Going Solo in Turkey

(31 Reviews)
100% Recommended

Daniel Oppliger

El Paso, TX

Group Travel Expert

 

I have been immersed in the travel industry since relocating to El Paso in 1986. Initially, I worked with a local tour operator before venturing out on my own.Over the years, I've developed specialties in Destination Resorts and River Cru...

 

I have been immersed in the travel industry since relocating to El Paso in 1986. Initially, I worked with a local tour operator before venturing out on my own.Over the years, I've developed specialties in Destination Resorts and River Cruises, specifically traveling to Turkey and China. I have organized group trips across the globe and visited 65 countries, leading tours extensively in Australia, Chile, China, Costa Rica, and Turkey.

In my capacity as a travel agent and advisor, I have also coordinated group travel to Argentina and Chile. As both a travel agent and tour guide, I focus on river cruises with premier vendors like Avalon. I appreciate Avalon for its spacious cabins and beds that offer stunning water views.

For group bookings, Ama Waterways simplifies the reservation process, allowing you to hold your space while you finalize your plans.I am dedicated to meeting all your group travel requirements and excel at creating balanced itineraries. I help your group steer clear of tourist traps while incorporating enjoyable activities into your travel schedule, like evening performances.

Feel free to inquire about experiences such as yachting adventures, bicycle rentals, or specialized programs.I cater to both large and small groups, whether private or organizational. As a travel agent specialist, I can transform any tour into a more relaxed and thrilling journey. I can identify the ideal suppliers to meet your travel needs, whether traveling as a group or solo.

Interested in visiting the floating markets of Asia? Or perhaps you wish to taste authentic Turkish cuisine? Whatever your preference, I can help you book a vacation that brings your travel dreams to life.I possess strong negotiation skills with vendors, ensuring you can secure a river cabin or hotel upgrade without additional costs. Reach out for my expertise in booking a unique river cruise or crafting an extraordinary travel experience.

 

Contact us today for all the details. An El Paso Texas Travel Agency.

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Daniel Oppliger

Can Be Reached At

1-915-280-2922

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It is Impossible to get a Bad Meal in Turkey

Okay, we have been to Turkey many times. This is a compilation of unique experiences in Turkey.

I went to a Turkish Barber. Yes, I trusted a Turk with a sharp razor on my neck. I go to my now local barber ship on the edge of Taksim.  The barber is training his son to be a gentleman.  He takes my jacket and hangs in on the rack.  I get my hair cut with a razor and scissor with a little clipper action on my neck. Then comes the hot lather and shave with a straight razor. He shaved every whisker off my face. Then he sticks a hunk of hot wax on a popsicle stick us my nose.  They yank! I haven’t been able to breath so good in years. He followed my splashing stinging cologne all over my face and rubbing it in.  Now he has about 4 dirty towels on the floor, I pay and say “sonra görüsürüz.”

I went to the Turkish Bath in the old city near the Blue Mosque. I was given a skimpy towel and put out to cook on a hot heated marble slab. My bather comes and rubs my body with special mitt with rough fiber of some sort. By this time my skin is peeling off. Then comes the special soap shaken with water and air.  He squeezes the soap all over my body, fist the front, and then the back.  He rubs down my body and squeezes all my muscles. The soap stings, but he is not finished. After some more massage he dumps about six buckets of hot water on me. Then he proceeds to wash my hair.  He has me lay on the marble slab on my back and proceeds to give me chiropractic treatment.  I rinse off and they cover me with about six towels and I am put out in the recovery room.  I am served juice and tea.

We took an overnight train from Istanbul to Ankara. We sat in our compartment for a while and the steward came by and made the sofa into bunk beds.  We arrived in Ankara in the morning, not too tired because we had some sleep.  We found our hotel and went exploring. The citadel and Ataturk mausoleum were the high points.  We took a day train back to Istanbul.

We went to Bodrum where I had to collect some money from a supplier. We were given the royal treatment with a full day of sailing the first leg of the Bodrum Cup.   We ate a second breakfast and lunch aboard. Captain Ebo and the cook thanked me for sending him customers for his yacht.In Bodrum, we went out for dinner with some friends. I went to the glass class with a dear friend and picked out about six starters. The is way you do in in Turkey.  We dined and drank wine. The main dish, for me anyway were three huge shrimp in garlic butter sauce.

We arrived in Pamukkale on a cloudy day. The features did not photograph well. We explored and saw the site where St. Phillip was martyred.  The water was lukewarm.  I understand the hotels siphon off a lot of the water and it is a controversy. That evening, I fell in love. (Don't tell my wife).  Jilda, the belly dancer took my hand and tried to get me to dance with here. I can't make those moves, but it was fine the hotel was very nice.