Treasures of Turkey

Day 1 (Door to Door)

Arrive Istanbul

Enjoy your private car door to door transfer to your departure airport before your flight to Istanbul. A complimentary transfer is provided to the tour hotel. Settle in and relax, or start exploring the wonders of this glorious city, uniquely located on two continents. This evening join your Tour Director for a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: Conrad or Hilton or Crowne Plaza Harbiye (D)

Day 2

Istanbul - Bursa

We embark on a superb highlight cruise along the Bosphorus past Ottoman palaces, old mansions and fortresses. Leaving Istanbul we take a short ferry trip and drive to Iznik.We visit the ruins of St Sophia and see the city walls before continuing to Bursa. In the afternoon there is time to haggle in the bazaar and silk markets. (BB, D)
Hotel: Thermal Kervansaray (FC)

Day 3

Bursa - Ankara

Today we visit the glorious Green Mosque and Mausoleum complex and Grand Mosque in Bursa before driving to the charming Cumalikizik Village with its traditional wooden houses and narrow cobblestone streets. We visit Gordion, where Alexander the Great cut the famous Gordion Knot, en route to Turkey's modern capital, Ankara. (BB, D)
Hotel: Hilton (SFC)

Day 4

Ankara - Cappadocia (2)

Sightseeing today includes a visit to the Hittite Museum, portraying the fascinating history of Asia Minor from earliest times. We also visit Anit Kabir, the mausoleum of Ataturk, Turkey's greatest leader in modern times and the mausoleum of Sufi philosopher Haci Bektas before heading to Nevsehir in the Cappadocia region. (BB, D)
Hotel: Dedeman (FC)

Day 5

Cappadocia - Göreme excursion

In this unique region of volcanic landscapes and 'fairychimneys', we visit Göreme's rock-carved churches and see ancient frescoes in the open-air museum. We visit the underground city of Kaymakli and see the cone of Uchisar. Dinner at the hotel is followed by a folklore show in an underground cave, featuring dances from different regions. (BB, HD)
Hotel: Dedeman (FC)

Day 6

Cappadocia - Konya

This morning we visit the Caravanserai of Sultanhani before driving to Turkey's most religious city, Konya, which was once the home of the mystic sect ofWhirling Dervishes and the old capital of the Anatolian Seljuk Empire. We visit the Mevlana Museum, with its beautiful fluted turquoise dome, and see the Karatay Medrese and Ince Minaret. (BB, D)
Hotel: Dedeman (FC)

Day 7

Konya - Antalya (2)

We descend the Taurus mountains and drive to Aspendos to visit what is considered the best preserved Roman Theatre anywhere in the world.We drive to the Hellenistic, or Roman, city of Perge to visit the extensive ruins, including the great Theatre, the Stadium and the gate-towers leading into a street where ancient chariot ruts can still be seen. As night falls we enjoy a walking tour of Antalya's Old Town. (BB, D)
Hotel: Crowne Plaza & Harrington Park Resort (D)

Day 8

Antalya at leisure

The day is set aside to relax and enjoy the leisure facilities of the hotel. Alternatively, explore Antalya at your own pace. Suggestions include a stroll around the harbour area or taking a boat trip off the coast. (BB, D)
Hotel: Crowne Plaza & Harrington Park Resort (D)

Day 9

Antalya - Pamukkale

We pass pine forests and cross the Taurus mountains on our way to Pamukkale. On arrival we visit the ruins of Hierapolis and the beautiful 'Cotton Castle', an apt description of its dazzling white limestone terraces. (BB, D)
Hotel: Thermal Colossae (SFC)

Day 10

Pamukkale - Kusadasi

We first visit the Temple of Aphrodite at amazing Aphrodisias before following the Maeander River valley, (so full of twists and turns that it gave us the word 'meander') to our beautiful beach-front hotel in the lively coastal town of Kusadasi. (BB, D)
Hotel: Charisma or Korumar (FC)

Day 11

Kusadasi - Izmir

Today we tour one of the world's finest archaeological sites, Ephesus. We visit the Amphitheatre and walk along the Arcadian Way to view the splendid facade of the Library of Celsus. Next we stop at the House of the Virgin Mary, situated above the ruins, before continuing to the Selçuk archaeological museum, where many artefacts from Ephesus are displayed. We stay overnight in the pleasant Aegean port of Izmir. (BB, D)
Hotel: Swissôtel Grand Efes or Hilton (SFC)

Day 12

Izmir - Çanakkale

We stop in Pergamon, the impressive site of an ancient kingdom, to visit the Asklepion, one of the most famous shrines and therapeutic centres in the ancient world.We then drive to Homer's Troy to see the ruins of nine cities built on top of each other and an enormous reconstruction of the famous wooden horse. The evening is spent in Çanakkale. (BB, D)
Hotel: Kolin (FC)

Day 13

Çanakkale - Istanbul (2)

We cross the Dardanelle Straits by ferry and continue to the Gallipoli Peninsula, scene of fierce fighting in World War One. Here are the battle-fields where for nine months Anzac Troops fought unsuccessfully to gain control of the strategic Straits, with the loss of over half a million lives. Pay your respects at Anzac Cove and visit the emotive Lone Pine Cemetery before returning to Istanbul. (BB)
Hotel: Conrad or Hilton or Crowne Plaza Harbiye (D)

