Sojourn is a team that loves guiding you to delightful travel experiences.
Chris & Angela
This power couple duo is the mastermind behind Sojourn and their mission is to see travel dreams come true, spread smiles and enjoy the great people they work with along the way.
Sojourn is a fully licensed Travel Agency (Tursab License A-5626) operating customized trips and events in Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, and beyond. Our tours maximize the opportunity to experience the beauty of culture, the depth of history, the delight of Turkish cuisine, and unique experiences of local customs and arts. With Chris and Angela living and working in Turkey for the last 20+ years, our team can offer our travelers the best of both worlds — great local guides and connections plus the benefits of insight into American and western travelers expectations and desires. We are a travel company that seeks to understand your dreams for your trip and respect your travel time and expectations. We take pride in being experts at bridging the gaps, so you have a wonderful travel experience in Turkey. We have developed a reputation among our customers for a high degree of flexibility, personal service, planning creativity, attentiveness and honesty. Sojourn exists to see people's lives and communities made better by travel, both the travelers and the locals who host them. We work toward this by guiding travelers to delightful experiences.
Our Team
Angela Vannoy
CEO & Co-Founder
Angela’s travel journey began as a student at Georgia Tech, when a summer trip to Turkey sparked a lifelong love for cross-cultural exploration. Years later, she and her husband moved their lives there to start a new kind of travel company: one rooted in meaningful connection, local relationships, and high quality service. Now with decades of experience travelling Turkey, she keeps Sojourn’s focus on authenticity, hospitality, and excellence. As CEO, she leads a dedicated team committed to crafting immersive, story-rich travel experiences across the Mediterranean region. Outside the office, she is an efficient traveler, occasional karaoke singer, and firm believer that the best conversations happen over unhurried meals.
Chris Vannoy
Co-Founder
Chris’ lifelong enthusiasm for culturally immersive travel has only grown stronger since moving to Turkey and starting Sojourn with Angela years ago. He’s become known as one of the region’s most trusted travel specialists, leveraging his in-depth cultural and historical knowledge with decades of practical travel experience. Chris is driven by his desire to open doors to local people, places, and traditions that turn a great trip into an unforgettable journey. He personally vets the hotels, guides, and activities featured by Sojourn to ensure the highest quality experience. As founder of Turkish-Wine.com, Chris’ passion for highlighting Turkey’s expanding wine selections and world famous local cuisine is evident. When he’s not scouting local vineyards for the next groundbreaking grapes, you can find Chris riding his motorcycle along the coast, listening to audiobooks at 2x speed, or writing articles based on his freshly minted PhD.
Elif Daysal
Tour Operations Director
Elif is a seasoned travel planner, having worked in the industry for over 20 years serving English, Dutch, and Turkish speaking clients. Her work is marked by her attention to detail and customer-first mentality that translates into magically crafted and custom tours for each client. Elif takes pride in ensuring all the logistical details run smoothly, so travelers can focus on soaking in the cultural experience without stress. Beyond her passion for her work, Elif is a dedicated wife and mother of two, and writes fictional short stories about characters inspired by the Sojourn team.
Yasemin Türkoğlu
Meetings & Events Director
Yasemin serves as Sojourn’s resident “Queen of Conferences,” leading an energetic team that executes seamless events for thousands of guests each year. Her enthusiastic spirit and problem-solving mindset make the perfect combo when it comes to juggling the many components of large-scale events, and she balances it all with her trademark iconic laughter. Having spent much of her childhood living and studying abroad, Yasemin brings an invaluable cross-cultural perspective to everything she touches. Outside of work, she and her husband stay busy with their two adorable children and planning their next family adventure.
Kaan Ertunç
Operations Coordinator
Kaan’s knack for staying calm under pressure and keeping a myriad of details organized makes him a valuable member of our operations team at Sojourn. He possesses a deep and abiding love for his home country of Turkey and thrives on helping travelers discover the vast beauty it has to offer. With an innovative mindset and creative streak, Kaan streamlines all the logistics so clients can sit back and enjoy the vibrant culture of Turkey. In his free time, Kaan enjoys cycling along the coast, jamming on the guitar, and spending quality time with his wife and daughter.
