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Berat Ornek

Having worked in the museum sector for quite some time, I have honed my skills in creating valuable experiences for visitors who want to explore a new collection of artifacts, a cultural site or a yet-to-be-seen urban landscape. At Trail Travel, I am interested in creating stories that make travelers enjoy their visit to Turkey, by integrating different elements of cultural heritage in Turkey, gastronomic explorations, and custom-made routes that respond to the needs of customers.

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"At Trail Travel, we specialize in adventure traveling, tailor-made tours on the cultural landscape of Turkey, and creating meaningful experiences for travelers. We are the right company to choose for anyone who'd like to see Turkey with a team that ensures quality, excellence and expertise. "

How did you get involved in travel?

"During my MA studies in Archaeology and History of Art, I had the opportunity of touring around Turkey with knowledgable art historians. During that time I was lucky enough to see excavation sites, out of the ordinary places that made me realize I'd like people all around the world to see and appreciate the beauty of Turkey. "

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"I will never forget the first time I saw a Hittite monument called Eflatunpınar, near Beyşehir in Turkey, on an off-track road that one wouldn't expect to find something historically amazing. Eflatunpınar dates back to the 13th century BC, and is a rectangular shaped pond fed with the waters from a nearby spring. I remember that the sound of water that was still running from the same source since centuries, the quiet and serenity of the site filled me with a sense of peace and awe at the same time. Turkey is a country filled with these kind of special gems in unassuming places. You just need fresh eyes to appreciate the things you see and let yourself be surprised. "

Berat is part of the following groups: Turkey Travel Agents
Top itineraries and travel advice

Recent trip reviews for Berat

Amazing trip!
Turkey | Oct 27 - Nov 5, 2024

L
Linda A.
North Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Nov 13, 2024
The trip to Turkey was such an amazing trip and exceeded all my expectation. My initial planning was with Murat. He was very patient and responsive to all my questions. My dates had not finalized yet and he was very patient throughout the process. I then got a chance to work with Berat who was amazing with all her recommendations and planning. She was very responsive to all my questions and was very accommodating. There was an issue with travel plans but she was very patient and made all... Read more

The trip to Turkey was such an amazing trip and exceeded all my expectation. My initial planning was with Murat. He was very patient and responsive to all my questions. My dates had not finalized yet and he was very patient throughout the process. I then got a chance to work with Berat who was amazing with all her recommendations and planning. She was very responsive to all my questions and was very accommodating. There was an issue with travel plans but she was very patient and made all the necessary changes needed which was greatly appreciated. While in Turkey, all the suggested tours, guides and drivers were amazing. The hotels were great and I feel like the itinerary showed the best of Turkey. Special shout out to both Hatice and Oguzhan who were both great guides and very informative as well as very attentive. The trip was so amazing because of this. Thank you so much. I would highly recommend Berat and her team to anyone.

Local specialist: Berat Ornek
Berat
Berat Ornek
Local specialist in Turkey | Replied on Nov 13, 2024

Dear Linda,

Thank you so much for your positive review!

We are so glad to hear you had a great time with us in Turkey -- look forward to welcoming you again to our country.

Best regards,
Berat

Turkey was amazing and Berat and team did an incredible job.
Turkey | Oct 19 - Nov 2, 2024

Ed
Ed H.
Greenwood Village, CO | Reviewed on Nov 12, 2024
This was my second booking with KIMKIM and it didn't disappoint. Both times I have used this service I have been blown away. Our guide was amazing (I must start there). Hatice traveled with us for the entire 11 days and she was absolutely fabulous. She was knowledgeable, friendly and wonderful. She was like part of the family before we left. We shared meals, met her family and had just an incredible time. She made reservations at restaurants, knew the best times to visit each... Read more

This was my second booking with KIMKIM and it didn't disappoint. Both times I have used this service I have been blown away. Our guide was amazing (I must start there). Hatice traveled with us for the entire 11 days and she was absolutely fabulous. She was knowledgeable, friendly and wonderful. She was like part of the family before we left. We shared meals, met her family and had just an incredible time. She made reservations at restaurants, knew the best times to visit each attraction and treated us like she knew us forever. It was an incredible experience. Of course, Berat and her team did an amazing job with all the arrangements. The hotels, food and locations were exactly what we wanted and needed for our vacation. Turkey is a magical safe place that everyone should enjoy at least once in their life. You will see amazing historical places, eat too much (watch the ice cream) and love living life there.

