To my mind, the most rewarding cultural experience of our trip to Turkey was our tour guide Oğuz Atici. Oğuz was there from the moment we landed in Istanbul exhausted and, let's be honest, a touch fragrant, through the grandeur of Pergamon, the chaos of camel wrestling, and the serenity of the Selimiye Mosque in Edirne. His smile never wavered, his patience never faltered, and his knowledge of Turkey and its history edged on encyclopedic. Oğuz is, without doubt, the best advertisement for the Turkish lands, and the Turkish people. From Kate.

Dear Oğuz. We could not have asked for a more friendly, patient and helpful tour guide! Beyond the information that you provided at the various sites we visited, I particularly enjoyed your updates on Turkey more generally. This gave me a valuable insight into the land and its people that I would have otherwise missed out on. Thank you too for your recommendations regarding Cappadocia, which I'm really looking forward to. Here's hoping that you will one day get to visit Australia ... koalas, kangaroos and eucalyptus trees! Thank you so much. All the best, Veronica.

Thank you for an incredible journey through Turkey. You are so incredibly knowledgeable, but in your own words, knowledge is just one part of your job, the rest involves supporting group members, keeping us all safe, organizing us (usually it was like herding cats), and helping us to experience Turkish culture to its fullest. You are a true teacher. Thank you also to your two beautiful girls and wife for letting you come with us! Wishing you the happiest of times back home with your family, Sarah.

Below is a photo of Oğuz at the Hippodrome right at the start of the trip. I was impressed by his ability to keep focused on his task, despite the weather.