Hi, we are going on the Best of Turkey tour in a week. We are staying a few days afterwards, I have no idea yet where to go, what to do, or where to stay. I'd like to go to some beaches in the various seas, maybe visit a Greek island, do something fun and less historical after the tour. I love being on the water. I tried for a foodie tour RS has but it is not available. Ideas welcome!
Posted by
Seattle area
68 posts
I have thoroughly enjoyed more time in Istanbul, including going on any of the Culinary Backstreets tours.
Posted by
Salem, Oregon, USA
3537 posts
What airport do you fly home from? Presumably you'll need to plan a route that makes sense for your departure.
Posted by
OP
7 posts
Great tip about Culinary Backstreets, thanks. We are flying out of Istanbul. After reading about the food tours, I'm leaning strongly to going back to Istanbul right after the tour and doing one or two of them. Then maybe find a beach on the Black Sea and relax. I'm sure I'll be ready to do nothing but relax on a beach by then...
Posted by
Salem, Oregon, USA
3537 posts
If you're flying back to Istanbul then you should book a departure flight from Izmir that leaves after 10:30 a.m. (better choice is 11, or 11:30) so you can make use of the tour bus taking you to the airport in the morning on the last day of the tour. Otherwise you have to make your own arrangements to the airport (easy enough, but an extra expense and detail).
FWIW, you may not have warm beach weather in late October, so you may want to consider a plan B. https://turkeytravelplanner.com/WhenToGo/almanac/10_oct.html If you only have a couple days, Istanbul could fill that time easily especially if you are not arriving early
Posted by
MA
3 posts
Will be in Turkey, March 2026, starting my research. Our plan is a few days in Istanbul and that area (3)? and 2 days in Ephesus? This will be our first time and bit overwhelmed, although we both love the research and planning. I am thinking we may want a private guide each day in both cities, thoughts on this and/or recommendations? Thanks so much!
Posted by
Salem, Oregon, USA
3537 posts
LGW59 you should start your own separate thread so people see it. But first I'd suggest looking through this info for ideas https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/turkey and then posting your question. People will ask how many days you have, what is your budget, and what your interests are, so make sure to include that info.