The tour operator and our tour guide made thousands of years of history come to life in our tour of Turkey. From the Blue Mosque and the walls of Ancient Troy to the WWI battlefield overlooking the Augean sea. The Magic Happens.
Firstly, a warning to all. You simply just book this tour through the tour operator, but another tour agency run the tour. This was not outlined in the tour itinerary or information regarding the tour. Secondly, the prices for admission fees to various historical sights listed in the tour itinerary are not included in the tour price (have to pay seperate unlike other expat tours). The also the prices for these entry fees need to be updated on the tour operator's website as they are DOUBLE the price listed for the tour. Some optional excursions not mentioned by the tour leader. Which was a pity The tour leader isn't an Expat tour leader. Tour leader was very informative and knowledgable. But didnt engage much with the travelers at all while on the tour bus. Felt that the tour guide was not very clear with specific information and it was like if you didn't ask, you didn't know. Sometimes unaproachable to ask questions to. Another thing that I found was missing was a welcome dinner on the first night of the tour that Expat usually have for their travellers to all get to know each other. There were no collectable stickers for the booklet handed out for places visited as Expat usually hand out after visiting each destination. This would have been nice. As other expat tours do this. I checked in late to the hotel the first day/night due to a flight delay travelling to Istanbul. The staff at the reception almost turbed me away because there was no "tour group of this particular tour operator" booked into the hotel as per staff. The tour agency running this trip was never mentioned via email etc. I Only came across it on a document which I downloaded with tour itinerary. I felt the tour overall was unforgettable, full of beautiful historical scenery and mesmerising places that we visited. Gained great experiences with fellow travellers while learning about the culture and customs within Turkey. The tour went smoothly. The highlight was the hot air balloon ride in Kapadokya. Despite issues, had great time
Great trip! Had a great 6 days in Turkey seeing several sites: Istanbul, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Cappadocia. Our tour guide, Alican provided a recommended itinerary that was well balanced and let us see a lot in a short time. Really great experience overall, both in terms of sightseeing and food!
