Tugrul Sokmen | Certified Tour Guide in Kusadasi, Ephesus Turkey
  • about me
    • my ancestry
  • the blog
  • touring with me
    • Ephesus
    • Priene Miletos & Didyma
    • Pergamon
    • Pamukkale & Aphrodisias
    • Pamukkale
    • Sardes
  • My Travels
    • Turkey >
      • Amasya
      • Ani Ruins (Kars)
      • Assos (Behramkale)
      • Birgi
      • Bogazkoy (Hattusas)
      • Bozdağ (Ödemiş)
      • Cappadocia
      • Edirne
      • Dalyan (Kaunos)
      • Datca >
        • Mehmet Ali Aga Konagi
      • Demre (Myra)
      • Divriği
      • Dogu Beyazit
      • Gallipoli
      • Gumushane
      • Kaş
      • Kemaliye
      • Knidos Ruins
      • Lake Bafa (Herakleia)
      • Mardin
      • Nemrut
      • Patara
      • Safranbolu
      • Sardes
      • Side
      • Trabzon >
        • Kalkanoglu
      • Van
    • to Europe >
      • Amsterdam >
        • Heineken Museum
      • Belgium >
        • Brussels >
          • Musical Instrument Museum
        • Bruges
      • France >
        • Grenoble
        • Lyon
        • Nimes
        • Orange
        • Paris
      • Germany >
        • Berlin >
          • Berlin in General & the Food
          • East-side Gallery
          • Pergamon Museum
          • DDR Museum
      • Greece >
        • Rhodes
      • Italy >
        • Rome
        • Pompeii
      • Spain >
        • Barcelona
  • Media Library
    • What to Read >
      • History Channel Blog
      • Archaeology Channel
      • UNESCO News
      • News from Turkey
    • What to Listen
    • What to Watch
  • Client Reviews

Review from Diana T. from Australia

5/8/2019

0 Comments

 
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g297972-d2072025-r672439621-Ephesus_Kusadasi_Guide-Kusadasi_Turkish_Aegean_Coast.html

Wow! Tugrul is the most amazing private tour guide.
Reviewed May 8, 2019

Tugrul Sokmen is hands-down the best private tour guide in Turkey. His immense knowledge, attention to detail, delightful personality, charm and fabulous sense of humour turned our 9-day tour into the happiest and most unforgettable holiday. This was our second private tour with Tugrul, so we knew we could leave the planning of the itinerary to him… we literally flew into Antalya and left the rest to him. That’s when the magic began… visits to islands, ancient underwater cities, hilltop city ruins, meals with locals, impromptu opera in the ancient theatre of Myra all because Tugrul showed the soprano where the ‘acoustic spot’ was in the theatre, an invitation to have tea with a local shepherd and his grandmother who we met while they were herding their goats… unplanned magical moments like these woven into our tour all because of the charming and respectful way Tugrul interacts with people. Do yourself, your family and friends a favour… book Tugrul as your own private tour guide in Turkey. You will like all of us, fall in love with Tugrul, the Turkish people and their beautiful country. We will be back again next year… for another magical tour with Tugrul through his beloved country. #tripsinturkey #privatetourguide

Date of experience: April 2019​

0 Comments

Review from Marie M., from Sydney, Australia

10/5/2018

0 Comments

 
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g297972-d2072025-r622490856-Ephesus_Kusadasi_Guide-Kusadasi_Turkish_Aegean_Coast.html

Turkish guide
Reviewed October 5, 2018

Tugrul Sokmen had been recommended to us by associates in Australia so we engaged Tugrul to guide us around Istanbul, Capadoccia and Ephesus. He is simply: THE BEST. He's funny, smart, knowledgeable and can sing beautifully. Look no further for a lovely, warm and informative trip no matter where you go or what you want to see. tugrul is your man.

Date of experience: September 2018​



0 Comments

Review from Mary D, from Brisbane, Australia

7/25/2018

0 Comments

 
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g297972-d2072025-r599721644-Ephesus_Kusadasi_Guide-Kusadasi_Turkish_Aegean_Coast.html

The holiday of a lifetime that went beyond my wildest expectations
Reviewed July 25, 2018

In my years of extensive travelling, I have always gone solo and have only joined groups for small, limited day tours so the concept of a personal guide for an extended period was new to me. And to be honest, I did have a certain amount of trepidation committing to a 10 day tour with one person. My fears were totally unfounded and this trip was quite simply the best holiday experience I have ever had. Tuğrul Sökmen was responsive and engaging from our very first enquiry to our final departure. He was able to create a tour that not only met, but exceeded our expectations; that cleverly blended history, scenery, culture and local flavours, Whilst some of our destinations were the typical tourist "must-do's" (and spectacular!), the delivery of our tour was anything but a standard, well-rehearsed exercise. At every opportunity, Tuğrul was crafting the experience in such a way, that the tour only got better and better. He is an articulate, intelligent man with a wonderful sense of humour and an innate ability to understand his clients' needs. He is passionate about his country and its history and his understated joie de vivre is infectious. Conversations were interesting and anything but superficial and nothing is too much trouble for him. The whole experience felt effortless and impacted us profoundly. I initially felt that the tour duration would be more than ample, but as the holiday drew to a close, I could have easily stayed longer. That in itself is testament to his incredible guiding skills. It goes without question, that I would recommend Tuğrul in a heartbeat. I cannot wait to revisit Turkey and there is only one guide I would choose - Tuğrul Sökmen.

