Just a few testimonials
from our tours and holidays in Turkey
We had not been to Turkey before and
this photo trip was a really great introduction. Journey Anatolia took
us to places we would never have thought of going alone, people were
really friendly and welcoming, despite our lack of language, and they
were usually very happy to be photographed. For us, one of the really
good things about the trip was the food, because we are vegetarians.
We have never had such enjoyable
food on holiday anywhere in the world. Hilary
and Peter Roberts, UK
Turkey encourages
breaking down of personal barriers with her tantalizing mix of East & West cultures: religion, food, dress,
music and so much more. Mesmerizing whirling dervishes, the fairy
chimneys of Cappadocia, the wonder of the Eternal Flame, floating
along side birds in a hot air balloon, catching daylight sneaking
down to water level in Saklikent Gorge. With genuinely friendly Turkish
people who really want to know your story and tell you theirs. Journey
Anatolia provided it all. Lois Brassart - Vancouver,
Canada
There is more than one
way to see Turkey: Many choose to take packaged tours in coaches with
scores of other people. We wanted to experience the real Turkey and
chose Serkan Cetin's 'Journey Anatolia'. Serkan is a dynamic 'young
Turk' who has lived in the UK for half his life but has both an instinct
and passion for Turkey. Through his eyes our small group journeyed
with him, learning so much about this mysterious, vivid country, its
landmarks and history, and the characters that are its people. We visited
ancient villages and ruins, stayed in unique little hotels and inns,
dined in well chosen native restaurants and had imbibed a different
world. Most of all we were able to see Turkey from an eastern point
of view as a deeply historic hub between west and east rather than
simply another tourist destination.
The truly great experience for any traveler is to be able to
see another world the way its people do. And this we did. Danny & Carole
Melville, Jamaica
While
hundreds of thousands of Brits visit Turkey each year for a cheap 'n'
cheerful package holiday, most don't venture much further than the
beachside bars. But, as we discovered during a 15 day, 2,500-mile road
trip, there's another Turkey out there, where dramatic vistas and archaeological
treasures spar furiously for your attention. Fire leaps from rocks.
Landscapes look so alien you'd think you were on Mars. And tourists
are greeted like old friends... Sean Ingle, Guardian Journalist - London,
UK
The
sheer beauty of the land and it's history, the people, the chit-chat
in the cafes, the aroma of spices, the fruit tobacco in the Hubbly
Bubbly pipes, the carpet traders and their art in seducing you, the
different blues of the Med, the wild, wild landscapes, and then there
is Istanbul, the city at the crossroads of Asia & Europe, something
you feel with every single breath. Our guide Serkan was a gentle, inspiring
and passionate man who won all our hearts, he did everything for us.
He even took us on a culinary journey which was a sheer delight to
me as a Cafe owner. Chris
Crompton - Sydney, Australia
An
experience that will be part of our lives forever. Journey Anatolia
has been a rich blessing; a tapestry of learning, of wonder, of gratitude. Alastair
and Gail Pritchard, Melbourne, Australia
For
me, it ended up feeling like I was like travelling around Turkey in
a Landrover with four friends - one of whom was incredibly organised
and took responsibility for all the arrangements! Not only did we see
wonderous sites, we ate great food, shopped up large, took over 2000
photos between us, and still had time to just 'hang out'. Favourite
accommodation was in Safranbolu - in an old Ottoman house with hosts
who were 'real people' and an ensuite in a cupboard. Not to be missed!
Would I do it again? You bet. Reena Kokotailo
- New Zealand
It
is hard to surpass the superlatives!! So here's our highlights: Walking
knee deep in water up the Saklikent gorge, then reclining on divans
eating fresh pancakes, exploring the ruins of Olimpos, breakfast
on the beach of our pansiyon in Çirali, climbing up to Chimaera
and joining a throng of Turkish students as they sang and cooked
their sausages on the flames. Visiting
Goreme, staying in a beautifully furnished cave room, discovering
the many fascinating churches cut into rock at the open air museum,
trekking in Ihlara canyon, coming through a shower of rain then eating
fried fish at a riverside cafe; our exotic room in an original Ottoman
house in Safranbolu, the caravanserai at Aksaray, apple tea & Turkish
coffee! Ann &
Peter Johns - Melbourne, Australia
We
took this tour in Sept' 05 and can highly recommend it. The group was
small and enabled our tour leader to provide personal attention. The
trip included well known places and also a couple we'd not heard of
before. One such was Kas, which at night was the nicest small town
we have seen, and Safranbolu, with its beautifully restored Ottoman
houses. Peter & Pam Bray
Right
from the beginning Journey Anatolia filled me w ith confidence. You
answered all my questions in detail after I visited the web site.
The journey itself was far beyond my expectations, a wonderful mixture
of the magic that is Turkey. You guided us expertly - from ancient
ruins, magnificent landscapes and unique experiences, to delicious
food and fun accommodation. Everything was a photographic wonderland,
and everywhere people were friendly and proud of their country. The
culture was fascinating - from the dervishes to the markets, the
mosques to the handicraft. The Landrover proved a trusty steed, and
our travelling companions were great. Your entire concept of the
tour is different, exciting and something I would love to do again. Annabella
Proudlock, Harmony Hall - JamaicaTo
read Annabella's article about this tour, published in the Observer
- click
here
Our
days with Journey Anatolia were relaxed, exciting, and informative.
The Land Rover gave us access to many beautiful and interesting
places just off the beaten track as well as some of the best known
historic sites in the area. We had ample time to explore
on our own at each stop while our friendly guide took care of arrangements.
With excellent food and accommodation plus informative insights
into the local culture, this is a charming and intimate way to
discover some of Turkey's many treasures. Barbara
and Gary Moore - Canada
I think
about our Journey Anatolia every day, when I walk on my beautiful rugs,
drink my apple tea and now, as I start work on the new series of paintings.
I wax lyrical with anybody who has the time to listen to me extolling
the attractions of Turkey, and the special qualities of Journey Anatolia.
My time with you, Leon, Reena and Annabella in Turkey ranks as one
of the best trips of my life. Thank you for a wonderful job coordinating. Graham
Davis (Painter) - Jamaica (Go
to Graham's web site)
