Get to know your tour leader: Ege Ertaş

If you have ever joined an Expat Explore tour, you’ll know that our tour leaders go above and beyond to make your travel experience unforgettable! And if you haven’t joined an Expat Explore tour yet, what are you waiting for?! In this blog series, we get to know more about our tour leaders including their bucket lists, favourite destinations, and even a few surprising facts! 

For this blog, we’re featuring tour leader Ege Ertaş, our passionate expert in all things Turkey (Türkiye)! Read on to learn all about Ege’s journey and discover why Türkiye deserves a spot on every traveller’s bucket list.

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Quick Facts:

• Name: Ege Ertaş
• Age: 38 
• Nationality: Turkish
• Where do you live now? Manisa, near Izmir
• How long have you been a tour leader? 10 years

What did you do before becoming a tour leader?

While I was studying at university, I had the opportunity to visit many beautiful places in Türkiye many times. At the same time, I worked in various positions in a travel agency, gaining experience in the tourism sector and practising my English.

Related: Learn all about Ege’s fellow Expat Explore Tour Leader Luke!

What made you decide to become a tour leader?

The tour guide profession has always been my dream. While I was studying at Anatolian High School, my German teachers were part-time tour guides. I grew up listening to their stories. 

When my university graduation was extended, I was earning my pocket money by running cycling tours in Kuşadası, my favourite town in Türkiye!  When they asked me what I would do if I didn’t pass the guidance licence exam, I told them I didn’t have a plan B and I was serious about it.

Favourite destination?

My favourite place in the world is the Aegean coast in western Türkiye. It offers hundreds of kilometres of coastline, magnificent nature, crystal clear sea and surprising history. Although it does not look very large on the map, I think it is not possible to fully explore its magnificent geography in a limited time.

What city do you think everyone should visit?

Even though big and crowded cities are not my favourite, I think everyone should experience the atmosphere of Istanbul at least once. It is a magnificent city that appeals to all kinds of people as it has been the meeting point of eastern and western cultures since the beginning of history. As Napoleon said, “If the world were a single country, Istanbul would be the capital”.

Related: This is why Shoulder Season is the best time to visit Turkey.

The destination that surprised you the most?

Mount Nemrut! This king’s tomb, located 2150m above sea level in the north of Mesopotamia, has always fascinated me. The ancient kingdom of Commagene, stuck between the Persian and Roman empires, is one of the best examples of what human beings can achieve with limited resources in difficult times.

Watching the sunrise in this magnificent area, which contains sacred areas dedicated to the gods of the east and west, and thinking about the hundreds of great kings who lived throughout history evokes indescribable feelings.

Dream destination you’d still like to visit?

Switzerland! Even though I only had the chance to visit this magnificent country once, it managed to make me fall in love with its spectacular nature and surprising engineering achievements.

Related: Learn more fun facts about Switzerland.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I love cycling and camping. My favourite thing in life is to spend pleasant time in silence in the arms of Mother Nature.

What are the top 3 items on your bucket list?

1. Improve myself professionally and give the best to my guests who spend their valuable time in my country.
2. Explore the Asian plateaus, where my ancestors came from nearly a thousand years ago, on my bike.
3. If I get old enough to retire, I want a loving and peaceful life on my own farm with my animals.

If you could lead a tour anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

Türkiye! And I think you guys know the reason why. 😉

What would your travellers be the most surprised to learn about you?

Travellers are always surprised to learn that I have cycled to all the places we visit on tour and more… many times!

Related: Discover Europe’s most bike-friendly cities.

Best fun fact you like to share with people on tour?

It’s a hard question to answer. Türkiye is full of surprises and it depends where I go. The toilets of ancient Roman cities called latrina make my guests smile. 

What is your favourite Turkish meal?

Keşkek is a very simple and delicious dish. We cook this dish, made with wheat, meat and a few spices, in large cauldrons to serve it to our wedding guests. Weddings are one of the most important moments of our lives and it is very important to offer the best Keşkek to our guests.

Why do you think people should travel?

It’s the only way people will gain empathy and understand that they are wrong in preconceived perceptions about a country and its people. 

Best advice you’ve ever received?

“In generosity and helping others: be like the river. In compassion and grace, be like the sun. In concealing others’ faults, be like the night. In anger and fury, be like the dead. In modesty and humility, be like the soil. In tolerance, be like the ocean. Either appear as you are, or: be as you appear.” – Rumi

Ege invites all types of travellers to join him and embark on a life-enriching tour to Türkiye! Discover what makes this fascinating country a favourite for history buffs, nature lovers and foodies alike!  

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Explore more with Expat Explore and our awesome tour leaders. Have a look at our upcoming tours to find an adventure that is right for you!