Umay Gülyaz
Accountant
Starting at age 11, Umay studied in English-language schools and went on to obtain her university degree in Economics. Settling in Antalya decades ago, she dedicated her career to accounting and financial management for the tourism industry, a natural fit for her warm and hospitable spirit. Umay finds joy in supporting people with sincerity and a smile, something that shines through even in her emails. Beyond her work, Umay is known for being a doting mother to her son and the many interns that Sojourn hosts, spending hours chatting and laughing about life over a cup of Turkish coffee, and being the first to kick off team karaoke nights.
Ümmühan Aksu
Office Assistant
Ümmühan is our resident Turkish culture expert, embodying the genuine hospitality that characterizes local traditions. Welcoming every guest with a glass of tea or coffee and ensuring all of Sojourn’s staff stays nourished, refreshed, and in good spirits is her favorite part of her job. Affectionately known by the team as Ümmü, she thrives on being the friendly face that introduces culture in a heartfelt way to our interns and models the richness of Turkish life. Beyond her duties in the office, Ümmühan spends time tending to her grandson and large extended family, known for her dancing skills and being the life of the party wherever she goes.
Nazlı Başkaya
Executive Assistant
Born very close to the popular historic Cappadocia region, Nazlı began her career as an Events Assistant on our team before advancing to her current role as an integral part of executive support at Sojourn. Her determination and commitment to getting the job done, no matter what it might be, makes her an invaluable teammate. Often described as a classic “people-person,” Nazlı lights up every room she walks in with her energetic, can-do attitude, and organizes the best staff bonding activities for the Sojourn team.
Tuğba Küçükömer
Travel Designer
Tuğba is an Antalya native, returning to her hometown and joining the Sojourn team after obtaining her degree from the American Studies department of Hacettepe University. Influenced by watching hours of MTV as a teen, she brings her enthusiasm for American culture to all interactions with customers, curating the best cross-cultural interactions to highlight the rich history of Turkey. Beyond her passion for travel, Tuğba loves to discover movies, mythology, art and especially music from different countries and languages, finding inspiration and joy from diverse melodies.
Nuriye Yarar
Travel Designer
Born and raised in Hatay, a city layered with centuries of history across many civilizations, Nuriye brings a deep appreciation of Turkish historical culture to our team. After relocating to Antalya to attend university, Nuriye discovered her passion for working in the bustling tourism industry. A skilled listener and naturally detail-oriented, she loves to communicate with customers and absorb their preferences to design perfectly tailored tours that make new cultures feel familiar. Outside of work, Nuriye spends her time on the phone with her niece, reading up on the latest astrology, and going to pilates with her friends.
Emre Can Yıldız
Travel Designer
After graduating with a degree in Tourism Management, Emre joined the Sojourn team to pursue his passion in curating exceptional travel experiences and fostering meaningful cultural connections. Influenced by an enriching internship at a prestigious hotel in the United States, Emre brings a keen understanding of guest services and the dynamics of international travel as well as a commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism practices. After work you can find him playing a round of basketball with friends, trying new cuisines, or indulging in classic movies and video games.
Esma Sude Şen
Travel Designer
Sude was raised in Izmir, near one of the most famous historical sites known as Ephesus. After moving to Antalya to pursue her degree in Tourism Management, she brought her keen and creative mind to the Sojourn team. Honing her English skills by watching hours of the sitcom “Friends,” Sude’s understanding of American culture and humor is iconic. Dedicated to self-improvement, she dives headfirst into whatever challenge comes her way. Describing herself as an “old soul,” Sude enjoys exploring vintage stores, ancient sites, and experimenting with film photography.
Furkan Cem Tosun
Travel Designer
Furkan is an Antalya native who joined the Sojourn team after completing his master’s in History. His passion for the historical heritage journeys in the far reaches of Turkey earned him the nickname “Lord of the East,” and his research-oriented nature brings valuable insights to the team. Motivated by innovation and process improvement, Furkan helps keep Sojourn’s workflows efficient and forward-thinking. As a self-proclaimed nerd, Furkan spends his free time collecting historical coins, playing chess with friends, and studying ancient texts.
