Turkey Seven Churches Small Group Tour
(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.
Can Be Reached At
1-915-280-2922
Business Class on Turkish Airlines
At the Turkish Airlines counter in Dallas, we were offered an irresistible upgrade: for $1,399, we moved up to Business Class for our journey to Istanbul, complete with lounge privileges in both Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) and Istanbul (IST). The experience was top-notch—we enjoyed gourmet meals on the non-stop flight and managed to get a solid 8 hours of sleep. What a way to start!
After arriving in Istanbul, we transferred to Izmir to meet our group. A delicious meal and a refreshing Efes beer capped off the day before we retired for the night.
The next morning, we headed to Didyma and Miletus, exploring ancient ruins and a temple—one of the lesser-known but fascinating sites in southwestern Turkey.That evening, we stayed by the sea in Kusadasi. Dinner was a feast with no fewer than ten appetizers, followed by a flavorful kebap. How can you not fall in love with the food here? (See photos!)
Early the next morning, we visited the House of the Virgin Mary to beat the crowds. Tradition holds that Mary spent her last days here under the care of St. John. A small spring, believed to hold holy water, flows serenely, and pilgrims come from all over to visit this tranquil spot.
Ephesus was, as always, remarkable. The excavations are ongoing, and we were able to explore the Terrace Houses and reopened toilets. We heard about a recent mishap when a tourist fell, prompting safety upgrades, and a resident cat that sadly passed, causing a temporary odor issue. We didn’t spot Garfield, the well-known Ephesus cat with his own Instagram page. Half the library’s façade was under scaffolding, but we managed to navigate the crowds, pausing for informative talks as we descended toward the theater where St. Paul famously caused a riot. From the Church of St. John, we enjoyed views of the ancient harbor.
We stopped for lunch in Thyatira at a small, local-style cafeteria. Our next destination, the Pergamum Asklepion, was known as an ancient health center, where treatments once included "magic waters" to induce purging. On the hilltop, the Acropolis and Great Theatre offered breathtaking views, and we were lucky to drive most of the way up before our hike through this majestic site.
Assos proved to be a challenge, with a steep cobblestone path leading to the ancient city. Supporting the local vendors along the way, I picked up a set of candy dishes and some trinkets. From Assos, we journeyed to Alexander Troas, where St. Paul met Luke.
Then we visited the famed site of Troy with its 11 historical layers. We strolled along a boardwalk, observing the ruins, although the wooden horse was closed to climbers. I was reminded of an old photo of my daughter peeking from it in 1999. Canakkale also had a wooden horse on the waterfront, where we felt a chilly northern breeze—quite a contrast to Didyma. Next, we traveled to Nicea, wishing we’d had time to stop in Bursa, where the silk market is a must for any private group with a free day.
In Nicea, we visited the St. Sophia Church, where the Nicene Creed was penned, although it's now a mosque under the decision of President Erdogan. Finally, we made our way to Istanbul. A missed ferry led us on a detour, and we arrived at our hotel around 7 p.m.