Profile photo for Zehra Alper
3204 messages
active 2 hours ago

Zehra Alper

I have been more like a traveler until I met Unison Turkey. In my college years, I was a traveler, mostly exploring Turkey. After gaining enough experience, I wanted to make use of my experiences, as well as my enthusiasm towards tourism. Now, I work as a Project Executive, and I am happy to be able to blend my experiences with a beautiful product and share it with Unison Turkey guests!

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"Turkey. I was born & raised in Turkey, and travelled all across the country throughout my personal & professional life. My main specialties are:
Southeastern Turkey Tours,
Coastal Tours and Blue Cruises,
Culinary Tours,
History & Culture Experiences."

How did you get involved in travel?

"I love traveling! When all my friends have been investing in buying houses, nice cars, and all those fancy possessions, I have kept traveling. After all those years, I have learned what it is to be a tourist; and that is the perspective we strive to have at Unison Turkey: “What would a tourist love to do?”. I have to admit that Turkey is a wonderful tourist destination. You would find whatever you are looking for: culture, history, nature, unique cuisine, all types of different climates, you name it. So, I decided to use my experiences to provide better tours to the travelers coming to Turkey. Now, I am a proud member of Unison Turkey!"

Top itineraries and travel advice

Recent trip reviews for Zehra

Turkey is an amazing country with wonderful people.
Turkey | Apr 7 - Apr 16, 2026

Margaret
Margaret T.
Argentina | Reviewed on Apr 22, 2026

Kimkim was recommended to me by my brother and I’m so glad I used this service.
Everything was planned perfectly in country from the moment we were picked at the Istanbul airport to the drop off at the end.
We had 3 different engaging, knowledgeable guides over the course of 9 days. They all spoke excellent English and accommodated our every need. Hotels were well-located and at our comfort level.
Zehra planned and executed this trip exactly as we wanted it. Much appreciated and well-done!

Local specialist: Zehra Alper

Marvelous Türkiye
Turkey | Apr 7 - Apr 16, 2026

M
M E.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Apr 17, 2026
We had three guides each amazing in their knowledge of place their storytelling and their willingness to help make sure we were more than satisfied with our tours. Read more

We had three guides each amazing in their knowledge of place their storytelling and their willingness to help make sure we were more than satisfied with our tours.

Hotel Reviews
Fresco Cave Suites & Mansions - Special Class
Urgup

Great comfortable room. Helpful and kind staff. Delicious breakfast foods. Amazing spa massage. Wonderfully delicious dinner. We could not have been happier with our stay in the Fresco.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Marmara Pera
Istanbul

Comfortable

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Enjoy a Hot Air Balloon Ride in Cappadocia
Enjoy a Hot Air Balloon Ride in Cappadocia
Cappadocia

Above and beyond our expectations. Such a beautiful experience.

Quality of Experience
Pickup on time and comfortable
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Byzantine Heritage Tour
Byzantine Heritage Tour
İstanbul

Naci our guide was kind enough to keep pace slow enough to accommodate my very slow pace. He was very informative and knowledgeable. Our first day out was magical.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Daily Tour to Iznik & Nicaea
Daily Tour to Iznik & Nicaea
Turkey

Wonderful day. Great information.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Explore The Landmarks of Cappadocia
Explore The Landmarks of Cappadocia
Cappadocia

Gokhan was amazing guide He had a way of explaining things that made them easy to visualize. We throughly enjoyed our day.

Quality of Experience
I’m
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit to Derinkuyu Underground City & Explore area
Visit to Derinkuyu Underground City & Explore area
Cappadocia

Another great day filled with new knowledge gear exploration

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Explore the Istiklal Street & Galata
Explore the Istiklal Street & Galata
İstanbul

Enjoyed the walk around town and the tower views.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Full Day Tour of Ephesus and Region
Full Day Tour of Ephesus and Region
Turkey

Senem was our guide and we could not have been happier with her. Ephesus had been a must on our tour and we were not disappointed. Senem had a knowledge of the place and its time that helped us to image how people must have lived there. We throughly enjoyed our day.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Great driver
Transport
Local specialist: Zehra Alper

