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Testimonials & Reviews

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Tailor made Holidays

Dear Nazan,
I wanted to send you and e-mail now that we are back from our wonderful holiday. My wife and I wanted to express our sincere gratitude to you and the team at Diamond Star for arranging a truly unique style of holiday that we are still talking about to friends and family two weeks after we came home. The places we have visited, the things we have seen were truly amazing, it will take a month or more to sort through our photos. I really must commend Diamond Star on the choice of hotels too for our trip. The Romance Hotel in Istanbul was just beautiful and in such a fabulous location, we couldn't have had better. The MDC Cave hotel in Cappadocia was truly amazing. For some reason we were upgraded to a King size suite which we weren't going to complain about as the room was spectacular. Despite also some confusion over the balloon trip when we first arrived this was delayed for a day but we got to go on it and will never forget the experience. The daily excursions too were just out of this world and made all the more special by our guide. I would like to say though, the MDC Cave hotel has the most shambolic food ordering system I'm afraid which most people complained about. Ordering your food on a app doesn't work at all so I wouldn't recommend that part to anyone.The Lykia Residence in Kalkan was also a truly unique and beautiful hotel. I couldn't recommend these hotels enough to anyone. Andrew and June Welch - 24 Oct 2022

Hi Akin Kog,
Diamond Star give a 5 star experience. From booking to customer care. Bespoke holidays. Contactable and were brilliant when one of our internal flights was cancelled. Was speaking to us out of hours and arranged another days stay in Cappadocia. Would defo recommend them. Ms Louise Robinson - 4 Oct 2022

Back from our holiday to Istanbul/Cappadocia what an awesome holiday. The hot air balloon was out of this world. Thank you Diamond Star for making it all possible special thanks to Nazan. I recommend this company to make your dreams come true. ??
Mrs Angela Bailey - 6 Oct 2022

We had a super holiday; it was very interesting to have a first-hand experience of another culture. Everything went smoothly and in general we were met by really friendly Turkish people. We have many happy memories of the historic and natural wonders of Turkey.
Thank you – Mr Hessel 09 Jun 2022

Tailor made Holidays

Dear Nazan Tarkuli,
It is our pleasure to thank you and Diamond Star for the excellence of the arrangements you put in place for our recent holiday to Istanbul and Troy. Everything worked out perfectly. All the transfers were immaculate and spot on time - no mean feat given the Istanbul traffic and the 4-5 hour journeys between Istanbul and Troy. The Hotel Hisarlik was, as we expected, basic, but clean, and the we appreciated the friendly and willing hospitality from the Akcin brothers as well as the rest of their staff. Besides our pre-booked, and fascinating, tour of ancient Troy with Mustafa he took us to the coast and gave us an additional tour of the Trojan Plain.
Above all, we were astonished, but of course very pleased, to be allocated the Alfred Hitchcock Suite, baby grand piano and all, for our first three nights at the charming Pera Palas. Absolutely the icing on a wonderful cake.
With very many thanks and all good wishes,
Karen and Steve Pritchard - 27 Sep 2022

Ece Saray Hotel & Gulet Cruise

Good morning Nazan,

We arrived home from Fethiye on Monday, and would just like to thank you and Akin for planning an amazing trip. The gulet was fantastic and as usual the Ece Saray Hotel was lovely. The staff there are some of the best we have come across, and breakfasts were great. We are looking ahead to 2023 and was wondering if you could arrange a quote for a similar trip …any gulet first week then one week Ece Saray commencing June 26 2023. We don’t mind which route the gulet takes just same hotel. If there is a smaller gulet with less people that would be a bonus.

I look forward to hearing from you,

Thanks once again, Sue and Mike Fedeczko - 28 September 2022

Kalkan View Villa - Villa Holidays

Overall the holiday was excellent. We thought villa was excellent. Thank for an excellent villa holiday.

Mr Faulkner - 11july 2022

Customer Service

Dear Akin and Sema,

"Just a brief note to say Thank you, and how grateful I am, for the refund of the deposit in respect of the above booking. May I also take this opportunity to say how pleased and impressed I have been with your professionalism, and the way you have conducted not only the business, but yourselves, at every turn. It was such a disappointment that, due to circumstances beyond the control of any of us, the planned trip was unable to go ahead, but you may be certain that if we plan to revive the idea of doing something similar in future, Diamond Star will be the first company to whom we turn. It is my great wish that the world, travel and, particularly, Diamond Star and everyone involved in the travel and hospitality industries, should return to normal as soon as possible. Should you ever wish me to furnish you, or potential clients, with a reference or testimonial, please do not hesitate to use my name and contact details, when it will be a pleasure to relate my positive experiences with Diamond Star in general, and you in particular.
With kindest regards, thanks, and very best wishes,
Yours Aye," Peter Robinson - 3 Sep 2021