Date of experience: April 2018​

0 Comments

Review from Kaalii C. Melbourne, Australia

7/8/2018

0 Comments

 
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g297972-d2072025-r594072509-Ephesus_Kusadasi_Guide-Kusadasi_Turkish_Aegean_Coast.html

14 wonderful days in Anatolia
Reviewed July 8, 2018

My private tour with Tugrul Sokmen was everything I wanted: professional, well- organised, and comprehensive. Tugrul researched and organised the tour, arranged accommodation and transport, and provided expert information about the country, the culture, and the places we visited. Tugrul's local knowledge, many contacts, and commitment to his guests ensured that I had a safe, adventurous and very enjoyable time in Turkey.

Date of experience: June 2018​

0 Comments

Review from Diana R. from Australia

5/4/2018

0 Comments

 
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g297972-d2072025-r577917505-Ephesus_Kusadasi_Guide-Kusadasi_Turkish_Aegean_Coast.html

A customised 9-day tour of Turkey with Tugrul Sokmen
Reviewed May 4, 2018

There is something magical about Tugrul Sokmen! Three of us from Australia contacted Tugrul with our wish lists for a customised 9-day tour of Turkey... and that's when the magic began. He put together the most amazing holiday that ticked all our boxes… which included our wish to do and see everything without spending too much money! Tugrul took us from the uniquely eroded and carved-out stone pillars of Cappadocia where we stayed in a natural rock hotel, to a sunset walk through the healing thermal waters of the travertine terraces in Pamukkale, to the most fascinating tours of the ancient cities of Hierapolis, Priene, Aphrodisias, Ephesus, Troy and Assos where his encyclopaedic knowledge of the history had us spellbound. All of this was interlaced with the most delicious Turkish meals, tea and coffee with all the locals in the country towns and villages that we passed through… it was everything we had asked for and more... as many of the locals were his friends who welcomed us with open arms! What an honour and treat for us Aussie girls! Our days were filled to the brim with laughter, fascinating conversations, discussions and debates… if you are looking for a guide with intelligence (Salutatorian in his graduation year) and a wicked sense of humour… Tugrul is your man! Too soon our last day arrived – we caught the ferry across to the European side of Turkey and spent the day in Gallipoli where thousands of Australians, New Zealanders and Turks lost their lives in WW1. Tugrul had us walk down onto the beach at Anzac Cove as the sun slipped behind the clouds and twilight settled over us... bringing the words of the poem For the Fallen to mind... "At the going down of the sun and in the morning - we will remember them." Wow… spine tingling stuff. I told you he is magical! The three of us left Turkey in love with the country and its people… and each of us with a new and dearly loved friend… Tugrel Sokmen.

Date of experience: April 2018​

0 Comments

Review from Ellen B. from Australia

9/22/2017

0 Comments

 
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g297972-d2072025-r526494142-Ephesus_Kusadasi_Guide-Kusadasi_Turkish_Aegean_Coast.html
​
Exceptional guided tour of Ephesus with Tugrul Sokmen
Reviewed September 22, 2017
​We had the pleasure of having a guided tour with Tugrul for 9 days. During this time we stopped at Ephesus - a site we were totally in awe of and in love with. Aside from the beauty, sophistication and magnitude of this outstanding ancient site, what made our visit even more memorable was the invaluable knowledge and insights Tugrul provided. Tugrul speaks excellent English, has a great sense of humour, is kind and considerate and very well read and informed. His van is comfortable and he is punctual. We arrived first thing in the morning so the site was almost deserted and the temperature was lovely and cool. I would recommend going early in the day if you don't like the heat. Although there is an additional small entrance fee, it is worth seeing the excavation of the Roman terrace houses within the site. Wear comfortable shoes, a hat and sunscreen. We spent a few hours there but it would be easy to spend the day there if you have the time. We are keen to visit Turkey again and will definitely be looking up Tugrul again to be our tour guide.
0 Comments

Review from Laura from Melbourne, Australia

8/6/2016

0 Comments

 
​https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g297972-d2072025-r402041806-Ephesus_Kusadasi_Guide-Kusadasi_Turkish_Aegean_Coast.html#REVIEWS

Ephesus Kusadasi Tours with Tugrul Sok
Reviewed August 6, 2016
Tugrul was a wonderful guide for the day! Highly recommend as a tour guide, he is very knowledgable and passionate about his country!
0 Comments

Review of Frank B. from Melbourne, Australia

7/31/2016

0 Comments

 
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g297972-d2072025-r399791152-Ephesus_Kusadasi_Guide-Kusadasi_Turkish_Aegean_Coast.html#REVIEWS
AMAZING Ephesus Kusadasi Tour with Turgul

Reviewed July 31, 2016
Our tour of Kusadasi was truly an unforgettable experience and was mostly because of a very well run tour.