Day 14

Istanbul sightseeing

Today we visit the Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome, where Roman chariot races were held. We also visit St Sophia, a former cathedral and a mosque which is now a magnificent museum. The afternoon is dedicated to the Topkapi Palace, a walled city perched above the Bosphorous and the Golden Horn. Next it's time to test your haggling skills in the Grand Bazaar. Don't worry, your guide will give you a full explanation of the time-honoured ritual of bargaining! This evening, join a Farewell Dinner at a colourful local restaurant. (BB, FD)
Hotel: Conrad or Hilton or Crowne Plaza Harbiye (D)

Day 15 (Door to Door)

Depart Istanbul

The tour ends with transfers to Istanbul International Airport for your return flight back to the UK. On arrival at your UK airport, your driver will greet you and escort you to your waiting private car for your door to door transfer to your home. (BB)

Dates and prices

Destination Info

Overall customer rating 4.75 () 37 Reviews

• • Product :
    Tour was fine but the standard of a lot of the hotels was poor and in some cases really bad. This is probably because insight will be aware that people are unlikely to repeat such tours. If they are concerned with quality they would restrict the numbers being booked whil;st putting pressure on the hotels to improve standards. Comments from the guide that there are not many really good hotels for the numbers going to the area is not acceptable.

  • Service Rating :
    organisation was excellent. As stated in my letter to you following our tour there needs to be a clear statement on the website that the hotels are not to the recognised deluxe or sup first class as this was the main problem/complaint for us and the rest of the tour participants..
    

  • Response :
    Thank you for taking the time to both write to Milestones and comment on Feefo with you thoughts.
    
    Please understand that we strive for excellence and a memorable holiday and please accept our apologies that you felt disappointed in our hotel quality for this tour. Please know that we hold our tours to a high standard and as such have passed this information onto our product team to look into further.
    
    We do hope that you will be travelling with Milestones once again in the future.
    
    Kind Regards
    Shasheen Norton-Laver
    Customer Relations

  • Left 56 days ago

• • Product

  • Service Rating :
    Meeting at airport not too good, would have helped if the guide had held up
    a Milestones plackard.

  • Response :
    Thank you for taking the time to write on Feefo.
    
    Our Tour Directors are meeting clients flying in from all over the world as Milestones is a division of The Travel Corporation, who sell Insight Tours worldwide. We endeavour to give you as much information as possible within your Travel Documents with regards to transfers at the airport, in order to make your transfer as smooth as possible.
    
    Your comments are valued and will be shared with our Operations Team.
    
    Kind Regards
    Shasheen Norton-Laver
    Customer Relations

  • Left 69 days ago

• • Product :
    Excellent tour director, excellent (for the most part) accommodation, good food, good transportation, good value for money.

  • Service Rating :
    Very convincing, attentive service.
    

  • Response :
    Milestones would like to thank you for leaving your feedback on Feefo. It is fantastic for us to hear that you rated us as excellent. Your kind comments will be passed on to the whole team.
    
    Our Personal Travel Consultants really help to make the whole experience first class and try to give you as much information and advice as you need.
    They are your one and only point of contact throughout your booking process and they are proud of their attention to detail and expertise. We are pleased to hear that you found the booking process to be excellent, as we believe that by having your own Personal Travel Consultant you get an unrivalled service.
    
    We are very proud of our tour directors, they really can help to make your holiday a truly memorable one by being such a great source of knowledge.
    
    Please remember as you have travelled with us previously you will now qualify for a 5% discount on any future tour with us.
    We look forward to welcoming you back on another one of our Tours in the near future.
    
    Kind regards,
    
    Debbie Pullum
    Customer Relations

  • Left 76 days ago

• • Product :
    We booked the tour to visit the cultural sites of Turkey and it did exactly that.

  • Service Rating :
    We were rather surpeised to discover that we were travelling with a company called Insight. Who are Milestones and how does it all fit in?
    

  • Response :
    Thank you for leaving your comments.
    
    Insight is our sister company, as mentioned in our brochure on Page 7. Insight host this specific tour and their logo is on your travel documents, sent prior to leaving.
    
    Milestones is a division of the family-owned company The Travel Corporation which is renowned and trusted around the world for outstanding quality, service, reliability and stability.
    
    Milestones have recently been the recipient of multiple prestigious awards.
    
    We are pleased that you enjoyed your tour and saw many of the cultural sites. Our itineraries are generally fully packed with exciting sights to see and visit.
    
    We do hope we will be welcoming you onto another Milestones holiday again.
    
    Kind Regards
    Shasheen Norton-Laver
    Customer Relations

  • Left 79 days ago

• • Product :
    The itinerary on the guided tour of the Treasure of Turkey (29 Sep-13 Oct 2011) was excellent and more than I could have imagined. More time would have been much appreciated on the ancient sites and for some, to do shopping. Disappointingly we were not instructed how to haggle in the Grand Bazaar nor told that the same goods seen outside Istanbul would likely be considerably cheaper than in the Grand Bazaar. Personally I would have appreciated instruction on how politely to refuse to buy at the Leather factory, the Carpet factory and the Pottery, but that might be asking too much of Milestones!
    
    We spent a lot of time on the coach (someone calculated we covered 3500 miles in 15 days) and frankly the seats could have been more comfortable. The driver, Hussein, was on the whole very good except for the occasional enthusiastic braking and he kept a constant supply of water in the coach.
    
