Travel and Transportation Services Review: Turkey Vacation, Ephesus, Turkish Rug Tour

Review by traveler

STACEY J.

9.21.2021

General Info

Traveler Review

Which Country (Countries) did you visit on this trip?

Turkey

Your overall comments on the trip and the travel company:

Since I only used this travel company for my transportation needs, I will rate it strictly on that. Our trip started and pretty much ended with the same sort of good feelings and comfort, that we were expecting and that was delivered. Every one of our drivers but one, picked us up on time, and put me and my daughters needs first. We felt comfortable with their driving, the cleanliness of the van, and the stops made in between.

What were the most enjoyable or memorable parts of your trip?

The highlight was definitely our guide and her wonderful knowledge of Ephesus. From start to finish, she made sure we were fed/hydrated before, on, and after the tour. Her attention to detail, and keeping us entertained was exceptional. I had always wanted to go to Ephesus, so of course to have it be all I wanted and more was a dream. The lunch and Turkish rug tour was the cherry to the ice cream. I can't thank you enough for setting that up for us!

If you could take your trip again, what would you do differently?

I would change one or two hotels that we stayed in, and I definitely would not have used the driver from Bursa to Izmir. He was late, drove wild, made the drive rough, and almost caused or was almost involved in accidents, and we just didn't feel comfortable with him. I also would have swapped out Bursa for Cappadocia. Lastly I would have reported my luggage being severely damaged with Turkish Airlines, before I left the airport. Because I didn't they will not reimburse me or give me anything for my brand new luggage's damage, although I filed a complaint in the car leaving the airport. Other than that, the trip went as good as it could!

Travel Company Comments:

Dear Stacey,
I wanted to follow up on your comments posted with Zicasso. First of all, I would like to thank you for your overall positive review. I appreciate your feedback regarding both the exemplary service you had in Turkey and one negative experience. I strive to provide only the best service for my clients, so any negative comments are taken very seriously.
As you noted, our travel company did not plan your itinerary. We were contacted just prior to your trip for transportation and just one day-tour, after you had already planned your own itinerary and reserved your own international flights and hotels in Turkey.
As I told you when we first spoke on the phone, we normally offer driver plus guide services in Turkey when providing any type of transfer. This is to ensure quality, and because the drivers do not normally speak any English at all. As you had a strict budget, I did agree to provide you with driver-only service for three long transfers. In retrospect, that was my mistake, and I would not do that again. Bursa is in a fairly remote area and when we go there, it’s normally with one of our well-known Istanbul drivers who is staying with the clients and their guide for multiple days. Because of your itinerary, we contracted with a Bursa-based company whose employee didn’t meet our or your standards for safe driving. I sincerely apologize for that experience.
I’m so glad that you loved the day-tour to Ephesus and our guide there, as well as all the other drivers throughout your trip. Again, thank you for traveling with us and for your review.
Sincerely,
Mary

Photos