Turgul was our tour guide and he shared profound and interesting knowledge of the various areas and localities we visited. His personality and passion welcomes you to be part of an authentic and enjoyable journey allowing you to be immersed in the local culture. Kusadasi and all its beauty lingers on in our minds long after the visit.

We experienced the services of several tour guides during our 3 week trip in Europe and Turgul is one of he standout guides which we not only recommend but would also happily use again.
0 Comments

Review from Melbourne, Australia

7/30/2016

0 Comments

 
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g297972-d2072025-r399080167-Ephesus_Kusadasi_Guide-Kusadasi_Turkish_Aegean_Coast.html#REVIEWS

Ephesus Kusadasi Tour
Reviewed July 30, 2016
My family and I visited the beautiful Kusadasi. We had a wonderful tour with our guide Tugrul, who explained all the wonderful things that Kusadasi had to offer.

We all enjoyed the tour in his airconditioned van, which was comfortable and clean. A very friendly guide who spoke excellent English.
​

We will definitely come back again
0 Comments

Review from David S. from Adelaide, South Australia

6/17/2016

0 Comments

 
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g297972-d2072025-r383567402-Ephesus_Kusadasi_Guide-Kusadasi_Turkish_Aegean_Coast.html#REVIEWS
Fantastic day

Reviewed June 17, 2016
​

Our guide and driver Tugrul met us as promised when we docked in Kusadasi. We enjoyed his informed insights into Kusadasi, Epehesus and the Virgin Mary's house. Tugrul is the perfect guide, friendly, humorous and most importantly knowledgable on everything we wanted to see. Absolutely recommend him to anyone looking for a tour of these sights.
​
0 Comments
<<Previous

    Author

    I publish Client Testimonials and Reviews on this Blog

    Archives

    June 2017
    October 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    November 2013
    October 2009
    July 2007
    June 2007
    August 2006

    Categories

    All
    Arizona
    Australia
    California
    Canada
    Chicago
    Colorado
    Dallas
    Florida
    Houston
    Idaho
    Illinois
    India
    Ireland
    Malibu
    Massachusetts
    Melbourne
    Missouri
    New York
    Ohio
    Ontario
    Oregon
    Portland
    Seattle
    Singapore
    South Africa
    Switzerland
    Texas
    Thailand
    Toronto
    Tucson
    U.S.A.
    Virginia
    Washington
    Washington DC

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • about me
    • my ancestry
  • the blog
  • touring with me
    • Ephesus
    • Priene Miletos & Didyma
    • Pergamon
    • Pamukkale & Aphrodisias
    • Pamukkale
    • Sardes
  • My Travels
    • Turkey >
      • Amasya
      • Ani Ruins (Kars)
      • Assos (Behramkale)
      • Birgi
      • Bogazkoy (Hattusas)
      • Bozdağ (Ödemiş)
      • Cappadocia
      • Edirne
      • Dalyan (Kaunos)
      • Datca >
        • Mehmet Ali Aga Konagi
      • Demre (Myra)
      • Divriği
      • Dogu Beyazit
      • Gallipoli
      • Gumushane
      • Kaş
      • Kemaliye
      • Knidos Ruins
      • Lake Bafa (Herakleia)
      • Mardin
      • Nemrut
      • Patara
      • Safranbolu
      • Sardes
      • Side
      • Trabzon >
        • Kalkanoglu
      • Van
    • to Europe >
      • Amsterdam >
        • Heineken Museum
      • Belgium >
        • Brussels >
          • Musical Instrument Museum
        • Bruges
      • France >
        • Grenoble
        • Lyon
        • Nimes
        • Orange
        • Paris
      • Germany >
        • Berlin >
          • Berlin in General & the Food
          • East-side Gallery
          • Pergamon Museum
          • DDR Museum
      • Greece >
        • Rhodes
      • Italy >
        • Rome
        • Pompeii
      • Spain >
        • Barcelona
  • Media Library
    • What to Read >
      • History Channel Blog
      • Archaeology Channel
      • UNESCO News
      • News from Turkey
    • What to Listen
    • What to Watch
  • Client Reviews