RS Best of Turkey alumni: Shop en route?

I don't know about now, but when I went in 2023 nearly all of the carpet shops would ship your rug home to you at very low or zero cost (depending on the price of the rug). If you see a rug you like at an agreeable price in Istanbul, then buy it. The carpet stop in Cappadocia has a huge selection, so if you don't find something in Istanbul you will likely find something there. The bazaar visit in Konya on my tour was not a shopping trip, we literally walked through, no time to buy anything. So I wouldn't count on that option. You had previously asked about deep storage on the bus - you'll need to be mindful of how much space you're thinking of taking up - though they can fold up rugs to fit in suitcases, along with a lot of linens you might be treading into the "too much" category.

I would wait, especially on the carpet. Prices will be higher in Istanbul, and there are some advantages to buying in Cappadocia. The shop there is supported by the government as a way of keeping the weaving skill alive, and therefore you will not be charged for shipping and delivery to the US. They also have a huge selection and you will be assured of getting a handmade carpet of pure wool or silk. Having said that, I did feel it was a high pressure environment, and I was ready to walk away from the small rug I eventually bought, because the salesmen kind of gang up on you. So be prepared. If you do buy something, they will roll up to your house a few months later with it, which is wild.

I don't remember linens specifically, but there are plentiful shopping opportunities throughout the trip. And the deep storage is always available as you mention. It's a great tour.

Thanks for the insights!