Turkey with FLO USA

In a letter on a tour in Turkey (March ’06, pg. 50), the reader mentioned that their two days of touring cost $562 for two people. It appeared to be all local travel, airport/hotel transfer, guide, admissions, etc. I was really surprised that they were delighted with the price; I have taken two trips to Turkey with FLO USA, Inc. (Lake Mary, FL; 888/435-6872) and would highly recommend them for travel to and within Turkey. Their prices are absolutely the best, the service is incredible and they advertise in ITN.

My first FLO USA trip to Turkey was in November ’04. It was an 18-day motorcoach tour and, off season, was very cheap at about $1,300 per person from New York, including round-trip air, all taxes, airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, breakfast and dinner daily, tours, admissions and the services of an excellent guide, Kaan Gulcur.

The itinerary included Istanbul and the countryside. We traveled hundreds of miles to Bursa, Ankara, Cappadocia, Konya, Antalya, Ephesus, Troy and Gallipoli. We visited Roman ruins, underground cities and hand-hewn churches and stayed in beautiful hotels with excellent meals. It was a superior trip at a stunning price.

My second trip with FLO USA was in March ’05. This time I was accompanied by my husband and a few couples. I could not resist the chance to introduce our friends to the delights of Turkey, including the food, the Grand Bazaar, the Sultan’s Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Bosphorous, the friendly people and the prices.

This time the destination was Istanbul, with a side trip to Bursa. We extended our stay three extra nights, as I felt the “special off-season city tour” of five nights wasn’t long enough. This time we paid approximately $1,000 per person from New York; inclusions were round-trip airfare, taxes, transfers, hotel, breakfast and dinner daily, a city tour accompanied by Kaan again plus time on our own.

The only tour that we paid extra for was one to the Gallipoli area, part of the reason we extended our time. This historical area is famous for the WWI battles fought there under horrific conditions for both the Turks and the Allies.

The round-trip same-day tour from Istanbul to Gallipoli was a long, long day but well worth the trouble. The eight of us paid an additional $160 per person, including admission costs and dinner. Lunch was on our own, but included was a crossing of the Dardanelles and a visit to the remains of what is believed to be the ancient city of Troy.

Shebby is the Operations Manager for FLO USA and is a gem. A true travel professional who is soft spoken and friendly, she knows her business and will take the time to help you get exactly the trip you want.

KATHLEEN MORRIS

Kansas City, MO