Itinerary: from Antalya we went onto Cappadocia, with stops at Konya and a beautiful Caravanesi. These are buildings built about every 30 km to provide safe lodging for travelers.
In Cappadocia we attended a Whirling Dervish performance, there was an optional early morning balloon ride.
The only stops that could possibly be considered “shopping stops” happened here with a visit to both a carpet showroom/production facility and a ceramics shop the next day. In both locations the purpose was primarily educational with demonstrations about the process and materials used in manufacture. There was about 20 minutes time after the demonstration to browse and absolutely no sales pressure. This was not too different from some stops I have had on Rick Steves tours in vineyards or alabaster workshops.
We spent a full day exploring the open air museum, the Underground City, and various formations. Lunch was at a restaurant where they served a regional specialty, Pottery Kebap. The food cooks in the fire in a clay pot. When it is done, they break the top off the pot at your table and serve it. delicious!
I loved the frescoes in the Dark Church at the Open Air Museum. They are so vibrant and beautiful. Don’t be put off by the extra 6 euro charge for the Dark Church, it is more than worth it. I realized that I personally was far more moved by that art covering the ceilings and walls of that tiny cave church than I was by the Sistine Chapel.
Next we went to Ankara for Ataturk’s Mausoleum and the Archeology Museum. Both were well done.
I am writing this on the bus as we make our way to Istanbul on the last full day of our tour. This afternoon the others will do a cruise on the Bosphorus and visit the Grand Bazaar. I’m opting out since I have a few other items on my list. Tonight is our “farewell dinner.” Tomorrow I board the Azamara Pursuit in Istanbul for a 7 day cruise to Athens so my adventures will be ongoing.
Final Tour impressions. The actual experience far exceeded my expectations. I thought that since I was taking a value driven tour that I would find it lacking in comparison with the Rick Steves Tour experiences I have had. It was not the case. The accommodations were good to excellent, there were a large number of included meals that were excellent, the guide was excellent. Even adding the optional activities and tips to the base price, my cost averaged $208 a day, with a maximum of $15-20 a day for incidentals.
Do realize that any tour in Turkey will involve bus time. It is a big country! Tours make regular stops at rest areas. Most have clean bathrooms and it is about 75% that have toilet paper. My suggestion is to always have a little on you,
I have loved my tour and am excited to begin my cruise tomorrow.