Testimonials

Hi Liz, 

Here we are back in Australia after our travels in Turkey and afterwards in Hungary.

Our tour of Turkey was wonderful from beginning to end and the organisation was perfect at every step of the way. We appreciated the visit from Ihsan at our hotel on our arrival in Istanbul and his assurance of being available via mobile 24/7 in case of problems. I did call him twice to confirm pick up times. He was also very supportive when Ilona and I got sick in Kusadasi - we had a to miss a full day's touring the day we were scheduled to go to Ephesus but thanks to the reorganisation, we visited Ephesus with Ali the next day when we felt much better and also visited Hierapolis and Pamakkale as scheduled - so we didn't miss anything. Please thank Ihsan for us as we don't have his personal email. 

Our treatment the day we were sick was exceptional. Our guide Ayca kindly arranged for us to be taken to a clinic in Selcuk, where we were examined most efficiently and then put onto beds and given intravenous medication - we stayed there for several hours until mid-afternoon. We left with our temperatures back to normal, with antibiotics to take and feeling much better, although it took a few days to fully recover. We cannot speak highly enough of the caring and competent treatment we received at the clinic. I think the clinic is part of the West Aegean Health Service.

Istanbul was a delight for us, as we explored Sultanamet and its small streets and the Blue Mosque and Topkapi areas and then at the end of our tour, over on the Istiklal St side. Our guide took us to a Turkish rug centre, where we bought a rug we really didn't want but it will be a lovely souvenir of Turkey. Actually we bought a second smaller rug at another rug display centre on the way to Pamukkale. 

All of our guides were very good and looked after us well. At Gallipoli we had a retired professor Kenan Celik who is a world expert on that campaign and was a mine of information on what happened and could have happened. We came away with a deeper understanding of both sides of the battles there but appalled by the waste of young lives.

Hayim showed us Sophia and Topkapi Palace - very informative and friendly but left us alone with his rug merchant mate whose persuasive powers were greater than our determination not to buy. Mustafa took us to the Spice Market and the Bosporus tour and also the Dolmabahce Palace - the PA system on the boat was unfortunately poor and the commentary therefore partly missed but overall it was a good day. Ayca was terrific and took us to from Canakkale to Troy, Pergamon and on to Kusadasi - both ancient cities fascinating. He also arranged for our treatment when we were sick. Ali was also great and took us to Mary's House, Ephesus and Hieropolis/Pamukkale - also fascinating. 

Cappadocia was wonderful including the hot air balloon ride - we're very glad we went there - it's such a fascinating place and Goreme is a lovely town. Our guide was excellent. A Japanese group on our minibus had its own guide fluent in Japanese - he said Turkish and Japanese are similar!

Back in Istanbul we liked Istiklal and the Taksim district and on our last day visited the Modern Art Museum and the wonderful Van Gogh exhibition. 

Our hotels were varied but all were good. The Canakkale hotel is historic and quaint and maybe only 2 stars but it was only for one night - our room was at the front and revellers kept us awake until 2 a.m. - I think it was 18 March celebrations. The staff at the boutique hotels were very helpful and friendly.

Our tour of Turkey exceeded our expectations and we will tell all our friends how great is was. Ihsan was keen that we leave with a good impression of Turkey so please assure him that we did and please thank him for us. 

If you would like any further specific feedback I would be glad to give it. I've already passed your details to a friend whose children are planning to visit Turkey.