From Our Travelers

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------May, 26th 2005

Dear Ilgin:

We had a wonderful time in Turkey.

I want to say more than we had a great time in Turkey. It really was one of the best trips we have ever had-a direct result of your wonderful planning. We had a short time in your country (I think I told you we had planned the trip on the basis that my husband wanted to go to the Greek Islands) and loved every minute. We have never traveled on a private guided basis and I must say it will be hard to adjust to anything else. Additionally, as I have told everyone I have talked to about the trip, (and I keep passing your name along just in case) we were extremely impressed with the quality and knowledge of the guides in your country. Turkey should justly be very proud of its guide system and qualifications.

When we look over our whole trip time (about 3 weeks and a day) we decided that the Cappadocia area was the most unique encounter we had ever had. (And to think that we might have missed it but I had a neighbor who kept insisting we should go.)

I just can’t say enough about the good experiences. Now I will follow with some more specific feedback which I hope will be helpful for you.

The hotel in Istanbul was very nice and well located. The staff was friendly, helpful and made it very pleasant to be there. We didn’t get out much in Istanbul after the tours as we were overcoming our jet lag so we stayed pretty much in the neighborhood in the evenings. We ate at our hotel on the roof one night and at the Four Seasons Hotel.

The sites were great. My husband particularly enjoyed the arrangements you made for the Temples. We both loved the Modern Museum (we like contemporary art) and it was a good contrast to all the ancient artifacts. Upon returning home, we realize in how much better condition your ruins are than those in Greece.

Of course our guide was great (on more than one occasion I had tourists pulling me aside and asking how we found him!).

Cappadocia was wonderful even though it snowed one morning (I will have to e-mail you a picture). It was nice enough later in the day that our final hike was a real highlight. Our hotel was lovely. Our room was upgraded. We had a two bedroom cave with very nice bath. Also very good and friendly staff. Our guide and driver were also a real pleasure.

You must generate good will as our room was also upgraded at the Kismet. We had a location to die for with sitting room adjacent to the bedroom and the world’s most glorious view. We were treated very well and actually spent our off time there. The travel time of the trip to Ankara and then to the hotel was a little longer than anticipated but it worked out ok
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We had good tours and service to Ephesus and when I was concerned about transit to the ferry it worked out perfectly (I didn’t realize it was a different group that would be taking us to the ferry.) Also a wonderful guide.

I have to stop this e-mail which is difficult as I just want to keep telling you how wonderful everything was. If only you did travel in different countries! I am sure we will be back to Turkey.

Carol & Mike Beck
Seattle, Washington/ The United States

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ---May 18th 2005

Dear Ms. Gulgul,

Thank you for helping make the recent trip to Turkey of Ms. Susan McKee and Ms. Elinor Garely, both, whom are distinguished American writers, such a wonderful success.

Ms. Susan McKee and Ms. Elinor Garely were captivated by our country and were very pleased with the services you have personally rendered. Due to the courtesy of your careful arrangements, their visit went flawlessly from start to finish.

They were particularly impressed by personally your as well as the tour guides’ of Credo Tours knowledgeable professionalism. Ms. Susan McKee and Ms. Elinor Garely said that the invaluable insight that you have provided to them will be reflected in the stories they will write about Turkey in the American media.

We greatly appreciate your enthusiastic cooperation and extend our heartfelt gratitude for your kind attention extended to our guests visiting Turkey.

Sincerely yours,
Meltem Onhon
Acting Director / Turkish Culture & Tourism Office / New York

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------April, 27th 2005

Dear Ilgin,

I can tell you that everybody was very much satisfied with everything. Even the guy you heard-he is our president and want to be a boss-was also thrilled. Etem is very professional and his guiding was very interesting. And the football match was more outstanding than expected. Although we wondered why the fans didn’t care about the match, they were only screaming to each other. But Etem told us about why the fans shouted like they did, and that was very interesting too.

If I ever come to Istanbul again, I will contact you. And promise me if you ever come to Norway, call me and I’ll help arrange something for you.

Thanks.
Asbjorn Langmyr
Norway

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------April 22nd 2005

We would like to let you know that we had a very enjoyable, informative tour with Aran Uzer. He was very easy to understand, and receptive to our many questions about history, but also about the culture in Turkey. He was sensitive to our needs and interests as Americans.

Although he started as our tour guide, we felt at the end we were traveling with a friend, a very informative and enjoyable companion.

We have experienced and observed a number of tour guides and would most highly recommend him.

The only drawback was that we would have liked to spend more time with Aran to see more of the sites of Istanbul-perhaps to schedule a few more things in one day, but more likely to schedule an additional day with him.

Lastly, I would like to leave the thought that we felt that every wish was welcomed, and granted where possible. We will recommend Aran and Credo to all of our friends!

Sincerely yours,
Stacia & David Hatfield
The United States