After shaking off jet lag from an 11 1/2 hour flight home, we had planned to send you a note, so are pleased to receive your request for our reflections.
The trip was, in a word, glorious. Istanbul, with its must-see sights, but also the little off-the-tourist-track spots, filled our seven days there. Wonderful food and congenial people. We would have loved to stay longer. It was a surprise that almost all of the museums, mosques, and restaurants we visited had signs in English in addition to Turkish. We did not expect this and thought we would just do the best we could with our language phrasebook. The English signs were very convenient. Also, congratulations on becoming a Capital of Culture for 2010.
The sights along the Aegean coast were places we have long wanted to explore, and we were not disappointed.
Regarding ATB, without reserve we say that your guides Ms. Emy Uygun (Istanbul day trip) and Mr. Volkan Avci (Aegean coast), and Ali (driver for both guides) are superb. Emy bubbles over with enthusiasm and is very knowledgeable about the places she took us - Fatih Mosque, Theodosian walls, Chora Church, Yedikule Fortress, St. Antuan church. We also shared a fun lunch at one of her favorite restaurants and then a walk in the Galata area, something we had not expected, but really enjoyed.
Being on the coast with Volkan, was absolutely wonderful. His boundless enthusiasm and extensive knowledge kindled many long conversations. Over the four days with him, there was never a quiet moment, always something he wanted to tell us or to show us. Extras included stopping at his favorite outdoor produce shops on top of Mount Ida for apricots and olives; very delicious. After the high pressure rug salesmen in Istanbul, we appreciated Volkan`s taking us to the rug weaving co-operative in Bergama where there was no pressure to buy. Rather we acquired a good tutorial on types and qualities of rugs. We did buy a rug there, and bought with confidence. Volkan was also flexible. He understood our interests and our pace, and made the tour wonderful for us. Volkan is passionate about his country and is a wonderful ambassador for your culture. ATB is fortunate to have his services.
Ali, our driver, is a sweet man and always wears a smile. He is a very good driver, something my wife especially appreciates. She is afraid of heights, and the drive up the narrow, twisting mountain road to Bergama was pretty scary for her. However, Ali drives carefully and confidently. As Volkan reassured her, Ali has 30 years of experience.
Regarding ATB`s handling of technical details, absolutely everything was in order. There were no glitches, something that is not always the case when traveling. Transportation in the white van was comfortable, and we appreciated being able to spread out. Our morning apple tea while on the road was a pleasant way to begin each day. With your previously making our hotel reservations, check-in and check-out took only seconds. Also, after the flight from Bodrum to Istanbul, it was a welcome luxury that an ATB driver met us at Attaturk Airport and drove us to our hotel.
The Rebetika Hotel in Selcuk was quite simple, but the manager was friendly, the breakfasts were good, and the location was extremely convenient. Perhaps some other tourists would prefer a fancier, more modern hotel in Kusadasi, but we were glad to be within easy walking distance of the many interesting sites in Selcuk.
A possible suggestion for your tours would be to encourage people to do a little research before the trip. Today it is so easy with the internet and many guidebooks available. Both Emy and Volkan commented that we got so much more out of the trip than the typical tour participant because we did advance reading, which is standard for our travels.
In concluding, may we say thank you for the fine job ATB did for us. Should we be fortunate to return to Turkey for another tour, say in central and east Anatolia, we would certainly be happy to travel with ATB.
Thanks Again,
Douglas and Kathleen Jones