My Resumé

on private tour in Termessos

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

    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 Uchisar, 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 e class driving license

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

Explaining biblical mosaics to an Italian group in Chora Church

Perge Hellenistic gate at the background

In Perge on Private tour with Americans

I am explaining bilingual Greco Roman inscriptions on Couretes Boulevard, in Ephesus

Explaining bilingual Greco Roman inscriptions on Couretes Boulevard, in Ephesus

I am guiding a Canadian group in Goreme open air museum, in Cappadocia

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

I am giving lecture at Priene antique theatre

Giving lecture at Priene antique theatre

In Istanbul explaining the events of the ancient hippodrome

Explaining the events of the ancient hippodrome, in Istanbul

I am at Chicago airport

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

guiding a small Japanese group

Cappadocia guiding a small Japanese group

In Indianapolis with race car

In Indianapolis

In California presenting my products

In California

On private tour on the acropolis of ancient Pergamon drinking wine with guests from Japan

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

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

Guiding a French group in Cappadocia Zelve valley

In Cappadocia Zelve valley guiding a French group