
In Termessos
Greetings, I am Tolun Çerkeş a multilingual archaeologist, tour guide and driver, with a deep passion for showing the wonders of Turkey. Fluent in Turkish, English, French, Italian, and Japanese, I can also communicate in Russian, Chinese (Mandarin), and German. With extensive experience working with renowned tour operators such as Kuoni, Cox & Kings, and Deren Koray Travel, I’ve conducted tours in various languages for American, European, Canadian, Japanese, and Chinese groups.
My Background:
- Education: I studied Archaeology and Philology at the university of Ankara, with additional studies at Iowa State University (USA) and Omsk State Pedagogical University (Russia).
- Experience: Since 1983, I have conducted over 900 tours, covering more than 850,000 km. I have collaborated with more than 20 travel agencies, guiding archaeological and cultural tours around Turkey. I have also assisted tours for Turks as an interpreter in Europe, New Zealand, former Soviet countries and North America.
- Driving: I have an E-class driver’s license for driving passenger vehicles in Turkey and New Zealand with unblemished driving records. I consider safe driving is one of the most important aspects of my work.
My guiding license
- Organizations: I was an active supporter of Greenpeace in Turkey. I worked with their translation team and acted as an interpreter during some of their projects in Turkey. Nowadays I am a supporter of WWF.
- Lifestyle: As a vegetarian and occasional fruitarian during summer travels I prioritize a healthy and environmentally conscious lifestyle.
- Residence: Born in Istanbul and grew up in Ankara I divide my time between Istanbul, Izmir and in Cappadocia, located in central Anatolia. In my free time I do body building, take walks in the valleys and plant fruit trees or work for the maintenance of my old 7-room Cappadocian cave house consisting of both caves and regular rooms.
- Embark on a journey with me where history comes alive, and every moment is an unforgettable experience.

My drivers license
Your experience with me: If you choose to travel with me, attention to detail is my commitment. I ensure you receive the best value for your time and money.
Memorable Moments
Explore some of the memorable moments captured during my tours:

Explaining biblical mosaics to an Italian group in Chora Church

In Perge on Private tour with Americans

Explaining bilingual Greco Roman inscriptions on Couretes Boulevard, in Ephesus

Guiding a Canadian group in Goreme open-air museum, Cappadocia.

Giving lecture at Priene antique theatre

Explaining the events of the ancient hippodrome, in Istanbul

Chicago airport starting a business trip with a Turkish businessman as a driver guide

Cappadocia guiding a small Japanese group

In Indianapolis

In California

On a private tour with Japanese guests, drinking wine in the courtyard of the ancient Trajan temple, in Pergamon

Visiting Anzac cemeteries in Gallipoli with a small group from New Zealand.

In Cappadocia Zelve valley guiding a French group