2011 - Elvira Balagot - USA

The guides we had were wonderful and accomodations were perfect, esp. at Cappadocia. My family was impressed with your company and we definitely give your company a 5 star rating!!!

Thank you!

Elvie

2011 - Robert Weinberg - USA

We had a great tour of Ephesus. Everything went as planned. Our guide , whose name I can't recall, was interesting and informative. I would definitely recommend Medhills to anyone traveling to Turkey.

R. Weinberg

2011 - Andrea Matthews - USA

Melanie and I had a wonderful trip, thanks very much for everything. We really enjoyed the structure of the trip (having time on our own and then also joining up with tour groups occasionally). It was also really appreciated to have a private guide our first day in Istanbul. We had a chance to see so much and also at our pace. It was the first time that we had worked with a tour and wish that you had more offerings in other countries. We are really, really glad we had the chance to do this trip.

When we first arrived at the airport in Istanbul, it was a bit of a wait to get it sorted out as to which car we were going in and when we were leaving. We were certainly glad that someone was there when we arrived as our flight was late. It was difficult to have an early start the next 2 days with the time changes plus travel we were incredibly tired. I would recommend itineraries that do not start quite so early for the first couple of days if possible, particularly for travelers from the US (the 2nd day was because of a very early flight and I realize this was because seats were not available later).

Overall we found the trip to be a great value and an extremely positive experience. We are very glad we had a chance to visit Turkey with your services!

Best regards,

Andrea

2011 - Lee Rosado - USA

I was very satisifed overall with the services rendered. As mentioned by other former clients , the pick ups/drops offs to airports which could be stressing always went very smoothly. The subcontracted drivers and vehicles used were excellent. Always on time. The subcontractors for the tours ( day planners /packers) assigned were also great. I had Delik in Istanbul and Yeliz in Ephesus both very good. I have to make mention, that they knew EXACTLY when the perfect time to get to the points of interest and when to exit. It was amazing how we got to really enjoy the tour it wasn't till after we arrived you could see the masses entering. Their timing was amazing for everything. we never stood online and just moved along a brisk but enjoyable pace. I stood in the RAST Hotel in Instanbul, excellent service and location. The views from the rooftop at sunrise, sunset were unbelievable. My photos are outstanding. Steps to the TRAM, and all points of interest in Sultanhamet.hey even made us sandwiches at 5 am since we had an early pick up. I only heard from AJ once , upon arrival. I didn't get those "check-in" calls everyone had mentioned in prior reviews.

In Kusadasi, I stayed at La Vista Boutique Hotel it was the beautiful, excellent staff, the location here is the KEY !!! walking distance to beaches and town. yet far enough to enjoy the silence.Thankfully the infamous noisey club JADE across the street was closed during my 4 days there. Make sure you request the building above the pool if you want the spectacular view. I was assigned another room which looked at the water cisterns of the hotel and partial view of the beach, it was small and dark, but the manager changed upon my request to a bigger and bright room with direct views of Aegean sea and greek island Stamos. I saw the hotels near Ladies beach ( I would skip this beach, go to Kusar beautiful ) , which most have no pool and the surrounding area leaves alot to be desired. I also checked out the big resorts which were nice but you have to take Dolmus (bus) to go everywhere and do anything.

My other hotel Central Palace gorgeous, white glove/ 5 star execellent location close to Taksim square, Tram and old city Trolley .

I had only one very unfortunate event. It had to do with the Pegasus Airline you assigned us to. It appears they have a very different luggage weight limitation as compared to Atlasjet ( which we flew going into Izmir from Istanbul). I had the exact luggage I arrived with when I departed Izmir . I was NOT charged anything by Atlas upon arrival . In addition, they would not allow you to pay at the check in counter where they are making this claim, for additional cost. You are sent to the Pegasus window, where there is this very long line, with upset people making the same claim, that they should not be paying this outrageous fee. I was charged MORE THAN THE ACTUAL COST OF THE FLIGHT AIRFARE. It was 80 TL, my flight cost 67 TL, This was the very first time , ever in 24 countries I visited that I was charged a luggage overweight fee ( alleged). It just seemed like a scam to me.

The lines in the airports are so painfully slow, after you pay , you have to go back to the check-in counter to retrieve your boarding pass I noticed that there was NO line at the Atlasjet window. Your company must inform it's clients that if they are assigned a pegasus air-flight they will encounter additional cost. Also a sooner pick up time should be alotted in order to facilitate this delay. I almost missed my flight by 7 minutes.

