OUR STORY

About Turquoise Coast Collection

Matt Zepp, co-founder of Turquoise Coast Collection

MATT ZEPP · FOUNDER & CEO

Ozlem Zepp, co-founder of Turquoise Coast Collection

OZLEM ZEPP · FOUNDING VISION

OUR STORY

About Us

Founded by Matt and Özlem Zepp — an American and Turkish husband-and-wife team — Turquoise Coast Collection was born from a shared passion for introducing travelers to the extraordinary beauty, culture, cuisine, and hospitality of Türkiye through thoughtfully curated luxury experiences.

Matt's connection to Istanbul began long before his first visit. As a young woman, his grandmother traveled to Istanbul and often described it as the most beautiful place she had ever seen. Throughout Matt's childhood, she shared photographs and stories from her journey, inspiring his fascination with the city's timeless architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture. Those treasured memories sparked a lifelong appreciation for Türkiye and made Matt's own connection to the country feel both deeply personal and generational.

Our connection to Türkiye deepened when Matt and Özlem were married in Istanbul in 2022. They return each year to visit family and friends, discover new destinations, and experience the traditions, regional cuisine, and hidden gems that continue to inspire every itinerary they create. Because they spend time in Türkiye regularly, their recommendations are shaped by firsthand experience and genuine local relationships.

Turquoise Coast Collection was also created in honor of Özlem's father, Ferruh Dinçer, whose love for Istanbul and Türkiye left a lasting impression on everyone around him. He was deeply proud of his country and found joy in sharing its beauty, history, warmth, and hospitality with others. Whether welcoming family, friends, or visitors, Ferruh had a natural gift for helping people feel connected to Türkiye — showing them not only where to go, but why it was such a special place to live, visit, and experience firsthand.

His spirit of generosity, pride, and hospitality continues to inspire the heart of our company. Together with the stories that first inspired Matt's fascination with Istanbul, these family legacies form the foundation of Turquoise Coast Collection and our commitment to sharing Türkiye with travelers in a meaningful and authentic way.

Together, we have traveled extensively throughout Europe, Asia, and North America, giving us a deep appreciation for the level of service, comfort, and attention to detail that discerning travelers expect. We bring those standards to every journey we design.

Every itinerary is personally tailored to your interests and thoughtfully coordinated with carefully selected boutique hotels, private guides, luxury transportation providers, and trusted local partners who share our commitment to exceptional hospitality. From your first consultation until your return home, every detail is designed to provide a seamless, personalized experience.

Whether you're exploring the vibrant streets of Istanbul, soaring above Cappadocia at sunrise, discovering ancient civilizations along the Aegean coast, or relaxing aboard a private yacht on the Turquoise Coast, our goal is simple: to create a journey that reflects your interests while introducing you to the authentic experiences that make Türkiye truly unforgettable.

WHAT WE OFFER

More Than Sightseeing

Fully Customized

Every itinerary is handcrafted based on your travel style — romantic escapes, family cultural journeys, culinary adventures, or luxury coastal retreats.

Vetted Luxury Providers

Five-star accommodations, private guides, and chauffeured transportation from partners we trust implicitly.

24/7 Support

A U.S.-based client experience team ensures seamless planning from the first conversation to the final day of travel.

Exclusive Access

Local experiences and private access not available through traditional tour operators.