Company Name Turkey Archeological Tours

Principal Guides Aykut Altinisik

Services

• Transportation Services

• Tour Planning

• Private Guide Services

Turkey has been at the crossroads of western civilization for thousands of years. Throughout history, many great empires including the Egyptian, Babylonian, Assyrian, Greek, Persian, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman have competed to control its territory and resources. Today, the Republic of Turkey has embraced the cultures and traditions of these former empires by opening hundreds of archeological sites, historic places and museums to world travelers and continuing to serve as a point of contact between nations. 

Turkey is a popular destination for tourists from western Europe, Russia, and Germany. but the number of American travelers to the nation is surprisingly low. This is unfortunate because it remains one of the few places in the world which you can visit for three weeks, never get bored, and never see the same thing twice. Between the majestic sites of Istanbul; beaches like Bodrum, Fethiye, and Belek; the ancient ruins at Ephesus and Aphrodisias; the natural wonders of Pamukkale and Cappadocia; the beauty of the Black Sea villages; and interesting historical and Biblical sites, there are plenty of exotic places to see and world class resorts to enjoy. 

Tours, Sites and Activities

While Turkey has one of Europe’s best airlines and extensive road network, the best way to see this vast country and fully appreciate its history, culture and cuisine is to utilize a private guide. Aykut Altinisik of Turkey Archeological Tours is based in Antalya. He provides complete trip planning, transportation and guide services for independent travelers and small groups seeking a personalized travel experience. The principal areas which he serves are sites near Antalya, Ephesus, Istanbul, and Cappadocia, which are included in the popular Highlights of Turkey tour offered by the company.

Antalya is located within three hours of popular tourist destinations including the popular travertine hot springs at Pamukkale, the large Roman Theater at Aspendos, or the ruined cities of Perge, Sagalassos and Termessos. Mr. Altinisik works with his guests to design itineraries which provide an in-depth experience and the opportunity for personal interaction with Turkish people. Some guests want an outdoor experience such as taking a short blue voyage on a luxury gulet yacht along the Turquoise Coast, while others may want to hike along the coast on the ancient Lycian Way passing by rock tombs and ruined cities in the sand. The coastline at Olympos, which served for centuries as a pirate’s refuge, attracts young people who want to stay in a tree house, enjoy the beach, and visit the adjacent Chimera mountainside which lights up with flames at night from methane gas leaks below the surface.

Mr. Altinisik says: “We include places that normal tour groups do not go to. We provide overnight accommodations in quality four-star hotels and offer the opportunity to stay in a special category hotel such as a converted heritage Ottoman house, a caravanserai, and even a stone/cave hotel. Enjoying traditional Turkish food is also an important part of experiencing the culture and heritage of Turkey. We know the best places to go and sometimes we will stop in a village to have dinner and enjoy song and dance with the locals.

The entire experience is designed to provide not just a trip to a museum or a ruin but also a glimpse into life in Turkey.”

Background and Experience

Mr. Altinisik has been working as a guide for twenty years. He became interested in the tourism field to pursue his interest in ancient civilizations and cultures. In addition to studying archaeology in Turkey, he has been certified as a tourist guide.

My Family's Experience

My family used Aykut to coordinate part of a week-long trip we took to Antalya, Denizli and Mugla provinces in Turkey several years ago. We put together an interesting itinerary with him that included visits to the impressive mountaintop ruins at Termessos and the beachfront ruins at Side. We also visited the archeological museum in Antalya and the huge Roman amphitheater at Aspendos that is still used for concerts and festivals over 1800 years after it was built. Aykut told me that the main reason the amphitheater was not abandoned or used for construction material like many large ruins, was that later the Seljuk Turk rulers designated it as a caravan stop and also used it as a palace. It was strange to walk through the shaded archways at the top of the theater and know that both kings and  camels had previously inhabited those spaces. 

During one of our days together, Aykut and I visited the harbor at Phaselis. Today, it attracts yacht tours and bathers from nearby mega resorts, but the beachfront also contains the ruins of Roman aqueducts, baths, shops, and sarcophagi. There were two other highlights of our tour that day. First, we visited a fish farm restaurant Aykut had selected which cooked delicious seafood entrees in a clay pot and served them to guests reclining in comfortable couches in the middle of a stream. Second, we spent time searching for gold-colored rock tombs which were built into the top of a mountain near the Lycian Way. I had read about them in a book about the Lycian people, but they were not widely known or open to the public. As the sun set, we spotted them glistening in the sun while driving along the road by Limyra. After taking some excellent pictures. I went back to the hotel feeling like an amateur explorer. 

The next day we headed off on the next leg of our trip which included stops at Pamukkale and Bodrum with a new driver. Aykut gave us good advice about how to explore the hot springs, enjoy a swim in Cleopatra’s Pool, and see the adjacent ruins of the city of Hierapolis.

Contact Information
Turkey Archaeological Tours
aykut@privatetours-turkey.com
+90 538 623 81 86
Proficient in English 

Notice: The information provided in this profile are true and accurate to the best actual knowledge of The Traveling American. However, my family's experience with the particular guide or company profiled here may not reflect the experience of other travelers using these services. Travelers should rely on their own judgment and information in retaining any guides or drivers mentioned on the website.