My 2 sisters and I planned a trip to Turkey t...
Turkey
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Oct 7 - Oct 22, 2026
My 2 sisters and I planned a trip to Turkey through KimKim and worked directly with Berat. We provided some overall criteria (cultural and historical) but left most of the planning up to Berat with a few changes. She did a terrific job meeting our expectations. At one point I had an unexpected surgery and we were able to easily postphone our trip for a year. The trip was 16 days, 6 of it in Istanbul with a guide for two days and the rest was with a guide and a couple of drivers. Communication was excellent, including all detailed information. We were met at airports (twice), drivers were all professional and had very good vehicles (one brand new) and always on time. We had a Hamam visit planned and were dropped off and picked up with no worries. One driver we had for 5 days even brought coffee and tea in thermoses for a long drive. Both guides were exceptional. The guide we had for most of the trip 9/10 days provided many spontaneous extra diversions ie: natural potato storage facility, women cooking down molasses and tomatoes by the side of the road etc and provided excellent overviews before visiting a place . And the ice cream we ate with a knife and fork!! We felt priviledged to have him.
All the places we visited were impressive. and memorable ...there were so many! Probably the most was the 9,000 year old Catalhukuk, the underground caves, Caravanseri on the silk road, Mosques for me.
Our hotels were exactly what we wanted .... lots of character and with comfort as well. Very memorable. The communication via the app was great. Everything was very timely and smooth. We had booked a balloon ride in Cappadocia for the first day but weather cancelled it. We were able to rebook for the day we were leaving but again it was cancelled due to weather. Then we were offered to book at Pamukkale if we wanted, which we did and were able to do. So easy to have it all arranged for us. And any changes fit in easily. A wonderful trip!!!
Hotel Reviews
We enjoyed this hotel with views of the Bosphorus and the Blue Mosque. We visited the rooftop garden with herbs and fruit trees every morning and afternoon. The breakfast buffet was large with a great view and open windows. The turtles were also an added interest in the lobby. We were able to walk to places easily. We were there 6 nights and were very satisfied.
We were looking for unique places with character to stay on our trip. This fit the bill! So many things to look at and every day you saw more. So much character. Lots of cats, as there are everywhere. A beautiful view. Wonderful breakfast and cake in the afternoon.
An excellent location with a view of the Mosques. A focus onbooks. We expected a restaurant for supper but a very small menu so we went out. Easy to find lots of restaurants close by. Lots of character. A good breakafst.
We had asked for a spa hotel to have a rest day near the end of our trip so this fit the bill. This hotel is used for large tour groups so is very large, has a huge dinner buffet and good size breakfast buffet. Licensed. The simming pool with hot water is nice and not crowded. I did not bother with the cold one which apeared empty. I did use the Hamam for a turkish bath. It was not up to the one in Istanbul which was terrific. The staff were all good. WE didn'tleave thehotel except for our tour,ballon ride so I do not know about the area.
Our last hotel. And what a special place. We did have the cooking class in a stone house with openfire/oven. when we arrived which was fun ...and then we ate the food which was great. I stayed in a little stone cottage which was really cool! The stars were very bright ...not something you see anymore. Lots of cats which we enjoyed. A very quaint beautiful spot. And wonderful people/staff. Lots of character but very different from all the other places. Gardens, fuit and olive trees. A really nice place to end our trip.
Activity Reviews
This is an amazing place that I don't think you would find elswhere. A definite highlight for me.
This was interesting and the work is impressive. I bought a couple of very small dishes and when I got home I realized how exceptional they are.
I was prepared to be disappointed with the terraces but was not. We were able to put our feet in and walk a bit. So there is still enough of it left to be beautiful and worthwhile. Hierapolis was impressive as well. One could imagine why the Romans settled here.
This Ancient City is quite Impressive. As it was the last day of our tour we were getting a bit overloaded. I liked how you could really see what it would have been like . And the library is very impressive.
This was really fun and in such a nice place. The food which you get to eat is good too!
This was very interestingand highly recommend .
Hey Wendy,
Thanks so much for your review. So glad to hear you had a wonderful experience. We'll be here for whenever you'd like to visit Turkey again!
Warm regards,
Berat