Europe, Middle East Trip Leader

Mehmet Koc

Now a 30-year veteran leader of our Turquoise Coast journey by traditional gulet, Mehmet Koc's passion for archaeology and history brings our guests a deep connection to this mesmerizing region. As one guest put it, “He's in a league of his own. His passion, knowledge, and love of the land (and people) is truly apparent. I feel like I learned so much from him.” Born in Istanbul, Mehmet has a degree in Travel and Tourism as well as Economics. He loves bringing guests to history-rich areas of his homeland, especially remote sites like Termessos and Arycanda, with their dramatic mountain settings, and also wants guests to discover local life as he introduces them to contemporary Turkiye and its current topics. When not guiding, Mehmet enjoys reading up on various eras of history and archaeology and stays active with local hiking and biking.

Our Team

Upcoming Trips with Mehmet

The Turquoise Coast

May 29 - Jun 11, 2024

Jun 12 - 25, 2024

Aug 28 - Sep 10, 2024

Sep 11 - 24, 2024

Oct 9 - 22, 2024

View Trip

Turkey Private Journey

Aug 15 - 27, 2024

Sep 9 - 24, 2024

View Trip

Client Testimonials

There is not a high enough rating for Mehmet. He is literally the best trip leader I have ever experienced, on any trip, with any company. The man is a genuine polymath. I cannot say enough good things about him.

Ann F.

Moss Beach, CA
The Turquoise Coast

We really enjoyed Mehmet's sense of humor, his calm attitude, his willingness to answer a wide range of questions, his dedication to getting things people in the group needed, and all sorts of other support he provided. We've awarded him sainthood!

Ann S.

Los Alamos, NM
The Turquoise Coast

Mehmet was wonderful. He was helpful, friendly, funny, organised, and very knowledgeable. He made the trip a very special one and I can't thank him enough.

Belinda L.

Thirroul, Australia
The Turquoise Coast

Mehmet Koc’s knowledge of Turkey’s history and his pride in his country made this a very special trip. And he made sure everything ran smoothly 100% of the time. He is an exceptionally intelligent and interesting conversationalist as well as being a lot of fun.

Bill S.

Crystal, MN

An intelligent, knowledgeable leader and a delight to travel with. Calm, patient, completely in control. A very impressive person.

Cindy C.

Santa Barbara CA

Mehmet is a gem! He is knowledgeable about the areas we visited and its history, as well as any subject anyone asked him about. He is funny, personable, wonderfully respectful of everyone, had a great rapport with everyone we met, and seems to know everyone. He is one of the best guides I have encountered.

Claire G.

Seattle, WA
The Turquoise Coast

Mehmet is a fantastic guide, with perfect English proficiency, a wealth of archaeological and historical information, and the ability to manage diverse groups and changing circumstances easily.

Courtney J.

Auburn, ME
The Turquoise Coast

It was our good fortune to have Mehmet with us the entire trip. He's in a league of his own. The best of the very best! His passion, knowledge, and love of the land (and people) is truly apparent. He's calm and pleasant; most enjoyable. I felt that I learned so much from him.

Debra F.

Akron, OH

It was our good fortune to have Mehmet with us the entire trip. He's in a league of his own—the best of the very best! His passion, knowledge, and love of the land (and people) is truly apparent. He's calm and pleasant, most enjoyable. I felt that I learned so much from him.

Debra F.

Akron, OH

Mehmet is an extraordinarily knowledgeable and competent guide—a real asset for WT. We greatly benefited from his years of experience.

Dennis K.

Shaker Heights, OH
The Turquoise Coast

Mehmet is an extraordinary guide and person. Of the many adventure trips we've been on with various companies, he is the best leader we've had, not only for his wealth of knowledge and superb trip management, but especially for his warmth, genuine caring, and good humor.

Ellen and Norman R.

New York, NY
The Turquoise Coast

Mehmet is without equal—the best I've ever experienced.

Eric N.