Hotel Reviews
Kale Konak Hotel

Great hotel in an incredible location. Do get up early and walk down the street to watch the balloons float by!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Olympos Mountain Lodge

This lodge is in a wonderful natural setting with a great breakfast buffet. The bread is fresh baked and the dinner was magical. Chef Mehmet Ali Bortucene is so talented. The food was absolutely amazing. Do yourself a favor and walk around the little village outside the gate and enjoy the local people (and especially the goats). What a fabulous experience. This is definitely a place to come back to. It was amazing.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
The staff is wonderful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Nisanyan Houses
Selçuk

The Nisanyan Houses Hotel was the best place we stayed in Turkey! The staff was amazing! The food was awesome and the locality to the local town was great. We walked through the stone alleyways down to the town and shopped, ate and enjoyed the local culture. If you visit Turkey you should absolutely staff here. It was truly an amazing place (also visit the tower on the property). Our hosts and staff made us feel like we lived there. Truly amazing stay!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Antalya
Antalya

This hotel is in a great location. it is a typical ramada but the breakfast room has an amazing view! I would recommend eating there

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Bank Hotel
Istanbul

Great hotel in a great location. The staff was amazing and we truly enjoyed the dinning experience and the rooftop bar!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Berat Ornek
Berat
Berat Ornek
Local specialist in Turkey | Replied on Nov 13, 2024

Dear Ed,

Thanks so much for this great review!

It was a joy to host you and we are glad to hear you had a nice time in Turkey.

Kind regards,
Berat

Berat was very available for any changes that...
Turkey | Oct 23 - Nov 4, 2024

G
Gina S.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Nov 11, 2024
Berat was very available for any changes that we made along the way. She was easy to contact and always followed up in a timely manner. I t was a very good expereince. Thank you
Gina Suozzi
Read more

Berat was very available for any changes that we made along the way. She was easy to contact and always followed up in a timely manner. I t was a very good expereince. Thank you
Gina Suozzi

Hotel Reviews
Route Hotel Kaleici

It was not clean and was very noisy uncomfortable room. We changed hotels on our way back so as not to stay there.

Authenticity & Character
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Armada Hotel
Istanbul

great location , perfectly fine rooms.

Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
YOTEL Istanbul Airport

It was very convenient, clean and comfortable for the one night in my slog back to the US.

Location
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Berat Ornek
Berat
Berat Ornek
Local specialist in Turkey | Replied on Nov 13, 2024

Thanks for this overall positive review, Gina!

We'll look into areas of improvement and appreciate the detailed feedback.

Best regards,
Berat

Wow! Kimkim did a wonderful job putting toget...
Turkey | Oct 15 - Oct 22, 2024

JAMES L
JAMES L W.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Nov 04, 2024
Wow! Kimkim did a wonderful job putting together a trip tailored to our specific interests and needs. The guides made Turkey’s fascinating history come alive and exciting. Kimkin’s accommodating our last minute requests for a hot air balloon ride and cooking class was especially appreciated.
The only suggestion I have is to rethink the “sunset wine tasting.” Because it was too cold, we had to move that activity indoors. Rather than the alternate location chosen you might consider a venue ...
Read more

Wow! Kimkim did a wonderful job putting together a trip tailored to our specific interests and needs. The guides made Turkey’s fascinating history come alive and exciting. Kimkin’s accommodating our last minute requests for a hot air balloon ride and cooking class was especially appreciated.
The only suggestion I have is to rethink the “sunset wine tasting.” Because it was too cold, we had to move that activity indoors. Rather than the alternate location chosen you might consider a venue other than an enclosed space without windows. Maybe the courtyard of Murat’s hotel?
Overall, Kimkim made this a great vacation and provided seamless service. Thank you!

Hotel Reviews
The Marmara Pera
Istanbul
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Armada Hotel
Istanbul
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Millstone Cave Suites
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Berat Ornek
Berat
Berat Ornek
Local specialist in Turkey | Replied on Nov 05, 2024

Many thanks, James for your positive review! We are glad to hear you had a nice time with us.

