Turkey
The Best of Turkey: A Journey by Land and Gulet
Program No. 18761RJ
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The Best of Turkey: A Journey by Land and Gulet
The Best of Turkey: A Journey by Land and Gulet
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Participant Reviews
Based on 22 Reviews
SHOWING
This program will not disappoint you. I rate it a 5 star. You will be introduced to prehistoric to current cultural, political, and historical sites. The Gullet and hot air balloon rides are unique to this tour and will not disappoint. Do take advantage of the optional hikes. Wear good walking shoes because you will be walking on a lot of cobblestone street/roads. Some of us used hiking poles. Some sites can be very congested so be prepared to rub elbows.
— Review left November 24, 2025
Wow, what an engaging trip! So great to gain a new understanding of this richly historical and cultural country, and the various civilizations and religions that once called Anatolya home. This is a very active and physically demanding trip, so be adequately prepared.
— Review left October 31, 2025
The Turkiye by Land and Gulet trip really opened my eyes to Anatolia and the crossroads of the East and West. Such a fine insight into a fascinating and ancient part of human civilization done with typical Road Scholar style and finesse!
— Review left October 2, 2025
My trip to Turkey through RS was stellar! Not only did I make new friends, but the little I knew about Turkey completely changed after experiencing such a trip. The logistics were amazing: every hotel we stayed at and Gulet ride couldn’t be better. The food at the hotels and in the Gulet were phenomenal as well. Wonderfully chosen lunch places where local fare was served as well as Michelin restaurants in Istanbul. The trip was the perfect length too: museum visits with knowledgeable professors, field trips to ruined cities mixed with the fun and relaxing blend of being on a boat in blue coves. I was able to run/ swim on this trip which I loved and always felt safe at every point in the country. The quality of this trip for the price is too good to be true. I am here to testify that Turkey equals Greece in every sense, and actually surpasses in some because it is still less “ touristy”. Beautiful country, with lovely people! Highly, highly recommend this RS trip!
— Review left June 7, 2025
The May 2025 Program "Best of Turkey: A Journey by Land and Gulet" exceeded our expectations. We came home very happy and still have not stopped thinking and sharing with others our amazing experiences.
— Review left June 3, 2025
This program was well organized and provided an incredible learning experience. It is a very active program, both intellectually and physically.
— Review left May 31, 2025
Go on the trip if you can, but Think twice about allowing Road Scholar to make your travel arrangements.
— Review left May 29, 2025
I always wanted to see Ephesus and Istanbul. This trip gave me that, but also much, much more: many other historical sites, many regions of Turkey, and a variety of experiences. There have been times when I have thought, "Turkey might not be safe," but I never had a worry about that while on this trip. I have never wanted to be on a cruise ship. The four days on the gulet were a wonderful way to be on the water in the Mediterranean. The cabins were comfortable and the meals on the gulet were as good as the meals during the rest of the trip (which means very good, indeed). I very highly recommend this trip. And if you go and have an option of purchasing a balloon ride while in Cappadocia, go for it! That experience is unique and amazing.
— Review left May 22, 2025
Wonderfully planned and beautifully executed trip. Starting in Ankara (gorgeous hotel) for an introduction to Kemal Ataturk, and leaving Istanbul for last, worked extremely well. The cave hotel and the gulet cruise made for thrilling interludes between the most astonishing array of major Roman ruins, early Christian refuges, and gorgeous mosques that one could imagine. Our guide Timur was one of the best I have had: a source of fascinating historical information, wry commentary, and genuine warmth.
— Review left March 10, 2025
Just a heads up about swimming in the Mediterranean off the Gullet; I was bitten on my leg by a Loggerhead Turtle! It swam up from below and surprised me. A doctor came to the boat at my expense ($100 euros in cash only). I was lucky it did not take any flesh, only left a huge bruise that is almost gone 8 weeks later. The doctor brought antibiotic and anti inflammatory ointment and said he treats one turtle bite every week.