Oakland, CA
The Turquoise Coast

Mehmet was terrific—warm and very learned.

Ginger H.

Mercer Island WA
The Turquoise Coast

Mehmet was a unique combination of knowledge, responsiveness, and concern for our welfare and enjoyment of Turkey.

Grover W.

San Francisco CA
Turquoise Coast

Mehmet was a consummate professional and superb guide. His knowledge was superlative.

Hayley M.

Honolulu HI
The Turquoise Coast

I would not hesitate to travel with Mehmet again. He has a great sense of humor and is well informed about his country and the world.

Jan B.

Mountain View, CA
The Turquoise Coast

Mehmet Koc is extraordinary in every way! His charming personality and love of his work made us all fall in love with his wonderful country.

Jean U.

Salem OR
Turquoise Coast

Mehmet is probably the most knowledgeable WT guide I have had the pleasure of traveling with. His extensive knowledge of Turkish history and current events is a perfect match for this trip. A real pro and a nice guy.

John H.

Evergreen, CO
The Turquoise Coast

Unusually well-versed in historical, political, economic, and archaeology. I would love to take another trip with Mehmet.

Justin C.

Santa Fe, NM
The Turquoise Coast

Mehmet is a wonderful trip leader. He is very organized and makes sure everything flows smoothly. He made us feel welcome in his country and shared his extensive knowledge of its history and culture. He is also very fun to be with and treated us like friends.

Karen B.

Salt Lake City, UT
The Turquoise Coast

Mehmet is everything one wishes for in a Trip Leader: patient, knowledgeable, encouraging, and organized. He is one of your best!

Kate R.

Albany, CA
The Turquoise Coast

Mehmet Koc was great! Very knowledgeable, proud of his country, very experienced.

Kinyon G.

St. Helena, CA

Mehmet was an extraordinary guide, outstanding in every way.

Linda A.

Aurora, CO
The Turquoise Coast

Mehmet represents the best in his own country and in Wilderness Travel. He was calm, personable, knowledgeable, and watchful over every detail. To top it off, he has a delightful sense of fun.

Lindsay A.

Bend, OR
The Turquoise Coast

I think that every member of our trip would rate Mehmet as one of the best people any of us has ever met. He was deeply knowledgable, warm, totally efficient, and on top of everything...always. He made the trip!

Lynn B.

Portland, OR
The Turquoise Coast

Your Trip Leaders are outstanding! Mehmet totally made this trip. His deep knowledge of history made all the ancient sites come alive.

Marjorie R.

New York NY
The Turquoise Coast

Mehmet's knowledge, disposition, and judgment were second to none. We were entirely satisfied with the complete competency of his trip leader services, and, as important, his sincerity and friendship. A true gentleman and a gem of a guide.

Mark R.

Sacramento, CA
The Turquoise Coast

Mehmet is very personable, knows how to work with people. He really knows his subjects and is fun, funny, and very nice. We could not have asked for a better guide.

Mary Lee C.

Santa Fe NM
The Turquoise Coast

Mehmet's knowledge was outstanding, along with his personality, sense of humor, and people skills. I'm a history professor and think I know the real deal when I see it. He's it.

Neal F.

Reno, NV
Turquoise Coast

Mehmet is the ultimate trip leader: professional, super-knowledgable, kind, caring, attentive.

Pam H.

Denver, CO
The Turquoise Coast

Mehmet is a true leader, not just a guide. He's a real professional: warm, personable, with deep knowledge, able to handle some difficult situations with aplomb. I'd follow him about anywhere!

Paul G.

Seattle, WA
The Turquoise Coast

Mehmet's thorough skills are understated but all-powerful. He has a quiet and respectful way about him, but his knowledge, organization, and all- encompassing leadership skills are over the top.

Rachel S.

Somerset, NJ
The Turquoise Coast

Mehmet was amazing, and so very well informed. His knowledge of the area we traveled was phenomenal!

Roberta F.