Best regards,
Berat

Basat at museum was amazing , started us plan...
Turkey | Oct 15 - Oct 22, 2024

Doñna
Doñna P.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Oct 29, 2024
Basat at museum was amazing , started us planning next year in Turkey from Troy down coastline.
Erat in cappadoncia was excellent; so knowledgeable and adjusted tour to our every need.
The last hotel in Istanbul was not up to standard, service was sub par and any questions asked we got different answers from each staff.
Their first response was no to most everything.
Check in was unnecessarily long , crowded and we were told to sit , and then forgotten while they checked in a group that...
Read more

Basat at museum was amazing , started us planning next year in Turkey from Troy down coastline.
Erat in cappadoncia was excellent; so knowledgeable and adjusted tour to our every need.
The last hotel in Istanbul was not up to standard, service was sub par and any questions asked we got different answers from each staff.
Their first response was no to most everything.
Check in was unnecessarily long , crowded and we were told to sit , and then forgotten while they checked in a group that arrived after us
The wine tasting was also a disappointment, we did not have sunset due to windy conditions but then we did it in a lobby with no view no explanation of the wines, the woman conducting the tasting poured and disappeared.
Only 2 wines poured . For this we could have ordered at our hotel with a spectacular view and had a bartender explain the wine

Hotel Reviews
Armada Hotel
Istanbul

Great location helpful staff Restaurant was average, rooms need refurbishing, bar never open seemed short staffed

Authenticity & Character
Refurbish rooms and lobby
Location
Walkable to palace mosque. Restaurant shopping
Staff
Very helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean
Millstone Cave Suites

View amazing room beautiful heated floors the best breakfast very good

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Very helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Marmara Pera
Istanbul

Crowded transient not particularly a vacation spot

Authenticity & Character
No charm
Location
Busy area lots of hotels
Staff
Seems we were bothering them
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Berat Ornek
Berat
Berat Ornek
Local specialist in Turkey | Replied on Oct 30, 2024

Dear Donna,
Many thanks for your review! We are delighted to hear you enjoyed your trip with us.
I also took notes about what could have been better, we always strive to improve our travelers' experience!
Thanks for choosing us as your travel companion.
Kind regards,
Berat

KimKim and Berat provided an outstanding Turkish Treat
Turkey | Oct 6 - Oct 20, 2024

C
Carol W.
Bethesda, MD | Reviewed on Oct 27, 2024
KimKim and Berat provided an outstanding vacation in Turkey for us. It was particularly helpful that whenever we had a question or needed a suggested activity, we could always contact Berat. She always promptly responded, often with specific suggestions such as excellent dining choices and places to go. When there were huge lines for the mosques in Istanbul, KimKim's guide suggested an alternative, the cisterns, as a place to start. Not only did that provide an memorable sight, by the... Read more

KimKim and Berat provided an outstanding vacation in Turkey for us. It was particularly helpful that whenever we had a question or needed a suggested activity, we could always contact Berat. She always promptly responded, often with specific suggestions such as excellent dining choices and places to go.

When there were huge lines for the mosques in Istanbul, KimKim's guide suggested an alternative, the cisterns, as a place to start. Not only did that provide an memorable sight, by the time we finished, the mosque lines were completely gone allowing us to walk right in.

All the travel logistics were in place -- people to pick up us and reservations in place.

For anyone considering a vacation in Turkey, we highly recommend booking it through KimKim. This was our second KimKim vacation. Now that we're back, time to start thinking about the next trip with them.

Hotel Reviews
Pera Palace
Istanbul

Charming, well located, hotel responsive to some plumbing issues.

Authenticity & Character
Oldest elevator in the country.
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Kayakapi Premium Caves
Urgup / Cappadocia

Restaurants were amazing, especially the vegetarian tasting meal. Friendly waitstaff.

Akra Antalya Hotel
Antalya

Hotel was fine. Blaring music in one of the restaurants but the next night it was quieter.

Doğa Thermal Hotel & Spa
Denizli

Weird environment; smell from thermal waters. Only buffet dinner available which was just adequate. Not up to the standards of the other hotels on the trip.

Nisanyan Houses
Selçuk

Huge accessibility issues for anyone over 30 years old. Very rocky road from the reception desk to the room making the walk to meals treacherous. Layout of the rooms not idea with bathroom on a different level from the bedroom -- again an issue for older travelers. On the other hand, the staff were over the top friendly and accommodating. Meals, once you got the the dining room were very good.

Swissôtel The Bosphorus Istanbul
ISTANBUL

Excellent location looking out over the Bosphorus, walking distance to many of the key sites, tasty Indian restaurant on site.

