We used Kim-Kim in the past and will continue to do so because they take care of every detail so we don't have to. The professionalism of the company, organizers and local partners shows through in how they communicate, cleanliness of vehicles, promptness of drivers and tour guides and quality of activities based on our input keeps us coming back. We appreciated the historical knowledge of our guide, Ibrahim, in Istanbul. He made sure we were able to see and do what we requested with flexibility and space to explore. Hatice in Cappadocia was also knowledgeable and she synched well to our level of fun. We whole heartedly recommend Ibrahim and Hatice.
Hotel Reviews
The hotel staff was so helpful and friendly. The hotel itself is beautiful and a true Cappadocia experience. Breakfast was yummy!
Authenticity & Character
The hillside setting, cave hallways and furnishings.
Location
I thought we would be able to see the balloons better.
Staff
Available when we needed something, always accommodating and took their job seriously.
Cleanliness & Comfort
It is difficult to keep everything clean in a dusty, open air setting and yet they were all over it. Most impressive.
We would stay there again but Istanbul is a city that never sleeps so it was a bit noisy at night.
Authenticity & Character
I wouldn't say it had or didn't have character. It was just nicely put together with everything you needed.
Location
Short walk to Hagia Sofia and the Blue Mosque. Fabulous view of the Bosporus from the rooftop terrace.
Staff
Mike at Reception was very informative and immediately took care of our internet and phone challenge.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Everything throughout the hotel was clean. I would have given 5 stars if the rooftop terrace was an active, working part of the hotel instead of an after thought place to sit. There was a bar but drinks were delivered from the lobby instead of using this space.
Park Inn by Radisson Istanbul Airport
Istanbul
We used this hotel because it is "close" to the airport and we had an early flight the next morning. Everything was clean and the staff was friendly. We really appreciated that there was a full service restaurant on the premise.
Authenticity & Character
Lots of room amenities. This is a great business traveler hotel. You most likely would not stay there to see the sites.
Location
No hotels are really close to the airport however this one is only 15 minutes away.
Staff
Very friendly and helpful. They took care of booking our early morning taxi pickup.
Activity Reviews
Kaymaklı Underground City
Cappadocia
MUST experience this unique site.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Hot Air Balloon Tour at Sunrise
Cappadocia
We have been up in balloons before yet never experienced the large basket style. It was fun to go up with Americans, Spaniards and a group from Poland.
Quality of Experience
There was never a question of what to expect and where you needed to be.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The professionalism of Royal Balloon company was without flaw. A well oiled machine at every step. Pilots Kemis and Omar where fun and capable. Loved that they took us low into the valley and landed right on the trailer at the end.
Transport
The coordination from pick up to drop off was representative of a company that has done this a million times.
Discover Byzantine + Ottoman Istanbul
İstanbul
Going with a local guide - especially Ibrahim that has lived in Istanbul all his life - made the site's history come alive. He showed us places a tourist on their own might not know about. And we were able to navigate the crowds with ease.
Quality of Experience
It was interesting to see the European and Asian side differences.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
It was fun to experience a taxi, boat and metro.
Transport
We were walking so it wasn't an issue.
Public Boat Tour on the Bosphorus
İstanbul
Istanbul is soo big that the boat ride helps you see things that would otherwise take too much time to see via land. It is a nice respite from all the walking. Grab a bite to eat from one of the many nice restaurants under the bridge. The food is good and you start to get a feel for how busy the waterway actually is.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
It was helpful to have our guide, Ibrahim, tell us what we were seeing as it was difficult to hear information from the loud speaker on the boat.
Transport
I liked that the boat went up one side of the strait then down the other.
Crossing between Continents: Explore Kadıköy and Moda
İstanbul
The crossing gave us the opportunity to get away from the tourist attractions and see how locals live.
Quality of Experience
The lunch stop was different - a buffet of sorts where you could make various selections.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Speaking absolutely no Turkish, having our guide, Ibrahim, interpret and advise was indispensable.
Transport
We rode the metro under the Bosphorus!
I wanted to go here to ensure seeing the city in its entirety (not possible). It wasn't spellbinding like I thought it would be. The structure itself is more of the attraction.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
I liked that we used public transportation instead of a hired driver. It was much more fun to be with locals.
Transport
If you enjoy aggressive driving, you will love the taxi ride to/from the tower. That experience was actually the most fun as we took many back streets to avoid traffic jams.
Visiting Göreme Open Air Museum (UNESCO World Heritage)
Cappadocia
It has taken abuse over the years from people defacing the structures. Still, the history is worth knowing. I'm glad it is now being preserved.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Hatice was able to maneuver us around the crowds, give the history and knew the best places for us to take photos.
Transport
Our driver, Borak, was with us the entire three days. Prompt, courteous, safe driver and always had water on hand.
Avanos: Discovering the Ceramic Tradition and Light hiking in the Love Valley
Cappadocia
Their work is extremely nice and, while the designs/shapes are basically the same whatever place you wish to buy, it is very apparent their work is superior. I only gave it 4 stars because I didn't know there would be such an emphasis on making a purchase. Same for the carpet place we visited. When you are young you want to buy items. When you are old like me, you are trying to get rid of your stuff - not add to it.
Quality of Experience
My husband and I enjoyed the complimentary glass of wine.
Cooking Class in Cappadocia
Cappadocia
What a hoot! Loved Ina. In true Turkish tradition, we made lots of food and then she had prepared even more food to share. Seriously, we were stuffed!!
Quality of Experience
Always fun to have an in-home experience. This was her kitchen.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Hatice had to interpret everything. It was fun having her join in with the cooking and share some of her childhood eating stories as well.
Transport
We picked up Ina's daughter in town so she could give Borak directions through the neighborhood. Better than a GPS!
Local specialist: Berat Ornek