Additonal Advice to futher clients: Bring travel iron, none of the hotels have irons for use. Also a travel clock, none of the rooms have alarm/clocks. I almost missed a tour because my "wake up call" did not come through and there were no alarm clocks in the room. Unless you own a smart phone you should. You may want to also request a sooner pick up time for airports, they are very very slow at the check in counters. it took over one hour and 25 mins just to check in at Istanbul airport on my departing flight at 5 am.. It appears they are short or understaffed. Again, almost missed my flight and I was there over 2 hours early .

Tessukir Eridiz .

Lee Rosado

2011 - Patricia Engelmann - USA

We loved the trip. Meena and our other tour guide for Ephesus were exceptional. The hotels were very nice and the only problem I would make a comment concerns the tours in Santorini. Ed and Jeri had a problem with the hot spring/caldera tour and we were very unimpressed with our tour guide for the island-she was far more interested in the driver (who was very good) than relaying any information. I have raved to people about your tour and the marvelous people of Turkey!!!! We will be back!

Thank you for facilitating a great introduction for all of us.

Patty
 

2011 - Cynthia & Melissa - USA

Hi Cenan,

Just wanted to send a quick note to say that we had a wonderful time on our trip and everything ran smoothly! In particular we enjoyed Turkey; the private tour with Volcano (not sure if the spelling is correct) and the hotel accommodations (Deluxe Golden Horn) in Istanbul and Cappadocia (including our tour guide Mustafa) was a fantastic experience!

We would recommend this tour to anyone who is travelling to Greece & Turkey and plan to visit Turkey again possibly next year!

Many thanks for your assistance!

Cynthia
 

2011 - Chris Dotterill- USA

I apologise for the delay in sending you feedback. I just returned from Malta yesterday.
My trip to Turkey was a complete success thanks to Medhills Travel. I want to thank AJ for helping me with two problems of my own making and in respect of that I also want to thank the Assiana House Hotel.
The tour guides were excellent and gave me even more information than I could absorb. I would certainly recommend Medhills Travel to anyone travelling in that part of the world.
Many thanks
Chris Dotterill
 

Margie Rubin - USA

Sorry to take so long to reply to your e-mail. We had a wonderful trip to Turkey. We loved Istanbul and Cappadocia the best but really found Ephesis so interesting. Bodrum was pretty but the beaches were not very nice and I think 4 nights was a little too much time there. Pamulkule was pretty but too crowded and not sure it was worth the ride from Kusadashi.

All the hotels we stayed in were fine and we particularly liked the staff at the Rast Hotel in Istanbul. The nicest hotel was the Assiana Cave Hotel. The guides were all very knowledgeable and kind. The drivers were very prompt except in Bodrum where they forgot to pick us up for the airport but AJ in Istanbul did a good job of getting us a cab to the airport.

Overall, the people through Medhills were great and I would definitely recommend this travel agency to others.
thank you so much for making our trip special.
Margie

Max McGahan- USA

I'll start off by saying the entire trip was excellent. Our whole group had a blast. Istanbul was fantastic along with our private tour guide and the hotel accommodations. Fethiye, Oludeniz, the boat cruise and Antalya all were great as well. All the hotels were very nice along with the flights and drivers.

My favorite part from the trip was the entire experience in Istanbul especially the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkopi Palace and the Bazaars. Other highlights were paragliding in Fethiye, the boat cruise and visiting Antalya. I also have to mention how awesome all the included meals and food were throughout the trip.

The one minor suggestion I do have is in regards to the van transfers. While the drivers and vans are fine, the lengths of the drives are a little long (1-2 hours). Obviously there's no way around this but if the itinerary mentioned an approximate time for the transfer that would be nice.

Once again the entire trip was great and was an excellent value for the cost. I would definitely recommend your agency in the future and appreciate all your help for making the arrangements. Thank you.

-Max McGahan

Emily Garton- USA

Our trip was beyond incredible!
Everything was so beautiful and the tour guides were incredibly knowledgeable and great to be with!
We loved that we were able to change tours on the drop of a dime with out any confusion or problems!
It was the best vacation we have ever had and we thank you for all of your help!

