Self Guided Turkey
Self Guided Turkey
5
Self-Guided Tours & Rentals • Stand Up Paddleboarding
Read more
Full view
About
The first and only site dedicated to Self Guided Tours in Turkey. Walking tours on the Lycian Way, Carian Trail and Cappadocia; SUP (Stand Up Paddleboat), BIKE and Seakayak Rentals; HIKE & Sail tours; Self Drive itineraries to hidden places and many more...
Similar Experiences
Self Guided Turkey
Booking unavailable on Tripadvisor
Want other options you can book now?
Show optionsTravellers talk about
(8 reviews)
(12 reviews)
(5 reviews)
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
22 reviews
Excellent
22
Very good
0
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Mutlu G
Istanbul, Türkiye21 contributions
Sep 2022 • Friends
I made this 4 day hiking with my wife and a close friend of mine at the end of September 2022. It was the perfect decision to hike this magnificient route without any group or guide with the help of Self-Guided Turkey which gave us a lot of flexibility in terms of timing. We are planning to do the 4-day Heart of Lycia Tour next week again with the help of Altay & Rikki.
Written 26 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ShaanKaur
1 contribution
Mar 2022
Self Guided Turkey opened up a new way of travelling for me and my partner. I am not an experienced camper or hiker, and the support / advice from Self Guided Turkey gave us the confidence to explore the Lycian way, walking from Fethiye to Antalya. It turned out to be the trip of a lifetime!
We walked through valleys bursting with almond trees in blossom, some days we only saw cows and goats. We arrived at our hotels where our luggage awaited, and we were met with Turkish tea and hearty food. For me the best thing was seeing the flowers change as the coastline blossomed in Spring. We were surprised by ruins of the Lycians, a civilisation we didn't even know existed, conquered by Greeks and then Romans, and whose cities were abandoned when trade routes changed. We had a detailed trip book which introduced us to the history and explained the routes.
I cannot recommend this service highly enough. It took all the cognitive load and 'admin' hassle out of hiking the Lycian Way, so that we could just focus on the spectacular nature and ruins at every corner. Being self-guided meant that we could experience total quiet, and go at our own pace. And we could discover the route ourselves, and be surprised by what we found!
We were provided with back up GPS for periods when the way isn't clear. The company arranged for our luggage to be transferred while we hiked, and everywhere we arrived was prepared and understood exactly what would happened. Furthermore on days when we arrived late, Altay called us to check we were okay. Altay was on hand to help all the time with all logistics, like helping when the airline lost our luggage or recommending an excellent hammam to rest our muscles at the end of the trip!
Altay had great taste and chose really tasteful hotels that were excellent value and often simple but set in spectacular nature, with excellent food. On days when we wouldn't pass somewhere for lunch, he organised a packed lunch. He did all the 'googling' and logistics and it really meant we had a totally stress free experience. It opened up a whole new way of travelling and experiences I don't think I could have ever found (like hiking for 4 hours through valleys where we met no one but cows - and then being met by a boat who took us to a sunken city only accessible by water!)
I wish he had a network in every country - and we'll be back to do more !
We walked through valleys bursting with almond trees in blossom, some days we only saw cows and goats. We arrived at our hotels where our luggage awaited, and we were met with Turkish tea and hearty food. For me the best thing was seeing the flowers change as the coastline blossomed in Spring. We were surprised by ruins of the Lycians, a civilisation we didn't even know existed, conquered by Greeks and then Romans, and whose cities were abandoned when trade routes changed. We had a detailed trip book which introduced us to the history and explained the routes.
I cannot recommend this service highly enough. It took all the cognitive load and 'admin' hassle out of hiking the Lycian Way, so that we could just focus on the spectacular nature and ruins at every corner. Being self-guided meant that we could experience total quiet, and go at our own pace. And we could discover the route ourselves, and be surprised by what we found!
We were provided with back up GPS for periods when the way isn't clear. The company arranged for our luggage to be transferred while we hiked, and everywhere we arrived was prepared and understood exactly what would happened. Furthermore on days when we arrived late, Altay called us to check we were okay. Altay was on hand to help all the time with all logistics, like helping when the airline lost our luggage or recommending an excellent hammam to rest our muscles at the end of the trip!
Altay had great taste and chose really tasteful hotels that were excellent value and often simple but set in spectacular nature, with excellent food. On days when we wouldn't pass somewhere for lunch, he organised a packed lunch. He did all the 'googling' and logistics and it really meant we had a totally stress free experience. It opened up a whole new way of travelling and experiences I don't think I could have ever found (like hiking for 4 hours through valleys where we met no one but cows - and then being met by a boat who took us to a sunken city only accessible by water!)
I wish he had a network in every country - and we'll be back to do more !
