Guest Book
a selection of testimonials from recent
clients
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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 tourism business is all about expectation and delivery and the
product 'Journey Anatolia' delivered far exceeded our expectations.
But 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
Danny also runs his own
tour company in the Caribbean. Check
out his website by clicking here
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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
Click
to read Sean's artice about our tour published in the Guardian
UK
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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 |
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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. Turkey has constant reminders
of everything you learnt at school and of your parents teachings
as a child. 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 |
Serkan
you embody Turkey and are the reason the Journey Anatolia tour
surpasses expectations. Your passion for Turkey is evident in your
every breath and is contagious. From your love of countryside,
to your ability to marry current political idiosyncrasies with historic
events and wrap it all in a gastronomic dream, make Turkey very easy
to love. As the cradle of civilization Turkey provides answers to the
why and how of our existence on the planet. She 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 |
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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 |
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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 - Jamaica To read Annabella's
article about this tour, published in the Observer - click
here
(Go
to Annabella's web site) |
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| 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. In particular,
its sensitive and patient guide, extremely careful driver and long-suffering
driver's mate, its director of banking, shopping, eating and drinking,
not to mention its organizer of everything that needed organizing.
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) |
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! Be prepared
for a couple of long travel days (its a big country), but don't let
it put you off - the ever changing countryside was a highlight. Would
I do it again? You bet. Reena Kokotailo - New
Zealand |
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 |
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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 |
It
was amazing, a real eye
opener and really great fun. Captivating music in Turkey, my highlight
was the darbuka drumming session in the Goreme cave room. Tim
Lawrence - Cornwall, UK |
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