"Sadly like many people our holiday for five people was cancelled due to Covid-19. The date of our holiday meant it was on, then off, then on and finally off again. Throughout all this I can't fault how Akin and his team dealt with all the hassle at a most difficult time for his company. The refund was dealt with swiftly and our party can only thank everyone for all their help." Mr Brian Chappell - 2 Jun 2020

"Absolutely brilliant service even with all that's going on at the moment, will be booking again"
Mark Thomas - 10 Sep 2020

M/S Perla Del Mar 1 Gulet

Great customer service along with great value, we had a wonderful holiday at a great price. We will use Diamond Star again.
Holiday was 1st class from day one. Booking & communication was first class customer service. The Boat - Perla Der Mal 1 & crew were awesome, we had a brilliant holiday from day one.

Mr Murray – 3 September 2020

Seyhan Jan - Luxury Plus Gulet

“We very much enjoyed our trip so much so that we are interested in returning next year. Please provide price details to travel on Seyhan Jan from 6 ^th September 2021. Thank you”

Julie & Nick Morris – 11 October 2020

Semercioglu IV - De Luxe Gulet

“The Captain & crew were so very welcoming and friendly, nothing was too much trouble. They were very attentive without being intrusive. The Cabins were more like suites, very clean and roomy. The food was excellent and plenty of it.The boat itself was very well kept and clean, it was obvious that captain Mehmet was immensely proud of it. Overall, we had a fantastic time, met lots of nice people and had lots of fun and adventures. We have no hesitation at recommending Diamond Star Experience and Semercioglu 4 to anyone. Thank you for another wonderful holiday"

Mr Alan Guy – 31 Aug 2020

"Five years ago we had a fantastic cruise on Semercioglu IV with Anatolian Sky (now Diamond Sky) This time even better. The captains English is much improved, the crew could not do enough for you. Everyone on board was British. The cabins are spacious, lots of storage, not that you needed much. Swimwear and a top during the day, shorts and top for dinner and drinks under the stars. Bathrooms were clean and roomy. The Gulet was spotless and you could tell the captain was very proud of it. Food was delicious and lots of it. Evening meals sometimes were themed e.g. fish. But if you don't like fish no problem the chef would prepare whatever you liked. Very relaxing holiday, very pleased, very full (food), very pleased, very nice places visited, very pleased, very happy with Diamond Sky for arranging. Thank you, Thank you. Tesekkür ederim (p.s. did I mention we were very pleased)?"

Allan Guy - 31 Aug 2020

“Despite all the disruption and difficulties that the pandemic has caused for holiday makers in 2020, all the arrangements for my safe and enjoyable holiday on Semerioglu 4 in Turkey worked extremely well. As I had used this company before, for a similar gület holiday last year, I knew I could be confide. Great company, food and service from the crew too"

Miss Jill Grosvenor – 28 Sep 2020

Likya Pavillion

Dear Akin
Thank you so much for all your help in such unpredictable times. Not once did you insist on paying money until it was confirmed we could travel to Turkey. Then when our Gulet was cancelled you gave us many options to chose from, but on your recommendation, we chose Likya Pavillion and what a place it is. We can recommend to anyone how brilliant this place is and the staff couldn’t do enough for us especially Amit, great guy! Thank you so much for all your help and knowledge and hopefully we will get a Gulet next year. Thanks,

Mark & Rachel Thomas- 10 September 2020

Tailor Made Holidays

"Our holiday in Turkey exceeded our expectations. Cappadocia was interesting and beautiful. It was exciting staying in cave. Istanbul was amazing. We had very little previous experience of Turkey and Turkish people, so we enjoyed the beauty of the country and friendly hospitality of the people. We felt safe and not at all threatened in the city. The quality of food and service in restaurants was good. Efes beer is very tasty. We were a little confused on our first day in Istanbul as the tour details implied a bus tour, but all become clear when we realised how close all the sights were to our hotel. We had a memorable holiday. Thank you Akin."