    It was obviously getting to the end of the season for our tour guide, Ece, who suffered two migraines during the tour. I have lived in the Mediterranean for many years and have Mediterranean blood in my veins as well as a half Italian, half Lebanese cousin so I am half way to understanding the psyche of the area, but Ece was definitely an acquired taste from time to time. She was rather officious and offhand at times, but most distressing of all did not welcome questions on site and in fact upset me considerably within the first three days. I later discovered I had half the tour group behind me, but did not ask any more questions. I go on guided tours to learn and discover which is difficult if questions are discouraged. Ece may have felt guilty for her rudeness as on at least two occasion she flung her arms round me (only me) saying she needed a hug. In her farewell speech on the coach she asked me publicly to look into my ancestry as she was sure I had Mediterranean blood because I asked too many questions and was impatient for information.
    
    I was amazed at the constant overt propaganda (not all of it wholly to be believed) we were fed by Ece. I have never experienced this on tours of Jordan, Libya, Sicily etc. I am not sure how much of this was appreciated by those in the group who were not brought up on the history of the area and are not quite as exposed to the current social and political scene as we are in Europe.
    
    I did ask for directions to a chemist, but had to wait till Izmir before Ece could direct me to one. I never found the chemist (it would have helped if she had told me the Turkish word for Pharmacy/chemist) and it took me a nerve wracking hour to find my way back to the Swiss Hotel in the dark after getting hopelessly lost and failing to make myself understood to the locals. On this point, I don’t think I have ever been to a country where I have found it almost impossible to communicate with the locals. I won’t be going to Turkey again for that reason. On more than one occasion I got the distinct impression that the locals conveniently forgot any English they might have learnt, when it suited them. I eventually found a pharmacy in Izmir but could have wished that Ece had taken me to one or undertaken to purchase the hand wash I required for me.
    
    While Ece’s veiled advance warning about the basic Iris Hotel in Canakkale proved accurate, nothing prepared us for the Harrington Park Resort Hotel in Antalya which in fairness Ece had never stayed at. The Harrington Park Resort was a disastrous choice of hotel. The reception staff was breathtakingly rude especially a girl called Seraf, and appeared to spend a lot of time ignoring the guests in favour of personal phone calls at the desk. The food was indifferent and I had to forcibly stop the dining room staff clearing dinner away before I had finished my meal. I was cold for lack of bedding and there was a dangerous lack of lighting in public areas such as corridors and lift landings.
    
    Much to the disappointment of many, we were left very much to our own devices in Antalya when not enough people in the group in Ece’s opinion wanted to go on a sea cruise on the ‘free’ day. Ece could have offered more help and a map to those wishing to visit the old town and its major sites (some considerable distance away from the hotel) and to those wishing to find a boat trip for themselves.
    
    The group worked remarkably well together and we had good weather on the whole and frequent rest stops at mostly good toilets, with the outstanding exception of the ONE ladies lavatory in Iznik/Nicea. Please find another more acceptable convenience with more clean lavatories.
    
    Milestones is to be congratulated overall for an amazing tour and experience.

  • Service Rating :
    My personal Milestones travel agent, Katrina Kokkila, was beyond praise: always available, friendly, interested, efficient and polite. To be able to speak directly to the same person ‘on your case’ is invaluable and saves time, anxiety and confusion. More companies should copy Milestones. I chose Milestones tour not only for the amazing itinerary, but also because it included flights, private transport to and from Heathrow airport and home, tips, half board and porterage (in most places) which made managing my money a lot easier.
    
    I was a little taken aback at Istanbul airport not to find Milestones waiting for me. Spotting an Insight representative set a niggle off at the back of my mind and on enquiry I discovered my name was on his list so I was directed to my transfer transport. I was travelling on my own.
    
    Although we were all given name badges to wear (I lost mine on day 3) it would have been most helpful and useful to have had ‘a cast list’ on arrival with the opportunity to swap addresses or emails at the end.
    

  • Response :
    Thank you for your detailed, candid feedback following your Treasures of Turkey tour.
    
    We are happy to read that you feel Milestones is to be congratulated overall for an amazing tour and experience. It is our pleasure to know that we are offering you the level of service and experience we endeavor to achieve.
    
    Your high praise for Katrina Kokkila, your Personal Travel Consultant has been passed on and is gratefully received. Our consultants take pride in their role and do their utmost to ensure your holiday is success.
    
    We do highlight our sister companies throughout our brochure with an explanation on Page 7 as to whom you will be travelling with. Our travel documents also carry the Insight logo. Our apologies that this caused you minor concern at the airport.
    
    We will pass on your comments to the appropriate individuals and departments on the areas in which you and we feel may require some attention.
    You have covered many aspects of travelling in your comments and we thank you for time you have spent.
    
    We appreciate you choosing Milestones and our sister companies.
    
    Kind Regards
    Shasheen Norton-Laver
    Customer Relations

  • Left 81 days ago

• • Product :
    A most excellent tour director. Friendly,caring,efficient and extremely knowledgeable. Hotels of a high standard.

  • Service Rating :
    Excellent and efficient service
    

  • Response :
    Thank you for taking the time to write on Feefo. Your high scores and positive words are appreciated; we aim to have provided you with unmatched levels of service and quality.
    
    We feel the Tour Directors really help to enhance your whole experience, by giving your local knowledge and we are glad you agree.
    
    Please remember as you have travelled with us previously you will now qualify for a 5% discount off any future tour with us.
    
