(83 Reviews)
98% Recommended

Rey Alton

Bellaire, TX
Travel Lifestyle Specialist

The process of planning, coordinating, booking, and managing travel arrangements can be a daunting experience.  But, with a seasoned and respected travel advisor, your travel planning experience will be streamlined and hassle-free. With more than ...
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Istanbul Travel Agent Expert

Istanbul is Turkey's largest city, straddling the continents of Europe and Asia, and serving as a vibrant cultural and historical crossroads. Once the capital of both the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, the city is rich in landmarks and architecture, such as the iconic Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace. With its bustling bazaars, such as the Grand Bazaar, diverse neighborhoods, and scenic views along the Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul offers a unique blend of the old and the new. The city is a melting pot of cultures, where east meets west in everything from its cuisine to its traditions, making it a dynamic and captivating destination for travelers.


 


Top 5 Places in Istanbul:



  • Hagia Sophia – A former cathedral, mosque, and now a museum, this architectural masterpiece blends Byzantine and Ottoman styles.

  • Topkapi Palace – The opulent former residence of Ottoman sultans, offering stunning views of the Bosphorus and impressive collections of artifacts.

  • Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) – A striking mosque known for its blue-tiled interior and six minarets, located in the heart of the old city.

  • Grand Bazaar – One of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets, offering a maze of shops selling everything from spices to jewelry.

  • Basilica Cistern – An ancient underground water reservoir, known for its eerie atmosphere and columns lit by dim lights.


 


Top 10 Activities in Istanbul:



  • Visit the Hagia Sophia – Marvel at the stunning architecture and learn about its rich history as a church, mosque, and museum.

  • Explore Topkapi Palace – Tour the palace’s lavish rooms, gardens, and the Harem, and enjoy panoramic views of the Bosphorus.

  • Pray or visit the Blue Mosque – Admire the mosque’s magnificent interior and its serene courtyard, one of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks.

  • Wander through the Grand Bazaar – Get lost in this bustling market, where you can haggle for everything from spices to handcrafted goods.

  • Take a Bosphorus Cruise – Cruise along the Bosphorus Strait for breathtaking views of the city’s skyline, palaces, and bridges.

  • Visit the Basilica Cistern – Explore this ancient underground structure, known for its impressive columns and mysterious atmosphere.

  • Discover the Dolmabahce Palace – A grand palace on the Bosphorus, famous for its European-style architecture and lavish interiors.

  • Walk through Sultanahmet Square – Visit the heart of historic Istanbul, with key sites like the Hippodrome and Obelisk of Theodosius.

  • Experience the Spice Bazaar – Immerse yourself in the sights and smells of this vibrant market, filled with aromatic spices, sweets, and teas.

  • Climb the Galata Tower – Enjoy 360-degree views of the city from this historic tower, offering spectacular vistas of Istanbul’s skyline and waterways.

My Reviews

73 of 117 people found this review helpful
Another fabulous trip!
Rey has booked several domestic and international trips for me over the years. Each time the experience was fantastic. Rey is not only a knowledgeable and experienced travel agent, he is patient with groups and always provides stellar customer service. The resorts are always fabulous and his recommendations on what to do when we arrive at our destinations make my vacations more enjoyable. I’ve counted on Rey to book fabulous vacations for over 10 years and he always delivers the best. I’ve always enjoyed the individual attention and care Rey provides his clients. He understands the apprehension that comes along with trying new places and is thorough and accommodating as a result. He’s also great at making suggestions on future vacations and I’ve never been disappointed when I follow his suggestions. Rey will remain my travel confidante for many years to come. He’s the best, hands down!
By  TC  from  San Antonio, Texas
Traveled to  Punta Cana ~ Dominican Republic ~ Caribbean
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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72 of 121 people found this review helpful
Travel Expert
We have worked with Rey for many years and have always enjoyed the experience. Most of our travel has been river cruises in Europe but last year we did a trip to South Africa. Rey is very thoughtful, thorough and responsive.
By  Randy  from  Houston
Traveled to  Europe
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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64 of 110 people found this review helpful
Destination Wedding Planner
Love working w/ Rey! Very knowledgable and detailed!! Definitely recommend to any and everyone traveling abroad.
By  Destination Wedding Planner - Elite Eventz   from  Houston, Texas
Traveled to  Jamaica ~ Caribbean
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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63 of 112 people found this review helpful
July 4th Fun!!!
Rey and the Almeda Travel family have been so good to my family in assisting us in all of our travel needs/goals from beginning to return. Rey has shown nothing but the utmost professionalism, patience,guidance, and quality service that is so difficult to find these days. We have trusted Almeda Travel for the last 5-6 years for our vacations and will continue to do so, I also strongly recommend if you’re looking for an agent/team that is knowledgeable and consumer responsive go with Almeda Travel!
By  Lady on the Go  from  Beaumont, Texas
Traveled to  Washington D.C. ~ District of Columbia ~ USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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56 of 101 people found this review helpful
Anniversary Trip
I have the opportunity to book travel with Rey at Alameda Travel several times over the past 5-8years. He is very informative and knowledgeable about different places to travel and the hospitality service companies in those areas. I have been very pleased with every interactions and trip we have been on.
By  Chris Cooper  from  Humble, Texas
Traveled to  Montego Bay ~ Jamaica ~ Caribbean
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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Go to my main profile

Destination Expert:

  • Istanbul
  • Turkey
  • Europe

Travel Specialist:

  • Honeymoons
  • Couples & Romance
  • Arts & Culture
  • Archaeology
  • Culinary & Foodie

Certifications/Awards:

  • CTIE
  • Travel Weekly Magellan Award Winner 2013
  • Travel Weekly Magellan Award Winner 2011
  • Travel Weekly Magellan Award Winner 2009

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