Reno, NV
The Turquoise Coast

I cannot say enough about Mehmet. He is a warm, urbane man whose knowledge of history, both ancient and modern, is bottomless.

Susan M.

Pebble Beach, CA
The Turquoise Coast

Mehmet's knowledge of history and his passion for his country are phenomenal. He is one of the most outstanding guides I have ever had. His patience, his expertise, his people skills make him exceptional. He started our as our guide and as we said goodbye, my husband and I felt that we were taking leave of a dear friend.

Ticia H.

Corpus Christi, TX
Turkey Private Journey

Super guide—friendly, knowledgeable, kind, conscientious, and fun to be with!

Tom B.

Culver, IN
The Turquoise Coast

Mehmet was an A++. A personable, friendly, efficient graduate professor of ancient and modern history with a sense of humor too. He was simply the best and greatly exceeded all expectations.

Tom T.

Walnut Creek, CA
The Turquoise Coast

Mehmet is an exceptional leader and man. While we have always liked our trip leaders, Mehmet felt like an old family friend showing us around his country. He had a perfect balance of professionalism, always making sure we were happy and looked after, but also, knowing when to relax and enjoy the moment. He has a wicked sense of humor! Mehmet's passion about history is remarkable and he has a way of sharing that information so it is enjoyable.

Traci S.

South Pasadena, CA
The Turquoise Coast

Outstanding guide, very knowledgeable not just about his own country's history and current events, but also shared his perspective of world events, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

Yvonne G.

Anchorage, AK
The Turquoise Coast

Book Your Trip Today

Our Area Specialists know every detail about our adventures around the world. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