Mr David Hyam, 19.5.2019

"A very smooth and problem free experience, thank you very much. Istanbul was beautiful and interesting; Cappadocia was stunning and fascinating. Food everywhere was delicious “
Mrs Anne Kingdon- 4.10.2019

"This is the first time we have travelled with you. I must say, it was a wonderful experience from the moment we booked right up till the moment we left. We shall certainly use you again"

Mr & Mrs Cavedaschi, London

Semercioglu IV - De Luxe Gulet

"Our third time booking. Excellent friendly and knowledgable service. Communications excellent. Documentation prompt and thorough. We will use again when we are booking Gulet holidays"

Ms Amanda Kirk - 28 Sep 2020

“We had a very enjoyable holiday. The transfers were prompt and efficient and the crew of the Gulet Semercioglu 4 were very friendly and helpful. Semercioglu IV Gulet is definitely the nicest we have ever stayed in, with spacious cabins, proper bathrooms and good air conditioning when it was operating. The food was plentiful and tasty, although very much the same at each meals and the drinks were of quality. Overall a really good holiday. “

Ms Vanessa White – 7 Sep 2020

Mr Alan Guy – 31 Aug 2020

Seyhan Jan - Luxury Plus Gulet

“A fantastic holiday which not only lived up to our expectations – but exceeded them. We travelled many years ago with Captain Muhittin on the Seyhan Gulet and we were delighted to meet Captain Muhittin again on the even more beautiful Seyhan Jan. We enjoyed every aspect of the holiday from the smooth & efficient booking the fabulous Gulet accommodation. The gorgeous food (thanks to all the Seyhan cann team) the stunning weather plus the brilliant company.A big thank you to Akin, Ali and all the Diamond Sky team for your help to make it such a memorable holiday. A special thank you from my sister and her husband who have never been to Turkey before, they were quite nervous because of the bad publicity, they both absolutely loved it and we will all comeback.”

Mrs Petra Betts – 2.9.2019

Semercioglu IV - De Luxe Gulet

“We had a delightful time in Turkey with Diamond Sky Holidays. We organised the trip about 12 months before and had a large group to manage and the Diamond Sky team were really accommodating and helpful to meet all our needs, even so far out. They gave us a lot of confidence that they were looking after us so far out. They helped us coordinate transfers, flights and were great in making sure everything on the boat met our needs.The experience on the boat, Semircoglu, was amazing. The crew were kind and super nice, and looked after us amazingly well during the week on the boat. They made delicious food everyday, accommodated all of our requests and questions and were very kind. The trip was delightful. Everyday we voyaged from one cove to another, swam, did water sports and enjoyed the beautiful Turkish coast. It was pure relaxation, the trip was just bliss, and very memorable. I highly recommend Diamond Sky Holidays and Semircoglu to anyone wishing to enjoy the Turkish coast, it's a beautiful place and a great time for any group holiday together.“

Mr Phillip Brougham - 29.9.2019

Good Morning
I wanted to take the first opportunity I had after returning from Holiday to Thank Diamond sky for such a wonderful 2 week holiday. Pick up at airport transfer was brilliant , taxi driver bought us ice creams and water for journey . Week 1 Semercioglu Gulet Cruise - from arriving on board to disembarking a week later was fantastic, the people we met on board who where complete strangers are now friends , to the crew Mehmet, Serkan, Selma, Senol and Eda who couldn't do enough for you . The Gulet was amazing . The All inclusive food and drink was fabulous.I will return the form to you asap and I will put a review on trip advisor . A few of us from the cruise have said that we would like to go again next year 2020 - similar time early June.
Thankyou again for a fantastic experience.

Best Regards, Janet Pendlebury - 19 Jun 2019

Semercioglu IV - De Luxe Gulet

"We have just been on a fabulous week long gulet cruise on the Semercioglu, it was certainly de luxe and the crew were fantastic" Ms Celia Wilson - 3.6.2019

"First impressions when we saw the gulet was 'wow!' The crew were so welcoming and the cabin beyond our expectations. Everything was perfect, the food was plentiful and delicious. The gulet was spacious and comfortable and sleeping on deck under the stars and watching the sunrise is something really special. Thank you, thank you. An unforgettable holiday that was so, so special..."

Mr and Mrs Guy

"Most chilled break ever! Brilliant holiday, fibulas experience. Would definitely go again! Great staff from start to finish! Thank you" Graham & Sam Lane. 17.6.2019

"Firstly I want to thank Diamond Sky Holidays for the smooth running of the trip, everything was booked and worked perfectly on time. We had an amazing time on the boat Semercioglu 4, I have never been so relaxed on holiday from the not wearing any shoes all week to the comfort of the rooms saying nothing of the food that was cooked by a very special chef."

Mrs Jackie Sheppard

Tailor Made Holidays - From Honeymoon Couple...

