I'm interested in hearing more about touring Ephesus with Ekol. Can anyone share the itinerary they did? We were going to do the Virutoso excursion, but it looks like they only do Ephesus and a restaurant. I'd kind of like to skip the lunch and do more touring. (Since we don't know when and if we'll be back we'd really love to see as much as possible.)

Has anyone done Ephesus and the other Christian sites as well? Roman ruins?

Thanks

Kathy

Kathy,

We will be going to Ephesus/Istanbul in Oct. When are you going to Turkey?

I tried contacting Ekol and got a very cordial response, initially. When I tried to resume discussion with them, I received no response. After two other attempts, I gave up. Maybe you will have better luck. Bonnie, who posts on LCT has used their services and seemed quite pleased.

I have now secured the services of private guides for both Ephesus and Istanbul, who have both come very highly recommended. If interested, I can supply you with the names and e mail addresses.

Hi Denise,

We're actually one week after you. (Although we're going to catch up with you and Alan next year in the Baltic. We're on the escorted cruise with Ngaire and you.) :)

We're hoping to do the 5-day pre-cruise from Istanbul then we'll be boarding October 11th. I'd appreciate the info on the guides - thank you!

Kathy

Hi Kathy,

So glad to learn that you will be sailing with us on the Baltic cruise next year. Really looking forward to that one and meeting you, too! If you want to plan and share guides for this one, we're very much interested.

But, back to Turkey...I have been in contact with two lovely women who are independent guides for both Ephesus and Istanbul.

Emek is the Ephesus guide:

emekevin@hotmail.com

Fatos is the Istanbul guide:

fatos65@superonline.com

Both came very highly regarded by Jody Dreyfuss, who posts on CC. The guides were referred to him by Cirgan Palace in Istanbul. In fact, Fatos provided touring for JFK, Jr. and his wife, Carolyn, several years ago. I expressed an interest in touring with them as if they were taking family or friends to see Ephesus and Istanbul for the first time. I want to see it from a personal perspective, rather than a group tour.

I will see if I can forward the e mails they sent me to you, if you like, showing itineraries.

Please feel free to contact them and tell them you got their name from me.

As you know, I have not toured with them yet, but have every confidence that they will more than fill the bill for us.

Hope this helps. Please let me know if you need anything else.

Again, looking forward to sailing with you next year!

Denise:

I'm interested in the information you have about Ephesus. We will be there twice within 72 hours and I'm not sure how to organize the time with the day in between in Athens.

Thanks for your help, you are always so well prepared with shore excursion ideas!

Denise,

Thanks so much. I love the way you described the type of tour you want. It captures exactly the way we like to travel. Please count us in on planning and sharing the Baltic tours. We're very much looking forward to sailing with you both.

My email address is wagnertk@comcast.net and I'd love to see the itineraries the guides have suggested to you.

Thanks again!

Kathy

Margo and Kathy,

I have just e mailed you the information I received from both guides. Please let me know what you think. My e mail address is nyfeds@aol.com.

Kathy,

Sounds like a plan to research and share Baltic tours. I hear Red October is wonderful and so many have used their services with great satisfaction.

After I'm done with DOF, on to BRAVO! Let's put our thoughts together. Looking forward to it very much!