Istanbul Highlights Private Guided Tour

Excellent from start to finish. Very good communications, clear and prompt, with Mr. Gokay Eskizambak. On the ground, we had very good knowledgeable guides who met our preferences, imbuing us with deluges of history. Timely and efficient driver services. Excellent hotels (though 5-star ratings were slightly flattering). In addition the tour was reasonably priced. Highlights included the balloon ride in Cappadocia, and the Istanbul cisterns. Lowlight: the glacial Istanbul traffic, and absence of cabs, so we couldn't go to any restaurants beyond walking distance. We never did get inside Hagia Sophia, because the lines every day were immense, slow, and the weather cold. Could Efendi have had a fast pass to the front of the line?

Everything about this tour group is amazing, from the airport pick to the hotel, to the daily tours and the drop back to the airport. Our main contact was Yusuf Karaca who was very efficient, always available to us to answer back our queries, anytime during the day or be it late at night. He was very patient and accommodative with regards to multiple changes to our travel plans and he always supportive and made sure our requests were handled right away. He was very professional and pleasant to talk to from the get go. Our guide Ebru, was equally impressive and hard working. She is truly passionate about her culture and her city as was evidenced on multiple occasion where she used every moment to educate us about Istanbul. She always has a smile on her face. She stayed with us on our tours way past her allotted time. She shows her dedication and commitment. She is truly an asset to the organization.

I rarely write reviews but this was an extraordinary experience. I met Mr. Yusef Karaca while staying at the Empress Zoe with our daughter and grandkids.Mr. Yusef arranged our Bosphorus cruise( charged us less than the brochure price and he said he was passing some of his commission to us. Also for the mandatory PCR tests( 2 separate appointments) for me and my wife and our daughter/ grandkids. Prompt , punctual follow up and follow through with the reports and costs. Saved us at least 900TL over what was quoted. Me. Yusef arranged our 2 airport transfers( again deeply discounted) for the family. Undoubtedly this exceptional service in a tourist hot spot is unlikely. We travel the world a lot and honestly this is my first review of a travel / tourist personnel. I strongly recommend and encourage my fellow travelers to use Mr. Yusef Karanca’s services if you want a straightforward, honest and thoughtful experience.