Who We Are

Who We Are

Who We Are

Guides first, travel designers second — that is our story, and your advantage.

Who We Are

Istanbul Private Tour is not an ordinary tour service.

It is a perspective—one that understands the soul of the city, notices what others overlook, and designs a distinct experience for every guest. It is an approach built on personalized discovery, elegant guidance, and hospitality rooted in trust.

A strong, consistent brand builds trust. And trust is the foundation of being chosen.

More Than 25 Years of Excellence

Our founders' journey in tourism began over 25 years ago — long before Istanbul Private Tour existed. As working tour guides, they walked these same streets, told these same stories, and spent decades learning firsthand what makes a journey unforgettable.

Istanbul Private Tour was founded in 2012 to bring that experience into one dedicated brand — but the expertise behind it is far older. It's knowledge earned over a quarter century, not assembled from a brochure.

Turkey makes this work a privilege. Few places on earth have stood at the crossroads of so many civilizations, or paired that history with landscapes this striking. We simply help you experience it the way it deserves — with depth, with ease, and with people who've spent their lives getting to know it.

Journeys Designed Around You

Every guest arrives with a different rhythm, a different curiosity, a different idea of the perfect day. That's exactly how we plan—not from a fixed itinerary, but from a conversation about what matters to you.

Whether it's a slower morning at Hagia Sophia before the crowds arrive, a private balloon ride over Cappadocia, or a boat of your own along the Aegean coast, we shape the journey around your pace, your interests, and your time — starting right here in Istanbul, the city we know best. No two itineraries we design are ever quite the same.

This is what sets Istanbul Private Tour apart: not simply showing you Turkey, but designing the version of it that's made for you.

Tell us your pace, your passions, and your time. We'll take it from there.

A Company You Can Trust

Istanbul Private Tour operates as a fully licensed Turkish tour operator under TURSAB licence no. 7707, held by Tessera Tourism, and is bound by the same regulatory standards that govern every reputable travel company in Turkey.

Behind every warm welcome is a professional operation built to protect your experience at every step: licensed, professionally trained guides who know their subject in depth; fully insured vehicles maintained to a high standard; hotels, drivers, and local partners chosen and vetted over years, not booked on short notice; and transparent pricing with no hidden fees or last-minute surprises.

This is what quiet reliability looks like—the details you'll never have to think about, because we already have.

Meet The Team Behind Your Adventures

A team united by a love for travel and a commitment to excellence.
Erkan Kasaköse

Erkan Kasaköse

Founder & Travel Advisor & 
Tour Guide

"“I’ve been guiding since last century 🙂 and guided for a few thousand people already. I now use all these experiences for the new guests of Istanbul Private Tour with the first day’s enthusiasm.”"

Yavuz Salataci

Yavuz Salataci

Business Advisor

"“I have started tourism in 1989 as a tour leader and served our travelers in many countries. 1996 the time has come and stopped being on the road and started managing the operations in my region. Since then, l have managed the operations in many countries, in Eastern Europe, Middle East, Eastern Mediterranean, and the Caucasus.”"

Dilek Tutan Poyraz

Dilek Tutan Poyraz

Operation Manager

"Dilek"

Emre Bilge

Emre Bilge

Travel Advisor

"“I was born in Prinkipo, one of Princes’ Islands. The multicultural environment of the island made me focus on Istanbul’s history when I was young. So, I decided to direct my academic career according to that. I studied Travel Management and Tourism Guidance first, and then I had my master’s degree in the Istanbul Studies department at Istanbul University. I love Istanbul and its history very much and looking forward to sharing it with you. Since I love to do tours with children, I am planning to write a history book for kids.”"

Emre Poyraz

Emre Poyraz

Co-Owner - Tour Guide

"“I was born by the Dardanelles. I was always amazed by the commemoratives on the 18th of March and 25th of April when I was a kid. When I grow up, I learned the fascinating history of my hometown. Not just the legendary Trojan war but also the Gallipoli Campain was held here. My interest turned into a passion through the years, and now I became a tour guide to share it with you here at Gallipoli and Troy.“"

Banu Hasbora

Banu Hasbora

Company Advisor

"With 25+ years in digital business and a background as the founder of an online travel agency, I help tourism brands grow through smarter strategy, stronger brands, digital experiences and better products. I turn travel ideas into businesses that perform."

Julide Coşkun

Julide Coşkun

Travel Advisor

"“I have been running tours for more than 10. As I do Turkey tours after my son, I just started to do tours around my hometown, Kusadasi. Through the years, I am specialized in Ionian cities like Ephesus, Priene, Miletos, and Aegean mezes (meze is a selection of small dishes served as appetizers) :). So, when we are doing a tour, you won’t just have a journey in time. You will be doing a tour in between the local cuisine as well.“"

İbrahim Çalışkan

İbrahim Çalışkan

Tour Guide

"“I was born and raised in Cappadocia. Now it is a great pleasure to be a guide here where I was playing as a kid. With your first step to Cappadocia, you will be amazed by its unique nature. And once you hear the stories and the history of Cappadocia from me, you will appreciate Cappadocia even more. Cappadocia is my home, and you are more than welcome to this magical land. “"

Hüseyin Aydın

Hüseyin Aydın

Company Lawyer - Tour Guide

"“I am Huseyin and have been touring all around Turkey and specifically in Istanbul since 1997 as a tour guide. I have a great passion for history, different cultures, and religions. Also, since I studied law, I self-studied Byzantine and Ottoman laws to understand these empires’ daily lives. And I am so much pleased to share all this knowledge and experiences with you. “"

Gofret, Rüstem & Osman

Gofret, Rüstem & Osman

Our Masters

"Mother and two sons. They own the office, rule the office, and use us as pillows sometimes."

Speak To Your Expert

Speak To Your Expert