Testimonials
See what our clients say about us
Dear Friends,
After more than 20 years of guiding guests through Turkey's intriguing historical, archaeological, and cultural landscapes, Treasures of Travel has accumulated numerous letters of recommendation from our new friends. As we expand our travel horizons to other countries, we are confident that there will be much more where these came from, but for now, we would like to share with you some of these excerpts:
--- It is my pleasure of recommend Treasures of Turkey to anyone who is interested in an in-depth journey to this remarkable country. The trip they organized for The Commonwealth Club of California was an experience the participants will remember for a long time – perfectly suited to the Club's basic mission. The trips are extremely well planned, perfectly organized, and operate like clockwork. I am happy to endorse Treasures of Turkey – a company that delivers, and believes in providing the very best.
---Lasse Lidstrom, Director of Club Travel, Commonwealth Club of California
--- I would like to say again how very, very pleased all of us were with our time spent in Turkey. You delivered on all that you said you would and did it pleasantly and with a genuinely friendly manner. Your special attentions were much appreciated; as you know, there were many. Thank you for our time in Turkey that will be long remembered.
---Charles Walker, Water Travel and Leisure, Neskowin, OR
--- The small group concept is the reason we chose Treasures of Turkey for our trip. But in recommending the company to our friends, we'll have to also tell them about the super guides, unique experiences (dinner in a home, attending an engagement party . . .), that one would not have with other tour companies.
---Sally Bobertz, Kerrville, TX
---Where to start? What an incredible trip. Having traveled the world, I wasn't expecting Turkey to be as wonderful as it ended up being...the time in Istanbul was something that I can't begin to explain. There isn't any way that I would have experienced the sights, sounds, food, and all the history without having you as my guide. I felt as if I was with my best friend...who was showing me his city, not only as a tourist, but as a companion who showed me some of the 'local' fare that Istanbul has to offer. Also, I don't think I ever would have tried yoghurt with honey...dessert for breakfast...and my favorite 'new food find'. What a difference! Thank you.
---Peggy Long, Portland, OR
--- We find it impossible not to use superlatives when describing our trip. Certainly the attention to details provided by Umit Dogan and Treasures of Turkey was responsible. We truly felt that we were guests and that our interests were always considered. It was certainly a positive experience to fell completely comfortable in another country. We were surprised to see few Americans, but if others plan their travel with Treasures of Turkey that is sure to change.
--- Florence Leon, Woodcliff Lake, NJ / Carol Strickland, Charlestown, RI
--- Great choices! Eating in small restaurants with the locals—experiencing so many wonderful new taste treats—is how we like to travel. Turkish food has become our favorite and we can't wait to get back for more. Right from the start Umit treated us like guests not tourists—the restaurants and hotels—all contributed to that feeling.
---John and July Thompson, Waterford, ME
--- We would like to thank you for a most entertaining, informative, and rewarding tour of Eastern Turkey. You and your staff set a standard above the reach of others in the field of travel; the personal attention to detail and courteous consideration of individual interests were most sincerely appreciated.
---Ed and Georgene Merrick, Los Osos, CA
--- Have you ever wished, planned, and plotted out a trip that you thought about for a long time and wanted it to be perfect? That was my "affair" with Turkey and terrific traveling with Treasures of Turkey. As a member of the Foundation for International Cooperation, a highlight of our trip was our opportunity to meet, mingle, and get to know many citizens of the country. We have learned much about the history of the area, and have become friends with the people, thanks to Treasures of Turkey.
---Irene Horst, Park Ridge, IL
--- Outstanding guides. . . Ali . . . Umit . . . they couldn't have been better. They made the trip for us. We couldn't praise them enough. . . . What a great country and such warm friendly people.
---Dwan and Sally Sylvester
--- We enjoyed the service on Turkish Air, and were especially impressed with their approach to security in-country. In fact, we were comfortable with security throughout the trip, and never felt threatened in any way. The Turkish people we met were universally friendly.
---Francis and Nancy Brown, South Dennis, MA
--- We have just returned from a fabulous trip to Turkey... Umit Dogan (the company's owner), is charming, intelligent, and totally committed to providing his clients with a perfect view of his homeland. I cannot recommend this company highly enough and we are already planning a return trip to this wonderful part of the world.
---Judy and Wally Wallis, Rancho Mirage, CA
Ümit Pasha Çok Tesekkür Ederim
'This could maybe have happened
This could maybe not have happened...'
Out of the mountains of the east
The Mother Goddess laid a special feast
It fed the boy who would become the man
Not very far from Lake Van
She spoon-fed him a twinkle for his eyes of brown
Into his heart she poured the joy of a clown
She weaned him on a rich broth of Turkish history
So that the magic of his native land would not remain a mystery
He traveled far, he traveled wide
He took it all in his stride
He brought our group upon his return
So that of his ancient land we would learn
We played on the borders of Iran and Iraq
With bread, cheese and wind for our picnic snack
We became well acquainted with the toilet paper roll
When the 'Turkish delight' took its toll
We climbed ancient hills in the wind and the sun
To meet the heads of Gods was quite fun
We followed the ancient road of Silk
And in the evenings we drank 'Lion's milk'
From the turquoise depths of Lake Van
Who could not become a fan
To the great flood waters of the Black Sea
Where always is offered a small glass of tea
Hittite, Urartian, Alexander the Great
Selçuk, Mongolian it was all their fate
To cross this magic land and leave in their wake
A richly woven tapestry they would make
For the greatest treasure of this magic land
Is the people who live by the oath of the open hand
Who can forget the village wedding dance
Or the joy of the children as in front of our cameras they would prance
Medusa with her eyes of blue
Watched over us as we did ensue
Aslan Bey made his kilim deals
Always eating well done French fries for his meals
Ümit Pasha Çok Tesekkür
We leave this land for sure
Richer people than when we came
After our travels with you we will never be the same
Çok Tesekkür Ederim
Susan Prenatt
Istanbul
"Take my hand; I'm a stranger in paradise" is a popular song phrase of the 1950's; one of romantic connotation, but one that also tersely expresses a recent travel experience. Last May, Treasures of Travel took my wife's hands and my own and led us on an incredible hiking and sailing adventure in Turkey. Hiking to and among ancient ruins and geological splendors, sailing and hiking along the coast of the deep-blue Mediterranean, enjoying the unsurpassed food of Turkey, and soaking-in the sun as well as the historical information provided by our gracious and knowledgeable guides were among the combined experiences, any one of which would have made an enjoyable journey. As if this were not enough, the unique, first class accommodations and ever-present personal services further complimented this 17-day tour. Words are really insufficient to fully describe this trip, but a resounding "Wow!" does it some justice. For two weeks we were indeed the most pampered, hand held "Strangers in Paradise". We are still amazed and in wonder over our adventure in Turkey. Not a day goes by that we don't discuss this. You made our lives so much more enjoyable.
We thank you Treasures of Travel.
-----Dave and Pat Styris, Richland WA
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