    Kind Regards
    Shasheen Norton-Laver
    Customer Relations

  • Left 86 days ago

• • Product :
    The transfers to the Airport were excellent. The tour provided by Insight Tours was very good and their guide Daghan Erdogdu was superb and his knowledge second to none. All the hotels with the exception of 1 were of a very high standard. The holiday was certainly value for money

  • Service Rating :
    There were two administration problems, attempt to overcharge by £200 and eventually corrected, providing an itinerary in reverse order
    

  • Response :
    Thank you for taking the time to comment on your tour and experience. The error was a system glitch and we can only assure you that this was an extremely rare occurrence and as such was rectified immediately that your Consultant was made aware.
    
    We thank you for the positive comments on your transfer, the Tour Director of which will be forwarded , your hotels and that our tours are good value for money.
    
    Kind Regards
    Shasheen Norton-Laver
    Customer Relations

  • Left 90 days ago

• • Product :
    Guide was excellent and the tour itinerary was excellent. The hotels were variable and 1 was not up to the expected standard.

  • Service Rating :
    An efficient company.
    

  • Response :
    It is pleasing to read that you enjoyed your holiday and gave it high scores. Your comments regarding your hotels are unfortunate and we do hope that this did not affect your overall enjoyment of your holiday.
    
    Thank you for taking the time to write on Feefo and we look forward to welcoming you onto another Milestones holiday.
    
    Kind Regards
    Shasheen Norton-Laver
    Customer Relations

  • Left 90 days ago

• • Product :
    Again, bordering on excellent. The guide's knowledge and the content of the tour was excellent. I, personally would have liked a bit more time in the Blue Mosque and less time in the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul and, perhaps, generally with the shopping ptrips. Also, there wasn't always a kettle in the room in some hotels; the general standard was very high, but I do like to be able to boil water. As long as the hotel is clean, hygeinic, and the service good, I don't mind not always having a gym etc.

  • Service Rating :
    I would say bordering on excellent - everything went very smoothly. Perhaps being reminded that an early morning flight and having to arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before etc means a middle of the night start, i.e. helping the client think about all angles, would be the only improvement I can think of.
    

  • Response :
    Thank you for leaving us your comments on Feefo, about your recent Treasures of Turkey tour. We are pleased to hear that you felt it was good and that everything went smoothly. Our main aim at Milestones is that you enjoy every aspect of your holiday.
    
    I would just like to clarify the procedure with the transfers, we always leave an extra hour on top of the journey time. This is to allow for any traffic delays or any other unforseen problems. This is on top, of the correct time allowed for check in (either 2 or 3hrs depending on the destination). Your Personal Travel consultant will discuss this with you at the time of booking and will also be happy to amend the pickup times for you in the future, if you would like to make changes.
    
    Our Tour Directors are highly experienced and often are a great source of knowledge, helping to further enhance your tour experience. They are assisted by local guides, who are very passionate on the life and history of their own cities.
    
    I will pass your comments about the itinerary to the Product team.
    They do review all feedback from our clients.
    
    Our 2012/2013 brochure is packed full of tours with more to offer on-line, so we hope to see you on another tour with us again soon.
    
    Kind regards,
    
    Debbie Pullum
    Customer Relations

  • Left 90 days ago

• • Product :
    Inspite of booking a veg meal on the flight to and fromlondon. ,the BA were not able to comply with this request.They had no knowledge of this.
    For Vegetarians the choice of food became monotonous.
    Hotel in Instanbulshould have been in the centre of the town

  • Service Rating :
    The airport service was well appreciated. The guide was very informative,caring and helpfull.
    

  • Response :
    Our Private Transfers are unique and unrivalled; your wonderfully appointed executive car is reserved exclusively for your use ensuring an uninterrupted hassle-free journey to your airport.
    
    We do apologise that you did not get your requested vegetarian meal, within your booking notes; it has been noted and requested. It is unfortunate that you had a limited choice of meals and found them to be monotonous; your comments will be passed to the product team.
    
    Thank you for taking the time to write on Feefo and we do hope that you will be travelling with Milestones again soon.
    
    Kind Regards
    Shasheen Norton-Laver
    Customer Relations

  • Left 97 days ago

• • Product :
    This was the best coach tour I have ever been on in my 30 years of travelling. The tour director was amazing both in the manner in which he presented information during the whole trip and in his organisation of each event. The tour itself was extremely interesting ranging from the amazing: history, culture, archaeology and people. The hotels were all 5 star, the coach had plenty of leg room and was comfortable and the driver was very competent.
    Overall I felt the tour was great value for money with very few extras or options to pay for.

  • Service Rating :
    All the arrangements for the tour went smoothly and the transport to and from the home airport was an added bonus.
    

  • Response :
    We are happy to note that our services and facilities were to your satisfaction. It is our constant endeavour to deliver the best services and it is appreciation and feedback such as yours which motivates the entire team to continue striving for excellence.
    
    Treasures of Turkey is one of our more popular tours and it is positive to ready that you found your holiday to be extremely interesting and great value for money.
    
    Our Tour Directors do make all the difference aiming to share with you their local knowledge and expertise, as well as becoming a historian, guide, interpreter, concierge and hopefully a good friend they will take pride in offering you advice and assistance.
    
    Thank you taking the time to write on Feefo and to score Milestones so highly. We look forward to welcoming you onto another Milestones holiday soon.
    
    Please remember as you have travelled with us previously you will now qualify for a 5% discount off any future tour with us.
    