Alize Savim
Event Coordinator
I was born and raised in Nicosia, Cyprus, the world's only divided capital, rich in history and diverse culture. I studied Industrial Engineering in Famagusta, home to the best university on the island for my field. Early exposure to different countries during my childhood fostered a love for travel that was further enriched during my studies by the amazing people I met from around the world. Outside of work, I find solace in the great outdoors, often camping and hiking with my beloved dog. These adventures not only rejuvenate my spirit but also inspire me to bring a sense of adventure and exploration to everything I do.
Assem Ospan
Event Coordinator
Originally from Kazakhstan, Assem pursued a degree in Hotel Management in Hong Kong which ignited her passion for travel and exploring diverse cultures. A true event planner at heart, Assem’s warm smile and attentiveness makes every event a success. Meeting new people from around the world is her favorite part of the job, taking the time to learn more about their stories and cultures. In her free time you can find Assem reading novels for hours on end, hiking and swimming with her husband, or watching historical dramas.
Öykü Başak Sönmez
Travel Designer
Born in Antalya but later relocating to Istanbul to study International Trade, Öykü brings the perfect blend of coastal vibes and city energy. Her passion for sharing the natural beauties of Turkey, from city to coast, brought her back to Antalya to join the Sojourn team where she thrives on creating unforgettable memories for customers. Öykü's positive energy is infectious and she takes pride in making the journey just as exciting as the destination. Öykü is known for her phenomenal fashion sense, abiding loyalty to her friends, and taking endless photos of her playful cat “çıtır,” whose name translates to “crunchy”.
Evy Vannoy
Travel Designer
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A Few of Our Guides
Elif Güneri
Tour Guide
Having graduated from Selcuk University with a degree in Tour Guiding in the class of 2005, Elif has been actively engaged in guiding guests since 2006. Her expertise extends beyond Turkey, encompassing tours of the Greek Islands and Athens. Nonetheless, since 2010, her primary focus has been on leading tours in Istanbul. She holds a profound appreciation for her role, deriving immense satisfaction from acquainting guests with the cultural, historical, and culinary treasures of Turkey. In her invitation, she warmly welcomes others to join in exploring the enchanting city of Istanbul together.
Mehmet Kuntasal
Tour Guide
Mehmet, born in the Western Anatolian town of Eskişehir, holds a degree from the Middle East Technical University in Ankara obtained in 1979. Initially trained as a city planner, Mehmet later acquired a guiding license from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in 1984. Since settling in Cappadocia in 2005, Mehmet has garnered recognition for delivering high-quality classical, hiking, and faith tours within the region. As a guide, he brings forth a wealth of knowledge, a delightful sense of humor, and an easy-going demeanor, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable travel experience for all.
Gökçen Art
Tour Guide
Gökçen Art, is one of our tour guides based in Istanbul, As a member of the Sojourn team, Gökçen was born in Ankara, the capital city of Turkey, but spent her formative years in Istanbul. She pursued her academic journey at Istanbul University, specializing in Arabic Language, and later attained a master's degree in the History Department at Bogazici University. With over 25 years of experience as a tour guide, she has dedicated herself to guiding people through cultural exploration. Specializing in topics like culinary arts, religious history, and social structures of Türkiye, she creates loves to create engaging experiences for her guests. Through personal conversations, she fosters connections, making friends along the way. Married with a 24-year-old daughter, she finds fulfillment in sharing her passion for cultural discovery with others.
Rabia Öznalbant
Tour Guide
With a degree in Travel Agency Management and German language specialization from Mersin University, Rabia brings extensive experience from various travel agencies. Her passion for culture and history led her to study Tour Guiding at Ege University, obtaining a professional license in 2006. For 15 years, she has been a proud part of Sojourn, finding joy in sharing her knowledge with diverse tourist groups. As a dedicated parent based in Kusadasi, she enjoys the region's natural beauty and has embraced a new adventure on a small farm since the pandemic. As a pastime she engages in tours with colleagues to explore more of Turkey to provide you with the best experiences possible on your journey to Turkey.
