The adventure began on a dreary Saturday morning at Manchester airport where our Sales Manager, Caroline OBrien, checked us in to our flight so we could experience exactly the sort of first class treatment clients receive when they travel with Insight Vacations. After a fantastic flight aboard Turkish Airlines we touched down in Istanbul where our Tour Director, Cem, greeted us at the airport. I would soon learn just how knowledgeable and passionate Cem was about his wonderful country.
As I checked in to the beautiful CVK Bosphorous Hotel in Istanbul l it became evident that Insight Vacations position as a premium operator reigned true. I can tell that Insight carefully select hotels of the highest standards and in the most enviable locations to ensure that clients see the very best of their destination in comfort and style. A Welcome Drinks Reception was the perfect way to break the ice with fellow travel agent travellers who came from all over the world. We exchanged perspectives on our Insight experience thus far before settling down to the first of many exquisite meals which consisted of a poached quail egg starter, slow cooked lamb shoulder and a trioof tempting desserts. I was soon to learn that eating great food and drinking fine wines is one of the defining attributes of an Insight trip and was certainly a favourite aspect of mine. We were able to savour an authentic taste of Turkey with a visit to a local family who lavished us with specialities and warm Turkish hospitality, an absolute highlight for me!
Despite some initial reservations about coach travel, I was pleasantly surprised by the Insight Vacations coaches which were complete with all the mod cons including Wi-Fi, on-board WC, and business class leg room. We were also supplied with our own personal headsets so we could wander through the sites at leisure without missing the crucial historical and cultural anecdotes that Cem and the local experts was recounting.
Travelling with strangers can sometimes be a daunting prospect and there is an inclination to stick with who you know. I was informed that we would be doing a seat rotation on the coach to give us the opportunity to mingle with everyone on-board. This was a really great idea and allowed us to share our experiences as we travelled through this fascinating country with its varied landscapes, diverse cities and sleepy villages and always accompanied by the faint background sound of the call the prayer, a soothing sound that you quickly get used to.
During my time in Turkey with Insight Vacations I visited museums, mosques, palaces and churches, witnessed carpet and pottery makers, watched belly dancing shows and got lost in underground caves; it was a journey of contrasts to say the least but with fun to be had around every turn! Insight offered five star service and I would encourage all agents and their clients to travel with them if they get the chance. I have made memories and friends that have stayed with me far beyond touching back down in rainy Manchester!