    Kind Regards
    Shasheen Norton-Laver
    Customer Relations

  • Left 98 days ago

• • Product :
    Tour was well lead and very informative. The arrangement and facilities provided suited us very well.
    
    The only niggle was on arrival at Instanbul we were not aware the the tour was run by Insite and so had an anxious half hour looking for a " Milestones " rep because we had not noticed the name of the local provider. Soon sorted and it did not impsct on our enjoyment

  • Service Rating :
    Service from staff in initial booking of holiday excellent
    Arrangement of transfers in Uk and the service provided to get to and from Birmingham Airport went very smoothly.
    

  • Response :
    We are really pleased to hear that you enjoyed your Treasures of Turkey tour.
    
    At Milestones our objective is for you to enjoy every aspect of your holiday experience and it is positive news that this objective has been met.
    
    We believe that the Personal Travel Consultants really help to make the whole experience first class and try their best, to give you as much information and advice as you need. I am glad you thought our door to door service was excellent, a chauffeured car is the only way to start your holiday in true style.
    
    Our sincerest apologies that you were unaware that you would be travelling with our sister company Insight. Please let me explain that we endeavour to highlight our sister companies like Insight throughout our brochure starting from Page 7, which includes a write up on each of the sister companies we feature. The Insight Logo is also on the appropriate holiday pages within the brochure to indicate who the tour is hosted by.
    
    It is great for us to hear that tour itself suited you so well, escorted touring really is a great way for you to discover the many contrasts of such an interesting country along with all of the historical sites.
    
    With that in mind, I would like to advise that our 2012/2013 brochure is packed full of tours and there are many more to offer on-line.
    We look forward to welcoming you back on another one of our Tours in the near future.
    
    Kind regards,
    
    Debbie Pullum
    Customer Services

  • Left 104 days ago

• • Product :
    Arrival introduction was wasted as we were stuck in Istanbul traffic.When at last we arrived at the hotel our airport guide spent 20 minutes trying to locate the venue for the meeting with us and our luggage in tow.
    Some of the hotels were not of the standard we were led to expect.
    Lot of time was wasted on shopping.

  • Service Rating :
    Everything was well arranged and very clear. Stacey wasalways very helpful.Thanks.
    

  • Response :
    Thank you for taking the time to write on Feefo, your positive comments regarding your Personal Travel Consultant Stacey Elms, will be passed onto her. Our Consultants strive for excellence and take pride in providing you with a first class service.
    
    It is unfortunate that you were stuck in Istanbul Traffic and we do hope that this did not affect your overall enjoyment of your holiday.
    
    The comments that you have made regarding the standard of the hotels and time wasted on shopping will be shared with our Product Team.
    
    We hope that you will be travelling with Milestones again soon.
    
    Kind Regards
    Shasheen Norton-Laver
    Customer Relations

  • Left 109 days ago

• • Product :
    If you like history then Turkey is for you. It is an amazing place and this tour was first class with excellent hotels. Our tour director could not have been more helpful and she new her job inside out. Congratulations also to our coach driver for a very comfortable journey.

  • Service Rating :
    The tour was "reversed" in direction rather late in the day for no apparent reason. We actually met people on the original tour going in the original direction and their coach was apparently not full? In this respect, having been on tour for 14 days or so our last day in Istanbul was rushed having to see so many sites of interest. If would have been nice to have had the relaxing boat trip on the Bospherous on the last day (as orininally proposed) not the first day. By day 14 we were all suffering from information "overload".
    

  • Response :
    Thank you for your comments and taking the time to respond. Please let us explain that tours can be reversed for operational reasons, changes to routes to sightseeing destinations or simply that the tour is very popular and merits running additional tours. Turkey is a very popular destination and we want to ensure that we do not disappoint clients with tours that are completely sold out. Coaches do not have to be full for the tour to continue or a 2nd departure to be added (a reverse). Running 2 coaches or splitting a larger group can also benefit clients.
    
    Thank you for your comments regarding the Bospherous boat trip, this is scheduled on the original itinerary for Day 2 we have taken on board your thoughts and will share them with our Product Team.
    
    Your feedback and opinion are very important and your valuable comments and suggestions are used to help us improve on quality and service on every aspect of the Milestones experience. Thank you again for your comments.
    
    Kind Regards
    Shasheen Norton-Laver
    Customer Relations

  • Left 110 days ago

• • Product

  • Service Rating :
    Excellent tour manager who made the history of Turkey's historical sites come alive

  • Response :
    Thank you for taking the time to leave us your feedback on Feefo.
    
    It is wonderful for us to see that you rated your Treasures of Turkey tour as excellent. Our award-winning First Class escorted tours, not only show you the major sites and attractions that you would expect but also surprising you with hidden gems along the way, that only a true expert would know.
    
    Our Tour Directors are highly experienced and often are a great source of knowledge, helping to further enhance your touring experience. Assisted by local guides, passionate on the life and history of their own city they can really make your trip a memorable one and we are really happy to know that you agree.
    
    We look forward to welcoming you on another Milestones tour very soon.
    
    Kind regards,
    
    Debbie Pullum
    Customer Services

  • Left 111 days ago

• • Product :
    Our tour guide Gulum Obruk was first rate as was our driver Sinan. The hotels we stayed in were generally of a good standard and I think the holiday was good value for money.

  • Service Rating :
    I have no complaints about the holiday itself but I'm not so satisfied about the efficiency of the office staff. The tour guide itinery provided was incorrect on 2 occasions and I was not happy with the phone manner & attitude of the Milestones representative when this was pointed out.
    

