Turkey, a country located between Europe and the Middle East, is an eclectic mix of East and West in its culture, food, architecture, and amazing sites. NTA members Karavan Travel and TripOTour offer expert planning and the perfect itinerary for groups.
Karavan Travel, owned by the Baltazzi family for more than 50 years, provides 15 different cultural and archeological tours that range from seven to 16 days. For example, the 10-day Highlights of Turkey tour includes stops in Istanbul, Ankara, and Cappadocia (among others), where groups will visit museums, important architectural sites, natural wonders, and ancient churches.
Karavan also offers four different faith-based tours, including the popular four-day Churches of the Revelation trip that brings the stories of the Bible to life. Both Christian- and Jewish-focused packages also are available.
TripOTour offers 29 itineraries in the U.S. and Europe, but the company specializes in group tours to Turkey, thanks to company owner, Mete Gurel. “I was born in Antioch and raised in Istanbul,” says Gurel, “so taking groups to my homeland is especially meaningful to me.”
Gurel views it as a privilege to share the history, faith-related sites, food, and culture of Turkey with travelers visiting his country. “It’s my goal to provide the best possible experience for travelers coming to my country on a once-in-a-lifetime trip.”
The company, with offices in Istanbul and Washington, D.C., offers 17 different tours in Turkey, ranging from the four-day tour of Istanbul to the 14-day Footsteps of Paul/Seven Churches faith-based tour. “On all our tours, we offer the best guides in the country, and we provide access to unique locations.”
Both companies have several cruise options on gulets, the two- or three-masted wooden sailboats famous in Turkey’s coastal towns of Bodrum and Marmaris. These tours provide the opportunity to explore picturesque villages and historical and cultural sites along the way.
For more information, contact Giancarlo Baltazzi or visit karavanturkey.com, or contact Mete Gurel or visit tripotour.com.
Top photo: Tour group near Istanbul
Photo by Mete Gurel