Best Wishes,
Emily Garton

Sau-ling Wong - USA


My family and I just came back from our Turkey-Greece trip a few days ago. It was fantastic! Thank you so much for all your hard work in putting together our package. Although there were a couple of glitches (things worked out after some phone calls with AJ), overall the trip went smoothly. We felt very well taken care of by the local travel agency representatives; the choice of hotels was mostly excellent; and the prices were very reasonable. I appreciate your patience in helping me fine-tune the itinerary and your graciousness in accommodating all the changes I made. Once I'm settled I will write a more detailed review for the Medhills website, and I will definitely recommend your services to our friends.

Sau-ling Wong

Brian Hampton - USA


Sorry for the delayed response, I got caught up in my work and ignored non-business related e-mails. My Comments/Review: I was thoroughly pleased with the services I received from MedHills Travel. The office agents did a great job answering my questions and responding to my e-mails in a timely manner. The tour agency did a great job with all events to include punctual transportation and knowledgeable tour guides. I found the most enjoyable part of my trip to be the hot air balloon ride over the beautiful scenery of Cappadocia. The hotels were clean and well suited for a relaxing vacation. To be honest the only down side to my trip is that I’m a bit of a gym rat and I felt the gym facilities were lacking. However, If you’re out to see the sights and relax MedHills Travel did a great job. Thank you for the great stay.


Best Regards,

Sgt Hampton, Brian T.
 

Ed Town - USA


Thank you very much for a wonderful adventure in Turkey. All your arrangements were executed on time and mostly without incident. Your hotel choices were ideal, the sites visited were awesome and the guides were generally very good to excellent. I look forward to recommending Turkey and Med Hills to my friends and family.

You might be interested to know that what you described in our itinerary (Enjoy a pleasant and easy 4km hike
through this sheer-sided, lush canyon with a beautiful stream running all the way through) was, in fact, a brutal hike up and over three valleys that none of us was really prepared for. I collapsed from muscle fatigue but with the help of our guide and a short rest, was able to finish the hike. Unfortunately, this incident resulted in me being physically sick and missing the day in Ephesus. But I bounced back and enjoyed the remaining days.

But this didn’t dampen my spirits or the pleasure I had. Thanks again to you both for your roles in this vacation; I will remember it always and hope I can find reason to use your services again.

George Davis - USA

The visit to Turkey went quite well and we were pleased with arrangements made by MEDHILLS. Of course the usual tourist attractions will forever remain in our memory. The guides did a superb job of explaining the significance of each and in answering our endless questions. Both were well qualified and very helpful in assuring that we got the most out of our short visit. We were particularly pleased with their arranging opportunities for us to enjoy the local people, food and culture. The transportation arrangements were superb. The air travel went smoothly and the drivers in both Istanbul and the Ismir areas were capable and professional ... and, quite frankly, very pleasant company.
The accomodations in Istanbul was excellent and more than met our expectations. The hotel in Kusadasi (Ilyda) was satisfactory. The breakfast lacked variety (choices) and the equipment (coffee machine) was out of service every day during our visit. The history of western Turkey is overwhelming in its extent and importance. It would be of great service to all visitors to have a brief historical overview. In addition, it might be useful for MEDHILLS to suggest some references relative to a particular tour's objectives.

Thank you, Cenan, for your personal attention to making our visit enjoyable and meaningful.

Warmest regards,

George Davis

Dear Cenan,

As advised earlier, we had a wonderful trip. The pick-ups were always on time, except for one in Antalya and your contact person was available to correct the situation. She was also in touch throughout the voyage to ascertain that we were satisfied with the details of our trip. The hotels suggested by your firm were most delightful, particularly Gamirasu in Cappadocia, El Vino in Bodrum and Alp Pasa in Antalya. I have to say that Cappadocia was probably the highlight of our trip. The guides were extremely knowledgeable and entertaining, and we enjoyed the fact that the groups were usually no more than 12 people in a minivan. After a hectic first week, it was nice to relax at the El Vino Hotel in Bodrum.

The Turkish people were friendly and very accommodating everywhere we went and we definitely want to return to Turkey.

We encountered other Canadians who ran into credit card payment difficulties. This is unfortunate. Your organization is thoroughly professional and attentive to detail, we received value for our money and I would not hesitate to recommend you to fellow travellers.

I wish you the best and I will be happy to share my experience with others.

Regards,

Dear Cenan,

Thank you for helping arrange our travel to Turkey and Greece. Our trip was seemless, Our Turkey Tours representatives met us at each leg of our journey, we enjoyed our hotels and their central location to the places we wanted to see.

We found Turkey magical, friendly and inexpensive. We would definitely go back to Turkey. We enjoyed Greece's history and food.