  • Response :
    Thank you for taking the time to write on Feefo, we are pleased that you gave your holiday a high score. We apologize that you felt the service was lacking from the office staff. Our records do confirm that the original information sent to you was incorrect and rectified. Our sincerest apologies for any inconvenience caused.
    
    We do take seriously any comments made regarding our service and will be investigating this matter further, taking on board your feelings regarding your representative.
    Thank you again for your comments
    
    Kind Regards
    Shasheen Norton-Laver
    Customer Relations

  • Left 111 days ago

• • Product :
    The tour was well organised but two hour shopping stops for leather, ceramics etc when time is limited at actual sites is not realistic. You also cannot get a vision of a local town by parking up for lunch on a roadside service area 1 km outside the centre. Legroom was excellent and guide and driver were extremely good. Hotels were good and buffets give far better selection for particular diets.

  • Service Rating :
    Expected Milestones not Insight/Marvel tours but once over this excellent hotels and coach
    

  • Response :
    Thank you for taking the time to write on Feefo.
    
    Milestones is a division of The Travel Corporation renowned and trusted around the world for outstanding quality. Our tours and river cruises are operated by our sister companies, Insight is one of our prestigious sister companies.
    
    We do highlight this throughout a brochure from Page 7, and use the Insight Logo in the brochure on the holiday page as well as your travel documents; however, your comments have been taken on board and passed to our operations team.
    
    Your other comments regarding the tour its self are to be shared with our Product team. Your comments are valued and help us to improve upon our services and products.
    
    Kind Regards
    Shasheen Norton-Laver
    Customer Relations

  • Left 114 days ago

• • Product :
    Enthusiastic tour guide.

  • Service Rating :
    Efficient agency
    

  • Response :
    Thank you for taking the time to write on Feefo. Your comments are valued.
    
    Please remember as you have travelled with us previously you will now qualify for a 5% discount off any future tour with us.
    
    Kind Regards
    Shasheen Norton-Laver
    Customer Relations

  • Left 115 days ago

• • Product :
    Too much time spent on long coach journeys.

  • Service Rating :
    -+The only real criticism is the choice of Air Europa on the return from Barcelona.The flight to Madrid was delayed for 90 minutes which made it impossible to catch the connection to Gatwick. There was no one at Barcelona who seemed to know what was happening.
    

  • Response :
    Thank you for taking the time to give us your feedback on Feefo.
    
    We are sorry to hear that you experienced problems with your return flight from Barcelona and that you couldn't get the information that you required. Unfortunately as you can appreciate, any delays with flights are out of our control.
    
    The Treasures of Turkey tour is set at quite a lively pace, as per the brochure. To cover such a large area of the country, it does involve some long coach journeys. If you look in our new Worldwide brochure, you will now find a lot more 'At Leisure' touring styles giving you more free time at each location, later morning starts and a minimum of two nights in each location. This should help to break up the longer drives on your coach tour.
    
    Please remember as you have travelled with us previously you will now qualify for a 5% discount on any future tour with us.
    
    Kind regards,
    
    Debbie Pullum
    Customer Relations

  • Left 116 days ago

• • Product :
    Tour was excellent. Selchuk our guide and Ardil our driver were fantastic. Selchuk was a mine of information and kept the whole group interested in what we were seeing. Turkey is a remarkable place and although we were a bit rushed to see everything on the tour, it was well worth doing. Hotels were good, but as stated earlier in another review they are out of town, but I suppose Milestones (Insight) have to use the bigger hotels anyway.

  • Service Rating :
    Excellent before the trip, the car pickup went well for the other members of our group of six, but they were badly let down on our return as the car never arrived and they had to find their own way home.
    

  • Response :
    Our Personal Travel Consultants are there to provide you with an unrivalled service, giving you all the information and advice that you need before you travel.
    
    I have looked into the error with the return transfers and I can see from our records that the the issue was resolved with the other members of your party and they were happy with our response. We would like to re-assure you that our UK transfers usually run seamlessly and incidents like this are very rare.
    
    The Treasures of Turkey tour is set at a lively pace and there are many sites of interest covered, over a huge area. It is a fascinating country and we are very pleased to hear that you found the tour to be excellent, the tour guides and drivers are highly experienced and as you have mentioned, a wealth of local knowledge.
    
    We will pass your comments about the hotels on to our Product team.
    
    Milestones would like to thank you for choosing to travel with us and we look forward to seeing you on another tour soon.
    
    Kind regards,
    
    Debbie Pullum
    Customer Services

  • Left 119 days ago

• • Product :
    Superb, extremely capable and knowledgeable tour manager/guide who made the trip a truly memorable and enjoyable one for all the passengers. The itinerary was extremely good - better even than advertised - and the hotels (except Pamukkale) very nice. The coach might have been a little more spacious though.

  • Service Rating :
    Well organised, lots of info, pleasant to deal with.
    

  • Response :
    Thank you for taking the time to write on Feefo, your positive comments and experiences about your holiday are very valuable to us. Milestones choose the best tours from all of our tour operators around the world and our Personal Travel Consultants really help make the whole experience first class.
    We are very pleased that you have rated us so highly, for both service and the product.
    
    Our Tour Directors do make all the difference aiming to share with you their local knowledge and expertise, as well as being a historian, guide, interpreter, concierge and hopefully a friend by the end of tour. They really do help to make the trip a memorable one.
    
