Best Guided Tours of Turkey

Having authored travel guidebooks to Turkey for decades, I believe many travelers can tour the country on their own, but many visitors may find Turkey different enough that they want some help with their touring.

Help can range from a half-day walking tour to get a feel for Istanbul, all the way to a 22-day all-inclusive luxury tour of the entire country.

It's important to realize that tour doesn't necessarily mean 45 people jammed into a bus zooming by old buildings.

—Walking to and through Istanbul's most interesting sights with a small and congenial group of fellow explorers led by a friendly, knowledgeable guide.

—Strolling through a city's vibrant markets and haggling for the ingredients of a delicious Turkish meal that you will help—and learn—to prepare.

—Soaring over the moonscape of Cappadocia in a hot-air balloon.

—Jolly walks and meals with new friends, and a guide who can answer questions and tell stories that aren't in the guidebooks.

Joining a small band of other travelers on a common adventure means you don't have to make all those travel arrangements yourself; that if something goes wrong, others will fix it at no additional cost; that you have an advocate for special needs and situations; and that local experts will arrange experiences that you couldn't.

As for cost, a high-quality tour may be comparable in cost to the same arrangements made by you, because travel agencies and tour companies often negotiate discounted pricing on travel services.

So even if you're "the sort of traveler who doesn't go on tours," you should browse the tour offerings below. I think you'll be surprised at what you find.