Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

I had high expectations of Turkey and this trip far exceeded them. There were many inspirational moments from the amazing rock formations of Cappadocia and Pamukkale, to the quiet contemplation of Mevlana Rumi Mausoleum in Konya, the poignancy of Gallipoli, and the remains of the ancient city of Ephesus.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Fatih was wonderful. Professional, flexible, and cheerful, he was always able to offer choices to the varied group of travellers. His knowledge and love of Turkey shone through. He was ably assisted by Unal the driver, who was also flexible about the itinerary and timings.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Try not to be too disappointed if you can't take the balloon flight over Cappadocia, we were not able to as it was too windy on the first day and fully booked on the second. There are some long bus journeys, but the bus was comfortable, the driver excellent and the roads good, with regular stops on the way. There is not a huge amount of time in Istanbul so I would recommend adding at least a day at the beginning or end of the trip.

Suggestions

I would thoroughly recommend this trip to anyone interested in Turkey, I'm sure there is lots more to see but it gives a flavour of the country

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many. Rustem Pasha Mosque in Istanbul; Ephesus; Kas (a really lovely town); Phaselis ancient city; Mevlana Calaleddin Rumi (Whirling Dervish Museum); rock church frescoes in Cappadocia.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fatih Develi was excellent. He is knowledgeable, flexible with the itinerary, moving visits if we were running short of time, gave us many options and always made sure we were happy with his suggestions. He was always helpful and patient with all our questions. He also has a sense of fun. He made this a great and memorable holiday.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for some very long drives. If you have Unal as your driver you will have a very comfortable bus and he is an excellent driver. Traffic can be heavy getting into and out of cities. Roads are generally very good but there are a few drives over hairpin bends.

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to mention but Capadoccia, Ephesus and the underground city at Derinkuyu were all highlights. Istanbul is fascinating, with plenty to see and do and the hotel in Cunda was especially nice, with dinner on a private jetty.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fatih Develi was knowledgeable, calm and professional and went out of his way to arrange different things for us to see on the way, including a wine tasting, which everyone really enjoyed. He is passionate about his country and knows so much about its history and culture, there wasn't a question he couldn't answer - and we put him to the test!! We couldn't have asked for a better guide and our driver Mustafa was great too, always with a ready smile and there were some long drives.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Spend extra time in Istanbul at the end of the holiday if you can, as there is so much to see there - a boat trip is definitely worth doing. Pack a good mix of clothes - in early September, it was hotter than expected, so take some things to layer up. A spare battery for your camera is also a good idea, one I wish I had had when my camera died while at Ephesus!

Suggestions

Consider a change of hotel in Istanbul - all the hotels were good, but the Istanbul choice was probably everyone's least favourite. It would also be nice to go to more authentic Turkish restaurants in the evening, but depending on where you are, this is not always possible.

Most Inspirational Moment

The balloon flight. I couldn't believe it when they actually landed on the trailer! No bumpy landing this time. I didn't know whether to take photos of the 100 balloons around us or the landscape! Very impressive.

Thoughts on Group Leader

In my opinion she gave us too much information. We could have looked round the sites while there were not many visitors, but she kept talking so we missed that slot. If we had wanted to know more we would look it up on the internet.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you see the sites behind the theatre at Aspendos. All tour groups don't go there and it was only that I had requested to see it we were allowed. You leave all the crowds behind and get a great view looking down on the theatre in peace.

Suggestions

Yes, I was really upset about not stopping to view a canyon. We went right by it. We had only visited a carpet shop in the morning and had nothing planned for the rest of the day. We could easily have fitted in a stop here. When I asked to stop I was told it cost too much to park the bus. That is rubbish as we would all have paid extra to have a look round here. Then the guide came up with "It is too dangerous". That is also rubbish when you see all the people walking up there. The last excuse was that it can't be done all year. It could have been done when we were there. It really spoiled the trip. Also we were rushed through the canyon we did stop at.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cappadocia was amazing but then just being in Instanbul was a culture in its self.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was great, spoke perfect English and once he got to know us was a great joy with bits of laughter and learning of their culture and ways. He was a great historian and knowledge that was surprising.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take thermals just in case of a weather snap. Read up on restaurants and eating places before you go so you know what is around your hotel otherwise you feel a bit lost. Book a cruise of the Bhosperous at the harbour so you can see what boat they are giving you otherwise some are rust buckets.

Most Inspirational Moment

Several. The hot air ballon ride, the underground cities, the amphitheatres.......

Thoughts on Group Leader

Extremely good. In addition to faithfully following the itinerary,he went out of his way to take us places that were not on the the itinerary but were well worth seeing. He would patiently translate for us in restaurants and elsewhere, not an easy job in a larger group. He was always a gentleman and was very helpful if someone needed to find a pharmacy, buy stamps and other little incidentals. His knowledge was incredible. Exodus is lucky to have him as a guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you plan to take this trip, try to get Zafar as a guide. I have already told this to several friends who are considering a visit to Turkey as a result of talking to me about my trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Termessos was my highlight site. It is in a natural state, and our group was virtually alone there, allowing us time to wander, explore, contemplate. This contrasted with Ephesus, which has been partially restored, but was busy with cruise ship crowds. Istanbul's Blue Mosque was fantastic, but so too were sites not on the itinerary. Such as the caravanseri at Saltanhani, and the restored wooden Esrefoglu Mosque at Beysehir. The Museum Of Anatolian Civilisations, and Antikabir were other highlights. We were amazed to find Kemal Ataturk is so highly revered even today. And of course, being Kiwis, and having relations who fought and died at Gallipoli, this was an amazingly special place. The balloon ride is a not-to-be-missed highlight. Our flight had to be rearranged for the 2nd morning in Goreme after the first flight didn't go ahead due to low cloud.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Zafer was an excellent guide. His knowledge, enthusiasm and pride for his country was evident throughout the journey. Long days in the coach would be broken up with history lessons on upcoming attractions, explanations of modern Turkey, and then at the appropriate moment he would throw in some humour to lighten things up. He was always available to answer questions and help make our trip memorable. On the 'free' day at Fethiye Zafer took us to the Lycian rock tombs, the Kayakoy village, then a swim at Oludeniz followed by buying us all ice-creams. It was a wonderful gesture. Zafer took us to group dinners most nights at local restaurants; these are cheap and authentic. By comparison, dinner at the Antalya resort hotel was very average and expensive. A memorable lunch spot was an out-of-the-way riverside restaurant near Aspendos.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Our tour was in September, and it was very hot in the south, as stated in the trip notes. And Turkey is a big country, there are many miles spent on the coach, and some unexciting roadside lunch places. Try to enjoy it all. I enjoyed a wonderful hamam in Fethiye. Do it! And don't miss out on the balloon flight! There is more to Istanbul than what this tour has time for; allow extra time before or after the tour. We also traveled back to Gallipoli for a few more days of leisurely exploration and relaxation.