Turkish Delight
Turkey | Mar 27 - Apr 3, 2026

Rita
Rita W.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Apr 08, 2026
This was truly amazing. Zehra organized the most perfect trip. Everything was seamless, from the airport pickup to flight arrangements. I could have never put together a trip with this many moving parts so flawlessly. Zehra was always quick to respond and incredibly patient, no matter time of day or how spastic/indecisive I was. And a special shout out to our amazing guides: Eda, Uraz, Ghokan & Tolga. Brilliant guides & I feel like I made new friends. Will be using KimKim again!!!! Read more

This was truly amazing. Zehra organized the most perfect trip. Everything was seamless, from the airport pickup to flight arrangements. I could have never put together a trip with this many moving parts so flawlessly. Zehra was always quick to respond and incredibly patient, no matter time of day or how spastic/indecisive I was. And a special shout out to our amazing guides: Eda, Uraz, Ghokan & Tolga. Brilliant guides & I feel like I made new friends. Will be using KimKim again!!!!

Hotel Reviews
Ruin Adalia
Antalya

In the heart of Old Town, built atop ruins. So beautfiful and cozy. Staff is so lovely

Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Armada Hotel
Istanbul

Located in the very heart of everything. Walking distance to all the things. Fabulous rooftop restaurant. Lovely staff

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Yunak Cave Hotel
Ürgüp/Nevşehir

Not quite the 'cave' I was expecting but still magical. Stunning views, great staff, amazing restaurant

Authenticity & Character
That view!!!!
Location
Town close but gotta fight those hills tggo get to it! LOL
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Park Inn by Radisson Istanbul Airport (Odayeri)
Istanbul

Lovely staff. Restaurant very nice. Such an odd configuration. Arrived late at nite and were a little put off by the really dark hallways & blind spots. Random dental chair in our hallway. Definitely in the middle of nowhere.

Authenticity & Character
Location
It is within 15 of airport. A definite plus but surrounded by farm (chicken/sheep). Def meant for airport convenience
Staff
Lovely. Polite, friendly ,extremely helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Zehra Alper

Turkey
Turkey | Oct 8 - Oct 21, 2025

A
Ada H.
Flagami, FL | Reviewed on Oct 24, 2025
Thank you very much for your kind message and for organizing such a wonderful trip. My experience in Turkey was truly exceptional, and I would like to express my sincere appreciation for our guides — Cihan, Ugur, and Zebned — who made the journey so enriching and enjoyable. Their professionalism, deep knowledge of Turkey’s history and culture, and genuine care for every detail made each moment memorable. I am truly grateful for their dedication and the excellent service provided throughout... Read more

Thank you very much for your kind message and for organizing such a wonderful trip. My experience in Turkey was truly exceptional, and I would like to express my sincere appreciation for our guides — Cihan, Ugur, and Zebned — who made the journey so enriching and enjoyable.

Their professionalism, deep knowledge of Turkey’s history and culture, and genuine care for every detail made each moment memorable. I am truly grateful for their dedication and the excellent service provided throughout the trip.

Warm regards,
Ada Morales

Hotel Reviews
The Marmara Pera
Istanbul
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Swissôtel Resort Bodrum Beach
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
LaVista Boutique Hotel & Spa - Boutique Class
Kusadasi
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Divan Cave House Hotel
Nevsehir
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Celal Sultan Hotel
İstanbul
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Zehra Alper

Istanbul: Bari was amazing, knew everything ...
Turkey | Sep 27 - Oct 10, 2025

N
Nicholas d.
Port Ludlow | Reviewed on Oct 11, 2025

Istanbul: Bariş was amazing, knew everything and everyone, including most of the police officers.
Antalya: Gigi very sweet, didn't slow down at all, despite condition
Uraz: very physically fit, went lots of places, funny with Americanisms: "blah blah blah"

Local specialist: Zehra Alper

Zehra - what can I say she was amazing.
Turkey | Sep 25 - Oct 6, 2025

Michelle
Michelle P.
Canada | Reviewed on Oct 08, 2025
Zehra - what can I say she was amazing. Our group had made a mistake with the dates for our trip and Zehra worked all hours of the day and night to make our trip work with the new dates. Her recommendations were always spot on and the drivers and tour guides were amazing. We had the pleasure of having the expertise and guidance of tour guides Cengiz, Gökhan and Uraz. They all became our friends by the end of our time together. Zehra was available to us through out our trip and always... Read more

