My passion and love for Turkey began many years ago when I first visited the country in my late teens. That passion was rekindled some twenty years later when I returned for another holiday, and not long after, I came back in a new role—as a tour guide for a UK-based travel company. During this time, I led both hotel and camping tours across many parts of Turkey, discovering more of the country’s incredible beauty and diversity.
Initially, I planned to continue tour leading after accepting a short-term position at an international school in Istanbul during the quieter winter months. However, life had other plans, and I remained in education, working at that school and another international school in the city for the next eight years.
Throughout that period, I organised trips for our expatriate staff to some of Turkey’s most iconic destinations, including Gallipoli, Cappadocia, and Ephesus.
After nearly a decade, my time in Turkey came to an end, and I returned to Australia to take up a position at a large independent school in Melbourne.
Eager to maintain my connection with Turkey, I began what are now known as the Let’s Talk Turkey tours. These tours are scheduled around school holidays, and in the early days, most participants were colleagues also keen to make the most of the break. Over time, the circle has grown to include friends, and friends of friends, who share a curiosity about this remarkable country.
Let’s Talk Turkey tours are not a commercial venture. They are a personal passion project—an opportunity for me to share my deep love of Turkey and offer fellow travellers the insights I’ve gained from living and exploring there.
I hope you’ll consider joining one of my tours soon and experience for yourself the warmth, history, and beauty that make Turkey so special.
Shirley Seit