— Review left December 4, 2024
This was a great trip that I would recommend to anyone interested this area of the world. We were lucky enough to have wonderful fall weather in October. Our guide Sami was excellent!
— Review left November 2, 2024
Excellent program, exceeded our expectations.
— Review left October 31, 2024
I wouldcertainly recommend this trip with Road Scholar if you have any interest in visiting this part of the worls.
— Review left October 19, 2024
My visit to Turkiye was my first Road Scholar experience. I was totally impressed with every aspect of the trip. My guide was exceptional, & he added a great deal of joy to the experience. Our group had 13 participants, & we were very congenial. We learned a great deal, we laughed, we had great food, & we had lots of exciting adventures along with enough time to relax. I have already signed up for two more Road Scholar adventures.
— Review left June 3, 2024
Exceptional leader/ guide (Sami); wonderful itinerary, variety of activities and sights and organization; the 4 nights on the Gulet on the Mediterranean, and the chef on the boat, were a highlight; the small group and camaraderie of the participants was a bonus. It could not have been better!
— Review left June 2, 2024
Our group of 13 congenial and enthusiastic people (6 couples and one single) were fortunate to share this program under the excellent guidance of our group leader Sami Ozcini. The itinerary gave us an excellent opportunity to experience Turkey, its people, its culture, and the beautiful archeological sites. Sami managed all the logistics of the trip very well and with a great deal of kindness and a good sense of humor. He is very knowledgeable and took the time to answer all our questions. This program activity level was Let’s Go and would be very difficult for those who have mobility issues. The hiking was excellent but very challenging, even for those who were using walking poles. Something to be aware of is that Turkish Airlines does not allow walking poles in carry-on luggage. The most enjoyable experience we had was the hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia, which is not included in the program. It is pricey but worth it. We all loved our gulet (schooner) trip along the turquoise coast. Our boat was the Larin Su and had a crew of 5, including a young chef who prepared the best food we had during the program. In addition to three meals, we had afternoon coffee or tea with goodies prepared by our chef. We were all sad to say good bye at the end of the program. This was our sixth RS Program and the one with the most congenial and diverse group of people. If you are thinking about traveling to Turkey, this is the best program provided you don’t have mobility issues. The gulet trip was the most enjoyable part of the program. The hikes from the turquoise coast were a lot of fun and physically challenging. We felt very safe during this program, even during the few occasions when we had time on our own.
— Review left June 2, 2024
This program was amazing. Our guide Sami, was thoughtful and knowledgeable and his warmth made me feel at home. Our group was diverse. 13 participants and 8 nationalities. We all felt right at home.
Overall, I rate this program very high. I expect a lot from Road Scholar, but this trip gave me even more. How can Road Scholar ever beat this?
— Review left May 30, 2024
The history, the sites, the food, the people, other participants and, most importantly, Timur, our expert tour guide, made this trip an educational and fun experience. Get your good walking shoes and don’t hesitate to book this trip!
— Review left May 23, 2024
Fabulous itinerary, great leader, lots of variety & a great overview of the country. The gulet was huge fun if pretty basic.
— Review left January 14, 2024
The itinerary is wonderfully jam packed with the delights of Turkey. However Baltac Tourism, the tour company, is disorganized; focused on obtaining new business; and their tour guide is severely burnt-out. The tour guide's lack of engagement with the entire group made for scrambled communications and uncomfortable lapses in tour management. He created more problems than what he solved or avoided. After extremely good service in other Road Scholar tours, I would recommend giving this one a miss until the tour company problems are addressed.
— Review left November 8, 2023
Turkey by Land and Gulet is a fabulous Road Scholar adventure. Days fly by as you see, learn and experience history and culture in a wonderfully unique part of the world. The secluded coves used by the gulet are the frosting on the cake. KLS
— Review left October 10, 2023
Outstanding program that explores the past and present of Turkey and its glorious history. Very knowledgeable staff and well planned itinerary.
— Review left October 5, 2023