Zehra - what can I say she was amazing. Our group had made a mistake with the dates for our trip and Zehra worked all hours of the day and night to make our trip work with the new dates. Her recommendations were always spot on and the drivers and tour guides were amazing. We had the pleasure of having the expertise and guidance of tour guides Cengiz, Gökhan and Uraz. They all became our friends by the end of our time together. Zehra was available to us through out our trip and always answered our inquiries quickly. This is our second trip with KimKim and have been telling our friends about it. Thank you Zehra for your dedication to making our trip a special one.

Hotel Reviews
Pera Palace
Istanbul
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
METT Hotel & Beach Resort
Muğla

This hotel was good, breakfast buffet was very good. We stayed in a villa and it was nice but nothing special about it, not homey or comfy. The whole resort is very dark at night and stairs to restaurant and to villa were not lit and was quite dangerous. Our outdoor lights were not working and asked the hotel to fix them and they did not. There was a dead rat on the beach and the staff did nothing about it.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Can not walk anywhere from the resort must take taxi into town
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Lighting and friendliness of breakfast staff
Ruin Adalia
Antalya

This hotel has the potential to be a 4 star but the rooms and breakfast were lacking. However I think it is one of the better ones in the area. It was just a let down after our fabulous hotel in Cappadocia.

Authenticity & Character
The Character is there they just need to tweek it to make it a special place
Location
Only two restaurants within walking distance
Staff
very friendly at the bar
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rooms are lacking- thin small blanket on the bed, No coffee or tea in the room and breakfast buffet doesn’t start until 8:00. Buffet was not very good with limited choices and very weak coffee with no availability to order a latte etc.
Argos in Cappadocia
Nevsehir

Wow - absolutely breathtaking hotel- make sure you have dinner on the patio one night - if you have any mobility issues this is not a place for you. The cobble stone road is very steep, slippery when wet

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Soho House Istanbul
Istanbul

It was a great hotel and in a fabulous location. However I would not stay in rooms 1-9 during the weekend. (They are located downstairs close to the disco or party room. Friday night people kept leaving the hall door open people were coming down the hall until 3:00 am. We had asked the front desk to look into this and put a sign on the door to keep closed. They did nothing.

Location
Staff
Staff in restaurant were quite rude and dismissive so was the night desk manager
Cleanliness & Comfort
Amazing supplies and flat iron in the bathroom. Rooms 1-9 are very dark, they need more lights in the room
Activity Reviews
Exploring Antalya & Historical Sites
Exploring Antalya & Historical Sites
Antalya

Antalya was a great town it was a long day but we had a late lunch at a restaurant on the water and it was worth it

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Day trip to Pamukkale
Day trip to Pamukkale
Turkey

Really fun day -

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Explore Ozkonak Underground City & Cavusin
Explore Ozkonak Underground City & Cavusin
Cappadocia

Very interesting I really enjoyed this

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Bodrum: Black Island Boat Tour with Lunch
Bodrum: Black Island Boat Tour with Lunch
Bodrum

Such a lovely day- the captain and his staff were fabulous and trip included a fabulous lunch.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Wasn’t overall impressed with this driver had a box and a sign for tips
Explore The Landmarks of Cappadocia
Explore The Landmarks of Cappadocia
Cappadocia

Great day - the history and architecture unbelievable

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
ATV Sunset Ride in Cappadocia
ATV Sunset Ride in Cappadocia
Cappadocia

A lot of fun however the guides were a little obnoxious and kept doing stunts that just spread dust in the air and made it difficult to see

