Package Tour Adventures: Our Turkish Getaway

Turkey, where East meets West, is a land steeped in ancient history. Our adventure began with an organized tour by GTI Travel Agency. For just €250 per person (approx. $275), we received:

  • Round-trip flights
  • Comprehensive travel insurance
  • Polish-speaking tour guide
  • Breakfast and dinner (drinks extra)
Pamukkale's Cotton Castle - surreal white travertine terraces
Pamukkale’s otherworldly thermal pools – a 2,000-year-old spa complex and UNESCO World Heritage Site

We stayed at the 3-star Diamond Hotel in central Alanya, just 300m from the beach. This historic port city was once the Seljuk Empire’s naval base, evidenced by the striking 13th-century Red Tower (Kızıl Kule) built to deter pirates.

Smart Travel Hack: How We Saved 50% on Excursions

On day two, we discovered a local tour operator offering an unbeatable package for €125 pp – compared to our agency’s €85 quote for Cappadocia alone!

Our bargain package included:

  • Cappadocia (3 days) – Moon-like valleys and underground Christian cities
  • Pamukkale (2 days) – Ancient Hierapolis spa with thermal travertines
  • Aspendos – Rome’s best-preserved amphitheater (seats 15,000!)
  • Traditional Hammam – Ottoman-style bath experience
  • Waterpark – Adrenaline-pumping slides
  • Rafting – Köprülü Canyon’s thrilling rapids
Konya - spiritual home of whirling dervishes
Konya – mystical city of Rumi and the mesmerizing whirling dervishes

Hammam Ritual: An Ottoman Legacy

We dedicated our first full day to beach relaxation and an authentic hammam experience. These Turkish baths evolved from Roman thermae, perfected by the Ottomans since the 15th century.

Our journey began in the steam room, followed by the göbek taşı (heated marble platform) for:

  • Traditional kese exfoliation with a special mitt
  • Olive oil soap massage with mountain of bubbles
  • Full-body therapeutic massage

Pro tip: Visit the hammam early in your trip – your skin will tan better after exfoliation!

Must-Do Experiences

  • Whitewater rafting through Köprülü Canyon’s 17km stretch reveals Turkey’s most dramatic landscapes near ancient Selge ruins
  • Waterpark thrills – The Kamikaze slide lives up to its name with a near-vertical drop
  • Beach bliss – Alanya’s Blue Flag beaches offer Mediterranean warmth (water temps 20°C+)
  • Nightlife – Multi-level clubs with stunning decor often offer free entry (they profit from drinks)

Insider Tips

  • Bargain hard – Initial prices are typically 50% inflated for souvenirs and tours
  • Skip forced shopping stops – Politely decline and enjoy nearby cafes instead
  • Cappadocia must-see – Ensure your tour includes Göreme Open Air Museum
  • Cost awareness – Resort prices are higher (beer €3-7). Venture inland for better value

Turkey’s magical blend of ancient traditions and modern energy will captivate you. While two weeks barely scratches the surface, it’s enough to fall under its spell and start planning your return.