During our tours there were other friends of ours, who we met along the way, that had trouble with some aspect of their trip. We were glad that we never had any trouble, we were never left stranded, we never hated our hotels etc.

We have recommended "My Turkey Tours" to everyone we have talked with.

All the best,
Linda

Hi Cenan,

We had a great trip! Highlights were the kind tour employees, including drivers. They made us feel @ home in your country, 8,000 thousand miles from our home.

We always felt safe and welcomed. They had good undestanding of the history and culture, we learned so much. Their english was good. It was awesome to get to a new destination and your staff would be waiting for us with our names on a large sign!! We never waited or wondered.

The Bella Hotel in Selcuk was great! The Elvino Hotel in Bodrum was great!
In Rodes Is. Greece (I can't remember the name of the hotel) there was black mold on the ceiling in our room. The mold reeked and cigarette smoked lingered. We asked to be moved and they agreed to do that. In Marmaris, Kaymarmara Hotel was good, except they neglected to tell us that it was an "all inclusive hotel" and all meals/drinks were free. That would have saved us alot of money.

The food was all very tasty, never had a bad meal.

So, there were just a few issues, but they didn't dampened the trip. We only wish we had more time! Our sailing trip was magical, too. We sailed 200 miles of Aegean coastline. Explored numerous ports of call/ruins/tombs. Swimming/snorkelling in the warm crystal clear waters. A trip of a lifetime. Thanks again for putting it together so nicely. We'll be happy to give referrals.

Sincerely,

Tina Little and Randy Grant

Dear Cenan,

I am delighted to respond to your email. In fact, it had been my intention to contact you when the dust settled and all the tasks one comes home to had come under better control.

I would say unequivocally that this was one of the most enjoyable holidays that my husband and I have taken in the last decade. It is difficult to chose one moment or experience that is more marvellous than any other, though we have tried asking ourselves that very question.

First, our accommodations were marvellous and for the most part an excellent fit for the kind of environments we like best. The Seven Hills Hotel and the Yunak Evleri in particular were intimate, welcoming and exactly the right size. The Charisma in Kusadasi was a first class hotel, but more impersonal than the accommodations that we most prefer (that is not a criticism, simply a preference.) The staff at the Seven Hills was particularly accommodating: I lost a notebook somewhere in Istanbul, and they were able to recover it for me (or perhaps the detective was the excellent Miss Gulay) within hours.

Turkey itself was a revelation. The warmth of the people we encountered, the beauty of the landscape and the richness of the archaeological and historical sites were unexpected and immensely absorbing.
We were fortunate to have truly excellent guides in Cappadocia and Kusadasi who educated us and took excellent care of us. We also met some really interesting fellow travellers and we've maintained contact with a few.

Transitions are often the most frustrating and anxiety provoking aspects of a journey. Our trip involved seven different plane flights, numerous pick-ups (some as early as 5 AM) and connections. The reliability and professionalism of your guides and drivers never disappointed us. They were always on time, always in the appointed place, and always courteous and amiable. It felt effortless.

Things we loved:
The view from the breakfast terrace at the Seven HIlls Hotel. The excitement of Istanbul.
The wonderful Turkish food (the great buffet breakfasts at all our hotels) especially the meal we had at Ceya in Kadakoy.
That we were lucky to have our holiday during Ramadan so that we could be part of the amazing carnival of
celebrants around the Blue Mosque at night.
The way that secular and religious lives coexist compatibly.
A night in a cave hotel; the underground cities and above ground caves of Cappadocia
Ephesus
The Tuesday market in Kusadasi
The sense of history the is present everywhere
How kind and friendly the Turkish people were.

I could go on, but that would mean essentially commending everywhere we went, and everyone we had contact with. I will say that my conversations and emails with you even prior to our departure inspired confidence and reassurance that we were in excellent hands.

We have very few reservations: Our guide in Istanbul was extremely personable and highly intelligent, but a little too indifferent and distracted. One carpet demonstration and sales opportunity would have been sufficient, though I recognize the importance to the local economies of bringing visitors to these sites in each locality. (and we actually enjoyed them.)

Really, though - it was a dream trip. And we are credit you with its ease and fluidity.

I would unhesitatingly recommend your agency to any traveler, and hope that we will be lucky enough to be able to use your services again. Thank you fro creating and customizing such a wonderful experience for us.

