“We know you have many choices when you fly and……”   Ah, yes, as with airlines, we have many choices of tour groups.  As a frequent traveler, I place Treasures of Travel at the tip-top of preferred tours.  Our trip to Eastern Turkey was so much more than a typical tour of traveling to see sights.  With the extensive knowledge and background of our guide, we did see sights but ahead of stops, we were fully prepared with the history, the archaeology, the current situations of every place we visited.   With our small group, which is a highlight of Treasures of Travel, we were able to make unplanned stops that fed interests of us as travelers.  For example, Kurdish nomads were moving their sheep and cows to the mountains for the summer.  When we came across a family camped near the road, we stopped and had an enlightening visit with them.  Delicious traditional meals were enjoyed in small, local cafes and restaurants, eating with local citizens.  Hotels were located in centers of towns, very comfortable and where we were able to walk and enjoy the sights, sounds and people of the towns.   As well as tourists are able, Treasures of Travel dips their guests into the culture, the lifestyles, the history, the geography of the countries being visited.  When people ask me about my trip, my first words are, “It was the trip of a lifetime.”  I can hardly wait for the next Treasures of Travel trip!

Judy Miranda / California

In the spring of 2013, we embarked on an exciting and very different travel experience to Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, two countries making up part of the legendary “silk road”.  Having travelled internationally to many countries over the past 35 years, we considered ourselves to be “world travelers” looking for an “off the beaten track” adventure.  After much research and checking many references, we chose Treasures of Travel out of Edmonds, Washington as the company which we thought could satisfy our travel desires.  That turned out to be the best decision that we could ever have made. 

This wonderful travel company specializes in “out of the ordinary” places to visit with a maximum of 12 people per trip. 

Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan offered a tremendous amount of diversity with each very different from the other.  The contrast added so much to the overall experience.  The ancient cities are beautiful and fascinating with incredible tile and stonework, absolutely amazing antique textiles (Bukhara is the place to buy), and wonderful scenery along the way.  The old caravanserais have been converted to small galleries, workshops, restaurants, etc.  Everything is full of color and energy…..a true feast for the eyes with a visit to the local markets adding memorable excitement. We extended our trip in Istanbul, Turkey on the way home.  This city is an absolute must see for travelers to that part of the world.  This was our sixth visit to Istanbul which is our most favorite city in the world.  Check out Treasures of Travel itineraries for great trips to Turkey and beyond.  You will not be disappointed!

Bev and Lou Farkas / California

Ancient ruins (Greek, Roman and much more), a knowledgeable guide giving remarkable lectures on each of the many ancient peoples that occupied the region of what is now Turkey, and friendly local folks - what more could a tourist ask for? How about also having a small tour group with attention to any special needs that one might have, eating wonderful and fresh food in small neighborhood cafes and out of the way hidden treasures. That was our experience while traveling with Treasures of Travel tour group on their Classic Turkey Tour of Western Turkey.

Marian and Buck Schreyer / New Mexico

Our endorsement is that we have found the ancient sites to be more amazing than we ever expected.  The cities have all the modern comforts, are clean and very safe.   Plus having such a knowledgeable, well connected and personable leader makes everything run very smoothly.

Dave & Gail Lingnau, Calgary-Canada

Turkey Adventure,

When I made my decision to visit Turkey, I vacillated between excitement and dread.  In the end, the decision to make the trip has turned out to be the best I could have made.  All concerns about safety or insurgencies were soon dispelled as we found the Turkish people so welcoming, accommodating, friendly and charming.  The countryside in Eastern Turkey is highly populated and very safe.  The travel via small van, along well developed highways, has made this an incredible experience.  If you’re looking for an adventure of a lifetime, then I’d highly recommend this trip and put your fears and concerns to rest.  There are not even remote hints of any military or insurgency issues to be dealt with.  Cities are highly populated and very safe, such that you can wander the streets at night after an evening meal.   Come and enjoy, you’ll never look back.

Jeffrey Inselmann, San Antonio, TX.

This is my second travel adventure with Treasures of Travel. Once again, Umit’s organization and care for our welfare and safety is of the highest order. So far, I have had no contact at all with any other English travelers which probably reflects the government’s official policy rather than the reality of travelling in this part of the world. The whole experience is so contrary to what we are led to believe at home and this is regrettable. Clearly, the contrast between perception and reality can be quite striking. Throughout the journey our group has mixed freely and safely amongst the locals without any issues. People here are friendly and want to communicate when possible, which enriches the whole cultural experience. The growing friendships and shared experiences is wonderful and I would recommend the tour without reservation to my friends and feel sure that they will enjoy themselves as much as I have.

Stephen Rigby Saddleworth England

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This is my second trip to Turkey with Umit but my first trip to Eastern Turkey.  My son-in-law’s grandparents were from the Lake Van area and left for America during the very difficult time in Turkish history, so I have a very special reason for visiting this part of Turkey.  The people are very friendly, warm, and welcoming.  I shopped at the old bazaar in Urfa by myself; everyone was helpful and accommodating.  I felt very safe and secure at all times.  I wandered the old bazaar in Mardin, again by myself, during a quiet Sunday afternoon when at times I was the only non-local.  It was fun taking pictures and shopping.  I was transported back to another time and place.  Very safe and secure in a different culture, so far from my husband and family.

Marty Kopra, Austin, Texas