    It is fantastic to hear that you thought the itinerary was even better than expected, along with the hotels being very nice. Your comment about the hotel in Pamukkale and the coach will be passed to our product team.
    
    Our 2012/2013 brochure is packed full of tours, with more to offer on-line and you will receive a 5% discount should you book again.
    
    We look forward to welcoming you back on another one of our Tours in the near future
    
    Kind regards,
    
    Debbie Pullum
    Customer Services

  • Left 119 days ago

• • Product :
    Great tour, saw so much, and the hotel accomodation was generally top notch. Only downside - the pace of the tour was relentless, and towards the end of the second week started feeling jaded.

  • Service Rating :
    Everything was arranged like clockwork from the time the chauffeur picked us up from home, to the time he dropped us off again two weeks later.
    

  • Response :
    Thank you for leaving your feedback here on Feefo, it is very valuable to us and great to hear that you felt the service was excellent. We believe a chauffeured car is the only way to start your holiday in true style.
    
    This Treasures of Turkey tour is set at a lively pace, as it covers a large part of the country and many historical sights.
    In our new worldwide brochure you will now find a lot more 'At Leisure' touring styles giving you more free time at each location, later morning starts and a minimum of two nights in each place.
    These tours may be of interest to you and Milestones hope to see you again soon.
    
    Kind regards,
    
    Debbie Pullum
    Customer Services

  • Left 119 days ago

• • Product :
    We went on holiday to Turkey in 2010 via Milestones. The holiday was enjoyable but the bus was not up to the standard expected for Milestones

  • Service Rating :
    Any questions are answered quickly
    

  • Response :
    Thank you for your comments regarding your Treasures of Turkey Tour. Turkey is a popular destination and it is pleasing to read that you found your holiday to be enjoyable.
    
    Our apologies that you do not feel the coaches were up to the Milestones usual standard. Your comments are valued and will be passed onto our Operations Team.
    
    We do hope to welcome you onto another Milestones holiday soon.
    
    Kind Regards
    Shasheen Norton-Laver
    Customer Relations

  • Left 120 days ago

• • Product :
    Wondeful tour. Good pace, excellent tour guide. Overall accommodation and food were good, let down by a couple of less good hotels in Konya & Pamukkale. It would be an advantage if the farewell dinner was included in the holiday and not an option. Quite a number of our party did not attend because it was expensive.

  • Service Rating :
    Very efficient organisation of the holiday. Excellent value for money.
    

  • Response :
    We would like to thank you for taking the time to give us your feedback. At Milestones our objective is for you to enjoy every aspect of your holiday experience and it is positive news that this objective has been met.
    
    Our inside knowledge enables us to create perfectly planned itineraries, with included excursions, sightseeing and surprising hidden treasures. These all help to make your holiday a memorable one, so we are really pleased to know that you had a wonderful time.
    
    The Tour Directors do make all the difference aiming to share with you their local knowledge and expertise, as well as taking pride in offering you advice and assistance should you need it.
    
    Your comments about the hotels and the farewell will be passed on to the Product team, they do take client feedback on board as it helps us to maintain and improve our high standards.
    
    Our 2012/2013 brochure is packed full of tours with more to offer on-line. Please remember that as you have travelled with us before you are now entitled to a further 5% discount when you next book.
    
    We do hope to see you on a Milestones holiday again soon.
    
    Kind regards,
    
    Debbie Pullum
    Customer Services

  • Left 120 days ago

• • Product :
    Our tour guide Saba was exceptionally good

  • Service Rating :
    We were surprised to be the only Brits on this tour.
    The car service to/from Heathrow was excellent.
    

  • Response :
    Thank you for your comments. I am really pleased that you enjoyed the tour. Our products are sold in other English speaking countries and we find that the interaction between the nationalities is very positive. People make great friends from around the world. We do promote this in our brochure as it is a good selling point for us.
    
    I am glad you thought our door to door service was excellent. A chauffeured car is the only way to start your holiday in true style.
    
    Thank you again and I hope we can see you travel with us soon.
    
    Chris Fundell
    Marketing Manager

  • Left 120 days ago

• • Product :
    loved turkey and the tour

  • Service Rating :
    you get the best with the best
    

  • Response :
    Turkey is one of our most popular destinations and it is positive to read that you loved your tour.
    
    Thank you for taking the time to write on Feefo and to rate Milestones with high scores.
    
    Our 2012/2013 brochure is packed full of tours with more to offer on-line. As you have travelled with us before, you now qualify for a 5% discount on any future tour with us.
    
    We hope that you choose to book with us again soon.
    
    Kind Regards
    Shasheen Norton-Laver
    Customer Relations

  • Left 121 days ago

• • Product :
    Excellent tour with very knowledgeable guide

  • Service Rating :
    Everything extremely well organised
    

  • Response :
    Thank you for taking the time to comment on Feefo your positive scores will be shared with the rest of the Milestones Team, aiding them in their continual quest for outstanding excellence of service.
    
    Kind Regards
    Shasheen Norton-Laver
    Customer Relations

  • Left 122 days ago

• • Product

  • Service Rating :
    Disappointing that we had to change dates.

  • Response :
    Our apologies that you had to change the dates of your holiday for whatever reason that was. We hope that this did not affect your experience too much and still enjoyed your Treasures of Turkey tour.
    
    Thank you for taking the time to write on Feefo.
    
