Ed, we did this trip but via the rep and probably about 12 years or more ago. Thoroughly enjoyed it, a truly amazing place.
Heather

Hi Edd

We did it about 3 years ago.Just go to one of the ticket agents around Samos town harbour.It does work out cheaper but dont forget you have to pay a 'port tax' on top.
You get picked up right outside Kusadasi Harbour with a Turkish guide.
You spend the day with the guide which is brilliant.
But beware our guide told us that as part of the tour we would be stopping off at a carpet shop near the harbour to see how hand made carpets are made.Facinating to learn how they are made BUT then the salesmen appear from nowhere and will not take no for an answer.
I had to give him a wallop and then his mate when he pulled a knife out.
Dont let this put you off though,just dont go in to the carpet shops.
Have a walk round the bazaar instead and pick up a bargain or two.

Hi Edd

Further to gooligans post on visiting carpet shop, we have travelled to turkey on several occasions and all the trips have been taken to see carpet, leather and jewellery workshops, where you are explained the whole process of their manufacture then the salesman come. We never felt any pressure at the places we visited, but were told by the guides on a few occasions that these visits were imposed by the Turkish government to support local businesses and part of every guided tour.

p.s. Not long now. On the plane this time next week.

thanks guys

Ardwyn

This weeks flight back from samos is not due back untill 0955 thus

dont know why, are the greeks on strike again?

3 weeks for me then might see you at samos airport

Edd we`ve had our flights to Samos changed we now go with Astraeus airlines and we leave Gatwick an hour earlier

Returned last wednesday from Samos to Manchester. the Gatwick flight was delayed because of high winds at Samos airport and had to land on Kos instead.
We went to Ephesus with an agent in Pythagorian, well worth going but afterwards the courier took us to a restaurant in the middle of nowhere, buffet style for 6euros which was OK. Then on to a carpet shop for a demo, as it was in the centre of Kusedasa we just left the trip and went off on our own.