"Swan Lake was sensational and incredibly welcoming. We loved it, the food was also amazing. We really appreciated how immense we were in Turkish culture. It was great to feel for away from the throngs of Brits and as if we had really experienced incredible Turkish hospitality. The history, people and food were amazing, and we travelled far and wide without any problems. Our trip felt well organised and met our very high standards for our honeymoon. It was a fantastic holiday. Thank you so much for creating such a wonderful Turkish adventure for us.”

Miss Tara Siddall – 18 Jul 2019 (Holiday was 3 Centre: Istanbul & Cappadocia & Selimiye – costal resort)

Seyhan Jan - Standard Plus Gulet

"We are two families who chartered the Seyhan Jan for a week to celebrate a special birthday. The trip has been over a year in the planning and 5 years saving. We wanted something special. The Seyhan Jan didn’t disappoint! From the moment the transport arranged by Diamond Sky Holidays collected us until the moment we returned to the airport everything was perfect. We met the Seyhan Jan in Selimiye, as we caught sight of the amazing boat 9 collective jaws dropped! Throughout our 7 days on board the fantastic crew couldn’t do enough for us. Captain Seyhan, Can, Farti, Omar and Danzilla catered to our every need. The boat was very large and very comfortable. The food was wonderful, simple Turkish dishes, cooked freshly every day and so much of it! We had several celebration nights and the crew not only accommodated us but were persuaded to join in. It was the most amazing holiday, one that none of us will ever forget.

The Heywood and Lowe Families. 23 July 2019

Semercioglu IV - De Luxe Gulet

"The Semerciouglu4 is stunning. I had seen the online video but pictures and videos cannot do it justice. This boat is huge but still beautiful and elegant. The deck spaces are very big and the cabins to, with excellent on-suite facilities. Showers great. Semercioglu is the family name of Mehmet, the owner who is the Captain. He and his SIC, Serkan, are very proud of their boat and rightly so. They and the rest of the crew made me feel most welcome and at home. I look forward to meeting them again. Food onboard was lovely, even though this was the first week working on a boat for otherwise experienced chef, Ahmet. Mehmet's daughter, Eda, was charming.

I arrived at Fethiye with time to look at all the other Gulets there and at the time did not see one to match it. Highly recommended it.(I have never bothered writing a review before but felt this deserved it)."

Mr Fred Shiress - 15.5.2018

Semercioglu IV - De Luxe Gulet

"We just spent a week aboard the Semercioglu IV and had a fantastic time. This is probably one of the best holidays we have ever had. The organisation and communication by Diamond Sky Holidays was faultless. We were welcomed onto the gulet in Fethiye Harbour, Turkey by Captain Mehmet and his crew who looked after us brilliantly all week. The boat is absolutely beautiful, varnished to within an inch of its life! This must be the most graceful, well-appointed gulet sailing the Mediterranean. The crew clearly took great pride in keeping it that way too, cleaning and polishing whenever they could. The cabins and bathrooms were clean and gleaming. Eda, the captain’s daughter, was delightful and kept us informed in her perfect English. She was so helpful, nothing was too much trouble for her. Ahmet, the amazing chef, served up three delicious meals every day consisting of so many different dishes - the barbecued fish was a highlight, plus afternoon tea and biscuits (or a special treat) to keep us going until dinner time.

We spent the week visiting picturesque, quiet bays where we swam and snorkelled straight off the boat in crystal clear water with a huge variety of wildlife. On two of the days Serkan took us ashore on the tender so we could visit a town or just to enjoy some time on the beach of a small resort. There is plenty of room on the boat whether you want to sit in the shade or sunbathe on the top deck. We spent very little time in our cabin, preferring to be on deck relaxing, reading or chatting in the sunshine and fresh air. We all had to surrender our shoes as soon as we boarded the boat and we enjoyed being barefoot unless we were going ashore.

We have decided we want to do it again next year and are planning to ask more of our family to join us. The cabins can get very hot during the night as the air conditioning is only available in the early evening - the generator has to be switched on for the air-con and it can be noisy for any other boats nearby. We had the option to sleep on deck under the stars but there are some mosquitoes around because the inlets where we moored overnight are close to wooded areas. Swimming off the boat was amazing - this holiday is best for those who are happy swimming in deep water. There are so many different types of fish to discover and we even saw a turtle close to Cleopatra’s Bay. We spent a happy afternoon trying to catch fish with the simple reel and line they have on-board but were unsuccessful, much to the amusement of the crew!