Suggestions

We have traveled a fair bit, often self-guided. Our only other Exodus tour was in Morocco 5 years ago and the guide for that trip used local guides at most of the local attractions, an added expense. We much preferred that Zafer had the credentials to do the local guiding. We had a great crew of fellow travelers that really helped make this a most memorable trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Definitely the hot air balloon ride. Be prepared for an early morning start (4:45am) but it is well worth it. So quiet and smooth and amazing to drift over the valley and at one point to sail just a few feet above a local hotel's swimming pool!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Zafer is an extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic tour guide. He took us to many additional ancient sites that were not on the itinerary. He made sure our group dinners were in local restaurants which allowed us to eat very well, mix with the local people and the meals were always at a lower cost than in the hotels. He often treated us to some Turkish sweets. I was glad to have him as our tour leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for some long bus rides. Always have bottled water with you. September/October the weather is iffy so layer clothing. Some of the ancient sites are on the top of a hill - so there are long uneven pathways to hike up. CATS! Hundreds of them. All strays and very hungry especially in the smaller towns. So be prepared to eat lunch and/or dinner and have at least two little faces looking up at you hoping for a handout.

Suggestions

Istanbul! Please, please stay on for some additional days here. It is an amazing city and definitely worth at least three extra days either before or after the tour. However, October 5 - 8 is Feast of the Sacrifice a national holiday. The Grand Bazaar was closed as well as all pharmacies and some shops.

Most Inspirational Moment

So many I could mention..... but the major one was the breathtaking balloon ride at sunrise - yes,expensive but an experience that should not be missed as it will live in your memory forever. Despite the initial weather glitch of early morning fog which meant no balloons went up that morning, after much effort by Zafer who knew how keen we were to go up, the flight took place the next morning - truly amazing. I also loved the relaxed atmosphere of Fethiye in a great hotel by the beautiful marina. The stunning white cascades of Pamukkale were another unique sight followed by evening shopping and dining amongst the locals in the nearby town.

Thoughts on Group Leader

After many Exodus trips I can truly say that Zafer put in more effort than anyone else in the past to ensure that our trip was everything we wanted it to be. Everyday he was very clear about the proposed itinerary and kept us updated enroute with information (something that has been lacking on previous trips) he had the patience of a saint and a great sense of humour. The long journeys were interspersed with plenty of information about the areas were were travelling through and unscheduled stops at places of interest along the way - the Sultanhanı Kervansarayı was a wonderful historic place and a fascinating mosque with wooden pillars - the only one of its kind. Zafer was archaeological graduate who provided sufficient information on sites but never bored us and always had fascinating historic stories to tell. He gave 100% and even gave us the option of being taken to Ölüdeniz and Kayaköy on his day off! Nothing was ever a problem or too much effort and he provided us with various great dining options and experiences which were always to out advantage - wonderful sunset from the hill town of Assos is a great memory.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are a true 'traveller' you won't be deterred by a couple of long days on the coach -we had a great like-minded group who had rarely wanted to leave each others company which made the two weeks fly by. The hotels were varied (some with swimming pools) but more than adequate and realistically are a bed for the night after a fulfilled and exhausted day, a good meal and a few beers!! The weather was lovely in Turkey in September with plenty of hot days so take hats and plenty of suncream, but then evening on th coast chilled off.

Suggestions

Your fellow travellers and tour leader can make or break a trip and we had the best which meant a memorable, and thoroughly enjoyable holiday with so much to see and do. Like all Exodus trips, go with an open mind and be prepared to be flexible and sociable - your guide has done the trip many times before and knows what he's taking about so listen to his help and advice and go with his recommendations and you won't go far wrong.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cappodocia and the ancient sites

Thoughts on Group Leader

Whilst Zafer's knowledge of archaeology and general energy probably got him this job, his attitude lacked skill, responsibility and competence in caring for his group . He openly displayed an unbalanced and unprofessional approach towards a tour group of 17 persons....98% of effort directed on a romantic interest, whilst everyone else scrambled to gather crumbs. During the last 10 days, I felt we were an annoying nuisance tagging along on a honeymoon. It was absolutely pathetic watching exclusive "selfies" being taken, quite alienated from the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't use Exodus tours as they obviously do not instruct tour guides to behave in a professional manner, to remain unbiased, and to be discreet. They also obviously lack training in skills of crowd management. There also appears no protocols are in place when dealing with medical situations, as we experienced with one guest who required hospital attention. Exodus is also far too expensive as hotels are woeful and well below expectations.

Suggestions

no