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Our "Walk Turkey" adventure was like being met by old friends in a strange country. Our guides were accommodating and extremely knowledgeable about the culture, history and the food of Turkey. They took pride in creating anticipation for each day's adventure that exceeded our expectation. They introduced us to the local people and the local food. Each guide was insightful and respectful of each member of our group. Their pride for their country shown through everything they did for us. Because of their guidance, we have a new love of Turkey. Jan and Steve McPhetres
Glenn and I had a wonderful trip to Turkey. Our travel companions were terrific and so were our guides Vedat and Mesut and the other folk from Personal Turkish Tours & Walk Turkey. The food, hikes, sightseeing in Istanbul and all other stops met all expectations. The bus drivers were conscientious and drove safely.
Happy Birthday, Joan!!!! I wish that we could have given you some of this wonderfully sunny weather that we all enjoyed so much in Turkey (and Paris!).
Words can't describe what a great time Nance and I had. We have been reliving the trip everyday since we left Turkey, first in Paris with Glenn and Joan, as we trudged from one monument to another (until I thought my legs were going to fall off!) Each evening we have savored all the great moments, from the Hamam on Day One to the wonderful impromptu bash in Glenn and Joan's room the last evening. Each place we visited was an adventure unto itself...each was a chapter in the novel! Thanks to everyone for being such wonderful travel partners...we are travellers, not tourists! and a special thanks to WALK TURKEY -Mesut, Murat and Zehra for all their hard work and sharing of their love for Turkey....making this an extra special place for all of us, as well. Stay in touch, all y'all!! Butch Carber & Nance Long - Oct. 2008
I am writing this testimonial for Mesuthan Ozgen as an exceptionally capable tour guide who is a member of Walk Turkey Adventures team in Turkey. My perspective is informed by more than twenty years of directing travel - study programs through the University of Victoria in Canada and through my own wide experience of travel in the Americas, Europe, Asia, North Africa, and in the South Pacific. Mr. Ozgen from Walk Turkey was a guide and operator for me and my nephew for our first Turkey visit in 2006. He guided and advised us on sites and facilities in the regions of Cappadocia, Aegean and Ephesus. His attention to my travel needs was exceptional; he was kind, courteous, and patient. He also made himself available to tutor me in basic Turkish during the first week of stay in Istanbul. Needless to say, thanks to his assistance, my first trip in Turkey was a most enjoyable experience, leaving me with the desire to return as soon as possible. In October 2007, an opportunity to return to Turkey for a tour completely organized by Walk Turkey and guided by Mesuthan. This time, my daughter, my son-in-law, and my close friend decided to also visit Turkey for two weeks. Again, Mesuthan’s cordial reception and knowledge of modern and historic Turkey ensured a successful trip. He is an excellent cultural interpreter, because his insights into Turkish civilization and non-Turkish ones are based on both experience and his collage education particularly in this field. Walk Turkey's attention to detail in all aspects of travel such as scheduling, choice of hotels and sites to visit as well as Mesuthan’s gentle manner with us and with all those we met in the hospitality service were impressive. Walk Turkey made sure that our days were well-balanced by visits to sites and some time for relaxation. Mesuthan’s knowledge and appreciation for Turkish cuisine added a great deal of pleasure to our stay and a few pounds to our weight! Consequently, Mesuthan Ozgen has become our friend. We would like him to come to North America, so we can show him around. But, most likely we would not match his standard of hospitality. Oct 2007 Brishkai Lund, retired Director of Arts and Science Programs
Vedat.....the day we spent with you 'Walking Istanbul' on Saturday,
September 1 was terrific!! Regretfully we had only 1 day in that
city, so our request for you to show us the highlights was a tall order!!
But after your expert tours of the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia,
The Cistern, the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar (not to mention
the authentic Turkish lunch....we loved it!!) we all feel that we have a
little better insight of life in Istanbul both yesterday and today. In fact,
we've decided that one of your taglines for 'Walk Turkey' should be.......