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Yacht Cruise Along Bosphorus
Private Yacht Cruise Along Bosphorus
İstanbul
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Day Istanbul Walking Tour
Full Day Istanbul Walking Tour
İstanbul
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Zehra Alper
Zehra
Zehra Alper
Local specialist in Istanbul, Turkey | Replied on Oct 10, 2025
Thank you so much for your kind words and thoughtful review! It truly means a lot to me. I’m so glad that despite the change in dates, everything worked out smoothly and that you enjoyed your time in Türkiye. Cengiz, Gökhan, and Uraz will be delighted to hear your kind feedback, they all spoke very warmly of your group as well! It was a real pleasure assisting you again and being part of your journey. I’m so happy to hear that the experience was special and memorable. Thank you for your... Read more

Thank you so much for your kind words and thoughtful review! It truly means a lot to me. I’m so glad that despite the change in dates, everything worked out smoothly and that you enjoyed your time in Türkiye. Cengiz, Gökhan, and Uraz will be delighted to hear your kind feedback, they all spoke very warmly of your group as well!

It was a real pleasure assisting you again and being part of your journey. I’m so happy to hear that the experience was special and memorable. Thank you for your continued trust and for sharing your experience with your friends, it’s the greatest compliment I could receive.

Wishing you many more wonderful travels ahead, and I hope we’ll cross paths again on another adventure soon!

A fabulous trip
Turkey | May 13 - May 23, 2025

C
Carol C.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Jun 01, 2025
This was our first time using KimKim. In fact, it was the first time we had used any travel planning agency. There were times in the planning process that I felt a bit anxious there I gave the planning and booking experience only 4 stars. That said, the itinerary and arrangements that Zehra put together for us far exceeded our expectations! I had originally told Zehra that we wanted to see Troy, Pergamum, Ephesus, and Cappadocia. I later added Pamukkale to that list. Zehra expanded the... Read more

This was our first time using KimKim. In fact, it was the first time we had used any travel planning agency. There were times in the planning process that I felt a bit anxious there I gave the planning and booking experience only 4 stars. That said, the itinerary and arrangements that Zehra put together for us far exceeded our expectations! I had originally told Zehra that we wanted to see Troy, Pergamum, Ephesus, and Cappadocia. I later added Pamukkale to that list. Zehra expanded the trip to include Gallipoli, Aphrodiaias, Hierapolis, and Konya to that list. We knew of Gallipoli but the last 3 were places we had never even heard of and all turned out to be fascinating and memorable.
The guides Zehra hired were fabulous. Okan made the battle sites of the Gallipoli Peninsula come alive. We finished that day with an understanding of the importance of the geography of that peninsula and the important role it played in 20th century Turkish history. Okan also guided us patiently and carefully through the ruins of ancient Troy and Pergamum. He went beyond his role of tour guide by recommending an excellent fish restaurant for dinner and arranging a late lunch stop in Çanakkale so we could eat gözleme.
Senem gave us a very good understanding of the importance of Ephesus and took us through the excavation of the “mansions “ near the agora that are now open to the public at a small additional fee.
Rafet is a fabulous story teller! He entranced us with his telling of the Greek myths and their connections to the ancient cities of Aphrodisias and Hierapolis. He also found us good local eateries for lunch!
Gökhan gave us very clear explanations about the geology of Cappadocia and also about the role that the early Christians played in that area. He also steered us expertly through the crush of tourists in the Underground City.
Our itinerary was a private 11 day road trip with a car and driver. Okan, Rafet and Gökhan were each with us for more than one day and all 3 were also very good traveling companions on the drives from one site to another.
KimKim and Zehra truly put together a remarkable trip for us.

Local specialist: Zehra Alper
Zehra
Zehra Alper
Local specialist in Istanbul, Turkey | Replied on Jun 11, 2025
Dear Carol, Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful feedback. I understand how it can feel uncertain using a travel service for the first time, so I’m truly glad the itinerary turned out to be more than you expected. It was a pleasure expanding the trip to include places like Gallipoli, Aphrodisias, and Konya. I'm thrilled these lesser-known sites became such memorable highlights. I'm also so happy to hear the guides made a lasting impression. Okan, Senem, Rafet, and Gökhan are truly... Read more

Dear Carol,

Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful feedback. I understand how it can feel uncertain using a travel service for the first time, so I’m truly glad the itinerary turned out to be more than you expected.

