Turkey & Greece Luxury Trip Review: Athens, Santorini, Naxos, Catamaran Tour, Culture, Food & Wine, 10-Night Travel

Review by traveler

Lisa P.

10.5.2023

General Info

Traveler Review

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

Turkey

Greece

Your overall comments on the trip and the travel company:

We worked with Bülent to plan a fabulous trip to Turkey and Greece. The first time we spoke, Bülent assured us he'd be in our back pocket the entire trip. He said he'd return our texts within two minutes, any time of day. Of course, I was skeptical and shocked that he actually did. We had a seven-hour time difference while working on the plans, but no matter when we sent a message, he responded immediately. I had to tell him to "go to bed!" one night when my text reached him at 3am and he replied to it.

Bülent was there for us via WhatsApp at every turn. He checked in regularly, made all transfer plans, and answered questions big or small. Bülent was also flexible. We made some changes to his recommendations of places to stay based on friends and our own research. In those cases, he honored our ideas rather than his own spots, thus allowing us ownership of the plans.

Bülent found incredible guides for us. Each guide went out of their way to make our trip what we wanted, not just a typical tour. We had a truly one-of-a-kind experience. For example, one guide brought us to his home and shared his homemade wine with us. My husband and I can't wait to plan another trip with Bülent and the travel agency, hopefully back to Turkey.

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

We loved our trip but what will stand out most is first, the warm, proud and welcoming guides who really wanted to show off their countries and islands. In Turkey what stands out is walking through the Balat area of Turkey, stopping for tea from a wood burning samovar along with a delicious piece of cake made by the owners mother, going on a special excursion to visit the house that is featured in the Turkish show "Para Kara Ask" (Black Money Love). I will always remember the sound of the enormous Turkish flag that we stood by at the top of a park on the Asian side of Turkey.
In Naxos, our guide wanted so much for us to get a "real" taste of his island that he brought us to his home. We met his mother and brother, saw his land, tasted his wine. We made cheese on a local farm and had the most delicious "breakfast for lunch" meal with eggs that were pulled from the hen's nests as we watched.
Santorini, is Santorini! The beaches, swimming off the catamaran tour, walking down to the fishing taverns will all be stand out memories there.

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

We had only 2 nights in Santorini. We'd add at least one more day and spend time at the beaches there. In Turkey we'd choose a hotel on the Galata side of the city. For the first visit we were in the right place, but now having been, I'd like to spend more time on the other side, away from the real touristy section of town. In Athens I'd skip the Symposium visit (sorry Bülent!) which isn't quite as "authentic" as it's made out to be. I'd try to get to the sea side of Athens. I'd shop more!

Turkey & Greece Luxury Trip Review: Athens, Santorini, Naxos, Catamaran Tour, Culture, Food & Wine, 10-Night Travel

General Info

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

Your overall comments on the trip and the travel company:

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

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

Real Customer Reviews

Other Reviews for Travel Agency 3104974

Small Footer