Guide in Turkey

After spending three months trying to put together a 3-week trip to Turkey, I was ready to throw in the towel. It seemed there was a choice of either packaged tours or backpacking but little in between. I knew I wanted a car and driver (but did not want to pay the small fortune I was being quoted — it would be cheaper to take my own car at those rates) and knew most of the places I wanted to see, but I was having severe difficulty putting it all together.

Then I found Credo Tours, Travel & Yachting (Taksim Caddesi, Yonca Apt. 69/6, Taksim 80090 Istanbul, Turkey; tel. 9-0212 254 8175, fax 9 0212 237 9670 or visit www. credotours.com). I worked with Elgin, who did a very good job arranging my October ’04 itinerary.

Without a doubt, the highlight of our trip was Cappadocia, due mainly to our having such a terrific guide, Fatih Ayas (e-mail Fatih_Ayas2000@yahoo.com). His father was the first guide in Cappadocia, so it must run in his genes. Fatih is extremely knowledgeable about the history and sights throughout ALL of Turkey, but on top of that he made his stories come alive with his wonderful sense of humor.

A true professional, Fatih was always extremely courteous and gracious. He even drove miles out of his way, when I wasn’t feeling well, to bring me a big bag of herbs and flowers that his mother had gathered to make me a healing tea.

But I also cannot forget his sidekick, our driver, Mutlu. Although Mutlu (which means “happy” — the perfect name for him) spoke little English, he was an excellent driver and very considerate of all our needs. He always jumped out with a smile and helping hand for my mother.

Both of these gentlemen took the very best care of us, and I will definitely use them on my next trip.

Oh, Fatih is also fluent in (dig this combo) Japanese and Danish! And his rates, starting at $40 per day, are an incredible bargain!

JANICE NIEDER
San Francisco, CA