My best wishes,

Eda

The trip was fabulous. You did a wonderful job. The only thing that needed to be changed was the last hotel, but you did that promptly and effectively. I told Gulay that we would consider sharing the x-tra expense but she said it wasn't necessary as long as we are happy.

As a travel agent with Global Travel International (GTI) I am telling them what a wonderful job you did and am notifying them in hopes they will notify their 4,000 independent travel agents about your expertise in Turkey and Greece.

Thank you for your immediate attention to our problem enabling us to end our journey on a really high note. I have already referred your agency to my son's colleague who will soon be traveling to Turkey. The Seven Hills hotel is in an excellent location and the rooms and personnel were terrific, the drivers were always on time and the guides were very knowledgeable. Tank you again for helping me plan this excellent trip as a gift to our Grandson for his 13th birthday.

Most sincerely, Jayne and Alan Drucker.

Dear Cenan and Gulay:

I don't even know where to begin with out praise for your organization, drivers, guides and itinerary. Everything was flawless. You arrived on time and prepared for our every wish. The guides were phenomenal. They 'knew their stuff'.. We saw and did things in each place that were different and informative. We hiked, crawled and climbed.

The hotels were as you predicted. Marmara in was well located but we would have been happier in the Sultanhmet area but it was never a problem. The staff and facilities were to out enjoyment. The Museum Cave Hotel was an true experience. The rooms, the views, the pool, the staff were exceptional. The Charisma was a real resort. Am sure we would have enjoyed using the facilities if we had been there long enough.

The guides(and drivers) were courteous and helpful. We loved Tilye. She gave us incite into modern life in Istanbul as well as historical information. Her life experiences let us understand the atmosphere and problems Turkey faces. In Cappodocia (which we truly loved) Failth walked us and showed us all types of places and experiences. He knew where to climb and where to crawl. He even climbed a tree to get us fresh apricots. The two days were spent with him were full of fun and physical activity. And last, Ylyss was well informed too. The excessive heat made our day in Ephesus most difficult, but it was not her fault.

And so, you're to be commended and thanked for a most outstanding experience. We will keep your group in mind to share with our friends anytime.

Thank you again for a most wonderful time.........

Suzanne and Saul Berkowitz

Dear Cenan,

I am pleased to report that our trip was very enjoyable and the services provided by your company were excellent.

The staff, from the people handling the transfers to the guides, were all very professional. We found most of the staff to be friendly, helpful, and informative.

The trip details were well organized and things ran smoothly.

The food and accommodations were also quite good. The Anatolian Houses Goreme and the Swiss Hotel (your recommendation) were the best in Turkey and the Melenos Lindos on Rhodes was a real treat.

The itinerary was nicely paced and the sights were all interesting.

We enjoyed all of the tours although some guides were naturally stronger than others.

As I mentioned to you before, you were especially efficient and responsive in arranging the details and booking the trip up front.

Our only criticism, which we often have in our travels, is the somewhat reckless driving of select individuals. Although most of our drivers were safe, we did have 2 drivers who drove too quickly, particularly around blind curving roads, and tail gaited and passed other drivers unsafely, making for a very uncomfortable ride.

I would certainly recommend your tour company for a trip to Turkey.

Thank you again,

Tasha

My trip was brilliant. I loved every part of it. It was well planned and organized. Hotels were good, and all my pick up's were on time.

I would recommend your company to others!

Dear Cenan:

We just got back from our trip yesterday afternoon. It was amazing. We can't thank you enough for all of your hard work in putting together a personal itinerary for us that met our every objective. The trip exceeded our expecations. Let us just name a few of the highlights.

Your logistical planning was superb. We were met, as scheduled, every step of the way and were well taken care of by your meet and greet people as well as your transfer agents. It was so comforting to know that we would be met by your people at every destination. This was very personalized service.

Your agent, Gulay, in Istanbul was informative, helpful and available for any issue we might have. The tour you set up for us in Ephesus was great as we had a very knowledgeable tour guide and driver. The hotels were excellent. We especially were impressed with the Charrisma hotel in Kusadasi, as well as the hotels in Santorini, Mykonos and Athens.

Cenan, we know you pulled this together for us in a very short time frame which makes our appreciation for what you did, even greater. We don't like large organized tours so your services provided the best alternative so we could do the trip on our own, while feeling comfortable that you and your people were always there to help, advise and move us to the next destination with ease and efficiency.

We are recommending Turkey as a destination to our friends and will definitely recommend My Turkey Tours.

Thanks for helping us put together a truly memorable trip. Please contact us if you have any questions.