    Kind Regards
    Shasheen Norton-Laver
    Customer Relations

  • Left 122 days ago

• • Product :
    Enjoyable trip

  • Service Rating :
    Well organsied tour
    

  • Response :
    Milestones would like to thank you for taking the time to give us your feedback, following your recent Treasures of Turkey Tour.
    
    With expertly planned itineraries, included excursions, sightseeing and fantastic dining these all help to make your holiday a memorable one. So we are really pleased to know that you had an enjoyable trip.
    
    You will now receive a 5% discount on any future tours with us and there may be other tours of interest to you which are new for 2012
    We look forward to seeing you on another tour in the future.
    
    Kind regards,
    
    Debbie Pullum
    Customer Services

  • Left 122 days ago

• • Product :
    See comment above

  • Service Rating :
    I have already written detailed comments and praise following our first tour with Milestones to Turkey. You are welcome to use them.
    

  • Response :
    Thank you for your comments.
    
    Treasures of Turkey is one of our most popular tours and it is positive to see such high scores for frequently booked tour.
    
    Kind Regards
    Shasheen Norton-Laver
    Customer Relations

  • Left 122 days ago

• • Product :
    We did this 2 years ago, this time we did the easy Turkey and Greece tour. Both are excellent with very professional tour guides.

  • Service Rating :
    Well organised and on schedule. Collection to and from airport is a boon
    

  • Response :
    Thank you for your kind comments with regards to your Treasures of Turkey tour.
    
    Milestones really believe that the private door to door transfers really help to enhance the pre and post tour experience, your comments will be passed on to our Transfers department.
    
    We are very pleased that you enjoyed both tours so much, so please be reminded that as you have travelled with us previously you will now qualify for a 5% discount off any future tour with us and we look forward to welcoming you on another tour in the future.
    
    Kind regards,
    
    Debbie Pullum
    Customer Services

  • Left 123 days ago

• • Product

  • Service Rating :
    A very good tour guide.

  • Response :
    Thank you for booking with Milestones and leaving feedback about your Treasures of Turkey tour.
    Our Tour Directors are highly experienced and often are a great source of knowledge, helping to further enhance your tour experience and we are pleased to hear that this was the case on your holiday.
    
    Please remember as you have travelled with us previously you will now qualify for a 5% discount on any future tour with us.
    We look forward to welcoming you back on another one of our Tours in the near future.
    
    Kind regards,
    
    Debbie Pullum
    Customer Services

  • Left 123 days ago

• • Product :
    An unforgetable experience.

  • Service Rating :
    The hotels, were excellant. The tours were exciting and interesting. Our tour manager was knowledgable,and nothing was too much trouble to him.Very comfortable coach, an excellant corteous driver.
    

  • Response :
    From the moment you first have contact with us to the day of arrival home; we aim to have provided you with unmatched levels of service and quality.
    
    We are very pleased to read that you had an unforgettable experience and hope that you enjoy many more holidays with Milestones.
    
    Thank you for taking the time to write feedback on Feefo.
    
    Kind Regards
    Shasheen Norton-Laver
    Customer Relations

  • Left 123 days ago

• • Product :
    Turkey was superb, but the tour included too much shopping to the detriment of more worthwhile activities, and the Guide was smug and self-satisfied. If I wanted lengthy lectures/diatribes on the EU's poor treatment of Turkey or women in Turkish society, I would go to a more appropriate place!

  • Service Rating :
    The service was first rate, but the increase in prices over the past two years is ludicrous (flights are not included for next year! What next? No hotel!).
    

  • Response :
    Thank you for the kind words with regards to the service. Milestones endeavour to offer the best customer service. The decision to brochure our tours without the cost of international flights included was due to customer feedback and to offer greater choice and flexibility.
    
    Many of our customers like the flexibility to choose their preferred airline, departure airport and departure time whilst others also like to make their own flight arrangements, perhaps taking advantage of their frequent flyer points or Air Miles.
    However, we have since come to appreciate that many other clients like to see a fully packaged price, which is why for January 2012 we are pleased to reintroduce the cost of international flights back into our portfolio of products. You will see this in our new brochure produced for January.
    
    We are pleased that you enjoyed your Turkey Tour and will pass on your comments regarding your Tour Director.
    
    Kind Regards
    Shasheen Norton-Laver
    Customer Relations

  • Left 123 days ago

• • Product :
    Good value but two coaches, both full, created logistic problems for hotels, lunch stops etc.

  • Service Rating :
    no problems
    

  • Response :
    Turkey is one of our popular destinations and as such we often run two coaches on opposite itineraries in peak seasons. By running those on opposite itineraries we hope to avoid the logistic problems, unfortunately this is not always avoidable.
    
    Thank you for your positive grading of our services and for taking the time to comment on Feefo. Your feedback and opinion is very important to improve on our products and services here at Milestones.
    
    Kind Regards
    Shasheen Norton-Laver
    Customer Relations

  • Left 123 days ago

• • Product :
    Very good tour. After returning we checked what other tours did (we also did this before but it is not so meaningful before you go) and felt that this tour was better than others and at an excellent price.

  • Service Rating :
    Spot on!
    

  • Response :
    Thank you for taking the time to post your comments following your recent Treasures Of Turkey Tour. Your feedback and opinion are very important and we are very pleased to hear that you rated the holiday so highly, as we package together what we feel are the most suitable holidays for our UK clients
    We look forward to welcoming you back to another one of our Tours in the near future.
    
    Debbie Pullum
    Customer Services

  • Left 123 days ago