Our experience of Turkey and its people was a very positive and friendly one. We were sad to leave and will certainly be back. All the best"

Mike and Linda Willshare (and on behalf of Jackie and Colin) - 29.5.2018

Tailor Made Holidays

"Dear Mr. Koc
I've been meaning to write to you for some time, so say thank you for arranging such a wonderful holiday for us. We had 4 nights B & B at the Empire Palace Hotel in Istanbul, which was wonderfully central, with friendly, helpful staff, and then flew to Cappadocia, staying at the MDC Cave Hotel in Urgup, which was delightful. The location was outstanding and the hotel quite unique.We have travelled all over the world and I can safely say that this holiday was one of the best - full of new experiences including a trip in a hot air balloon, visiting underground cities, ancient cave dwellings with amazing frescoes and fabulous landscapes. It was fun and exciting. For the first 2 days of tours in Cappadocia we went with the local representative, who were excellent and our guide, Mustafa Sahin was outstanding.
Thank you again for a brilliant trip and we will recommend your company. We may be interested in Croatia next year."

Barbara Lewis - 30.7.2018

Semercioglu IV - De Luxe Gulet

"I have just returned from another (6th) trip on Semergioglu IV gullet organised by Diamond Sky Holidays. The boat is superb and extremely well kept. The ensuit cabins are big and very luxurious and the deck areas are spacious and comfortably supplied with cushions, bean bags and sun mattresses. The sea was even warm – the ladder at the bottomof the steps and into the water could do with being a little bit longer for me aged 72 yrs but I coped. The food was very good indeed – well done to Ahmet Serkan, (1st mate) is an asset to the boat and works tirelessly to keep everyone content. Captain Mehmet, who can be a bit temperamental, was on good form this year. All he wants is for his passengers to be happy (if they are happy, he is happy) and he asks that a few rules are observed on his beautiful boat – fair enough! Prices behind the bar are very reasonable - £20 bottle of wine, £5 for a beer or gin and tonic and any amount of water/soft drinks free all day. Sadly there were only a few of us on board but we had fun anyway. I think we Brits are nervous about holidaying in Turkey. There is absolutely no need as the gulet areas are a long way away from any unrest.

I would thorougly recommend a holiday on Semergioglu IV and I cant wait to go again."

Mrs Jennie Saunders - 27.6.2018

Tailor Made Holidays

"We returned from our lovely Turkish holiday last night and I just wanted to tell you that we were so pleased with the arrangements you made. They worked perfectly, without any hitch at all. The hotels, though totally different from each other, were absolutely super, as were the outings and their guides. So, well done, you - and very many thanks from us both."

Mr & Mrs Graham

Tailor Made Holidays

"Hi, this is just a short note to say we had a great time in Turkey, everything was extremely well organised. The balloon trip was the highlight of the holiday, absolutely fantastic. A pity more British tourists don’t seem to be aware of Cappadocia. There was a minor hitch with the Sea view hotel when the beach bar was closed but they rectified it by taking us to the Doria which was actually nicer. So thanks both of you for all your help."

Susan and Kenneth Allan - 28.5.2018

Kemer to Kemer Gulet Cruise

"Hi there just a wanted to say we went on this gulet trip Kemer - Kekova - Kemer- CaptanSelim - last month and had a wonderful time.We were a mixed bunch with Turkish, German, Austrian and us - and had a lot of fun. We made some good friends and are hoping to meet up with them next year.Thank you for arranging even though we were a little worried about the arrangements everything worked out really well."

Mrs Lindsey Dack - 26 Sep 2019

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"I wanted to send you an e-mail now that we are back from our wonderful holiday. My wife and I wanted to express our sincere gratitude to you and the team at Diamond Star for arranging a truly unique style of holiday that we are still talking about to friends and family two weeks after we came home. The places we have visited, and the things we have seen were truly amazing, it will take a month or more to sort through our photos" Andrew and June Welch - 24 Oct 2022

"Back from our holiday to Istanbul/Cappadocia what an awesome holiday. The hot air balloon was out of this world. Thank you Diamond Star for making it all possible special thanks to Nazan. I recommend this company to make your dreams come true." Mrs Angela Bailey - 6 Oct 2022

"We arrived home from Fethiye on Monday, and would just like to thank you and Akin for planning an amazing trip. The gulet was fantastic and as usual, the Ece Saray Hotel was lovely. The staff there are some of the best we have come across, and the breakfasts were great. We are looking ahead to 2023 and were wondering if you could arrange a quote for a similar trip." Sue and Mike Fedeczko - 28 September 2022