Murat Ornek
Growing up with Turkish and Guatemalan roots scattered across the globe, my earliest travels weren't vacations—they were visits to family in different corners of the world. That early exposure to different cultures stuck with me. Since my twenties, I've been chasing three things wherever I go: great food, rich history, and a good trail to hike. Whether it's a family favorite recipe halfway across the world or a mountain path I've never seen, I'm always looking for the next reason to pack a bag.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"We specialize in adventure and experience-based travel across Türkiye, designed for those who want to go beyond the usual tourist path in search of something authentic. Whether it's sharing lunch with nomads after a day of hiking, road-tripping through ancient cities like Troy and Pergamon, or simply getting lost in Istanbul chasing down the best street food, we'll help you find it."
How did you get involved in travel?
"My career actually started behind a desk—working in loyalty programs and direct marketing within the travel industry, spending long hours digging through traveler data and building promotions. Somewhere along the way, I realized what I really wanted was to create travel experiences myself, not just analyze them from an office. By the end of 2011, that realization had turned into a clear goal: building a travel company focused on active travel and immersive cultural tours. Since 2013, I've had the privilege of working alongside some of the industry's pioneering tour operators, designing customized trips for travelers from around the world."
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"One trip I'll never forget is the road trip I took through Morocco at 21, with four close friends. We slept out under the stars in the desert, trekked and meditated through the Dades Valley, wandered through incredible cities, and experienced desert heat, mountain snow, and tropical air—all in a single day. It's the kind of trip that changes how you see travel, and it's stayed with me ever since."
Murat's favorite itineraries and travel advice
Top itineraries and travel advice
In under a week, you can discover two of Turkey's most popular destinations—the bustling capital of Istanbul and the lunar-like valleys of Cappadocia. Explore the capital's...
This 9-day tour will explore the diverse regions of Turkey, starting with a guided tour and a boat cruise in the vibrant city of Istanbul, discovering the famous Roman,...
Over 10 packed days, you'll experience the highlights of Turkey, from the Ottoman and Byzantine monuments in Istanbul to the lunar valleys of Cappadocia. It's an itinerary that...
Recent trip reviews for Murat
Shout Out to KimKim and Volkan
Turkey
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May 4 - May 12, 2024
Family trip to Turkey
Turkey
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May 28 - Jun 9, 2024
An amazing trip to Turkey
Turkey
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Mar 25 - Mar 31, 2024
Murat helped us plan an amazing trip to Turkey for our family. He was spot on with all of his recommendations and all of the accommodation, activities and transfers were perfect. Our guide Emre in Istanbul was so lovely and knowledgable. He was also really flexible and helpful given we were travelling with our 3 young sons. Next we went to Cappadocia and our guide Efe was just as wonderful. We loved the trip and enjoyed such a wide variety of different historical and cultural experiences. Would definitely recommend Murat, his team and this trip to anyone travelling to Turkey.
Many thank for this review, Leah.
Best,
Murat
Turkey for First Time Travelers: Explore the beauty of Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus and Pamukkale
Turkey
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Mar 16 - Mar 24, 2024
Thanks for this review Carrie, it was very nice meeting you.
Best,
murat
An amazing trip through Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus and Pamukkale
Turkey
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Feb 26 - Mar 8, 2024
Thanks for this review, Pat. It was great having you here.
Best,
murat
Unforgettable experience
Turkey
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Nov 20 - Nov 27, 2022
Hi Jose,
Thanks for your kind words. I look forward to host you here again.
Best regards,
Murat
Best of Turkey highlights tour!
Turkey
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Nov 12 - Nov 17, 2022
Hi Ploy,
Thanks for this review. It’s great that you guys finally made it.
Best regards,
Murat
Turkey - highly recommend! Both the country and Murat’s team!
Turkey
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Aug 6 - Aug 14, 2022
Thanks Itee, it was great meeting you!
We really had a great time in Istanbul and Ca...
Turkey
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Aug 8 - Aug 13, 2022
I am still very sorry that due to a miscommunication on our side you had to wait at the arrivals. However, as a compensation you had a luxury van with driver at your service for the entire day in Istanbul, I wish you had mentioned that.
Glitches may happen in any hotel, in your case the rooms were changed and upgraded to a deluxe and queen suite immediately and you had complementary... Read more
A memorable trip to amazing Turkey! Thank you kimkim for making it so special.
Turkey
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Apr 15 - Apr 25, 2022
Hi Madhavi,
Thanks for the review. I am so happy that you finally made it!
Hope to meet you the next time you come.
Bests,
Murat