Turkey with TEO

We learned about TEO World Culture Tours (New York, NY; 888/444-1110), which specializes in small-group travel, from a letter in ITN (Aug. ’11, pg. 31). From June 19 to 29, 2012, our group of five friends enjoyed an incredible tour of Turkey under the personal guidance of company owner Tamer Teoman.

We had contacted a number of companies to help us plan our trip. Tamer was the only one to call to find out exactly what we had in mind and suggest the best way to organize our itinerary. It was important to us that we had a guide who was highly educated, articulate and flexible. We could not have been more pleased with Tamer.

The land cost for our 10-day trip was $3,202 per person, an excellent value. This included lodging in charming, very comfortable, 5-star hotels; breakfasts and dinners; transportation in a spacious, new Mercedes-Benz van; our own driver and tour guide, and all entry fees.

Tamer purchased tickets on our behalf for the international music festival held in the Hagia Eirene and chartered a private yacht for a memorable trip up the Bosporus. He cheerfully and expertly adjusted the daily itinerary when a member of our group expressed interest in the Greek Orthodox church, and he spent hours on his own time hunting down a replacement part for a camera.

Under Tamer’s guidance, we came to love Turkey’s beautiful countryside, delicious food, stunning coastline, charming people and rich cultural heritage. We understand now why so many people list Turkey as one of their favorite countries to visit.

DOROTHEA FRENCH
San Jose, CA