Süleyman Tıraşoğlu
Tour Guide
Hailing from a serene town near the Mediterranean city of Antalya, Süleyman embarked on his educational journey culminating in a degree in English language teaching, a field that ignited his passion for language and communication. Following a fulfilling tenure as a teacher, Süleyman transitioned into the profession of tour guiding, obtaining his guiding license in 1997. Since then, he has been wholeheartedly dedicated to showcasing the wonders of Turkey to visitors from around the globe, particularly from the United States. His tours offer a deep appreciation for Turkey's breathtaking scenery, rich culture, and historical sites, leaving an indelible mark on those who explore the country with him.Presently residing in Cappadocia with his spouse and two children, Süleyman finds happiness in this enchanting region, where he has made his home for the past six years. Cappadocia's unique landscapes and rich history provide the perfect backdrop for Süleyman to continue sharing his passion for Turkey with travelers from near and far.
Feray Kocabaş
Tour Guide
Fluent in both English and German, Feray pursued a profession as a certified tour guide. With a career spanning collaborations with various travel agencies and tour groups, she joined Sojourn four years ago. Having lived in Antalya for 17 years, her love for the city has grown immensely. As a parent of two children, a boy and a girl, she prioritizes quality time through activities like trekking, swimming, and exploring new places. She finds the art of communication particularly fascinating and she loves sharing stories about travel and history. Guiding others throughout Turkey brings Feray immense joy, and given another opportunity at life, she stated, “she would unquestionably choose the same profession again”.
Şennur Aslan Savaş
Tour Guide
Originally from Sivas, a city nestled in the heart of Anatolia, Şennur has had the privilege of experiencing various regions of Turkey during her childhood, which has fostered a deep appreciation for the diverse cultures within her country. In 2006, she graduated from Selcuk University's Tourism Guiding Department, marking the beginning of her illustrious career. As a Professional National Tourist Guide affiliated with the Ministry of Tourism of Turkey, Şennur has dedicated 16 years to passionately sharing the historical and cultural treasures of her homeland with visitors from around the globe. She takes immense joy in her work and considers it a point of pride to be a part of Sojourn as a guide. She enjoys meeting people from all corners of the globe. She endeavors to leave each person she meets with fond memories of her warm smile, ensuring their journey through Turkey is as delightful as it is informative.
Ferruh Armutcuoğlu
Tour Guide
Ferruh is a seasoned guide with a profound passion for travel, holds a professional tour guide license from the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Her background includes academic pursuits in English Language and Literature, MA studies in the UK, and a PhD focused on Translation Theories. Formerly an academic at Istanbul's Galatasaray University, she now dedicates herself full-time to guiding, bringing a unique blend of academia and practical expertise into the mix. With a diverse background in art, archaeology, and history, Ferruh conducts workshops on interpretation and cross-cultural topics. Viewing travelers as guests, not tourists, she emphasizes a holistic cultural experience and invites others to join her for an enthusiastic exploration of Turkey.
Mehmet Tetik
Tour Guide
With over three decades of expertise, Mehmet has become intimately acquainted with the historical treasures nestled within Istanbul's vibrant streets but has also had the privilege of exploring various breathtaking locations throughout Turkey. Born and raised in the mesmerizing city of Istanbul, Mehmet’s passion for art set him on a fascinating path into fine arts. Eager to deepen his understanding, he ventured into studying restoration techniques, enhancing his appreciation for preserving cultural heritage. After obtaining certification as a qualified guide in 1995, it has been both an honor and pleasure for him to share his knowledge with countless visitors worldwide. Alongside his love for exploring and appreciating art, family values hold a special place in his heart, and he considers himself fortunate to be a caring husband, cherishing the joys of marriage, and a proud father of an amazing daughter.
Belgin Yurdagül
Tour Guide
Studying English throughout her education, Belgin graduated from Ankara University with a degree in Dutch Language and Literature. Subsequently, she continued her studies at Leiden University in the Netherlands, focusing on Dutch studies. Upon returning to Turkey, she pursued a career as a tour guide by completing a course organized by the Ministry of Tourism. Married with two children, she takes great pleasure in sharing information about famous destinations and Turkey’s rich culture with visitors. Since 2001, she have been conducting tours in both English and Dutch languages for tourists visiting Antalya.
