Expert: Ruth Lockwood - 10/20/2009

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