Activity Review
Hot Air Balloon Tour at Sunrise
Hot Air Balloon Tour at Sunrise
Cappadocia

Beautiful views, magical scenery, felt perfectly safe

Local specialist: Berat Ornek
Berat
Berat Ornek
Local specialist in Turkey | Replied on Oct 28, 2024

Dear Carol and David,
Many thanks for your positive review, we are glad to see you enjoyed your trip with us!
Kind regards from everyone on our team,
Berat

Highlights of Turkey
Turkey | Sep 20 - Sep 30, 2024

Natalia
Natalia J.
Flagami, FL | Reviewed on Oct 14, 2024
I decided to use Kimkim in searching for itineraries to visit Turkey, after our plan for Greece was completed. From the very start, Berat scheduled every single aspect of our journey with care and detail, starting with Istambul, then Capadocia, Sirince, Pamukkale and finally Izmir. The itinerary was perfect, highlighting the very best that great country has to offer, amazing hotels, transfers and activities of the most gorgeous places on earth. Thank you Berat and your team of guides: Volkan,... Read more

I decided to use Kimkim in searching for itineraries to visit Turkey, after our plan for Greece was completed. From the very start, Berat scheduled every single aspect of our journey with care and detail, starting with Istambul, then Capadocia, Sirince, Pamukkale and finally Izmir. The itinerary was perfect, highlighting the very best that great country has to offer, amazing hotels, transfers and activities of the most gorgeous places on earth. Thank you Berat and your team of guides: Volkan, Harun and Fatma, so knowledgeable and kind sharing the best information and companionship throughout all our travels. We also had the fortune to meet Berat personally when passing through Capadocia, that was so incredible! Talking to her personally and sharing our experiences with her was so nice. This whole trip was an unforgettable experience, that otherwise would not have been possible, so for sure we will plan any other journey with Kimkim in the future!! Thanks to all! We loved Turkiye🇹🇷 ♥️ and we hope we come back and visit some more of this gorgeous country!

Hotel Reviews
Armada Hotel
Istanbul

Very nice traditional hotel in The old city near the best attractions -Hagia Sohia, Blue Mosqud and Topkaki Palace. Breakfast was absolutely delicious

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Kale Konak Hotel

This is an absolutely beautiful cave hotel right in front of the Uchisar Castle, staff is so friendly and the hotel outside areas are beautiful

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Nisanyan Houses
Selçuk

There are not enough words to say how amazing is this place, the views, the room, the food and staff are absolutely wonderful!!!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Doğa Thermal Hotel & Spa
Denizli

This hotel was great, specially for its thermal waters; the food is also very good!!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Kordon Hotel Çankaya
Çankaya, Konak, Izmir

Well located, nice and clean rooms

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Discover Byzantine + Ottoman Istanbul
Discover Byzantine + Ottoman Istanbul
İstanbul

During our (4) days in Istanbul, we were lucky to have Volkan as our guide, he gave us all historic background of every attraction in the city, while enjoying his company and conversations throughout our journeys. It was a pleasure spending all these days in his company, and made our experience unforgettable!!!,

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Explore the historical + modern hub: Pera, Karaköy and Beyond
Explore the historical + modern hub: Pera, Karaköy and Beyond
İstanbul

During our (4) days in Istanbul, we were lucky to have Volkan as our guide, he gave us all historic background of every attraction in the city, while enjoying his company and conversations throughout our journeys. It was a pleasure spending all these days in his company, and made our experience unforgettable!!!,

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Public Boat Tour on the Bosphorus
Public Boat Tour on the Bosphorus
İstanbul

This Bosphorus boat trip was beautiful watching the Palaces over the waterfront. The Asian coast of Istanbul is vibrant.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
H
Transport
Urban Hiking Tour: Strolling around Old City Walls, Fener + Balat
Urban Hiking Tour: Strolling around Old City Walls, Fener + Balat
İstanbul

During our (4) days in Istanbul, we were lucky to have Volkan as our guide, he gave us all historic background of every attraction in the city, while enjoying his company and conversations throughout our journeys. It was a pleasure spending all these days in his company, and made our experience unforgettable!!!,

Quality of Experience
H
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Berat Ornek
Berat
Berat Ornek
Local specialist in Turkey | Replied on Oct 16, 2024

Querida Natalia,

It was a joy meeting you in person and organizing your tour in Turkey! Thanks so much for your kind words and putting in the time to write this review.
Looking forward to hosting you soon again in our country.

Kind regards,
Berat

10 days in Turkey
Turkey | Sep 17 - Sep 26, 2024

Kelly
Kelly W.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Oct 08, 2024
We had an amazing time in Turkey. From start to finish our 10 days were well planned, with fantastic guides, and comfortable and safe drivers. We even had the opportunity to meet with our local travel planner, Berat. We made changes once we were in country that Berat handled seamlessly, easily taking care of each. We were also given fast recommendations when we had a need for medication due to an illness. Berat listened to our desires and needs, and planned accordingly.
Some suggestions:
-...
Read more

We had an amazing time in Turkey. From start to finish our 10 days were well planned, with fantastic guides, and comfortable and safe drivers. We even had the opportunity to meet with our local travel planner, Berat. We made changes once we were in country that Berat handled seamlessly, easily taking care of each. We were also given fast recommendations when we had a need for medication due to an illness. Berat listened to our desires and needs, and planned accordingly.
Some suggestions:
- Make sure your personal email and phone number are included on all airline reservations that are made for you that you will need to check in for during your travels.
- Perhaps the guides could send a brief summary of each site visited, providing the history and culture in a written format.
We will be using KimKim again!

