Runner Tourism Team

Your Trusted Travel Experts

Cemil Konuralp

Founder / Tour Guide

Cemil Konuralp, born in 1956 in Istanbul, Üsküdar, is a tour guide and founder of Runner Tourism and Travel. He graduated from Boğaziçi University and worked for 5 years in a corporate company in marketing before starting his guiding career in 1987. As a tour operator and tourist guide, Cemil specializes in Turkey and Greek islands, showcasing his profound knowledge and experience in the field.

He founded Runner Tourism and Travel together with his wife Yasemin Konuralp and their passion for travel and cultural exploration has led them to create a company that shares their enthusiasm with others. He is dedicated to providing an unforgettable experience to all of his clients, ensuring that they leave with a deeper appreciation and understanding of the destinations they visit. With over 30 years of experience, Cemil is a respected figure in the industry, known for his professionalism, attention to detail and exceptional customer service. Cemil is also known for his home-made wine making skills.

Yasemin Konuralp

Founder / Tour Guide

Meet Yasemin Konuralp, a tour guide born in İzmir, the birthplace of the ancient poet Homeros. With a passion for botany and a special focus on butterfly and botanical tours, Yasemin is an expert in her field. Her love for the natural world is evident in her extensive knowledge of the flora and fauna of Turkey, and her dedication to sharing that knowledge with others is what sets her apart as a tour guide.

In addition to her extensive guiding experience, Yasemin is also an accomplished author. She has written a book entitled "The Wild Flowers of Turkey", showcasing her passion and expertise in the field of botany. Her extensive research and expertise on the subject further demonstrate her dedication to preserving and sharing the beauty of the natural world. Whether leading a butterfly tour, teaching about the unique botany of Turkey, or simply sharing her passion for the environment, Yasemin's love for nature and her commitment to her guests make her an exceptional tour guide. Join her on an unforgettable journey and discover the beauty of Turkey from a unique perspective. Yasemin is a horticulturist and won several contests.

Mert Gunal

Tour Guide

Mert has been at the helm of our tours since 2012, providing unwavering attention to detail in every aspect. With a background in agricultural investment banking, he transitioned to a career in travel, driven by his passion for outdoor activities, particularly hiking and biking in the mountains of Turkey. This love led him to guide tours around Turkey and Greece, sharing his expertise with travelers.

Aside from his professional credentials, Mert is also a talented musician, playing several instruments, including the Turkish ney flute, which he holds dear. As a guide, he brings a musical touch to his tours, serenading guests in ancient theaters or creating a soundtrack for the morning mist as they embark on boat and hike tours. With his caring nature and musical flair, Mert has become a highly sought-after guide, beloved by returning guests. He is also a talented photographer, hiker, and biker, and the creative soul of the Runner Tourism. Mert is also a software developer, with a passion for coding in his spare time.

Göze Konuralp Günal

Operations Manager / Tour Guide

Introducing Göze Konuralp Günal, a professional tour guide and manager of tour operations at Runner Tourism. Born in 1982 in Ankara, Göze has a rich background in corporate work, having worked in Istanbul for several years before joining her family's business in 2009. Her expertise in bird watching and passion for nature have made her an integral part of the Runner Tourism team.

As a wife and mother of a six-year-old son, Göze brings a unique perspective to her role as a tour guide. Her warm and caring nature is evident in her interactions with guests, making their experience all the more memorable. Whether leading a bird watching tour or managing the operations of Runner Tourism, Göze's commitment to providing the best possible experience for her guests is unwavering. Join Göze on an unforgettable journey, where you'll experience the beauty of Turkey from the perspective of a seasoned professional and bird watching expert. With her extensive knowledge and passion for nature, Göze will ensure that your time in Turkey is filled with adventure and discovery. Goze has a degree in Social Media Management

Mehmet Esendal

Tour Guide

Born in Istanbul in 1986, Mehmet Studied Law with a master's degree on law of environment. Following a short while as Attorney at Law, he decided to switch his career into tourism. Since then, bound with responsible tourism principles, he has been guiding individual travellers, families, professionals and tourist groups who are interested in the culture and nature of his country.

Mehmet traded his legal robes for the vibrant hues of tourism. A legal maestro turned tourism virtuoso, his master's in environmental law now complements his knack for guiding with an environmentalist touch. Mehmet, a wildlife enthusiast and swimming aficionado, has a penchant for comic books, especially Tintin. Join Mehmet on a tour that blends professionalism with a splash of humor, where every story told is as vibrant as his adventurous spirit.

Elena Öksüz

Tour Guide

Elena, born into a family of a military man and a school teacher in Germany, embraced a life of constant travel due to her father's profession. Her decision to study linguistics and her deep-seated passion for traveling came as no surprise. Since moving to Turkey in 2001, Elena's journey in tourism unfolded through various roles in hotels and travel agencies, allowing her to explore the diverse facets of the industry.

As she delved into photography classes and engaged with local communities for mountain trekking and birdwatching, Elena began sharing her acquired skills. In 2021, she earned a license as a professional nationwide tourist guide, dedicating herself to guiding individual and organized tourists. Istanbul holds a special place in her heart as her favorite city and a constant source of inspiration. Yet, Elena's spirit craves mountains, hills, ancient cities, and hidden valleys. Hence, she frequently joins tours through Anatolia, catering to history lovers, bird and nature enthusiasts, city photographers, hikers, and even gastronomy and wine aficionados. Elena's passion for wine led her to attend the international sommelier guilds program, earning her the IWC certificate. This accreditation enables her to conduct wine tastings featuring local and international wines. Joining a tour with Elena ensures a comprehensive understanding of Turkey, encompassing its splendid nature, rich history, vibrant culture, and delectable gastronomy.

Deniz Ozdemir

Tour Guide

Born in Izmir (Ancient Smyrna) in 1988, Deniz has followed a diverse journey from being a professional actor to a tour guide, following his passions along the way. He graduated with a degree in Theater Arts from Ankara University and was cast as Nazarene in the production of Salome at the Ankara State Theater between 2007 and 2009.

Deniz also played the role of Vicdan, a character, in the short film Suratsizlar ve Aynalar, directed by Savas Baykal, which became a finalist at the Boston Short Film Festival in 2008. Additionally, he portrayed lead characters in various TV series aired on national channels in Turkey. Alongside his acting career, Deniz volunteered his time teaching drama and rhythm to children. After concluding his acting career in 2018, he traveled to Alexandria, VA, to study English and embarked on a road trip from Virginia to San Francisco. He is also an active percussionist, performing with his band.