We recently completed a tour of western Turkey and Cappadocia. My main interest was in Roman and Pre-Roman archeology. Kadir Akin of Turkey Tour Organizer arranged for a guide who specialized in the area. Tugrul Sokmen reviewed our ideas and refined them. He met us promptly at Denizli airport and we traveled to various sites in his very comfortable van that, by the way, is fitted out to accommodate wheelchair and disabled clients. We visited a variety of less frequented Roman sites, including Apollon Lairbenos, Laodicea, Aphrodisias and Heiropolis.At each of these sites, his depth of knowledge was striking, making the place come alive. The solitude of these places allowed you to commune with those ancient spirits - something that is not going too happen at, say Ephesus with its crowds.Tugrul still had a way of drawing our attention to little noted details that made each of those visits more personal and meomrable. Our forays in Cappadocia were again characterized by personalized programs that bypassed the tourist hordes. He was quite sensitive to our moods and avoided history overload by including a very pleasant shaded hike along the Ilhara River. It was all the more enjoyable because we snatched an after lunch siesta on a hut that floats on the river. He is quite talented musically as well and that helped him connect with my son on the trip. The highlight was the notes of Nessum Dorma ringing from the stage of the ancient theater at Aphrodisias, much to the surprise and delight of a few itinerant sightseers. Tugrul noted the need to breakup the planned schedule and managed to include visits to his village, chat with his farmer neighbors, sample some extraordinary dried figs and Turkish coffee at his neighbor's and eat a simple but satisfying country lunch. We finished off with cheese and wine with Tugrul, in the company of Kadir Akin and his business partner watching the Cappadocian sunset from an isolated vantage point. Tugrul proved to be an outstanding guide, well versed in his subject matter but also adaptable and sensitive to your needs and able to adjust the day to suit the need and the mood. He has an affable personality with a good sense of humor which will see you through to a most satisfying experience of Turkey.

Tugrul was by far the best tour guide we have ever had. His knowledge and love for Turkey is so apparent. He was super fun, great with our kids and overall very comfortable to be with (we spent 2.5 days traveling with him). We learned so much about history, food, and culture. We wish we would have spent our whole vacation with him.

Tugrul was SUCH a great guide! Incredibly knowledgeable and was able to answer all of our very detailed questions. His passion for what he does is obvious. He is very kind and was eager to help us discover other things we could do in other cities also. Highly recommend a tour with him!

We went to Turkey this February and met Tugrul in Ephesus.  Had the best time. He is very knowlegable and passionate as I am with history.  Love all the day we spend with him and hope to go back and met hin again!!