoyed but meeting with the Imams was so informative. -Greg "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

A great way to experience the beautiful country of Turkey, with its rich Middle Eastern traditions and historical importance. Our guide Elvan provided extensive historical and cultural knowledge to the fabulous sites we visited on tour. She was professional, helpful and approachable.The places we visited were diverse, interesting and well planned, with enough time to explore at your own pace. Hotels were clean and well located. Perfect way to get a taste of Asia!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Visiting the Roman City of Ephesus was wonderful. The site transports you back in time to walk along the street with the ancients... Amazing!"