Arca Danyal
As a member of Danytur family, I’m passionate about travel and helping others realize their travel dreams. I've been involved in travel business since I was a kid, I grew up learning from the best in this business. Turkey is an amazing destination, with the nicest, most warm and welcoming people.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"• I know a wonderful chef in Istanbul who offers cooking lessons right in the warm atmosphere of her own home and kitchen. I promise you’ll feel like a family friend as you learn how to prepare typical meze (appetizers) and main dishes of Turkish cuisine.
• I can set you up with a special Istanbul shopping experience to put you in the hands of a friendly local to wander the city’s best old-world shopping spots, like Arasta Bazaar, Caferağa Medrese, the Grand Bazaar and the Egyptian Spice Market. Practice the art of bargaining with a local and be sure you’re getting the best quality deals.
• Turkey is the home of the hamam (Turkish Bath) after all, so why not treat yourself to this invigorating experience?
• Step back in time at the ruins of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world. Walk along the streets and see the magnificent façade of the Library of Celsus to get a sense of what life was like for the ancient settlers of this powerful port city founded by the Greeks and ruled by the Romans.
• Riding in a hot-air balloon is already one of those things most people may only do once in a lifetime, but when you add in the breathtaking surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, during the rosy sunrise hour, it becomes an experience you just don’t want to miss!
• Turkey’s Turquoise Coast is one of the Mediterranean’s top destinations for yachting! I can plan your dream sea vacation aboard traditional Gulet yachts.
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How did you get involved in travel?
"Tourism plays a major part in my life because my whole family works in the tourism industry. I had the chance of visiting many countries growing up and this gradually inspired me to start working at our family company. After graduating from university I decided to pursue this career fulltime."
Featured trips & expertise
Exploring Ancient and Historic Turkey - 7 Days
Enjoy a week exploring some of Turkey's most historic sites, including the lively city of Istanbul with tours of its Old Town, mosques, and palaces, plus a cruise along the Bosphorus Strait. Then make your way to the famed battlegrounds of Gallipoli and explore the Ancient City of Troy where the Trojan War took place. End your trip with visits to the Orthodox village of Şirince, the ancient site of Pergamum, and the ruins of Ephesus.
Historic Turkey: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Konya - 9 Days
Embark on a trip through Turkey's history and discover why this country was one of the most important forces of the ancient world. Begin in Istanbul, a melting pot of east and west which straddles the European and Asian continental border, and end in Antalya, home of some of the world's best-preserved ancient sites. Along the way, you'll visit the otherworldly landscape of Cappadocia, cruise down the Bosphorus River, and visit the tomb of famed Sufi mystic and poet Rumi.
Wonders of Turkey: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus - 9 Days
On this nine-day tour you'll experience some of Turkey's greatest natural and cultural attractions. Starting in the atmospheric capital, Istanbul, you'll have plenty of time to explore the mosques, palaces, bazaars, and ancient ruins of this cultural crossroads. Continue to the Cappadocia region, which has to be seen to be believed. Take an optional hot air balloon tour, if you wish. End in the Ephesus area, where you can see some of Turkey's finest ancient ruins.
Explore the Sites of Istanbul - 5 Days
Channeling the words of Napoleon, "If the Earth were a single state, Istanbul would be its capital", this tour explores the Ottoman and Byzantine sites of the city, including the Hagia Sophia, the Grand Bazaar, the Blue Mosque, and Basilica Cistern. View these grandiose structures by boat by cruising along the Bosphorus Strait and the Sea of Marmara, stopping on the island of Buyukada for a peek into the posh life of the 19th century. Peruse the Spice Market, explore the hip neighborhood of Beyoğlu, and climb the Galata Tower for amazing views of the city.