Just returned from trip to Istanbul and west turkey. Contacted Lale from SRM travel in Istanbul on very short notice because of fears about entry due to confusion about rules for entry. Lale put me in contact with a great guide, Mert Tanner. We did a full day with him on our first day in Istanbul and he gave us a great tour. Great overview of the city and made our time very efficient. We later decided to go to ephasus and spent 2 nights in Kusadasi and did a full day tour again with him. Again it was a great experience. Was traveling with family and he kept us enlightened and entertained at the same time. What I liked most about Mert was that he knew a great deal of history has his masters in early Christian religion, and is a wealth of knowledge. I would love to make it back to turkey in the future and get more in depth with the country. I would definitely reach out to him when I go back. Special thanks to Lale in arranging these tours on such short notice.. I had watched her on Rick steves shows on turkey. She was ever so helpful in accommodating me on such short notice. I must also add that watching her interact with Rick on the shows also made turkey seem so appealing. I felt like I knew her before I even called her. I did not get to meet her in person, but hope to on a future trip, she is so friendly and helpful. Special thanks to Mert Tanner and Lale……Al Ciraldo
My Village Turkey Tour back in 2011 was with Lale of SRM Travel, and I can attest that she's wonderful! Her Assistant Guide at the time, Yaren, was terrific as well. I would highly recommend either one for anyone who wants to see Turkey with a local guide.
I’ll add that Mert was my guide on the RS Istanbul tour I took in 2011. Great guide! Great tour! Fascinating city.
I met Mert during my RS Best of Turkey Tour in 2019. He wasn't our guide, but he joined us for a meal. I also was able to meet Lale. She sat down with us for over an hour and answered our questions. This was a highlight of my tour. One of the things she said to us is that you should be able to ask your tour guide any question, including sensitive topics, as they are your window into the culture you are visiting. It is their job to make the bridge. She was great!
oh dear, pum -
I hope our love will last as long as you say
uh huh.
reported for zappage