Sakis Leonidis
Tour Guide
With a profound passion for history and culture, Sakis’ areas of specialty encompasses Biblical and Jewish Heritage Sites, Wine Roads in Turkey, Byzantine Studies, and Pre-Greek Cultures in Anatolia. HIs extensive travels to over 40 countries and 120 cities, both as a traveler and a guide, have enriched his understanding of diverse cultures. Fluent in Turkish, Greek, and English, he brings a multilingual dimension to your touring experience.
Sait Güney
Tour Guide
Sait, has a background in Arabic Language and Literature and International Relations, obtained his guiding license in 2008, specializing in English and Arabic. He has worked in the Middle East Gulf Countries and Africa from 2007 to 2017 and has been an active Tour Guide in Istanbul since 2017. Beyond his professional life, he is an enthusiastic traveler, having explored over 25 countries. Sait actively participates in training programs, gaining specializations, and fostering connections with fellow tour guides to learn more so he can share his knowledge with his tourists. His love for photography and sea activities complements his role in the Sojourn team, where he takes pride in being a valued member.
Babür Kafadar
Tour Guide
Embarking on a cultural exploration journey, Babür studied Synology at Ankara University, shaping a future dedicated to adventure. From a Scuba PADI dive master to a reserve officer in the Turkish Army, he returned to Kusadasi to join his family's business. However, passion led him to obtain a guiding license in 2008. Enthusiastic about ancient Anatolian culture, especially Coastal Anatolia, he enhanced his Chinese language skills in 2010-2011, paving the way for a career in Chinese guiding. In 2020, he earned a professional Yacht Master license and completed expertise courses on various historical sites. Now, as a professional skipper and guide, he navigates and shares captivating experiences with tourists that visits Turkey.
Ismail Pursun
Tour Guide
Having initially pursued a degree in English Language and Literature, Ismail’s journey led him from the banking sector to teaching English and crafting questions for academic English exams. Fueled by a lifelong passion for guiding, he obtained his license in 2019, sparking an interest in art history and archaeology. Leading tours in Cappadocia and pursuing a master’s degree, he warmly invites you to explore this captivating region with Sojourn, promising an experience that transcends a visit into a collection of indelible memories.
Yunus Ozdemir
Tour Guide
With bachelor degrees in Tourism Guiding and Classical Archaeology, Yunus brings over two decades of experience as a professional tour guide in Turkey. Holding a master’s degree in Cultural Heritage and pursuing a Ph.D. in Tourism Guiding, he is also a co-founder of the Carian Trail, contributing significantly to the preservation of Turkey's historical and natural legacy. Formerly a lecturer at Cappadocia University, he mentored guide candidates for seven enriching years, adding depth to his professional and personal growth to help bring you the most enjoyable tours possible.
Fuat Kocabaş
Tour Guide
Graduating from Selcuk University with a degree in Tourism Guiding in 2004, Fuat built his career in tourism and relocated to Antalya the following year. Since then, Antalya has become his home as he passionately works as a tour guide. He is dedicated to creating joyful experiences for people. His expertise lies in cultural tours and leading hiking expeditions along the stunning Lycian Way that traces through Turkey's Mediterranean region. Assisting and witnessing the happiness of tourist groups brings him immense joy. Fuat further explained that “being part of the Sojourn team has not only brought happiness but also allowed him to make friends from all corners of the globe”. Fuat is happily married and is the proud parent of two little "monsters," a girl and a boy. It's a wonderful experience for him to contribute to people's happiness in Turkey and witness the joy reflected in our tourists eyes.
Şerife Arslan
Tour Guide
Graduating from Balikesir University with a degree in tourism guidance in 2011, Serife worked as a guide in Antalya for four years. In 2016, she transitioned to working as a cabin crew member at Corendon Airlines, providing the opportunity to visit 12 countries which heightened her love for tourism. Since then, her passion for tourism guiding led her to Kas/Kalkan, where she has been working for the past six years. Kas/Kalkan serves as the central hub of the ancient Lycian civilization, and throughout her exploration, she has immersed herself in the remarkable architectural marvels, captivating historical tales, and geographical wonders of Lycia. One of her cherished pastimes includes embarking on invigorating hikes along the renowned Lycian Way and Carian Way trails, showcasing stunning vistas and the unique plant life and wildlife found in the region. Besides her professional pursuits as a guide, she also possess a profound passion for herbalism, aromatherapy, and astrology.