I lived in Turkey in the mid-1960s and traveled extensively there at that time. I have returned several times since, but had not been back for about 10 years. When American friends recently asked me if they could travel in Turkey with me, I asked my friend Vedat to arrange a tour for us. That was the best decision I could have made. Turkey has, of course, changed a good deal in 10 years, all for the better, and Walk Turkey was able at every moment to make our trip both memorable and trouble free. They know the best restaurants, places where management knows we are their special clients, and which serve up delicacies which may or may not be on the menu. One stays at hotels which are comfortable and colorful - giving you the experience of the "authentic" Turkey. Ask for an experience, and it will (if humanly possible) be provided- as the Dervishes appeared before us in Konya Walk Turkey will assure that you are comfortable when you travel, and that your experiences will be unique. I knew Turkey well before I traveled with Walk Turkey. The most important lesson I learned on this trip was "to trust your leader." He understood what our group "was about," what we wanted to do, and so he advised us accordingly and provided well for us. June, 2007 Marilyn DENNY- Amherst MA.
Walk Turkey planned and carried off a trip that was far better than I had ever expected. I was a newcomer to Turkey, but I feel now that I at least a bit more than most of my friends. Vedat has a deep knowledge of the history of Turkey, of Turkish art (tiles, architecture, and especially textiles), and not least of all, good restaurants. He was generous, patient, and informative without being overbearing. The pace of the trip was also just right. We had enough time to catch our breath now and then, especially on the five day cruise. What a pleasure that was! I have to say also that in addition to a truly memorable trip, I have a new friend in Vedat. I know that we will be in communication either directly or by mail for many years. This may be the most valuable part of a grand and satisfying journey. June, 2007 Richard Lee Thompson. Amherst, MA.
Dear Vedat, ..."I still can't get over how many various connections and transfers we made (departing for here, meeting a van there, a boat or zodiac ride there) all flawlessly planned and accomplished. Never once were we left standing around waiting for something that was supposed to happen. If something was scheduled to occur, it DID--right on time and as planned. Amazing." ...Regarding any suggestions we might have for how you might "improve" your trip--how about figuring out how to get more than 24 hours in one day? Then we'd have more time everywhere. But since not even Vedat can change the limitations of time, I think you should simply leave everything as it is. The choice of places visited, the balance of emphasis on history, touring and relaxation, the pace were all just as they should be for the group you were leading. ...George and I wish you the best and thank you for being the intelligent, capable, witty, generous man that you are. Millicent & George S. Calif. May 2006
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Dear Vedat, ...Many thanks for arranging one of the most exciting and educational trips we've ever undertaken. Your knowledge and understanding of ancient and contemporary Turkey provided not only an historical perspective but, at the same time, insight into the hopes and aspirations for today. Your consistent attention to detail and flexibility to change objectives afforded us the opportunity to exploit unexpected adventures. Altogether, flying, boating and hiking, in your expert care, gave us an enviable introduction to your wonderful country. All the best. Very truly yours, T.J.K.
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Dear Vedat: ...What a wonderful trip we had! And so much of the credit goes to your skill as a planner and guide. The hotels and restaurants you selected were precisely what we would have chosen for ourselves. Local travel was comfortable and accommodating. And so many of the places we visited were delightful surprises to us, being special experiences removed from the beaten track and replete with the excitement and romance that permeates all of Turkey. The cultural balance of what you showed us was wonderful too: incredible scenery, welcoming people, warm hospitality, and historical treasures galore. Even though it was our third trip to Turkey, it was two weeks of constant, vibrant discovery....and we love your country all the more for it. You are a great ambassador and a wonderfully skilled guide.... and we will recommend you without reservation to anyone thinking about joining you. T.H. |
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I hope to be able to return for another trip with Vedat in the not too far future. Lykke Anderson.
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Dear Vedat, ...Thank you for one more wonderful trip. As always, you anticipated our needs perfectly, and when circumstances changed you found ways to make all the seemingly impossible last minute alterations and adaptations. When we travel with you anything seems possible, and we always get to see far more of the "real Turkey" than we can manage on our own. Thanks for taking such good care of us. Dr. and Mrs. C. L. Copyright © 1999-2000 Vedat Karadag. All Rights Reserved. No portion of this site may be reproduced or distributed by electronic or other means without prior written permission. We welcome your inquiriy. By e-mail : info@walkturkey.com Site created by Stephenwolf Design
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