Written 8 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Inês G
Setubal, Portugal1 contribution
Oct 2021 • Couples
Planning our trip with Self-Guided Turkey was the best decision we made. We were interested in hiking the Licyan Way and we’re looking for someone to assist us with carrying our luggage. It turned out to be much more that that. Altay showed us his itineraries for the Licyan Way and promptly made all the changes we required - including extra nights, extra transfers, rest days, etc. He went the extra mile giving us tips as to how to travel within Turkey and which airports we should be using. We ended up doing a combination of Western Licya, Heart of Lycia and Cappadocia. Our tour was self guided.
Altay was very responsive even before we started our trip. He made himself available for a video call where we explained what we were looking for and got to know him. He sent us the quote and all the information requested within the established timeframes, which made us feel very comfortable from the beginning. The electronic booklet received was very thoughtful and complete.
During our time in Turkey everything was very smooth and we could not have asked for a better experience: all the transfers were on time, the hotels were carefully chosen by Altay (Ecclesia Hotel is just by the beach; Montenegro Hotel has a familiar vibe, lovely views and we were served a very tasty meal; Olive Garden has breathtaking views; the hotel in Kas has a cool rooftop and Sadi was very kind to us), the hikes are absolutely incredible and quite balanced in terms of km and elevation gain, the food was equally good and the wines - previously unknown to us - were just as nice. Altay was exceptional - friendly, knowledgeable, efficient and always available.
Altay told us that he designed this program as if it was for him. We could not agree more, that’s exactly how we felt: we took advantage of all his experience, his tips and his contacts. In sum, this was a trip to remember and we will certainly be back. We would recommend Self Guided your to anyone.
Altay was very responsive even before we started our trip. He made himself available for a video call where we explained what we were looking for and got to know him. He sent us the quote and all the information requested within the established timeframes, which made us feel very comfortable from the beginning. The electronic booklet received was very thoughtful and complete.
During our time in Turkey everything was very smooth and we could not have asked for a better experience: all the transfers were on time, the hotels were carefully chosen by Altay (Ecclesia Hotel is just by the beach; Montenegro Hotel has a familiar vibe, lovely views and we were served a very tasty meal; Olive Garden has breathtaking views; the hotel in Kas has a cool rooftop and Sadi was very kind to us), the hikes are absolutely incredible and quite balanced in terms of km and elevation gain, the food was equally good and the wines - previously unknown to us - were just as nice. Altay was exceptional - friendly, knowledgeable, efficient and always available.
Altay told us that he designed this program as if it was for him. We could not agree more, that’s exactly how we felt: we took advantage of all his experience, his tips and his contacts. In sum, this was a trip to remember and we will certainly be back. We would recommend Self Guided your to anyone.
Written 18 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zaher
5 contributions
Sep 2021 • Solo
If you want to have a fabulous self-guided hiking experience designed by a certified guide, a trusted friend and a local organizer all in one then you came to the right place, Altay is all that and more.
I had two magnificent weeks in Cappadocia and Antalya hiking amazing trails with all planning, lodging, transfers, meals and route details completely taken care off by Altay. I just had to show up, do my hikes and enjoy my time.
You won't go wrong with Self-guided Turkey... They literally won't let you leave unsatisfied :)
Enjoy your travels.
I had two magnificent weeks in Cappadocia and Antalya hiking amazing trails with all planning, lodging, transfers, meals and route details completely taken care off by Altay. I just had to show up, do my hikes and enjoy my time.
You won't go wrong with Self-guided Turkey... They literally won't let you leave unsatisfied :)
Enjoy your travels.
Written 25 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trish R
Brisbane, Australia21 contributions
Sep 2019
Altay's tour and planned guide of walking, adventuring across 3 regions - Mediterranean, Cappadocian, and Ephesus/Gallipoli was a fabulous experience. We highly recommend using Altay for exploring a very different culture to our own.
We are, I would think typical of many middle aged Australian women who are wanting to explore the world but needed the safety of an English interpreter. Altay's Self-Guided Tour was perfect for this, as we needed our own "space" but wanted to be able to get from one destination to the other with confidence. We certainly discovered an under-utilised tourist attraction for Australians in the quality of the ancient cities to wander through with awe.
We are, I would think typical of many middle aged Australian women who are wanting to explore the world but needed the safety of an English interpreter. Altay's Self-Guided Tour was perfect for this, as we needed our own "space" but wanted to be able to get from one destination to the other with confidence. We certainly discovered an under-utilised tourist attraction for Australians in the quality of the ancient cities to wander through with awe.
Written 24 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robin T
3 contributions
May 2019
they organised a customised 9 days trip
The guys in the agency were just great, they organised everything and are flexible and there to help at any moment 24/7.
I was just a great experience, and my best solo hiking experience so far.
I truly recommend this travel agency.
Robin.
The guys in the agency were just great, they organised everything and are flexible and there to help at any moment 24/7.
I was just a great experience, and my best solo hiking experience so far.
I truly recommend this travel agency.
Robin.
