• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Istanbul
  • Cappadocia
  • Mediterranean
  • Aegean
  • Black Sea
  • Other Places
Turkish Travel Blog

Turkish Travel Blog

Turkish People, Culture, History, and Places inTurkey

  • Culture and Traditions
  • Food and Drink
  • History
  • Travel Tips
  • Living in Turkey
  • About Turkey
    • About the Blog
    • Advertising
    • Contact

Independent Travel vs Guided Tours: Which Is the Best Way to see Turkey?

by Natalie

Such is the diversity of Turkey; its general appearance to the outside world can differ in many ways, mainly depending on nationalities.

I am no longer surprised to receive e-mails from readers in countries like Australia or America, who plan to visit Turkey  but are hesitant about travelling independently and question if they should they sign up to a guided tour instead?

Map of Turkey and Provinces

My Opinion – Independent Travel vs Guided Tours

Having done both guided tours and independent travel in Turkey, I can see the benefits of each. While researching my Northeast trip, I discovered that a guided tour with accommodation, transport and professional guide would actually be cheaper.

The transport network for the Kackar mountains (the main reason to go to the Northeast), was also extremely adhoc, so I gained by paying a tour agency for guaranteed transport.

However, while touring the more touristic South-west coast, I travelled independently by bus and just signed up with travel agencies in each resort, for day tours. I would do the same if visiting Istanbul.

The decision mostly depends on what you want to gain from your time in Turkey, the region that you plan to visit and also your preferred style of travel but what do the tour agencies say?

 Tour Agency Point of View

Guided tours in Turkey

Efendi Tours in Istanbul is a leading expert in the Turkey Tour Industry. They have received a Trip Advisor excellence award and their sister site, Backpackers Travel received a World Travel Award in both 2013 and 2014.

They say most people have misconceptions about services offered by Turkish Travel agents. Tourists can still tap into local knowledge and discounted prices that tour agencies offer, even if they choose to travel independently.

Efendi Travel describes it as the “third option” which it is a self-guided or tailor-made tour. The customer tells the tour agency where they want to go, all questions are answered and arrangements are made, exactly as to the customer’s request.

While traveling around Turkey, the customer has the benefit of 24 hour phone support, local and regional advice as well as the freedom and flexibility to travel at their own pace.

Internet and phone technology has given tour agencies the opportunity to fine-tune their products and service.

Efendi Travel describe this as….

“Your personal travel adviser at the touch of a button”

They are also keen to emphasise that guided tours that were popular in the 1980s, namely 42 people squeezed onto one rusty old bus, with a guide that doesn’t speak English are a thing of the past.

Tour group sizes have been narrowed to roughly 15 people, allowing flexibility in the schedule, more one-to-one time with the guide and a slower pace of traveling. Also a large family or group of friends can organize a private tour, for an extremely good price.

Increased Standards of Turkish Tour Agencies

TursabEfendi Travel are also keen to point out that over the last 10 years, standards of Turkish tour agencies have increased dramatically because the Turkish tourism ministry is now stricter.

Agencies have to be a member of TURSAB (Association of Turkish Travel Agencies). Spot checks are done by the local Zabita (local council workers responsible for public trading areas) or potential customers can search for licenses and certificates on the TURSAB website.

Guides working for the tour agencies also need to be registered and licensed. Extensive training is given and they have to pass exams to receive their license. Hence, a good guide can make an extreme amount of difference, in terms of enjoyment.

For advance payments, Efendi Travel use 125 bit SSL secured online system so that they never see the customer’s credit card details. Aspects like this, means that standards are now on par with travel agents in the Western world and people should not have misconceptions about Turkish Tour agencies.

independent travel vs guided tours

Summary for Independent travel

  • Travel at your own pace
  • Control expenses exactly, by choosing where you eat and where you visit
  • Ideal if you are not a “people” person
  • Places like the Aegean and Mediterranean thrive on tourism and non-Turkish speakers will have no language translation problems
  • You can join daytime guided tours if you want.
  • The transport network is generally good, frequent and cheap but it can start to get adhoc if you venture into more remote areas.
  • Solo female travellers who have never visited Turkey may be alarmed by the amount of attention given by Turkish men.
  • Likewise, first-time travellers are prime targets for the hassle given by shop-owners but if you are with a guide, they leave you alone.

Summary for Guided Tours

  • All licensed guides speak at least one foreign language, mostly English so you have your own personal translator.
  • Local tour agencies and guides have a wide contact network, are experienced and keen to share their traditions and culture, so often build this into the itinerary.
  • Guided tours are ideal for first-time visitors to Turkey or those traveling to a remote destination. For solo female travellers, they are also generally considered safer.
  • Depending on the region, you can actually save money. Tour agencies get access to discounted hotel rates and some private attractions.
  • All planning and arrangements are done for you. You just have to pitch up at the allocated time on the date stated.
  • Some tour itineraries are fast paced, but any good travel agent should be able to modify this for you.

Question for Readers: Which method of travel do you prefer? Independent or guided tours?

Note : Many thanks to Efendi Travel for their participation in this post. They can be contacted via their website or their office is in Istanbul at the following address.

Efendi Travel Agency,  Yeni Akbiyik Cad. No:30,  Sultanahmet,  Istanbul, Turkey. Telephone :  0090 212 638 6343

Save

Pin39
Share85
Tweet
Share
124 Shares

Filed Under: Random Information

Hi. I'm Natalie, a freelance travel blogger and writer specializing in the country of Turkey. I love hot summer days, historical sites and coffee. Read More…

Primary Sidebar

istanbul tourist pass

Search This Website

Popular Posts

Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul : Last Days of the Ottoman EmpireDolmabahce Palace in Istanbul : Last Days of the Ottoman Empire49K Total Shares
The Colourful Wooden Mosque of MaralThe Colourful Wooden Mosque of Maral6K Total Shares
Santa Claus and His Life in TurkeySanta Claus and His Life in Turkey5K Total Shares
Sanliurfa (Urfa) : The City of Abraham in TurkeySanliurfa (Urfa) : The City of Abraham in Turkey4K Total Shares
The Serene House of the Virgin MaryThe Serene House of the Virgin Mary3K Total Shares
Ottoman Intrigue at Topkapi Palace in IstanbulOttoman Intrigue at Topkapi Palace in Istanbul3K Total Shares

Footer

Everything Else

  • Blog Sitemap
  • GDPR, Privacy and Cookies
  • Terms of Use and Disclaimer

Of Interest

  • About Us
  • Advertising and PR
  • Map of Turkey

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Copyright @2023 - Turkish Travel Blog

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Do not sell my personal information.
Cookie SettingsAccept
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT