Laurence D. Conley, MD - February 11, 2009
I want to take this opportunity to thank FLO USA for a truly wonder tour of Turkey. My wife and I had a schedule that did not lend itself to a pre-established tour. Instead, we booked a personalized excursion that was both delightful and educational. Our tour essentially started in Cappadocia, the cultural cross roads of Asia Minor. Our guide in this region, Ahmet, and driver, Yahshir ( forgive the spelling) were great company. They made it a point to tailor the tour to our interests, which in addition to the classic sites was to get to know the people of this wonderful region.
We next went to Istanbul where Hakan, our guide and Sami, our driver, with skill and agility presented us a city that bustles like no other. The density of historical sites is unbelievable. The Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the Grand Bazaar, to name a few, were breath-taking. Yet, to step out of my hotel and within a minute or two walk along the great wall of Constantinople was also a highlight to me. Just as in Cappadocia, the sights and smells were wonderful and the casual meal at Salyar, a small village on the Bosphorous, a culinary delight.
We could not leave Turkey without seeing Ephesus. It was more beautiful than any picture I’ve seen. The house of the Virgin Mary was a solemn experience for my wife and me.
There is no question that Turkey warrants a return trip and there is no question that we will use FLO USA again to coordinate it. Thank you Cengiz for a trip well-planned.
Laurence D. Conley, MD
Titusville, FL
Don Newton - December 15, 2008
December 15, 2008
Dear Cengiz,
Prior to writing this letter I started to search the thesaurus to find the perfect superlatives to describe the beauty and wonderful time we experience during our visit to Turkey. Unfortunately, there are no words that can convey emotional feelings one gets as you travel throughout your beautiful country. Just when you think nothing can compare to the last site the next one is even more impressive. To give you some indication of our two week trip, Cynthia and I took over 2,000 pictures and four video tapes each 60 minutes. Trying to capture the essence of various ancient civilizations while trying to understand what life was like during those difficult times. While traversing the ruins we felt like we had just step out of a time machine and was taking a causal stroll down Main Street. What an amazing feeling to walk on stones worn down by the people and carts and to think of the hardships they had to endure. Our eyes were fixated on the unbelievable workmanship and trying to imagine the amount of effort it took to build these enormous cities of stone. To see the unique carved statues leaves a person breathless and wanting to see more. Even our excellent guide who has seen these sites many times before was in awe of such beauty.
The sites are only one aspect of this all inclusive FAM trip; I would be remised if I failed to mention the outstanding and variety of food dishes. If you’re an olive connoisseur like me you hit the jackpot. It is my understanding even the Greeks purchase olives from Turkey. The Turks serve several varieties for breakfast but you need to ask for them at lunch and dinner. We found that interesting since the countryside is covered with endless olive trees. The variety of food reminded me like being on a cruise ship so of course we had to sample everything. The hotels we stayed at put on a culinary display fit for a king. The accommodations for us were excellent some better than others. The hotel staff did an outstanding job and was always available at any given time. Despite the size of our group totaling around 70 plus agents, the speed of checking in and out was exceptional. Each evening we were able to meet on time for dinner and enjoy many different forms of entertainment. By the end of the day when retiring for the night you had time to reflect on all that you had seen.
For Cynthia and I we never judge a country by the great sites or the food but rather by the people. That is why we intentionally make a concerted effort to speak with them and try to better understand their customs, values and beliefs. We found the Turkish people to be compassionate, hard working and exceptionally friendly if you allow yourself to get to know them. If you go to Turkey with a poor attitude and expect everything to be handed to you or are not flexible in accepting unexpected changes then I say stay home. All these years we have had a preconceive description of Turkey based on the movie Midnight Express. We thought it was a third world country with dark and mysterious places and to be frank a dangerous place to visit. My co-worker who is from Turkey has been promoting his country from the time I first met him. It was by accident I came across FLO-USA FAM trip. When we compare the value of what I experienced to that of what it cost, the trip was priceless. My recommendation to anyone is never judge a country by some Hollywood movie you will only be deceived. Also, if Turkey is currently on you list of places to visit I suggest move it up to the top. The expression, one of the best kept secrets fits Turkey to a T. But I would not wait because the word is already out and there has been a substantial increase in visitors. Our only regret is we wish we had visited Turkey sooner instead of being haunted by one Hollywood movie that was a total misrepresentation and disservice to a wonderful country with beautiful people.
In conclusion, thank you Cengiz and your staff for everything. This trip will live forever in our memories. More importantly, it has changed our hearts and minds and now we know why your countrymen are so proud of coming from Turkey.
Sincerely,
Don E. Newton
Freehold, NJ
John Lindley - August 8, 2008
My trip to Turkey was great. Thanks for all the good work you put into the arrangements. You did your job really well, especially when we had to alter our plans at the end due to the arrival of the president of Iran and the shut down of all the roads to the airport. Both guides were very knowledgeable and took us to all the places that were on the itinerary. They spoke English really well and were at ease with our beginners’ understanding of their nation’s history. One of my most memorable experiences was the boat ride on the Bosporus. Stephen would probably identify Ephesus as his high point. If we ever get all the photos we took organized, I’ll send you several that show just how awesome our trip was. The Celal Sultan Hotel in Istanbul was ideal for Stephen and me. When we sat in the restaurant/bar on the top floor at night and looked west, we were about 400 meters from the Ayosophia and a kilometer from the Blue Mosque. Nice. The breakfast buffet was up to Stephen’s appetite with its wide variety of offerings. In fact the breakfast buffets at all three hotels were excellent.
John Lindley
Minneapolis, MN
Robyn Nishimi - July 24, 2008
Dear Shebby:
I’m sure my mother will also be in touch, but I just wanted to let you know that both Erol and Bulat/Bill were absolutely fantastic guides in Istanbul and Kusadasi/Ephesus, respectively. Between them and your totally excellent service along the way, we couldn’t have been more pleased with our experience in Turkey. I can’t wait to go back! I’ll also be sure to recommend FLO USA to anyone I know who is thinking of going – you all are totally fantastic. Thanks again for all your help!
Best regards,
Robyn Y. Nishimi, PhD
Sacramento, CA
Peri Ulrey - Jul 20, 2007
I wanted to thank you Shebby (Flo-USA) for organizing my families wonderful day trip from Istanbul to Ephesus this month. I live in the U.S. and had contacted you on the online support at the end of June to see if you could organize a day trip from Istanbul, where we were going, to Ephesus for me and my family of five in July 2007. You said you could with a private guide. You answered my many many questions about doing such a tour patiently and promptly. The hotel to airport transfers in Istanbul worked great and our tour guide in Izmir/Ephesus was knowledgeable and flexible and took us to all the sights in the package plus a couple of sights that I hoped to see such as the Terrace Houses by paying the entrance fees. Taking my family on such a day trip was a big decision for me and so thank you for organizing it efficiently and wonderfully on short notice. It was a big highlight on our vacation and I hope to someday go on one of your longer escorted tours in Turkey. Thanks again.
Peri Ulrey
Fairfax, VA
Karl & Chris Tibbetts - March 15,2007
Dear Cengiz,
I take this opportunity to personally thank both you, as president of FLO-USA, and Yesim, the BEST GUIDE in the WORLD, for the opportunity to see the wonderful country ofTurkey as it really is and not as it's politically portrayed. After 13 plus years in the industry and countless tours we feel qualified to make that BEST grading.
My wife and I, both Travel agents, and our very close friends (Robins) made the long flight and naturally arrived beat, whipped and exhausted at the hotel in Istanbul. After a short nap, liquid refreshment and the delicious food, we actually felt "almost human" again. We then met with our other set of travel agent friends (Martins) for a short evening. Beddy-by time and then hit the road in "our home on wheels" (bus) for a wonderful full day tour of Istanbul. Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar and all points in-between. Great day. It was absolutely amazing the historical knowledge and culture, about both country and family, that Yesim was able to impart to our group.This set the tone for the following days on the road but they could not have been better.
For the next 10 days and nights we were being held in Yesim's hand for a completely enjoyable experience. We as a group especially like the way Yesim "ordered a perfect day" to tour Cappadocia.. warm and sunny.. and the following morning woke up to 2 inches of SNOW in a winter wonderland landscape and one hour later of "tough driving" the weather turned beautiful again exactly as our "best in the west" guide had ordered.
I speak for our small group of six and also for the rest of the other participants that we felt very fortunate to get the RED BUS and Yesim by the luck of the draw. YES: RED BUS RULES. Rampant sickness amongst the bus passengers tried to dampen our spirits but was unsuccessful.
Our guide Yesim and the driver and the opportunity to participate and get first hand experience of the "REAL TURKEY" as a country and the culture of the people was absolutely fantastic. Sharing/learning and experiencing Turkish culture and its history is a must do in ones lifetime.
We have future clients lined up for travel with FLO and will be booking them as their plans materialize.
Thanking you AGAIN for the experience, and look forward to future business together.
Karl & Chris Tibbetts
Garden Ridge, TX
Scranton, Nancy Ph.D.- Jun 15, 2007
You really need to know that my trip to Turkey, with you, was one of the most prestine adventures I have even endeavored. I have travelled the world, and this wonderful experience left me breathless. I would love to repeat in the not so distant future.
Scranton, Nancy Ph.D.
Seattle, WA
David Gies - Aug 31, 2006
Just wanted to let you know what a terrific trip we had. Turkey is exciting, beautiful, friendly, and different. We felt completely safe, never had any concerns for security. The accommodations where the best for the money of any tour we have ever taken. How do you do it?
Also, I can't say enough nice things about our tour director, Mete Serin for being informative, friendly, helpful, and just a great guy. He made the trip what it was---great!
Both my wife and I now consider Turkey to be on the top of our list of trips we have made in 40 years!
PS: I don't understand why Americans haven't discovered Turkey.
Gerald Greene - Aug 31, 2006
Hello from Georgia,
I am back at home after a wonderful and exciting trip to Turkey. The trip offered more than was described in your brochure. The only two problems that I encountered was the sites and food. There were always more wonderful sites to see and always wonderful food. I never had a bad meal in Turkey. The hotels were great and our Guide and Driver were great. Mete was experienced and knowledgeable about Turkey and the history of the different empires. We always overloaded him with our questions. Our driver Okan was the best. He soon became our friend and guardian on the 17 day trip. We all hated to see Mete and Okan leave. To say the least it was a great experience and Flo-USA made it possible.
Gerald Greene State Representative for the State of Georgia, Rt. 3 Box 316 Cuthbert, GA 39840.
Megan Fitzpatrick - Sep 3, 2006
I just wanted to send this quick note to let you know how much I loved my trip to Istanbul!!! I was very impressed with everything, from my flight, to tour guides, along with the hotel. I couldn't have expected a
better trip. Thanks for all of your help in answering my questions and ensuring that I have a great trip. I would definitely recommend the trip to my friends.
Thank you,
Megan Fitzpatrick
Michael Barrett - Sep 6, 2006
Dear FLO-USA Friends:
...thank you so very much for my Istanbul holiday 06-12 September.
Every detail was perfect.
My guide Selma was so kind and great company.
The hotel was lovely. Your drivers were prompt and very friendly.
Turkey and its people have a piece of my soul.
Sure, the history is fascinating, but modern Turkey is breathtaking!
I shall write more when I recover from the long road home.
Until I can return, I will too try to remember to pray at least five times a day.
That would be a small way to thank our God!
Gratefully,
Michael L. Barrett
Jack and Karen Aizenman-Jul 13,2006
My wife Karen and I want to commend and thank you for a tour that took our breath away.
From the initial meeting with Murat , our tour guide, to the final goodbye, it was a spectacular journey with each day proving to be more amazing than the previous one. Murat not only opened our minds to the culture and history of Turkey, he also opened our hearts. We definitely have an affinity with the people and culture of Turkey we never had before.The tour was exceptionally well planned and our comfort was always in the forefront.
Please keep our names on your mailing list. We would be interested in returning.
Very truly yours,
Jack & Karen Aizenman
Springfield, NJ
Sarah Hamid-Jul 5,2006
I wanted to thank you for all your efforts in arranging our trip to Istanbul. My husband and I had an absolutely wonderful time; the hotel, the international travel section, the tour guide (arranged for 1 day) exceeded our expectations too. The city is fascinating, not just from a historical perspective but just in terms of the number of people that live there and the diversity of the people. Next time we plan to focus on other parts of Turkey.
Thank you once again,
Sarah Hamid
Memphis, TN
Helen McEntire- Apr 4,2006
I was part of the solar eclipse two week tour. It was wonderful! You outdid yourself. Every place we stopped was even more spectacular than the last. I thought Ephesus was wonderful, until I saw Aphrodisias. And then we saw Aspendos. Truly magnificent. Your site for observing the solar eclipse outdid everything. And unexcavated Greek city! I felt like a cross between Indiana Jones and Thales. Our guide was wonderful. Namik Ilksoy was knowledgeable and had a wonderful sense of humor. He went out of his way to help us. Please use him again. He really knows the history of each site.
Thanks again for a wonderful tour.
Helen McEntire
Suffolk, NY
Jack and Slyvia King -Jul 9,2005
We're late writing to thank you for a marvelous trip to Turkey. We arrived in late March, a great time for the Asia Minor and Istanbul Tour that we took. The accommodations were good, the food outstanding, and the transportation and driver were topnotch.
Our guide was fabulous! We cannot say enough good things about him. He went the extra mile on every facet of the trip. He is a great historian, obviously loves his country, is friendly to all, and is patient with everyone. I don't think there was a question or situation that he didn't handle with poise and expertise.
We would recommend this tour to anyone interested in a trip to Turkey.
Thanks again for a great trip!
Jack and Sylvia King
Fayetteville, Arkansas
Jay K. Lindly-Jul 1,2005
My family of four thanks you and FLO USA for an unforgettably good trip to Turkey May 30-June 7. In addition to the Best of Istanbul tour, we are glad we took your advice and spent 3 days and 2 nights in Cappadocia.
Every aspect of the trip was smooth and well-planned. Our tour guide always arranged adjoining hotel rooms for our family so that at night our elementary school-aged children were only a private door away. The extensive buffet meals at the hotels meant that everyone always found something to their liking.
In Cappadocia, we had a private minibus and driver, and that flexibility meant that we could see everything we wanted to see at our own pace. We toured a reconstructed caravanserai and an underground city, we saw carpets knotted and silk spun, the girls rode a camel, and much more. If we said we’d like to shop for ceramics, our guide knew a ceramics factory built in a cave, where our girls each threw a clay pot while the adults shopped. Our 10 year old asked what it’s like to live in a cave home, so our guide altered plans and took us to the home of an acquaintance who let us tour the house and then played and sang for us.
The Istanbul tour was crammed with highlights, and our guide’s knowledge tied it all together for us. On our free day, he arranged for us to re-visit the Grand Bazaar, but that also let us spend some down time at the pool with our children.
In short, the people of Turkey and the FLO USA staff were welcoming, the accommodations were excellent, and we felt pampered and carefree. There are many places to visit in the world, but we’ll recommend Turkey and FLO USA to our friends.
Regards,
Jay K. Lindly
Tuscaloosa, AL
Lupe Oronoz-Crawford - May 10, 2005
I want to thank you for arranging a wonderful trip for my friend, Gloria Midget, and I, to Turkey. We departed March 31, 2005, on a 14-day "Best of Turkey" tour. The trip exceeded my expectations; the food was wonderful, the accommodations were wonderful (we slept in beach resorts for 4 nights!) and our guide, Hakan, was as knowledgeable as any college professor that I have known. I cannot believe that I enjoyed all of this for such a small price. The Turkish people were wonderful; they helped us with directions and with the changing of the money. I will not hesitate to recommend this tour with Flo USA to anyone that I come across.
Thank you so much!
Lupe Oronoz-Crawford
Peggy & Ray Bright, AZ - November 25, 04
Dear Chuck,
Can't tell you how much we enjoyed our tour in Turkey. It was probably one of our best trips ever and we've been pretty much around the world. Yavuz was an excellent guide and very knowledgeable that he could teach history.
Turkey is a wonderful place to visit. I am sending you a photo of our farewell dinner. It was a fantastic evening and we had such a good time. Thought you might enjoy it.
I am looking forward to your new brochures.Again Thanks so much for everthing!
Peggy & Ray Bright, AZ
Alan & Barbara Spargo - Dec 17, 2004
RE: Trip to Istanbul (12/8- 12/14)
We want you to know that we were very satisfied with our trip to Turkey. The travel arrangements and accommodations were great. We want to especially comment on the guides that led our group. Both Berkant Topal (who met us a the plane and guided us for first day) and Ebru Ilker (who guided us for the remainder of our tour) were the BEST guides we have ever experienced. Their knowledge of the history, culture and points of interest made our trip one the best we have ever experienced. Thanks to Flo-USA and its staff for a spectacular time.
Alan & Barbara Spargo
P.S. please keep us on your mailing list.
John Hodge - Feb 2, 2005
My wife, Francie Rich, and I were on your tour to Istanbul February 2 to February 8. Our friends Nancy Mullen, Emily Bivens, and Donna Skinner accompanied us. We all join in thanking you and your staff in both Florida and Istanbul, for a fabulous experience. Francie and I have been organizing and leading European tours for twenty-five years and we are very impressed by the service we have received from FLO-USA.
We all adored our guide Asli and Sardar our driver. Asli is very knowledgeable, and charming and she helped us to make decisions that created the fabulous memories that we all share of Istanbul. We were excited to be able to hire them on our free day so that we could explore more including the Chora Church, which became one of the highlights of our trip. We were glad for the bad weather so we could substitute Dolmabahce and Beylerbeyi Palaces for Bursa. We think the palaces were an important part of the cultural experience. Emily liked the visit to Miniaturk Museum but the rest of us would have rather opted for a museum or palace in its place.
We thought that the hotel Akgun offered us exceptional service and food. You can certainly count us as happy customers and we will gladly and enthusiastically recommend your company and we all want to return to Istanbul and explore more of Turkey on another of your tours.
We are already thinking of late February 2006 for a return trip. When will you have prices posted for 2006? We liked having a private tour and would be interested in flexibility that a private tour affords us. We think that we could generate enough participants to fill a small group. Can you offer my wife and myself any discount if we are able to do this?
Thank you again for an excellent tour and such a rich experience.
Sincerely,
John Hodge
JoAnn Cusumano - Dec 7, 2004
Thanks for keeping me informed about trips to Turkey. I did go on your trip last year and hope to arrange itagain. Just wanted you to know, everyone I took along think it's among the best trips ever taken and want to repeat it in the future.
Sincerely,
JoAnn Cusumano
Continental Capers Travel
Eileen - Nov 21, 2004
Dear Chuck & Shebby,
Thank you both so very much for a great Nov 1 "Best of Asia Minor & Istanbul" - Kathleen & I and our colleagues and friends who joined were delighted - a tour of intense quality and quantity - 32 people who all got along and enjoyed each other, in the care of a great guide and driver. I have sent a letter to you also.
Very best wishes & thanks again,
Have a great Thanksgiving Holiday, (It was interesting being in Turkey during Ramadan, by the way!)
All the best,
Eileen
Kathleen Morris - Nov 19, 2004
Hello Chuck.
I was introduced to you the evening of our arrival in Istanbul during dinner. I am dropping you off a few lines to say how pleased my companion's Eileen, Linda Joan and I were with our holiday in Turkey with FLO USA. We departed New York on November 1 and return November 17. It was a fantastic trip throughout. We were very pleased with everything including the wonderful hotels along the way, the itinerary, the food, our terrific guide Kaan and our excellent driver Ridvan. Most of all we were in awe of what we got for the amount of money we paid. It was simply wonderful.
Thank you very much. Keep up the good work.
Kathleen Morris
William Zeigler - Aug 17,2004
Dear Chuck,
My husband and I returned from our 10 day trip to Turkey with nothing but praise for the experience. We saw so much of the western end of Turkey and the scenery is spectacular! We are definitely looking foreward to another great experience with your experienced tour representatives. When are you going to expand to other countries? We had heard of maybe an Egyptian one?
The tour leader Merko, is excellent and a fountain of knowledge about the country, culture and history. The driver of our van(An 18 passenger Mercedes-Benz) was Hulek, very nice and capable and on the ball.
Actually, a trip to Eastern Turkey would be nice sometime. Again, Thanks for a wonderful trip. Reene and Bill Zeigler
William Zeigler
Galen Thomas - April 19, 04
Chuck,
Thank you for your help in arranging my Best of Asia Minor & Istanbul tour. The tour and the tour guide (Beko) , far exceeded my expectations. The 15 passenger Mercedes-Benz van with only 8 passengers was pure delight---so much superior to a large bus with 40 plus passengers.
The tour was extremely informative, along with nice hotels and good food.I can heartly recommend Flo-Usa. The tour price was also most reasonable.
I plan to take another Flo-Usa tour the Spring of 2005.
Thanks again for a wonderful trip.
Galen Thomas, Ph.D., FL
Stanley Ink - April 12, 04
Dear Flo Usa,
We returned April 7th from your 14 days Best of Turkey trip. As a Travel Agent we planned to go on one of your FAM trips, but selected the regular trip instead.
We had a comfortable new mini-bus which was more than sufficient for our tour. There was ample room and Haluk, our driver, was very capable and concerned for his cargo, us. Bottled water was supplied all the
time.
The sites covered were each a bit different and our guide, Berkant, was a walking encyclopedia with his explanations of the history, architecture and art.
The extent of the tour was wonderful. We saw enough of Western Turkey to experience all types of terrain and climate. The uniqueness of the Cappadocia region will stay in our memories forever. Going through the Taurus Mountains was another terrain and climatic change. The "playground" of the south coast, Antalya, Myra and
Phaselis, were enchanting . The turquoise water of the Mediterranean was in sharp contrast to the Aegean Sea, which was our next direction with an entirely different atmosphere.
There was so much history that we did not know and coming from a country that was only organized for 225+ years, we were awed.We felt very safe, even in the larger cities, to be able to walk around unafraid. We found the locals to be very friendly and most accommodating.
Flo-Usa gave us so much on this tour, such as good to excellent hotels, good food, good sightseeing, good guides and good transportation, to name a few. The company is to be commended for the the fact that we can not find a single fault.
Sincerely yours,
Stanley Ink
Tampa Palms Travel World, FL
Linda Meadors, Huron Valley Travel - April 12, 2004
Dear Flo Usa,
I was so impressed with Sinan, our guide. He knew just how much information to share at any given time, blended history,,archeology, culture, religion into every site visit and was always open to questions. When special opportunities presented themselves, he was very accommodating.
Efe was always attending to our needs and mindful of our safety and our driver was excellent.
Please extend my thanks to Turkish Airlines and all of the wonderful hotels for their generosity and special surprises.
I felt very safe on Turkish soil and I know your beautiful country will be the destination of many Americans in the near future. Good news the visa fee is now $20!! I would be very interested in returning on another Flo Usa trip into the South and East of Turkey.
Sincerely,
Linda Meadors, Huron Valley Travel
Moline, IL
Marilyn Muench - November 6, 2008
I was very happy we opted for the extra days in Istanbul, which I enjoyed more than any other destination. Our hotel in Istanbul was very well located, and having a pick-up from the boat and a later ride to the airport for departure were much appreciated benefits. I think the FLO USA people did quite a good job, and it certainly helped to have a guide for our lightning visit to what is a really world-class city.
Marilyn Muench
Eden Prairie, MN
Scranton, Nancy Ph.D.-
You really need to know that my trip to Turkey, with you, was one of the most prestine adventures I have even endeavored. I have travelled the world, and this wonderful experience left me breathless. I would love to repeat in the not so distant future.
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