It was a pleasure expanding the trip to include places like Gallipoli, Aphrodisias, and Konya. I'm thrilled these lesser-known sites became such memorable highlights. I'm also so happy to hear the guides made a lasting impression. Okan, Senem, Rafet, and Gökhan are truly passionate, and your words will mean a lot to them.

Thank you again for trusting me and KimKim with your journey. I’d love to help you explore more whenever you're ready.

Warm regards!

We spent 14 days touring Turkey with KimKim ...
Turkey | Apr 25 - May 9, 2025

SUSAN
SUSAN W.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on May 14, 2025
We spent 14 days touring Turkey with KimKim We had never done a privately guided trip before and found it to be very worthwhile. Zehra did an excellent job in suggesting an itinerary which included all the highlights of the country. She selected hotels in each locale, diverse and well located, each a different experience.. Our guides in each locale were excellent and knowledgable and adjust the schedule to avoid the crowds in the busy destinations. Lunches were in local restaurants... Read more

We spent 14 days touring Turkey with KimKim We had never done a privately guided trip before and found it to be very worthwhile. Zehra did an excellent job in suggesting an itinerary which included all the highlights of the country. She selected hotels in each locale, diverse and well located, each a different experience.. Our guides in each locale were excellent and knowledgable and adjust the schedule to avoid the crowds in the busy destinations. Lunches were in local restaurants highlighting the local cuisine . We would like to recognize Betul in Istanbul, Gozde in Cappadocia, Senem in Ephesus and Uraz in the southern coast and Antalya. Each provided a great tour in their respective locales.
In country travel, including 3 flights and transfers, was dependable and on schedule and Zehra quickly responded to questions during the trip.
Our trip included 3 days in Istanbul (we would recommend the Street food Tour and a visit to an Hammam), 2 days in Cappadocia (we would recommend the Hot air balloon ride and underground city tours), 2 days in Sirince with a tour of Ephesus and Pamukkale. Two relaxing days on the beach near Fethiye. A guided trip along the coast to Olympos and a day in Antalya.

Local specialist: Zehra Alper
Zehra
Zehra Alper
Local specialist in Istanbul, Turkey | Replied on May 14, 2025

Dear Susan,

Thank you so much for your warm and thoughtful review! I'm truly glad to hear that your first privately guided trip was such a positive experience. It was a pleasure designing your Turkey itinerary, and I’m happy you enjoyed the diverse hotels, amazing local guides, and unique regional flavors. I’ll be sure to pass your kind words on to Betül, Gözde, Senem, and Uraz, they’ll be delighted.

Wishing you many more beautiful travels ahead!

Magical Georgia with the best tour guide
Georgia | Nov 8 - Nov 12, 2024

K
Katie S.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Nov 24, 2024

We had a magical time exploring Tbilisi and the surrounding area for four days with our guide Ana! Georgia is a hidden gem and Ana gave us so much insight into the culture and history while showing us all the best the area has to offer (including some great local food recommendations!). Highly recommend Georgia, Ana and kimkim.

Local specialist: Zehra Alper
Zehra
Zehra Alper
Local specialist in Istanbul, Turkey | Replied on Nov 27, 2024

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience! I'm thrilled to hear that you had such a magical time exploring Tbilisi and its surroundings with Ana. Georgia truly is a hidden gem, and it's fantastic that Ana was able to enrich your trip with her insights and local expertise.

Your kind words about Ana, the country, and kimkim are greatly appreciated. If you ever decide to return to Georgia or explore another destination, I’d be more than happy to assist with your plans. Wishing you many more incredible travel adventures ahead!

Our guide Ana was amazing - great insight int...
Georgia | Nov 8 - Nov 12, 2024

K
katherine n.
North Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Nov 14, 2024

Our guide Ana was amazing - great insight into the region’s history, culture. And the sites, food, recommendations were spot on! Fantastic visit to a country I’ll be coming back to!

Local specialist: Zehra Alper
Zehra
Zehra Alper
Local specialist in Istanbul, Turkey | Replied on Nov 18, 2024

Thanks a lot for your kind comments, dear Karherine!

I am glad to hear that you had a good time with us in Georgia. We'll be happy to help for any assistance for your future trip plans to Georgia.

Regards!