Turkey Trip Review: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Kalkan, Kekova, Hot Air Balloon Ride, Private Gulet Trip, Lunch with Local Family

I started planning our Turkey trip in 2019 to celebrate my daughter's hs graduation in 2020. Well we all know how that went and we finally got to take our 3 week Turkey trip in the summer of 2022, and it also celebrated my son's hs graduation. From the first moment I spoke with Marcus, I knew I wanted him to help us plan our trip. I was very happy when he agreed to work with us even though I had found a villa to rent for the last portion of the trip. 
Marcus was very generous with his time and experience and he helped us create a wonderful first trip to Turkey. We spent 5 nights Istanbul, 3 nights Cappadocia, 11 at the villa in Kalkan and a final night in Istanbul before our flight. We loved both of the chosen hotels. He was personally known by the hotel managers and I think that's why we had such fantastic lodging, especially at the Hotel in Istanbul where my husband and I had a private terrace with an amazing view. We had private transportation and private guides, except at the villa, and we were very happy with our guides and transportation. Marcus booked a hot air balloon for us which was a highlight. Marcus thought we'd be picked up by the balloon company at 4:30 am but we found out pickup was 3:30 am. Marcus realized this was too early and he arranged private transportation that he paid for personally to ensure we were happy. He called me a few days before our departure to tell me he and his daughter would also be in Turkey when we were there and he was going to surprise us all and treat us to dinner as we have never met in person. What a treat. We spent so much time customizing the trip that we became friends and it was a delight to finally meet him. 
We loved the private gulet trip to Kekova that he also arranged. The lunch served was one of the best meals we had on the trip! It was wonderful to end the trip at the beach since our days in Istanbul and Cappadocia were long and busy. I really loved how our days with the guides included lunch and a beverage. This was we got to know our guides and really enjoyed our time with them. They also chose very good restaurants. A highlight was having lunch at a local family's house in Capadocia. They heard my daughter loved stuffed grape leaves so they made some just for her. While we don't speak Turkish and they didn't speak English, smiles and hugs were shared at the end of the meal.