We offer more than guidance. We deliver insight, comfort, and memorable experiences.
Itinerary Planning
We found the Ultimate Private Guide: Selin Seçen.
Recently, I returned from a memorable 9-day girls' trip to Istanbul and Cappadocia, and I cannot emphasize enough how Selin Seçen made our experience extraordinary. Having never hired a private guide before, I was initially hesitant, but traveling to an unfamiliar region with limited planning time made me reconsider-and I'm so glad I did!
Preplanning: Before we even arrived, Selin helped us plan the itinerary, gave lodging
recommendations, arranged for transport and booked tours. It was so helpful that she found trusted local operators in an area with which I was completely unfamiliar. She also answered countless (and I mean countless) questions with patience and enthusiasm.
On the Ground Experience: Selin is engaging and brings amazing energy. She quickly seems more of an honorary member of trip than a guide. She navigated us through bustling bazaars and pointed out details we would have missed; Shared fascinating historical and cultural insights that brought ancient sites to life; Adapted our schedule on the fly based on our energy levels and interests; Handled all logistics and translations, eliminating travel stress entirely; Recommended phenomenal restaurants where we enjoyed authentic Turkish cuisine and even sent us recipes for our favorite dishes so we could recreate them at home.
An Unforgettable Journey Through Istanbul with Our Exceptional Guide Selin Seçen!
From the moment our tour began, it was clear we were in the hands of an exceptional guide. Selin brought Istanbul’s rich history to life with her deep knowledge of iconic sites like Hagia Sophia, the Grand Bazaar, and the Basilica Cistern, blending historical facts with fascinating stories.Beyond the major landmarks, she helped us navigate the city with ease, including Istanbul’s public transport, and introduced us to amazing Turkish food and the best coffee we had during our stay.What truly made the experience special was her warmth, enthusiasm, and wonderful sense of humor.
She made every moment engaging and made us feel less like tourists and more like welcomed guests.If you’re looking for a seamless and memorable Istanbul tour, Selin is the perfect guide. She made our trip truly unforgettable.
As we parted ways with our incredible guide
Selin Seçen, we reflected on how much Türkiye has impacted us. We felt completely safe throughout our trip and would return in a heartbeat. If you’ve ever considered visiting, we can’t recommend it enough—Türkiye is an experience that expands your world in the best way possible
Our final day in Istanbul was a feast for the senses. At the Spice Bazaar, every stop welcomed us with samples—flavored teas, Turkish delights, and the flakiest baklava—while the air filled with the rich aroma of spices.
We took the Eyüp cable car up to Pierre Loti Hill, where stunning views stretched over the city, nestled alongside an old Ottoman cemetery. We then visited a mosque and a Greek Orthodox church, immersing ourselves in the city’s deep spiritual history.
In Balat, we wandered charming streets lined with colorful buildings, quaint shops, and the famous rainbow steps before ending at the breathtaking New Mosque (Yeni Cami), where we even got to see the Sultan’s lounge
Selin Secen is a licensed English speaking local guide and the founder of Ishara Travel, a women-led travel agency based in Istanbul.
Born and raised in Cappadocia and now living in Istanbul, she combines deep local knowledge with a highly personal approach to travel planning. Over the years, she has guided travelers from all over the world, including guests from the United States, Europe, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, creating private experiences focused on culture, history, food and authentic local life rather than rushed, tourist-heavy schedules.
Her tours are designed to show both the iconic side of Istanbul and the city’s everyday rhythm. Depending on the day, that might mean wandering through historic neighborhoods, taking ferries between continents, exploring local markets, discovering hidden cafes, enjoying long Turkish breakfasts or diving into the layered history of the city through its architecture, food and street life.
As both a licensed guide and travel agency owner, Selin also assists travelers throughout Turkey with trusted local guides, airport transfers, Bosphorus cruises, hammams, hot air balloon flights and carefully selected experiences in destinations such as Cappadocia and Ephesus. While she personally guides only in Istanbul, her agency provides travel support across Turkey through a carefully built local network.
Outside of guiding, Selin is a passionate foodie and motorcycle traveler who once completed part of the Pan-American route by motorbike.