RS Best of Turkey Tour April 21st -May 3rd

When we were on the tour the guide gave us an overview and history before sending us on our own to visit the different areas. I enjoyed our time there and got to see most of the site.

Thank you Diane! Were you able to visit the Hierapolis ruins, the theater, museum? I am an archaeological buff and just wanted feedback that we will have to time to visit these archaeological sights - Hierapolis Archeology Museum, the Necropolis (cemetery), and the amphitheater. Thxs

You pretty much have free time after an orientation. This is one stop where there is an optional swim at the Cleopatra pools, about half my group did that while the rest of us hoofed it around. I recommend taking the inexpensive shuttle to the amphitheater and walking down, otherwise it's quite a trek up and it will save you some time. I didn't go to the museum or the necropolis but wandered around and took in the views. The travertine pools were mostly dry which was disappointing but in the name of conservation I believe.

Okay. Thanks CL

The sight is expansive. It is well worth it to take the inexpensive open air shuttle to ensure that you get to the sights and have plenty of time to muse (especially if the day is full sun). Note, I love walking but was thrilled to ride on this one. You are free to leave the dedicated round trip ride at any time at which point you’re on your own to get around. It is an extraordinary site.

There wasn’t a shuttle when we visited and walked it all. It’s good to know that you don’t have to hike up that hill to the amphitheater.

Hi Diane, All,

Does anyone know if the RS tour guide arranges for a taxi to get to Mary's tomb and Ephesus Musuem after the tour of the Ephesus ruins?
Thanks in advance!

MathewM the guide did help arrange a taxi to Mary's house, I believe four people from our group did that. The rest of us went to the museum on the tour bus and the Mary's house group met us there, but they had much less time in the museum. Since you're an archaeology buff, the museum is quite amazing so you will have a hard choice there (unless you stay an extra day in Kusadasi and make a separate trip back to see it).

Thank you CL. This is helpful! Maybe I can take a cab to Mary's house after touring the Musuem, even if it is a brief visit. I have another question - do you think we have time to explore the ruins at Hierapolis including visiting the tomb of Apostle Philip? Are the amphitheater and tomb all in the same complex?

Thanks,

I have another question - do you think we have time to explore the
ruins at Hierapolis including visiting the tomb of Apostle Philip? Are
the amphitheater and tomb all in the same complex?

Sorry, I don't recall the tomb at all so I cannot say whether you could visit it and the amphitheater. As was mentioned the complex is very spread out and you do not have unlimited free time there. My tour did not follow the set itinerary and we actually visited Pamukkale in the morning on day 11 (days 10/11 were flipped - due to weather or site schedules maybe I can't recall). Anyway, we did a small walking tour as a group and then had free time before loading on the bus and driving to Kusadasi (with a lunch stop along the way so we definitely left before midday). No idea if the same will happen to you, and you won't know until you start your tour. It would be best to ask your guide about it so they can help you plan accordingly.

I am excited about taking my Best of Turkey Tour in late October 2024 ending on Nov 2. It will be cooler then, do you have any thoughts on the tradeoffs by going later in the season?

I was hoping to be able to go into the pools at Pamukkale and jump into the sea in Antalya or Kusadasi. Do you have any recommendations if it is too late then?

Cheers, Jeff Price

PS. How did you solve that logistics riddle of returning home? Did you fly Izmir to Istanbul (IST) - USA, on Turkish Airways?

Hi. I did the Turkiye tour last year around the same time. It was HOT! I brought clothing for fall weather, but didn't really need the layers. You can swim in Antalya, and also take a dip in the Mediterranean (which was amazing!) from the boat cruise.
I would make sure to check the local weather as the tour gets closer. Also, if you're into horseback riding, there's a great, inexpensive place, in Cappadocia, to rent and ride with a guide.