in the beginning

Fez Travel was the brain child of an ambitious New Zealander and a number of entreprenial Turks. Our fledging Hop-on Hop-off service saw just a few buses departing each week from a tiny office at the Sultan Hostel.

Due to the popularity of this unique service, our first year was a staggering success. By 1999, Fez had re-opened its doors at its current location in Sultanahmet. Seeing an opportunity to diversify, Fez promptly moved into the scheduled tour market covering the West of Turkey.

By the year 2000, Fez further expanded its services to allow our clients to travel by both land and sea; the mighty Turkish coastline providing a spectacular backdrop to the Turquoise waters of the Meditteranean sea. Needless to say, our 3 to 7 day cruises were an immediate hit with our 3 day cruise being added as an option on some tour itineraries.

In 2001, our free magazine 'Fark Etmez' - created by backpackers for backpacking in Turkey, had achieved a circulation of 30,000 copies throughout Turkey, Greece and the UK.

Operations in Turkey have since continued to grow with 2003 seeing a smooth transition into the international tour operator scene. Our scheduled tours in Greece have proven an overwhelming success, an indication of Fez's strong and ever expanding brand. As such, we have been chosen as agents in Turkey for several large international travel companies, including STA Travel and Travel Cuts.

Currently, Fez have several branch offices throughout Turkey.

innovation and ideology

Fez works to promote its view that 'travel is more than just a holiday; it deepens our understanding and tolerance of historical, cultural and social issues'.

In 2003, Fez were proud to sponsor and deliver the inaugural 'Legacy of ANZAC Walk', an event to commemorate the WWI battles that took place at Gallipoli and to further encourage the modern day friendship between the ANZAC and Turkish nations.

These new projects correspond with Ekrem Usta's philosophy that "Innovation, best practises and sustainable expansion are the keys to our future success".

a bright future

The growing number of companies that Fez Travel is proudly representing or is represented by includes STA Travel, Busabout, Kumuka, On The Go, Adventure World, Flight Center, Travel Cuts, Top Deck, AVM, ISSTA and Sayit, just to name a few. Fez is growing in size and conviction with an ever-keen eye towards future expansion, possibly into Egypt and the Balkans. With their loyal supporters and determination, the current success of Fez is sure to continue.

Fez Travel in brief

• Headquarters - Istanbul
• Branch Offices - Kusadasi, Goreme, Fethiye
• Full Time Staff - 22
• Founded - 1997
• Licence - TURSAB Group A, A4339
• Membership - ASTA, ETOA

Fez Travel - what we can do for you

leading travel network provider

Fez Travel is a tour operator, a ground handler, a travel agent, as well as the only agency in Turkey to operate a hop-on hop-off bus service. Our focus is on budget travel and we are the only youth and student travel specialist based in Turkey.

inbound tour operator

Originally known as hop-on hop-off specialists, today Fez Travel is a Turkish-based international tour operator. Our tours cover both Turkey and Greece and we are one of the leading tour operators for ANZAC Day. Fez deliver more than 500 guaranteed departure tours across 12 months of the year.

Our customers come from all walks of life, so our itineraries are deliberately flexible covering a wide variety of personal interests to maximise our client's satisfaction. Our tours offer a good mix of free time, adventure, sightseeing, culture, history and fun.

In addition to our scheduled tours, we operate tailor made tours that cater for a variety of special interest requests including cultural, study, religious and adventure tours, with hostel to 5-star services and accommodation.

ground handler

We are based in Turkey - we speak the language, we know the customs, the culture and the laws. Therefore, all your ground handling requirements are safe in our hands, from transport to accommodation to local guides. Our experience and local network ensures your clients will get the most out of their time in Turkey.

travel agent

As a travel agent we provide a wide range of services including tailor made tour itineraries, international and domestic flight ticketing and outbound tour sales. Firmly established, we are the Turkish representative of several large international groups such as STA Travel and Travel Cuts.

hop-on hop-off

Still the only hop-on hop-off bus service in Turkey, the 'Fez bus', or 'fun bus' as it is affectionately known to our onboard staff, is fundamental to our philosophy of budget and flexible travel. The independent and the not-so-independent travellers alike can benefit from the Fez bus because the onboard staff can make the logistics of travelling so easy without undermining people's freedom to choose their own travelling experience.

the people

Whether it's the local tour guide, tour leader, sales assistant or bus driver, we believe a good crew is fundamental to an efficient and successful operation. We employ a good mix of seasoned travellers and local professionals to give us the broadest possible knowledge base. The success of Fez is an obvious result of the loyalty and dedication that our personnel have demonstrated over the years.

your guarantee

Fez Travel holds a group 'A' tour operator license with the Turkish Tourism Authority (TURSAB), so Fez and our clients have the security of endorsement from Turkey's governing tourism body. In line with TURSAB standards, our clients are fully insured. In addition, we are committed to upholding high industry standards and are a member of ASTA.

We have enjoyed long-term associations with many reputable companies and we are proud of the reciprocal benefits those associations generate. We are working hard to ensure a great future at Fez and if we can assist you in any future endeavours, do not hesitate to contact our friendly staff for assistance.