Hotel Reviews
Nisanyan Houses
Selçuk

Very rustic from our perspective. Check in process was very disorganized. Dinner was very disorganized, we were forgotten about and waited a VERY long tim for food!

Authenticity & Character
Extremely authentic
Location
Very nice town this hotel is in
Staff
Organization
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Bank Hotel
Istanbul

Great hotel, great room, location and food

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Doğa Thermal Hotel & Spa
Denizli

Great pools! Very clean!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Millstone Cave Suites

Fantastic room! Beautiful view! Great breakfast !

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
YOTEL Istanbul Airport

Perfectly located for a late arrival and early departure. Clean, quiet and easy!

Location
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Berat Ornek
Berat
Berat Ornek
Local specialist in Turkey | Replied on Oct 08, 2024

Dear Kelly,

Many thanks for your positive review, we are glad to see you enjoyed your trip with us!

Kind regards from everyone on our team,
Berat

Memorable Türkiye
Turkey | Sep 14 - Sep 29, 2024

Ashish
Ashish M.
North Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Oct 03, 2024
This was a memorable trip of a lifetime. Berat took care of the minute details while planning the trip for us and took into account all the places we wanted to visit
The hotels were amazing and all restaurant suggestions simply sumptuous.
We have to give our guide Volkan 5 shining stars. Not only was he well read and learned about the history of Turkey but took the pains to answer all our questions and went the extra step in making sure we were comfortable and had excellent food...
Read more

This was a memorable trip of a lifetime. Berat took care of the minute details while planning the trip for us and took into account all the places we wanted to visit
The hotels were amazing and all restaurant suggestions simply sumptuous.
We have to give our guide Volkan 5 shining stars. Not only was he well read and learned about the history of Turkey but took the pains to answer all our questions and went the extra step in making sure we were comfortable and had excellent food suggestions .
The drivers were safe on the roads and immaculate condition of the luxury cars were provided
Would use kim kim in a heart beat and would highly recommend Berat, Murat Volkan and their team to our friends and family
Gulle Gulle and Tesekkurler

Local specialist: Berat Ornek
Berat
Berat Ornek
Local specialist in Turkey | Replied on Oct 04, 2024

Thanks, Ashish, for this great review!
We are grateful that you chose us as your travel companions in Turkey and look forward to hosting you again soon. It was a joy meeting you in person!
Kind regards,
Berat

The Trip was just Amazing!
Turkey | Sep 14 - Sep 29, 2024

Lavanya
Lavanya R.
North Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Oct 01, 2024
The Trip was just Amazing!Berat and our Guide Volkan were very accommodating and helpful.
All the Hotels were very Comfortable .Transportation provided was A+.Dinners provided by the Company were outstanding and at beautiful locations.I felt completely safe in the hands of this Company.
Berat was very responsive and helped us with every little thing we asked for.She Surprised me with a birthday Cake on the boat in Istanbul which was so thoughtful!Would love to go back to Turkey 🇹🇷 again.
Read more

The Trip was just Amazing!Berat and our Guide Volkan were very accommodating and helpful.
All the Hotels were very Comfortable .Transportation provided was A+.Dinners provided by the Company were outstanding and at beautiful locations.I felt completely safe in the hands of this Company.
Berat was very responsive and helped us with every little thing we asked for.She Surprised me with a birthday Cake on the boat in Istanbul which was so thoughtful!Would love to go back to Turkey 🇹🇷 again.

Hotel Reviews
Swissôtel Resort Bodrum Beach
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Izmir Marriott Hotel
Izmir
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Doğa Thermal Hotel & Spa
Denizli
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Kelebek Special Cave Hotel
Nevsehir
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hagia Sofia Mansions Istanbul, Curio Collection by Hilton
Fatih Istanbul
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Berat Ornek
Berat
Berat Ornek
Local specialist in Turkey | Replied on Oct 01, 2024

Dear Lavanya,

Many thanks for your positive review!
We're happy to hear you had a great time with us and it was lovely to meet you all in person.
We look forward to hosting you in Turkey!
Kind regards,
Berat