Going to a huge amfitheatre on the edge of one of the villages after dinner and watching fellow group members give spontaneous performances in the moonlight. Turkey is amazing because of the fantastic ancient sites that just happen to be standing there unattended just next to your walking trail.
How was your Explore Tour Leader?
Outstanding. A Scot settled in Turkey who both understood the country and knew how to explain it to foreigners. He didn't usually guide this tour, but managed to be very well organised and laid back at the same time, which is a great combination.
What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?
The hotel in Antalya was one of the most beautiful I have ever stayed in, and it is well worth arriving early or leaving late as the old town is lovely - we were pleased with the Stansted flights we booked for ourself, and fixing your own airport transfers/getting taxis is easy in Turkey. Two of the four village houses were much better than expected, with double rooms and ensuite facilities, but sudden water shortages can occur, so wash your hair where you can. Don't forget your swimsuit.
Do you have anything else to add?
The walking was lovely, but I'd expected that, as that was why we'd booked the holiday. What made this holiday special were the other things - fantastic weather (being told we didn't need to carry our waterproofs on hikes, but I guess that's not always the case); the historic sites and the bathhouse; interesting and varied accommodation; meals not included in the price were always organised somewhere nice; even the minibus was the smartest I've encountered on a trekking holiday. Explore's Turkey holidays seem to attract an unusual level of customer loyalty: several people in the group had already been to Turkey with them a number of times; I'd been on the Ararat trip last year, and was happy to go back again with a friend, and we've now booked the Lycian Way for next year.
