I found an aifare on Delta. It wad $832 from Tampa r/t. I grabbed it when I could. The first day whe

Greetings! I have wanted to go to Turkey for years, and this is the year! Not able to convince any of my friends my travel airlines to travel with me, this will be a solo trip, It's ok. With the help of a great travel agent, I am excited!
I looked at tours with all sorts of companies. Some were inexpensive, but with added single supplement of up to $1000, became overpriced. Through reading forums and posts, I found a great travel agent, Mr. Zafer Yazici of Lirita Tours in Cappadoica. He understood my plight, my travel airlines was able to design a great itinerary my travel airlines for me using airlines within Turkey (to avoid long bus rides) and consequently I am going to see Cappadocia, Ephesus, Pammekule and Istanbul in 9 days. He has me joining tour groups in the different places to avoid costly private tours. He explained everything in a manner I could understand and was always available for consultation.
With diligent perusal, I found my own international airfare. My entire trip including airfare from Tampa is around $1900 for ten days. Without his suggestions and assistance, it could have been twice as high.
We traveled Turkey solo except for Cappadocia, there we found a private guide both very affordable and helpful. Driving in Turkey is not difficult. We didn't drive in Istanbul but did from Izmir to Pammekule, Ephesus, and to coast from Ephesus to Antalya. NO trouble at all.
j9dive-- I think it is great you went after your dreams. Sounds like a great plan. A friend of mine (female) went solo and LOVED Turkey. my travel airlines Do plan for some days/afternoons my travel airlines for yourself wandering at the bazaar(s). Happy Travels!
We flew from Istanbul to Cappadocia, then to Izmir, then started driving. Turned the car in in Antalya. Our car receipt says Avis but my wife believes it was actually a Budget rental. Cost was @ $390 US for 7 days.
I found an aifare on Delta. It wad $832 from Tampa r/t. I grabbed it when I could. The first day when I get to Ataturk, I don'lt leave to go to the city, but instead catch a flight to Cappadocia. I will either get a hamam treatment, go to the open air museum, or sleep. The travel agent I wrote about earlier is arrangingfor a private English speaking driver @ $90 for the next day.
My next leg is going to Ephesus. That is where I will be with a small group. Don't know how many... Then I take a ride to Pammekule. Zafer arranged everything. I am looking forward to the thermal pools.
As mentioned, including international air, and 3 flights within Turkey, my total for all is around $1850. For ten days, not bad!!! Thanks for your comments and all the help I get from everyone's trip reports!
Hi again - I leave the 9th of November. I forgot to add that above. I will write when I get back. I am getting the hotel to get a transfer in Istanbul. The others were reasonable. Mr. Yazici did detail each, I just don't have it right here in front of me. Sorry.
I hesitated to drive as I shall be by myself. With someone else with me, I may have rented a car. I like knowing my travel airlines that Zafir will be my contact and help with any glitches or problems. THe flights were $50-$150, so not much.