Who We Are

Our Story

When Marcus Burhan Falay founded Fairy Chimneys Travel in 2001, travel was a whole different game. No Instagram, no YouTube, no influencers with drones. Just Marcus, a passion for Türkiye, and a phone that plugged into the wall. But even in a world of reels and AI trip planners, one truth remains: you still need someone real to show you the soul of a place.

Born and raised in the magical town of Ürgüp, Marcus practically learned to walk and welcome tourists at the same time. By his teens, he was already leading tours in fluent English (entirely self-taught), later earning his professional guiding licence in Türkiye. After moving to Australia, he built Fairy Chimneys Travel from a one-man, one-desk operation into a thriving boutique company with offices in both Melbourne and Cappadocia.

Over the years, we have crafted unforgettable, small-group and custom-designed journeys across Türkiye, Greece, Morocco, Egypt and beyond. We hire our own local guides and drivers, design our own itineraries, and handle everything in-house. No third parties. No fluff. Just real people, real passion.

Marcus is a true all-rounder - combining decades of experience in hospitality, construction, and tourism with formal qualifications, fluency in two languages, and a passion for history and geography. Beyond the desk, he is an avid 4WD and camping enthusiast, often exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations to stay connected with the spirit of adventure he brings to every itinerary. As a father of two, Marcus has a natural ability to relate to people of all ages and walks of life. Whether curating a gourmet journey for a couple, leading a family through ancient sites, or crafting rugged adventures for explorers seeking something different.

We survived COVID, built tech portals and an app (it's on the way, we promise), polished our brand, and doubled down on what matters: care, flexibility, and human touch. With us, travel is not just a checklist. It is storytelling, memory-making, and a whole lot of fun.

Welcome to Fairy Chimneys Travel. Let us craft your dream journey. One unforgettable moment at a time.