About Us — Journeys by Zee

Zeynep H. Yenice

MANAGING PARTNER

Travel is the food for our souls, and I’ve been feeding mine for over 30 years. After a position in the leisure sales market with Swissair, I founded TravelXclusive in 2009 to share my extensive knowledge with my clients.

I’m a destination specialist for Turkey and India, where I lived for several months in 2007 and 2008. I created the Maharajas Secret Places program, and through my on-site connections in northern India, I’ve helped my clients visit palaces, dine with the Maharaja’s , go on camel safaris, and take exclusive, behind-the-scenes tours of the area’s museums, jewelry, and sari shops.

In 2020 we added to our Travelxclusive group of companies Journeys by Zee, our DMC operator in Turkey and Aries Health Services , our health services provider. We are located centrally in Istanbul and I have brought my over 30 years of experiences and partnerships to my native country to better serve your needs. It brings me great pleasure to share ;your excitement as we explore the rich historic fabric of this beautiful country and delve into the complex cultural diversity which has created the plethora of experiences this country has to offer.

I also love traveling to Morocco, Greece, Egypt, and the U.S. Some special touches I’ve arranged for my clients in those areas have included surprise helicopter rides over the Sahara Desert and a private yacht tour through the Greek Isles.

Ayse Leyla Kurap

HEAD OF MEDICAL DEPARTMENT

Leyla was born and raised in Chicago, and was an avid bookworm, daydreamer, and ethnic cuisine enthusiast as a child. Her curiosity for cuisines worldwide began with her favorite tv show as a child Yan Can Cook Having spent many Summers in Turkey with her family she quickly became a native of both countries. During her time at Depaul University as a Political Sciences major, she enjoyed frequenting the many diverse neighborhoods of the city from Greektown, to Chinatown, Little Italy to the Ukrainian Village.

Being from a diverse metropolitan city such as Chicago has ingrained in her a respect for all cultures and religions. After 12 years in the financial industry and over 30 years in Chicago, she made Istanbul, Turkey her home base. Her over 10 years in Turkey has given her a strong understanding of structures and processes within the country and has given her the opportunity to amass a strong network of individuals in an array of sectors such as Tourism, Hospitality and Medicine. Her extensive experience in management is the basis for her attention to detail, strong people relations, and high standards of excellence.

Hakan Aykaç

GLOBAL DMC MANAGER

After graduating from Istanbul Etiler Anatolian Hospitality and Tourism High School, Hakan finished his education survey with Tourism Management and Hospitality at Mersin University. From there, he worked in various five star hotels throughout Turkey and the United States. After completing his Turkish military duty, he decided to continue his career in MICE by working for Travel agencies. During his years in the travel industry, Hakan has become a great manager though the use of his strong communication skills and creative mindset to arrange meetings, incentives and events in around the world.

Berna Akar

INCOMING & OPERATION MANAGER

Just after her graduation from Marmara University in French language teaching, Berna started to work in travel & tourism industry. During her career, she has initiated and implemented many marketing and promotion activities internationally with Airline companies, Ministry of Culture and Tourism and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, United Nations, International Associations, Embassies and Consulates, Turkish and foreign state parliaments, private businesses. She has travelled to over 50 countries. With over a decade experience, she had wide knowledge of travel within Balkan, European, Asian countries and India, speaks English, French and some Greek as well.

Her eye for detail, strong network, experience and human relations makes her a great negotiator and planner.

Journeys by Zee brings over 30 years of extensive experience in the travel industry and Luxury Travel Market to its service as a DMC. Whether you are planning a special event, hosting a corporate retreat, or are looking for a guided private tour know that we are here to be you on ground partner in ensuring the highest quality service for all your valuable clients.