SPECIAL INTEREST

Curiously enough, participants to group of special interest are people who look for individual development and personal enrichment. Like-minded companions gathered around the same lines of interest have created new exigencies and a new outlook for so-far unexplored or nearly unexplored fields and environments. Generally speaking, these interests are focused around three main axes, namely nature, sports and culture.

Turkey's exceptional geography, nature and climate, its fantastic history and extraordinary mixture of peoples and races offer an incredible wealth of gifts to all three groups.

With four seas and a coastal line exceeding 8,000 km, a landscape which rises from sun-burned sandy beaches to imperious white mountain crowns through verdant valleys, golden plains and arid steppes, Turkey is a paradise for nature lovers, the adventurous and the sporting alike.

Vestiges of a 10 millenia old human settlement with scores of succeeding civilizations on this Asia Minor of the ancients supply extraordinary oppurtunities of sophisticated traveling with in-depth investigations and thematic focus on cultural and anthropological topics which combine insight and fun: a unique experience of learning and understanding for those who seek more than the "simply usual"

With its expertise and unique meticulosity, Universal has long been organizing much diversified activities. Informatioın on Religious and Pilgrimage Tours throughout the country is supplied in a seperate brochure of the company; details on the wonderful jachting experience along Turkey's southwestern littoral, the Blue Voyage, are to be found in the company's general catalogue (please contact us to request a sample). Universal's well structured explorations presented hereafter may, if necessary or upon request, be escorted by sporting leaders, or curators, lecturers, university scholars and other specialists of particular fields. No doubt any of these expeditions may as well be combined with so many other activities.

Special Interest Groups entrusted to UNIVERSAL's professionalism in recent years include, among others, U.S. museum groups whose specially tailored tours brought them to visit local homes and museums in company with their respective curators and meet local artists. Needless to say that requests emanating from any special interest group, comprising even the toughest exigencies, will be but a new challenge for the Company.

Technically speaking, Turkey is an easily reached destination served by all major airlines along with Turkish Airlines with direct flights from/to important cities around the world. Recently built hotels both in Istanbul and along the coast with meetings facilities provide every comfort even the most demanding guests could require.

In addition to its significantly developed infrastructure and unanimously recognized variety in natural, historical, anthropological, gastronomic and artistic wealth, Turkey, this truly exceptional land, offers so much more to create equally exciting programs among which trekking, rafting, speleogy, mountaineering and even winter sports be but a few to mention.


Appreciated Appreciations

Thank you so much for EVERYTHING you did to help make our tour to Turkey such a big success. Your support and assistance is greatly appreciated and valued. The group really enjoyed their tour and we now have another 32 disciples who will spread the word about Turkey for us.

Rob Chaplin / The Golf Travel Company /

On behalf of the Rosebank Union Church group I want to thank you most sincerely for all you did to make our tour of Turkey unforgettable. I came home not only with a deeper understanding of the Scriptures, particularly those relating to the Seven Churches, but also with an appreciation of and admiration for the country of Turkey. I was particularly fascinated by Istanbul, and hope to spend more time there in the future exploring the riches of that most fascinating city. I also loved the fertile valleys through which we travelled, the sight of the snow-capped mountains, and the friendliness of the people we met as we walked the streets of those smaller towns along the way.

Leigh Robinson / Rosebank Union Church /

Moreover, the history of Turkey is impressive, not only the recent history but the ancient history which confirms the history of our Bible. I have not visited Greece, Israel or Italy or other countries mentioned in the Bible but think that Turkey is more central to the history of the Bible.We are also amazed at Turkey and what it achieved. It is evident that this would not happen without sound work ethics and commitment by the whole population.

Piet Zeeman / /

One of our very best trips we have ever taken. Turkey was full of memorable moments along with a fascinating history and culture. Thanks for helping plan such an extraordinary trip!!!

Karen & Bruce Levenson / /

There are not enough superlatives in English to describe our trip to Turkey. Most amazing, most friendly, most interesting, most beautiful are just a few that come to mind. We want to thank you for organizing one of the best trips we have ever had. Flights, accommodations, guides and drivers, everything was perfect! Benjamin and Bulent were the most knowledgeable, friendly, and fun people ever. Mustafa was an excellent driver. The sites we visited in Cappidocia and Ephesus were fabulous. To paraphrase General MacArthur: "We will return!" Thanks again.

Jim and Barb / /

Rosemary and I (and, I'm sure, all the others in the party) thouroughly enjoyed the time spent in your beautiful Country. The planning and arrangements laid on were superb. There was a good balance between the secular and the religious aspects, the accommodation and food was great, and the transport went of without a 'glitch'. Halit is, with doubt, a superb guide and his knowledge of so many facets of history, polotics, economic, geography etc is outstanding. He instantly struck a good rapport with the group, and was a real pleasure to be with, and was definitely one to whom listening was not a problem. We came away from the eight days having learnt a tremendous amount both Biblically and about modern and ancient Turkey (as well as other parts of the world).

Lin / /

Over the span of 25 years Universal Travel Services has provided five star service to our 19 tour groups totaling over 500 travelers. Universal and their fine staff have worked with me to develop a series of tours focusing on the biblical and Christian Church history sites in Turkey. One of the most consistent traveler responses in their evaluations of our tours has been, "Great value for the money." Thank you Universal for a quarter century of truly outstanding service.

Donald Cornell / USA / Lutheran Pastor

Apart from all the usual items - hotels/meals/sightseeing etc.. it was the way in which the additional services were handled and your ability to get things done and implement frequent last minute changes which was most impressive...

N.C. / Riyadh, K.S.A. / Regional Manager

...There are not enough good words to describe the extraordinary services that Universal arranged on my behalf upon my request to them regarding the change in my itinerary. I know that you are aware that the hospitality of the Turkish people is greater by tradition than other European Countries. The services and hospitality provided by Universal to me was of this tradition, more than just good business relations...

H.H. / San Diego, CA U.S.A. /

... I would like to extend my appreciation for making our 21th birthday celebration a memorable night...

B.T. / USMC/USS MISSOURI / 1st Lt.