Dear Tolun, I wanted just to write to you to thank you for the two-week tour in eastern Turkey this summer which you organized and acted as driver guide. As a very specialized tour covering principally Roman remains in Turkey and covering very great distances in sometimes difficult traveling circumstances, I was most impressed with the way you planned and conducted the tour. You were always willing to go that extra mile (or hundred!) to see an additional site I had requested after the tour started, and were most resourceful in locating places which were well off the beaten tourist track. I was struck by your enthusiasm for this particular period in Turkey’s history, and by your determination that I should see as much as humanly possible in the time we had together. I was also impressed by the way in which you always managed to locate a nice hotel and negotiate a good deal in the most out of the way towns. I very much enjoyed the two weeks I spent in your company and would most heartily recommend your services to anyone I knew who might visit Turkey in the future. Best wishes,
Philip Parker, London, England

Tolun I think you are the best. You have given me a wonderful 2 weeks. Your knowledge is incredible. Thank you so much. Tell your mother she has a son to be proud of – but she knows that already. I hope to see you in New Zealand. Look after all the cats for me. Take care. Kind Regards from, Colleen Davis. New Zealand

Hi Tolun, The time has certainly flown since we left you in Turkey. Back at work and our holiday is only a pleasant memory. We would like to thank you for your hospitality, knowledge and friendship while on our tour. We certainly learnt a lot about Turkey. Your knowledge is unlimited. We enjoyed our time with you even if we did disappoint you, with not wanting to see as many ruins as you would have liked to have shown us. Our interest is not as great as yours but we really did enjoy ourselves. It was a pleasure to meet your mother so please pass on our regards to her, we are sorry we didn’t get to spend more time with her. Our train trip was excellent and would have no problem recommending it to anyone wanting to go on that overnight train. Have some beautiful photos and a lot of great memories. Thanks again. Shirl, Alf, Jude & Bruce, Australia

Hi Tolun, I hope you are well and you had a chance to rest up after your hectic schedule recently. Now that we have had a chance to get organized at home, we are still talking about our wonderful trip to your beautiful country. It certainly was made much more beautiful by the places and experiences we had with your help. Your cave rooms in Cappadocia were fantastic, an experience of a lifetime for us. Your kindness will be treasured always- I will never forget the lemon tea you went out to find that helped me recover from a brief period when I wasn’t feeling well. We absorbed many of the gems of knowledge you patiently explained to us- whether it was the practices of Islam in Turkey or Turkish comedy writers- it was all so interesting. Visiting and learning from you has really opened our eyes to what a wonderful country you have and how myself and other Canadians must wakeup and give Turkey and Turkish people the attention and recognition they so richly deserve. I am sure we will be going there again so save one of the cave rooms for us when we do go. Next time I would like to actually walk all of the way through the secret tunnel.We have been telling our friends what a great experience it was and I expect sooner or later, one or more of them will call you or email you for a tour. We have been viewing our photos now and it reminds us again of what a great time we had in Turkey. Warmest regards, Rod, Roderick Thorpe, Montreal, Canada

Thank you for your loving care and thoughtfulness for Joy and me in Turkey 2007. Your depth of knowledge of the places visited impressed me and also your ability to answer numerous questions. I appreciated your courtesy, friendliness and careful driving. Nothing was too much trouble. I still get excited thinking about Cappadocia, especially the hot air ballooning. Just magic! I have been looking forward to seeing you again in NZ. Hope your time in NZ is marked by love, peace, hope, joy and safe travel, and good health. Lorna Medwin, Touranga, New Zealand

To our friend Tolun,We had the most amazing time exploring your beautiful country with you. You and Turkey will stay in our hearts. So many thanks, Karan & David Richardson 10 – 14 – 2010 U. S. A.

Dear Tolun, This time with you has been wonderful. Your knowledge & presentation is wonderful to listen & thank you for your patience & cote in helping me over tough latches. Sorry if I have shocked you at times but thank you for all the laugh times they will always be good to remember. You are a dear man & I hope you have many more years of showing people your beautiful old country. I have loved every moment. Thank you dear friend God Bless & Keep you safe. June, New Zealand

Would you like to go back in time? Then take a journey with Tolun and visit the archaeological sites of Turkey where he will attend to minute details of daily life and culture of the people who once inhabited these sites. Tolun is a quiet caring gentleman who will attend to your every need. He takes you to a memorable journey in his comfortable VW minivan and will follow your personal choice of activity for the day, if you wish to amend your itinerary for any reason. His choice of unique accommodation converted stone homes by the sea or a converted village house high in the mountains gives you the opportunity to experience a serene stay with local people where you learn about the life of the community. His local knowledge allows you for an excellent English commentary along the way giving insight to the customs, development and environment of Turkey. As Australians we were very impressed with Tolun’s guidance tour of Gallipoli. All questions were answered and gave classification and a balanced account of the events of that time. To anyone thinking of coming to Turkey we would highly recommend Tolun as a guide driver for a memorable experience.Nola, Ron, Robyn and Keith, Small group tour of Western Coast of Turkey, SNW Australia

Many many thanks Tolun for the wonderful way you have looked after us and the places you have shown us in your beautiful country: I won’t forget your smiling face and all the laughs we’ve had. May the lord bless you with much success in your business.Kind Regards, Colleen Gordon, New Zealand

