I rarely write reviews. I think I once wrote a negative review for an inattentive barber. And I once left a positive review for Cole Porter’s gravestone so that others could more easily find it on Google Maps. That might be it.
But, because Mutlu was so outstanding (and I found him through reviews on ricksteves.com), I wanted to write this unsolicited(!) positive review. I ended up writing a long review, so if you’d like to skim, read what’s in bold.
In early July, myself, my girlfriend, her parents, and her brother, had the privilege of visiting Ephesus, with Mutlu as our guide.
I was working to organize this tour a bit last-minute (maybe 10 days before), and so I contacted a number of tour guides to see if they had any availability in July. Mutlu answered quickly, saying that yes, he was available, and also asking us which sites in Ephesus we’d like to visit.
I responded with a lot of questions (and he again answered quickly).
- Could you confirm that there are no shopping stops? (Of course not, unless they are requested!);
- Is there AC in the van? (Of course);
- What time would you recommend we leave Bodrum; is 8:00am alright? (Yes, 8:00am is good. The drive takes about 2 1/2 hours)
- Could you take us to your favorite restaurant in Selcuk? (Of course! It’s the best in the area and my personal favorite)
My questions answered, I confirmed our reservation.
- When Mutlu discovered that the day I requested a tour was also the day that a bunch of cruise ships were stopping in Ephesus, he asked if we could pivot to another day / time. This saved us, I’m sure, the toil of pushing through crowds at a tourist site.
- The trip was meant, in part, to celebrate my girlfriend’s parents’ anniversary. When I asked Mutlu whether he could arrange for the restaurant to bring them a cake, he said “no problem.” Sure enough, at lunch (which was delicious), the restaurant brought out a beautiful and delicious cake.
- Day of, Mutlu arrived early at our hotel (we were commuting from Bodrum). The van was spacious and clean, and the driver was kind and skilled. In contrast, we were not on time. (One member of our group was feeling sick, and still deciding whether to go.) When this caused a small spat, Mutlu—patient as always—helped defuse the situation.
- Once we were on the road, Mutlu helped contextualize the region of the world we were visiting, until—with expert awarness—he sensed our fatigue and gave us a chance to rest on the bus.
- Finally, having arrived in Ephesus, Mutlu showed us around Mary’s House (a good stop to add for the bathrooms alone), the Ruins, the Terrace Houses, and the Museum. He had purchased all of the tickets for the latter three stops ahead of time, making the entire day very smooth. He was expert at directing us and keeping us in the shade. His English is excellent and his accent is clear. What stands out most is his attentiveness to historical details—his ability to remember and convey these details renders Ephesus with the richness it deserves. I have never before encountered a tour guide so patient with questions, and so equipped to provide informed answers.
- Lunch was excellent. If he can take you to the same place, order the tomato salad and falafel. Both were top notch.
Briefly: Mutlu is an excellent organizer and communicator. He is superbly patient, aware, and knowledgeable.
He single-handedly gave my girlfriend’s family and I an amazing, history-packed day. For that, and for making me look like a capable tour planner in front of my girlfriend’s parents, I can’t thank him enough.
You can email him at [email protected]