AboutRuth Lockwood Expertise I have been living and working in Cappadocian tourism for over 15 years and know this area inside and out(as well as all the current good and less explored destinations in Turkey , so would be more than happy to help with any info relating to tours, walking , hiking hotels ,sightseeing etc as well as helping you with the local culture . I have also been dealing in the rug industry with international collectors and dealers,so know all the pitfalls,and would be more than happy to provide you with professional help and advise in this area.Also happy to help with questionsre starting businesses , settling here etc .
Experience
Past/Present clients The NZ and Australian Governor Generals , the NZ prime Minister as well as many Ambassadors .
Question I would like to arrange to speak to you by Skype (or someone you recommend)regarding our upcoming visit. We have a week in Istanbul. I plan on renting an apartment for the week and then do day trips or overnites from there as a base. We are from Maryland and have not traveled to Turkey before and would like to arrange for someone (preferably an American expat) to be our advisor for things to see and do.
Answer hi Stanley ,
I think almost better than an american expat or similar you should contact a good expert or specialised travel agency and get as much advise on day tours etc as you can prior to your departure. Have a look also on www.turkeytravelplanner.com . Tom Brosnahan who runs that website is a well known Turkish travel writer and also arranges ( I think ) private consulatations . His website is full of extremely useful information that will really enhance your week in Istanbul.
A good friend of mine Earl Starkey is a specialised Turkey travel agent based in New York . He would also be an excellent person for you to comntact . His details are earl, starkey@protravelinc.com.
Also try www.walkaboutravel.com.tr in Istanbul and speak to Ferhat Goynuk who I am sure will provide you with many options re sightseeing and accomodation regarding a week in Istanbul. I would also recommend Kate Drummond, an aussie who owns Intrepid travel in istanbul and has some great unusual ideas for Istanbul(specialised walking tours etc etc )her email is kated@intrepidtravel.com.
I would alos look up www.mymerhaba.com and www.ıstanbul.com for more ideas as well as whats on in Istanbul during the time that you are there .They have listings of all the art galleries and shows,concerts etc
Its indeeed and extremely fascinating city and you will find plenty to keep you interested and delighted in a week there .
Good Luck and if I can help you further please don not hesitate to contact me.
Kind Reagrds ,
Ruth
