Great trips require more than just a beautiful vision—they need flawless execution. Meet Metin Çobanoğlu, founder of Before Travel and our trusted operational backbone. From navigating complex logistics to managing thousands of journeys, discover the man who ensures your travels are perfectly crafted and fully secure.
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Meet the Man Anchoring Our Vision
When you dedicate your life to crafting meaningful, deeply human travel experiences, you quickly learn a fundamental truth: even the most brilliant, thoughtfully designed itineraries will unravel without a rock-solid foundation. That is exactly where Metin Çobanoğlu steps in.
As the founder and owner of Before Travel—a highly respected travel agency nestled right in the historic heart of Sultanahmet, Istanbul—Metin has spent years quietly building a reputation for absolute reliability within the Turkish travel industry. He understands that exceptional travel is as much about seamless, behind-the-scenes execution as it is about the destinations themselves.
To us, he has never been just a business contact on a piece of paper; he is a cornerstone of our extended family and a driving force behind our vision. Bringing a rare mix of deep local intuition, operational mastery, and unwavering consistency, Metin is the kind of professional who proves one of our core beliefs.
The Character Behind the Company
Born in 1988, Metin is a proud Yörük Turk. After years mastering the fast-paced travel industry alongside his brothers in Istanbul, the 38-year-old made a deliberate return to his hometown of Demre, Antalya, in late 2025 to be closer to his family and his truest element.
He is, at his core, a man defined by the outdoors. Metin holds a lifelong passion for the rich Lycian history and natural wonders of the coast. Whether hiking ancient trails, swimming, or exploring new ventures in canoeing and paragliding, his drive for adventure is constant. He knows the local flora and fauna intimately, embodying the hardworking, spirited nature of the region.
Today, he beautifully balances his operational work with a grounded, joyful lifestyle. You will often find him riding his motorcycle with his loyal 3-year-old Boston Terrier, Dio, or hosting legendary barbecues after a long day of fishing.
Portfolio of Business Ventures
While his lifestyle is deeply rooted in nature, his professional footprint extends across the country. Over the years, Metin has built, managed, and expanded a diverse portfolio of successful travel and hospitality businesses.
Before Travel
Metin is the owner and operator of Before Travel, a highly respected and fully licensed travel agency based in the historic center of Istanbul. He took over the agency a few years after moving to the city, turning it into the operational backbone for thousands of customized, nationwide tours.
Situated exactly at Akbıyık Caddesi, Sultanahmet, the office is nestled right in the vibrant, historical core of Istanbul. From this strategic location, just steps away from some of the world’s most iconic monuments, Metin’s team coordinates an immense volume of complex travel logistics.
Whether managing specialized multi-city routes, private transfers, or last-minute itinerary changes, Before Travel provides the A-class, legally secure framework needed to flawlessly execute every detail, ensuring travelers experience the absolute highest standard of reliability while exploring Turkey.
CruiseBosphorus
Expanding his operations from land to water, Metin is the co-owner of CruiseBosphorus in an equal 50/50 partnership. This dedicated platform provides curated, private yacht rentals in Istanbul, bringing his standard of operational trust and precision to the city’s iconic strait.
Operating extensively across the breathtaking waterways of the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn, and out toward the Princes’ Islands, CruiseBosphorus manages a hand-picked fleet of vessels suitable for any occasion.
No matter if it is a quiet morning ride, a romantic sunset voyage past Dolmabahçe Palace, or a private dinner beneath the illuminated suspension bridges, his team ensures every moment on the water is executed flawlessly, extending his signature reliability from the historic streets right onto the waves.
The Other Tour
In 2025, The Other Tour officially merged its operations with Before Travel, now operating securely under its licensed legal umbrella. As the official operational head, Metin manages the complex, on-the-ground logistics that make these immersive journeys possible.
As we evolved into a fully functional Destination Management Company, Metin became the invisible engine driving the experience. He handles the intricate web of domestic flights, private inter-city transportation, and nationwide scheduling.
By managing all of this heavy lifting behind the scenes, he ensures our core philosophy of slow-paced, connected travel is never interrupted, allowing the magic on the surface to feel completely effortless for every guest.
Nationwide Journeys Curated by Metin
6-day Turkey tour to Ephesus, Pamukkale, and Cappadocia with boutique stays, domestic flights, and authentic local experiences.
Private van hire with driver in Turkey using Mercedes Vito or Caravelle. Comfortable, flexible travel for transfers and city tours.
Discover a relaxing 2-day escape from Istanbul with The Other Tour, exploring Taraklı, Göynük, and Mudurnu in comfort and style.
Explore Pamukkale’s terraces, ancient Hierapolis ruins, and relaxing thermal springs in a single unforgettable guided day tour from Bodrum.
Explore Alanya, Syedra, and Manavgat Waterfall on a relaxed private guided day trip with stunning coastal views.
Discover Sardis, the ancient capital of Lydia, and explore its historical ruins and cultural legacy in western Turkey.
The Next Chapter: A Return to the Mediterranean
In late 2025, Metin made the deliberate choice to transition from the constant hustle of Istanbul back to his hometown of Demre, Antalya. This move was a return to his roots, allowing him to spend valuable time with his aging parents and reconnect with the Lycian Way that shaped him. It marks a vibrant new phase where his life and work are deeply centered in the region he loves most.
Metin’s entrepreneurial drive is now finding a fresh outlet in the village of Üçağız, where he is opening a brand-new restaurant. An exceptional cook, he is channeling his passion for Mediterranean flavors and Yörük hospitality into this project. Beyond the kitchen, he is researching new ventures in canoeing and paragliding to share the adventurous spirit of the coast with future travelers.
Meet the People Behind the Journey
A travel company is only as strong as the people who breathe life into it. Metin provides our unbreakable foundation, but he is part of a dedicated team of storytellers and experts.
We invite you to explore the articles about our other members to see the unique passions and backgrounds that fuel the vision of The Other Tour.
If you are ready to begin your own chapter with us, please fill out the form below. Whether you have a specific itinerary in mind or want to start a conversation about your travels, we are here to help. Let us handle the complex logistics so you can focus on the connection.