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His knowledge was superlative.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Jan B.","GuestLocation":"Mountain View, CA<br \/>The Turquoise Coast","GuestReview":"I would not hesitate to travel with Mehmet again. He has a great sense of humor and is well informed about his country and the world.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Jean U.","GuestLocation":"Salem OR<br \/>Turquoise Coast","GuestReview":"Mehmet Koc is extraordinary in every way! His charming personality and love of his work made us all fall in love with his wonderful country.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"John H.","GuestLocation":"Evergreen, CO<br \/>The Turquoise Coast","GuestReview":"Mehmet is probably the most knowledgeable WT guide I have had the pleasure of traveling with. His extensive knowledge of Turkish history and current events is a perfect match for this trip. A real pro and a nice guy.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Justin C.","GuestLocation":"Santa Fe, NM<br \/>The Turquoise Coast","GuestReview":"Unusually well-versed in historical, political, economic, and archaeology. I would love to take another trip with Mehmet.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Karen B.","GuestLocation":"Salt Lake City, UT<br \/>The Turquoise Coast","GuestReview":"Mehmet is a wonderful trip leader. He is very organized and makes sure everything flows smoothly. He made us feel welcome in his country and shared his extensive knowledge of its history and culture. He is also very fun to be with and treated us like friends.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Kate R.","GuestLocation":"Albany, CA<br \/>The Turquoise Coast","GuestReview":"Mehmet is everything one wishes for in a Trip Leader: patient, knowledgeable, encouraging, and organized. He is one of your best!","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Kinyon G.","GuestLocation":"St. Helena, CA","GuestReview":"Mehmet Koc was great! Very knowledgeable, proud of his country, very experienced.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Linda A.","GuestLocation":"Aurora, CO<br \/>The Turquoise Coast","GuestReview":"Mehmet was an extraordinary guide, outstanding in every way.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Lindsay A.","GuestLocation":"Bend, OR<br \/>The Turquoise Coast","GuestReview":"Mehmet represents the best in his own country and in Wilderness Travel. He was calm, personable, knowledgeable, and watchful over every detail. To top it off, he has a delightful sense of fun.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Lynn B.","GuestLocation":"Portland, OR<br \/>The Turquoise Coast","GuestReview":"I think that every member of our trip would rate Mehmet as one of the best people any of us has ever met. He was deeply knowledgable, warm, totally efficient, and on top of everything...always. He made the trip!","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Marjorie R.","GuestLocation":"New York NY<br \/>The Turquoise Coast","GuestReview":"Your Trip Leaders are outstanding! Mehmet totally made this trip. His deep knowledge of history made all the ancient sites come alive.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Mark R.","GuestLocation":"Sacramento, CA<br \/>The Turquoise Coast","GuestReview":"Mehmet's knowledge, disposition, and judgment were second to none. We were entirely satisfied with the complete competency of his trip leader services, and, as important, his sincerity and friendship. A true gentleman and a gem of a guide.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Mary Lee C.","GuestLocation":"Santa Fe NM<br \/>The Turquoise Coast","GuestReview":"Mehmet is very personable, knows how to work with people. He really knows his subjects and is fun, funny, and very nice. We could not have asked for a better guide.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Neal F.","GuestLocation":"Reno, NV<br \/>Turquoise Coast","GuestReview":"Mehmet's knowledge was outstanding, along with his personality, sense of humor, and people skills. I'm a history professor and think I know the real deal when I see it. He's it.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Pam H.","GuestLocation":"Denver, CO<br \/>The Turquoise Coast","GuestReview":"Mehmet is the ultimate trip leader: professional, super-knowledgable, kind, caring, attentive.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Paul G.","GuestLocation":"Seattle, WA<br \/>The Turquoise Coast","GuestReview":"Mehmet is a true leader, not just a guide. He's a real professional: warm, personable, with deep knowledge, able to handle some difficult situations with aplomb. I'd follow him about anywhere!","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Rachel S.","GuestLocation":"Somerset, NJ<br \/>The Turquoise Coast","GuestReview":"Mehmet's thorough skills are understated but all-powerful. He has a quiet and respectful way about him, but his knowledge, organization, and all- encompassing leadership skills are over the top.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Roberta F.","GuestLocation":"Reno, NV<br \/>The Turquoise Coast","GuestReview":"Mehmet was amazing, and so very well informed. His knowledge of the area we traveled was phenomenal!","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Susan M.","GuestLocation":"Pebble Beach, CA<br \/>The Turquoise Coast","GuestReview":"I cannot say enough about Mehmet. He is a warm, urbane man whose knowledge of history, both ancient and modern, is bottomless.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Ticia H.","GuestLocation":"Corpus Christi, TX<br \/>Turkey Private Journey","GuestReview":"Mehmet's knowledge of history and his passion for his country are phenomenal. He is one of the most outstanding guides I have ever had. His patience, his expertise, his people skills make him exceptional. He started our as our guide and as we said goodbye, my husband and I felt that we were taking leave of a dear friend.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Tom B.","GuestLocation":"Culver, IN<br \/>The Turquoise Coast","GuestReview":"Super guide&#8212;friendly, knowledgeable, kind, conscientious, and fun to be with!","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Tom T.","GuestLocation":"Walnut Creek, CA<br \/>The Turquoise Coast","GuestReview":"Mehmet was an A++. A personable, friendly, efficient graduate professor of ancient and modern history with a sense of humor too. He was simply the best and greatly exceeded all expectations.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Traci S.","GuestLocation":"South Pasadena, CA<br \/>The Turquoise Coast","GuestReview":"Mehmet is an exceptional leader and man. While we have always liked our trip leaders, Mehmet felt like an old family friend showing us around his country. He had a perfect balance of professionalism, always making sure we were happy and looked after, but also, knowing when to relax and enjoy the moment. He has a wicked sense of humor! Mehmet's passion about history is remarkable and he has a way of sharing that information so it is enjoyable.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Yvonne G.","GuestLocation":"Anchorage, AK<br \/>The Turquoise Coast","GuestReview":"Outstanding guide, very knowledgeable not just about his own country's history and current events, but also shared his perspective of world events, which I thoroughly enjoyed.","TripName":""}]}