Joanne H. - Australia
June 06, 2008
Itinerary: Highlights of Turkey Tour

Hi Rina, It was great to see a photo of you! Thank you so much for all your help and organisation. We had a fabulous time and really appreciate your effort.
 
It was wonderful to see Pinar's smiling face when we got off the bus from Fethiye. She really is a gem. Nothing was a problem and we all felt spoilt.
 
In fact all our guides were 'top class' in their field of expertise. Thank you for that.
 
Feedback on hotels, just for your interest!
 
Our hotel in Pamukkale was good, especially the hot springs, but we found their drinks over the top (expensive). In fact whenever the hotels priced in Euros they were very expensive.
 
Konya was just a hotel
 
We loved our 'cave' hotel in Cappadoccia - it was a great experience and the staff were excellent.(and prices in YTL)
 
Daphne hotel was excellent in position and rooms but a couple of the staff had attitude problems (rude!) and we did not eat or drink there as very expensive (again in Euro). We prefer to eat at local eateries anyway.
 
The Maydos hotel we had to fight for our seaview rooms! It was OK but the food included was not good (lunch and dinner were the same virtually) The tour organisation was excellent just the meals not.
 
Akay hotel was great. Lovely to have the pool in the heat and the staff went out of their way to help.
 
Lastly a note on the meals during our small group tour. There was too much food especially for lunch. Pinar took us to some great places for lunch in Cappadocia but we were so full we got sleepy in the afternoons and could not do our dinner justice! Probably not a complaint you get often!
 
All in all - a great holiday we will all remember forever. We found the Turkish people very friendly and helpful. I was surprised at the amount of English spoken and really enjoyed learning some Turkish. Jan and I visited a hamam in Istanbul and had a very positive experience (we had heard all sorts of stories before we left)
 
I would like to compliment all the drivers too as we all felt very safe on the roads.
 
Coming from Greece to Turkey, we really noticed that you are way ahead on the smoking reforms! Even Pinar has quit (again).
 
A last note on Greece - the tour of Athens we booked was terrible. It was supposed to be for 4 hours, started late (we were transferred in and out of buses), a large group with a guide who could not care that half of the group could not hear her or keep up. And finished after 2 hours! Just for your information.
 
Thanks again, it has been a pleasure organising the trip with you. I was really looked after by the powers above when I found your website. I wish you all the best for the rest of your life and I have no hesitation in referring anyone to you in the future.
 
Love from all of us
Joanne