We cannot imagine another guide who is as knowledgeable about the history and architecture of Turkey. Thank you for a marvelous two days in Istanbul when you took us from the Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque and Santa Sophia to the nooks and crannies of the Spice Bazaar. Our tour of the city was not only packed with information, it was really fun. You are the best!Bea and Chuck Delpapa, Lisbon, OH (USA)

We have just come home to New Zealand after spending 8 wonderful days touring with Tolun. We now have 1500 digital photos, experienced the intrigue of Turkey’s history and seen the unique scenery of Cappadocia, Safranbolu and Istanbul, and have done all the things every tourist does in Turkey but there was an “X” factor to our holiday and it was Tolun. We will treasure the memories of our night with Bayram at the House of Memories restaurant in Uchisar. Our host Bayram had twice as much enthusiasm as Basil Fawlty, his friends who just happened to drop in, ended up having a “loud argument” which we couldn’t understand but assume it was about who was going to sell us something in the morning, and just by co-incidence at 6.30 the next morning we met Raja (one of the arguers) on his way home from prayers, who treated us to several cups of tea, more animated conversation, you are my friend.. you are my friend, and a grand tour of his 6 level cave house all by 7.30. In Beypazari we asked Tolun if we could have a cup of tea in a “tea shop” Why not was Tolun’s reply. It was freezing outside, but inside the men were playing cards, everybody was smoking and the heater was throwing out an uncomfortable amount of heat. The place had “athmosphere” Soon the locals were helping us Kiwi’s beat Tolun at Backgammon. Tolun didn’t stand a chance that night. Our Turkish friends wouldn’t accept any payment for our tea and coffee that night. Oh, where in Turkey could a “brash kiwi” walk into a barber’s shop and get a cut throat razor shave “spontaneous” happenings on our holiday with Tolun. Tolun became part of our family and we enjoyed the friendship of his mother. Tolun you exceeded all of our expectations and we hope to be able to show you around New Zealand soon.Laurie, Jeanette, Matthew, Simon & Paul Gibbs, Patea, New Zealand

Tolun Thank you for your kindest, knowledge & wisdom which you have shared openly with us. God willing we will be back with more guests for you from N. Z. Mike & Jane, New Zealand

Last summer my wife and I enjoyed a most entertaining and educational tour of Turkey with the assistance of an exceptional guide, Tolun Cerkes. Tolun is an amazingly knowledgeable, perfectly reliable and always patient and helpful. We recommend Tolun without reservation. Burt & Deborah Barnett, Ca, USA

Tolun took us on a tour of historic sites in Anatolia. He gave us a very interesting and enjoyable tour. He also cares about the environment and all animals. Alan and Libby Cavenagh, Sydney, Australia

We made an unforgettable trip to Turkey under the leadership of Tolun: Istanbul – Ankara – Cappadocia – Konya – Aegean coast – Istanbul. Beautiful nature, rich history became available thanks to the wonderful guide and an interesting person – Tolun. It was not a tourist trip, but as a trip to visit a friend who showed the beauty and told the story of his home. I hope that we have not just come to visit Tolun and train with him in the country. The best advice and best wishes to Tolun in all his endeavors.
Tatiana and Rinat Moscow, Russia, March 2010

Tolun, we don’t know what to say to your overwhelming kindness & hospitality during our time together. We know we will never forget you. We hope you’ll never forget us. Whereever we are in the world you’ll always be welcomed. Lucy & Roy Sept. / 2011

After searching numerous web sites and proposed tours of Turkey, we found Tolun Cerkes’ web site www.privatetourturkey.com. We were intrigued by Tolun’s background, experiences and archaeological education, as well as other aspects of his resume. We were particularly interested in exploring archaeological sites of the ancient civilizations in Eastern, Central and Western Turkey, including as many of the registered 9 locations on the UNESCO World Heritage List that were feasible in our 26 day time frame. Tolun proposed a detailed Archaeology Tour Turkey 26 Days based on his extensive knowledge of the history, archaeological sites and cultures of ancient civilizations and Turkish life today. It was incredibly comprehensive and made especially enjoyable by his insightful anecdotes and warm personality. Additionally, Tolun is a superb driver and although we covered over 5000 miles in his VW Caravelle Comfortline minivan, the long daily journeys were safe and comfortable. Tolun provided us a fantastic private tour experience throughout our time in Turkey. He is an affable, charming person to spend time with and is very attentive to the logistical details and his clients’ comfort and satisfaction. It is without any reservations that we enthusiastically recommend Tolun Cerkes as a private tour guide and driver. Most importantly we recommend Tolun as a person of impeccable character and dependability. Rod & Bob (June 2010)
Rodney N Powell and C. Robert Eddinger
Honolulu, Hawaii
mtntop78@hawaii.rr.com

Tolun,
Thank you for a wonderful trip. We all enjoyed it tremendously. It is hard to say what we enjoyed most; we saw and did so many great things. You were a great guide, translator and driver. Your knowledge, friendliness, and good nature really made this trip special. Thank you. Jake, Kathy, Rachel, Debbie, Naomi and David, Ca, USA

Thank you Tolun for being such a helpful guide, and organising such an informative and successful trip for us. With our best wishes. Charles, Benjamin, Ruth, Jeanette, Katty