Traveler Ratings for Private Tour in Ephesus, Turkey by Tour Guide Bozdag Hakan

Tour Description	Location	Guide
Christian Ephesus	Ephesus, Turkey	Bozdag Hakan

Dona Brooks, United States Oct 30/12 Hakan did a great job of showing us around Ephesus and the beautiful sights of Kudasai. We spent a couple of hours in the ruins with him explaining to our group and answering questions...I have a much better understanding of life during Biblical times. He knew a great place for lunch...so Turkish! Outside under the grape vines with lamb and beef kabobs cooking on the grill...yum! He was a great guide and I highly recommend him for your visit to Ephesus. TOUR GUIDE RESPONSE: Thanks Dona, It was a perfect day for me too. Hope to see you again....

Coralyn Goode, Houston, TX, United States Oct 13/12 We have taken 14 tours with toursbylocals and this is the first less than good experience. My mother reported: We had a lovely van, and a driver with our guide, Hakan. That's the best I can say. He knew the territory, and where to take pictures. But, after lunch, he said we had seen it all, and offered to drop us in the main town for shopping. He discouraged us from seeing the Basilica. Other guides have shown us the country they love, today Hakan showed us bricks and mortar. TOUR GUIDE RESPONSE: First of all, thanks for your review. I am so sorry to hear about this experience. To speak from my side, I was told in advance that your mother is elderly and to do an easy tour. I did my best to meet this request and advised against St John's church because of its big steps. I also felt there is not so much to see in the church, only in the basement. Difficult as they are to hear, your comments about my service are greatly appreciated. I will take these into serious consideration for my future tours. TOURSBYLOCALS RESPONSE: We've spoken with Hakan about this review and he is "shocked" and at a loss to explain it. He said when he left them at the drop off location that he felt like he did his best taking in consideration the customer's limitations.

Renee Duffey, United States Jul 2/12 Hakan was professional and incredibly knowledgable about the sites. We saw more than we would have seen on a ship excursion with less stress and in a shorter amount of time since we were able to avoid the crowds. He also respected our choices to see or not see certain things. We would definitely recommend him to others. TOUR GUIDE RESPONSE: Thanks Renee, It was a perfect day for me too. Hope to meet you again....

John Andersen, United States Jun 20/12 Hakan was terrific and a joy to spend the day with. He accommodated our every need, never pushed us and was very knowledgeable about every aspect of the places we visited. I would use him again and will recommend him to anyone traveling to Ephesus. TOUR GUIDE RESPONSE: Thanks John. I am so happy since you liked my guiding. Hope to see you again. Hakan

Richard Bent, Canada May 24/12 Hakan was an exceptional guide who is very knowledgeable and who took the time to explain the history and culture of the various sites. He tailored the tour to our interests. Hakan was very professional and certainly made it a priority to meet our needs and interests. Driver was very good and careful. Van was clean and good working order. Would definitely book with Hakan again! TOUR GUIDE RESPONSE: Thanks Richard for your kind comments. It was a lovely day being with you.

Naomi Denley, United States May 23/12 Thank you Hakan for the wondeful tour in Ephesus. We had a wonderful time and learned so much about Ephesus and Turkish culture. We really enjoyed the fact that it was just our group that toured with you. Tours by locals is a great way to tour and not be one of fifty on a big bus. I learned more and listened better with the one on one attention. You were the first time we used Tours by Locals and I cannot imagine not using Tours everytime we travel. I highly recommend Hakan and this tour! TOUR GUIDE RESPONSE: Thanks Naomi. You are so kind, I am glad you enjoyed your tour with us. Best wishes

Harvey Snyder, United States Oct 23/11 Hakan was on time; he did everything he said he would do and substantially more. He added things at our request, making it a most successful day. We enjoyed his company and enthusiasm. TOUR GUIDE RESPONSE: Thanks Sarvey. I appreciate your comments! I thank you for choosing me to spend your day in Ephesus

Alexander Cortez, Howell, NJ, United States Oct 13/11 Best tour guide ever! My family and I thought that Hakan was extremely knowledgeable and hospitable. He was extremely friendly and treated us as if he had been our friend for years. I highly recommend him! Cort Family

Cantey Deeter, United States Sep 23/11 My family had a wonderful day touring Ephesus with Hakan. He was very helpful and interested in showing us places in which we had an interest. He made sure my parents were comfortable and took us to a farmers market and negotiated with the vendors for us. I would definitely advise others to use Hakan as their guide in Ephesus. TOUR GUIDE RESPONSE: Hi Cantey, Thanks for your comments. Hope to see you again :)

David Horne, United States Aug 4/11 Hakan was an excellent guide for our family (kids 18, 16, 12). We flew from Istanbul to Izmir for the day, arriving 8 am, departing 9 pm. Hakan had arranged for a new, air-conditioned Mercedes van and driver for all of our transportation (at an extra fee, clearly communicated beforehand). We saw all the main sights, plus because we had so much extra time, we also visited the carpet and ceramic factories. We still had extra time, and waited a couple hours at the airport before our flight departed.

Susan Hamar, United States Jun 22/11 We have had extensive experience w/cruising in Europe and booking direct w/private guides in various ports (10+). Based on our family experience, I can highly recommend Hakan w/out hesitation ( flexible, knowledgeable, sound English, accommodating to our family's vast interests from the Christian sites of Ephesus, to my 83 yr old mother's mobility restrictions, to my 6 yr old's need for a snack!). He arranged quality transport for us and was patient w/all questions before trip & during. Great emailer!