Written 6 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Terry Wilson
Columbus, OH3 contributions
Sep 2019
My trip organized by Self-Guided Turkey was an excellent experience. Altay & Rikki crafted a trip that had all the elements I wished for, including scenic hiking, sea kayaking, archeological site visits, and arrangements for looking at some local geology. I especially valued staying at local hotels each night, eating the local food they prepared, and interacting with local people. All of the logistics of the transfers for myself and/or my luggage went very smoothly and happened on time.
Communications with Altay in Turkey were very good – he regularly checked on my progress/experience and updated me on details of the following day. Having the Turkish mobile phone with pre-programmed numbers made all communications I needed to make easy.
To communicate with the drivers, who spoke only some English, it was definitely helpful to have ‘google translate’ [or a similar app].
The guide booklet provided really helped to enhance the experience, including not only logistical details, but also historical background and sketch maps of the archeological sites. The GPS, with a waypoint list, was essential for following the Lycian Way trails, and that system worked very well.
Overall, I highly recommend the services of Self-Guided Turkey – the trip was outstanding!
Communications with Altay in Turkey were very good – he regularly checked on my progress/experience and updated me on details of the following day. Having the Turkish mobile phone with pre-programmed numbers made all communications I needed to make easy.
To communicate with the drivers, who spoke only some English, it was definitely helpful to have ‘google translate’ [or a similar app].
The guide booklet provided really helped to enhance the experience, including not only logistical details, but also historical background and sketch maps of the archeological sites. The GPS, with a waypoint list, was essential for following the Lycian Way trails, and that system worked very well.
Overall, I highly recommend the services of Self-Guided Turkey – the trip was outstanding!
Written 3 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yannick S
1 contribution
Oct 2019
As a solo traveler in October 2019, I was looking for a travel agency that could organize a trek in Southern Turkey. I found “Self Guided Turkey” and it was great. The 4 days hike from Fethiye to Sidyma” was very well organized, very often in forests (which was good by 30 degrees…) with spectacular views on beaches, remote villages, temple ruins etc. The accommodations were also very well chosen, I felt very welcomed in the family run pensions. I am a vegetarian, and there was absolutely no problem to get a tasty local food. The transfer also went smoothly and it was always a good laugh to to have an exchange with the drivers or their family.
I really recommend this type of holidays, because it gives you an insight view of Turkey and of their hospitably tradition.
I have done several hikes like this in the Alps or even in the Himalaya, but this one was one of the best and I thank Altay and Rikki for the fantastic job they did. I will certainly come back for another hike in Turkey!
Yannick, Lausanne Switzerland
I really recommend this type of holidays, because it gives you an insight view of Turkey and of their hospitably tradition.
I have done several hikes like this in the Alps or even in the Himalaya, but this one was one of the best and I thank Altay and Rikki for the fantastic job they did. I will certainly come back for another hike in Turkey!
Yannick, Lausanne Switzerland
Written 3 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Valerie
Gaillac, France1 contribution
Oct 2019
We have just returned from the four day walk on the Western Lycian Way. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and feel fitter than when we started. The organisation was excellent, and the hotels were all comfortable, the food tasty and the transfers all worked perfectly. Everyone we met was helpful and pleasant.
I would advise anyone who hasn't used a Garmin GPS to have a look at it before the beginning of the trail, as we didn't and couldn't get it to work. When we stopped at lunch we googled how to change the batteries and discovered that it is not like a mobile phone: you have to twist something at the back, but once we had changed the batteries it was extremely useful. Actually essential for the route from Kayakoy to Oludeniz, as the undergrowth had grown up and the path was difficult to follow. The markings on this stretch are not as good as on the GR routes in France, for example.
I hope that we will do another walk in Turkey some time and I would certainly consider using Self Guided Turkey again.Thank you Altay and Rikki.
I would advise anyone who hasn't used a Garmin GPS to have a look at it before the beginning of the trail, as we didn't and couldn't get it to work. When we stopped at lunch we googled how to change the batteries and discovered that it is not like a mobile phone: you have to twist something at the back, but once we had changed the batteries it was extremely useful. Actually essential for the route from Kayakoy to Oludeniz, as the undergrowth had grown up and the path was difficult to follow. The markings on this stretch are not as good as on the GR routes in France, for example.
I hope that we will do another walk in Turkey some time and I would certainly consider using Self Guided Turkey again.Thank you Altay and Rikki.
Written 5 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robin T
3 contributions
May 2018 • Solo
To be said, Altay & Nikki were just great & perfect organizing all the trip.
I' walked for an appox 8 days. while always changing the organized route just to walk a bit longer every day.
Altay and Nikki were perfect. To be said, I' clearly reccommen both them and teir agency: Self guided Turkey if ever you wish to trek the easy way bagfree and hasslfree.
Again, Thank you for both of you for such a great holiday
Robin.
I' walked for an appox 8 days. while always changing the organized route just to walk a bit longer every day.
Altay and Nikki were perfect. To be said, I' clearly reccommen both them and teir agency: Self guided Turkey if ever you wish to trek the easy way bagfree and hasslfree.
Again, Thank you for both of you for such a great holiday
Robin.
Written 16 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No questions have been asked about this experience