* We co-operate with tour operators from all over the world. For tour operator recommendations for destinations such as Greece, Italy, Egypt, Israel and France please e-mail us.
Association of Turkish Travel Agencies
License number: A-776
1.
Why should I book a tour through Transbalkan Tours? Can't I do my own tours?
Of course
you may be able to arrange your own tours, but why would you want
to? When you book a tour from Transbalkan Tours, transportation and most
importantly the services of a well-trained local tour guide is
included. You're also assured that you'll see the most for your
money. By booking a
tour through Transbalkan`s selection of excursions, you'll also save
time and money. We've done all the thinking for you. You'll spend
less time doing research and more time having fun. You get to
choose from the very best and most popular tours in a port of call
based on your interest and escorted by local experts who are
familiar with the port, it's history, and culture.
Tours
include transportation according to the itinerary and your tour
guide.
3.
How physically challenging are Tours?
Most
tours require some degree of walking; however, some excursions
require extensive walking. Likewise, grand entryways and sprawling
gardens of certain castles and cathedrals make walking and
stair-climbing a necessity. Whatever your fitness level, we highly
recommend comfortable, low-heeled walking shoes.
Extending
a gratuity to your guide or driver is strictly optional; however,
in some countries, these personnel may anticipate that if you were
pleased with their services, you will reward them in a monetary
way. A commonly accepted guideline is $1 per person for a half-day
and $2 per person for a full day.
5.
How can I find out more about the ports we'll be visiting?
Before
you cruise, you can find all the information you would ever need
right on the web. You can also read about the most popular
tours here as well. Onboard your ship, a qualified lecturer will
hold informative talks on each port of call you visit. If you
still have questions, many ships have a Port Lecturer that will be
glad to answer them. You should also do a little research before
you go. Your local library should have all kinds of books
pertaining to your destination. Frommer's and Fodor's also have
wonderfully informative books identifying local points of
interest, culture, and history.
Other
countries may have more conservative ideas about dress than you
are accustomed. Attention is drawn to this matter so as not to
offend. Cruise lines suggest when visiting places of worship
(mosques/cathedrals), you dress conservatively, avoiding shorts or
sundresses. Attend the port lectures for guidance.
Guests
should wear comfortable walking shoes at all times. When visiting
ruins or walking on cobblestone streets, wear rubber-soled shoes.
It's also smart to wear a sun hat
8.
Are Your Tours the same ones offered by the Cruise Lines?
Cruise
Lines offer similar tours, visiting the same sites. The biggest
difference is that you will be met by a private representative on
arrival, reserve in advance and save time and money.
9.
Why should I book Tours with Transbalkan Tours instead of booking on board?
Save
Money - these tours are 30 - 40% lower than you'll find on
ship. Avoid long lines at the Ship's Shore Excursion Desk. All
tours planned and confirmed before you sail. No chance of a
sell out like on board ship. Full refund if tour is cancelled
for bad weather or the ship misses port.
Very.
Transbalkan Tours have been providing shore excursions for many years and
have a wonderful reputation. Transbalkan Tours is confident that customers
will enjoy the same tours that you'd find on a cruise ship at
lower prices and with more convenience.
11.
We've never been to these ports of call and want to do as much as
possible in each port?
The local
guides are considered top experts on local history and sights,
offering you a chance to fully appreciate and experience their
hometowns. The listed excursions are designed and organized in
such a way as to maximize your time in each port and yet allow
sufficient free time as well.
12.
What type of transportation is used for the tours?
Standards
of transport vary considerably dependaing on your will. All of our
vehicles are Air-conditioned. Guest wishing to travel together
with friends should leave the ship together, as this will help the
guide.
Both my family and I were truly impressed by
both of these wonderful, gracious and knowledgeable guides. The experience
of sharing both your country and their knowledge was far more than we had
expected. On at least 8 occasions since our return to Canada we have raved
about their abilities as well as their hospitality. In addition, at least 4
people have already asked for your web site info as well as your direct
e-mail address. Simply put, we could not have been treated better. The
drivers were courteous and efficient, the AC vehicles were spotless and
comfortable and the guides were, as Omar would put it, truly "world class".
On any return to your country, you would be the first people we would turn
to for guidance and assistance in putting together a Turkish Experience.The
experiences with them were the absolute highlights of our 7 day journey to
the Eastern Med.
Jim Duncan
Noordam
Holland America Line
--------------------------
It's been two months since you arranged our day tour in
Kusadasi. I've been wanting to write you to tell you how much we
enjoyed our short stay there. It was so nice to meet you there at the
dock. We could immediately tell we were well taken care of. The
van was nice and very roomy and our guide. Our guide was so
friendly and knowledgeable. His love of Turkey was very apparent and very
infectious. If you have an email address for him I'd appreciate
it. We were all so impressed with your beautiful country and would
like to return again someday soon. If we do we will definitely call
you to make the arrangements. We have friends who travel quite a
bit.
Sam Edmonds
Orient Queen
Louise Cruise Line
-------------------------
I just wanted to thank you for making our Turkey trip so
marvelous--everything you planned went beautifully. We both fell in
love with your country, and if I ever return, I will definitely contact you
immediately.
Alex Chambers
Cristal
Louise Cruise Line
-------------------------
We just returned from our tour and wanted to waste no
time in telling you how wonderful it was. The guide and driver were
first rate. Our tour went smoothly, we were able to see all the sites
we planned and more. Thank you for all of your help.
Dennis Woods
Star Princess
Princess Cruise Line
---------------------
We would like to thank your
agency, for the very prompt response to our inquiry. We had a
wonderful tour in Ephesus on April 9 with Sam. He was very
professional and knowledgeable, and very responsive to our needs. We
received service, that we honestly did not expect to get and we will use
and recommend your agency in the future.
Adam Nichols
Carnival Freedom
Carnival Cruise Line
------------------
About 3 weeks ago, my husband, Dave, and I had a
wonderful fullday tour including lunch. We were on Oceania Cruise
and your tour exceeded our best expectations. We have dear friends who
live in Alabama and will be arriving in Kusadasi on the Seven Seas Voyager,
Regent lines, on October 9th, arriving in port at 8AM. They would like
to have a wonderful day in Ephesus, as we experienced it, including a tour
of Ephesus, Virgin Mary's House, and the Basilica of St.
John.
Lee Adams
Nautica
Oceania Cruise Line
-----------------------
On behalf of my family:I would like to
extend my appreciation.. From the time we arrived in Kusadasi until we left
we were treated very well. .Our guide was very knowledge of the
area and shared so many good stories with us. We will never
forget his kindness to us! It is indeed rare to go on tours who have
such in-depth knowledge of the history and culture of the region.
Bruce Shields
Nautica
Oceania Cruise
Line
---------------------
Many thanks to you for making our one day in Turkey
a truly wonderful experience. Our every need was met with a smile and our
expert guide Dennis was so well informed and personable. He has endless
knowledge and great a sense of humor. The Mercedes Benz van was an
excellent vehicle and very cool and comfortable. Five Stars !!
