We Loved Our First Turkey Tour… But Here’s the Honest Truth

What We Learned from Our First Turkey Tour (So You Can Enjoy the Better Version)

When we launched our very first Essential Turkey Discovery, we were excited, a little nervous, and fully committed to making it special. And you know what? It was special — the itinerary was beautiful, the places were unforgettable, and the group? Absolutely delightful.

But as with any first run, there were a few things we could’ve done better. And we’re not the type to sweep those under the rug. We’re sharing them here, honestly and openly, because we’ve already made changes for the next one — and we think you’ll really feel the difference.

1. We Made the Group Too Big

What Happened:

We had 31 amazing guests. And we truly mean amazing. Everyone was punctual, chill, friendly, and just fun to be around. Some of us are still in touch even now — proof that travel friendships are real.

But 31 people is a lot. While it worked logistically, it made us less flexible. Some of the boutique hotels and charming stays we wanted to book just didn’t have space for a group our size. And we ended up eating in restaurants built for big groups, which meant skipping the cozy, local spots we really wanted to share with everyone.

Our first group photo at Ataturk’s Mausoleum, Ankara.

Why We Did It:

We were trying to be practical. Larger groups help keep prices competitive, and 30 is actually the “normal” size for most group tours. But just because it’s common doesn’t mean it’s ideal.

What We’re Changing:

Next time, we’re capping the group at 20 guests. Small enough to move around comfortably, eat better, and stay in the kind of unique places that show off the real Turkey. It's a better balance of vibe, value, and comfort.

2. We Included a Group Meal in Taksim Square

What Happened:

Taksim Square is a great place for exploring, people-watching, and shopping — not so much for a fixed lunch. Our group had to walk to and from the restaurant, which turned into an unplanned mini-hike through the city. We personally felt that it wasted time and effort instead of enjoying Taksim Square.

Why We Did It:

The original plan was a one-way route that would’ve made it smoother, but a last-minute (and meaningful!) change added a detour. However, it was Easter Sunday, and some of our guests asked if they could attend Mass. We were so lucky to find an English service nearby and rearranged the day to make it work. That meant shuffling the schedule a bit — and suddenly, that lunch stop felt more like a trek than a treat.

What We’re Changing:

Next time, when we’re in areas like Taksim, we’ll skip the group meal and let everyone do their own thing. Want to grab kebabs and sit on the steps? Go for it. Want to find the perfect Turkish delight? You’ve got more time. It’s your moment — we’ll give you the space to enjoy it.

3. We Drove from Istanbul to Cappadocia 

What Happened:

Driving through Turkey sounds romantic, right? Well… after 10+ hours on the road (with a quick visit to Atatürk’s Mausoleum and Lake Tuz), it became more are we there yet? than a scenic journey.

The places we stopped at were beautiful, especially the Mausoleum — we even had a great experience with the locals — but by the time we got to Cappadocia, we were wiped. And that’s not how you want to experience one of the most magical places on Earth.

Why We Did It:

We thought we were being clever — save the cost of a domestic flight, see a couple of extra sights along the way. But in the end, it just didn’t balance out. We lost more time and energy than we gained.

Even our guests agreed: fly next time.

What We’re Changing:

We’ll be flying straight to Cappadocia moving forward. You’ll arrive fresh, happy, and ready to explore. And since that saves us travel time, we’re adding more breathing room in both Cappadocia and Istanbul — so you actually get more from the trip.

Members of our group that were brave enough to endure the cold winds at Lake Tuz.

So… What’s New in Essential Turkiye Discovery 2.0?

We’ve taken all the lessons from the first run and used them to fine-tune every part of the experience.

• ✨ Smaller group = more intimate and flexible

• 🛫 Smarter route = less time on the road, more time at the destination

• 🥘 Fewer fixed meals = more chances to eat what you actually want

• ⏳ More Time Where It Matters: We’ll be spending extra days in Cappadocia and Istanbul — less rushing, more soaking it all in.
  
  
  

We loved our first trip — and we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who joined us. But the next one?
It’s better. Not because we’re perfect, but because we’re learning.

Coming This Christmas 🎄

Essential Turkiye Discovery is back — with all the magic, but none of the first-time hiccups.

We’d love for you to join us.

Want us to save you a seat?
Click HERE

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Email Us: jay@handcarried.com

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call us at +63 918 5555 838 (Mobile, Viber, WhatsApp) or +63 (2) 3224-2075 (Landline)

Let’s make some new travel memories — and maybe a few new friends, too.