Nisa Buket Dağdelen
Tour Guide
Nisa, dedicated to mastering English, excelled in her studies at Ege University's Tourism Guidance department, graduating with top grades. Since then, she has proudly served as an English-speaking professional tour guide, specializing in Cappadocia region tours. Her passion lies in creating engaging and entertaining tours, while also providing in-depth cultural knowledge about Turkey's rich history and heritage. With a commitment to favorable tourist experiences, she interacts effectively with diverse groups, sharing enthusiasm, and adapting to cater to a wide array of cultures from around the world.
Aylin Atalay
Tour Guide
Aylin holds a degree in tour guiding from Erciyes University in Cappadocia. Since starting her career, she has shown great dedication to her profession. Known for her hospitality, flexibility, and strong communication skills, she has had the chance to work with people from all over the world. Along with her guiding expertise, she has a special interest in astrology and culinary arts, and she enjoys hiking through different valleys. Outside of work, Aylin has a deep love for the sea and enjoys swimming and snorkeling.
Ahmet Kutlu
Tour Guide
With over two decades of experience in Sales & Marketing in a multinational corporation, Ahmet has joyfully returned to the tourism industry. An Istanbul native fluent in English, French, and Turkish, he has led diverse groups through domestic and international routes for more than 10 years. From exploring the national parks of the United States to riding Tuk-Tuks in Vietnam, he is a seasoned professional crafting bespoke routes tailored to your interests. His core principles are communication and curiosity, and he currently reside in Istanbul with his family, eagerly anticipating the pleasure of accompanying you on an exploration through the enchanting streets of Istanbul.
Dicle Gündem
Tour Guide
Dicle is a seasoned local guide proudly associated with our team here at Sojourn, she is a native of central Turkey with a degree in tourism management. With over 21 years of experience, she has had the privilege of guiding diverse groups, primarily from North America, in both English and French. Her passion for guiding goes beyond profession; it's a deep commitment to showcasing the beauty of her homeland. Certified for biblical tours, she provides a comprehensive and enriching experience for visitors. Dicle looks forward to welcoming you to Turkey in the future.
Ezgi Tubay
Tour Guide
Ezgi is a licensed professional tour guide with a degree from Istanbul Aydın University and over 15 years of experience leading cultural and historical tours in Istanbul. Her passion for guiding goes beyond visiting landmarks—she helps guests feel the city’s spirit, uncover its layered history, and discover hidden gems. With deep knowledge of Ottoman and Byzantine history, as well as expertise in architecture, culinary traditions, and interfaith heritage, Ezgi creates tours that are insightful, engaging, and personal—leaving every guest with a genuine connection to Istanbul.
Nikos Dimitriou
Tour Guide
“Every day we make it, we’ll make it the best we can.” This motto reflects Nikos Dimitriou’s philosophy in the tourism and hospitality industry.
Nikos is a Greece-based trip designer and local tour leader with five years of professional experience. Before entering the tourism field, he spent seven years traveling full-time with his partner, exploring more than 50 countries across Africa, Europe, and the Americas. These journeys shaped his deep appreciation for authentic cultural experiences and inspired him to transition from a traveler to a travel curator.
Since 2020, Nikos has specialized in creating tailor-made itineraries and vacation packages that highlight the best of Greece. His passion lies in designing meaningful, well-crafted experiences that bring Greece to life for every guest.
Georgia Micheli
Tour Guide
Georgia is an adventurous traveler and an experienced local tour guide from Greece. She spent seven years exploring more than 50 countries and documenting their overlanding journey on The Pin Project, a blog dedicated to long-term travel. Through its TravelEating section, she also shares recipes and stories inspired by their global culinary experiences.
As a local guide, she blends cultural insight, warmth, and strong local connections to create meaningful and immersive experiences across the country. Her extensive travel background, curiosity, and love of storytelling make her an exceptional guide for travelers seeking authenticity and connection.
The Story of Sojourn
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