If you’re heading to Cappadocia with The Other Tour, get ready to meet our star guide, Said Balcı—an extraordinary jack-of-all-trades who’s guaranteed to rock your world (and your tour!) with his fascinating stories, deep historical knowledge, and larger-than-life personality.
Introduction to Our Lead Guide in Cappadocia
Born in Istanbul in 1997 but originally hailing from Trabzon, Said has been guiding travelers professionally since 2019. He boasts a rich academic background: a double major from Erciyes University in Korean Language & Literature and History, followed by a Master’s in History.
Couple that with his advanced knowledge of Christian history and iconography, and you’ve got a walking, talking encyclopedia at your disposal. Still not impressed? Here’s more: He’s a former arm wrestler, a card magician, a self-professed caffeine addict, and a proud cat dad—plus he’s about to tie the knot with another tour guide!
An Unmatched Passion for Sharing Cappadocia’s Wonders
Said doesn’t just study history—he lives it. From ancient rock-cut churches to hidden valleys, he has an uncanny knack for bringing Cappadocia’s past to life. Guests often joke that his tours were supposed to last eight hours but turn into twelve-hour adventures. Why? Because he’s wonderfully generous with his time, refusing to cut short a compelling story or a fun exploration.
Energy, Expertise, and Endless Enthusiasm
Have questions about iconography, Christianity, or the best local hiking routes? Said’s your go-to guru. Need a quick pick-me-up? He has enough energy for several lifetimes. Looking for a laugh? He’s a “crack head” in the best possible sense—slightly zany, ever-humorous, and always ready to entertain.
One minute he’ll dazzle you with a card trick, the next he’ll dive into Cappadocia’s Byzantine past. You may even catch him arm-wrestling another guide when he’s not leading you through breathtaking valleys!
Flawless English and a Welcoming Spirit
Said’s English is impeccable, and he’s honing his Korean skills, too—his passion for languages equals his love for Cappadocia. His warm, inclusive style puts every traveler at ease. And if that wasn’t enough proof of his brilliance, his brother even studied at MIT—so clearly the smarts run in the family!
Why We’re Proud to Have Said
He’s The Other Tour’s eyes and ears in Cappadocia! Our mission is all about forging genuine cultural connections, and with Said at the helm, you’ll see the region’s best-kept secrets in the most engaging and enlightening way imaginable. He’s the perfect mix of energy, expertise, and go-the-extra-mile dedication. Bonus: If you’re lucky, you might get to celebrate his upcoming wedding—or at least hear his lively plans!
Need another guide in Cappaodocia?
If you’re seeking a guide who can unlock the quiet magic of Cappadocia — beyond the balloons and postcard views — allow us to introduce you to someone special: Selim Özyürek.
Wow, I absolutely loved spending time with Said on the tour! He has this calm, grounded energy but also knows when to throw in a fun story or a cheeky smile. He made Cappadocia feel alive, not just another “tourist checklist.” You can tell he really cares about sharing his culture in a way that’s thoughtful and genuine. I also loved how he looked out for the small things — making sure I was comfortable, giving me little tips, even laughing at my endless luggage dramas 😂. Said really turned the whole experience from just a trip into something personal and memorable.
Thank you so much for sharing this, Sally 🌸 We’re thrilled to hear how much Said added to your Cappadocia experience. He really is one of those rare guides who blends deep cultural knowledge with genuine warmth (and yes, that cheeky smile!). We’re lucky to have him on our team, and we’re even happier that he made your journey feel personal and memorable. Safe travels, and we can’t wait to welcome you back for more adventures with us!
Over many years and many many countries was one of if not the best guide experience ever. (Not to mention really put our minds at ease to have your warm high energy welcome when arrived thinking that our guide was canceled.)
🙏🤝😎
Thank you so much for your review, Christopher. Can’t wait to host you in Istanbul.
Burak Plakay will be your guide on May 10th and Ezgi Tilki will guide you for 2 days on May 11th and 12th.