21 Mar 2023
City of Sultans really did a great job with almost all aspects of this multi-city trip which included multiple flights, transfers, and logistics. While there were a couple minor issues, it was overarchingly fabulous!
Highlights:
Cappadocia - our tour guide Rose was AWESOME and really made the experience!
Pamukkale - once again, amazing guide who, after realizing several people in the group missed out on hot air ballooning in Cappadocia because of weather, was able to arrange an impromptu group trip on top of our tour (not included in cost obviously but a great flexibility that was greatly appreciated)
Ephesus - the hotel here, Efe Hotel, was particularly great with lovely view
Logistics overall - we had no problems moving between sites, airports, and locations and felt very safe and looked after by guides and drivers who had our names/transfer information/and did research for everyone 'on the fly' to maximize everyone's experiences
Areas for improvement:
Hotels - (except Efe) were not '4 star' in my opinion, but totally fine
Transfers - some transfers required riding backwards, and drivers only responsible for transfer didn't seem aware of things like temperature (our car was sweltering despite only being 50 degrees outside because the driver was chatting with someone/distracted)
Ephesus tour - there was some mixup and the restaurant was not expecting us, as a result they cobbled together a meal in such a hurry we weren't even offered drinks or a choice of menu
Fair warning - all of the trips included some level of shopping/factory tours with some buying pressure. Personally, I don't mind these as I like learning about the local economies and am happy to pay that 'tourist tax' as I call it, but for some it's a turn off so just be aware.