About this experience
Become true Istanbulites for a day! With me, you will visit the vibrant eastern bazaar, explore ancient Ottoman mosques, stroll through authentic city streets. You will taste Turkish cuisine and, if you wish, take your first steps in learning the Turkish language and immediately engage in conversation practice with the locals.
What to Expect
Istanbul Neighborhoods - Each with Its Own Character. We will venture into the districts of colorful houses where the regulars are local residents, not tourists. In the European part, we will walk through the lively bohemian Beyoğlu and visit the edgy black-and-white Beşiktaş, see the port district of Karaköy where humble huts coexist with the Genoese fortress. In Asia, we will try to decipher the mysteries of original Istanbul graffiti in the colorful Kadıköy district. You will feel what it's like to live in modern Istanbul with its huge population, ancient history, and very delicious food! Speaking of food...
What Do Istanbulites Eat? We will explore the traditional Turkish cuisine in places favored by locals. You will taste hot juicy kebabs and authentic Turkish shawarma, spicy bulgur patties with fresh salad, mint, and pomegranate sauce (food fit for the gods - especially if you love spices). And the famous eastern soups - in Istanbul, you can become a soup lover! And of course, freshly squeezed orange juice and the extraordinary Marash dondurma ice cream with aromatic and strong Turkish coffee.
Turkish Lessons: Theory and Practice at the Bazaar! During the walk, if you're interested, I will help you take the first steps in learning the Turkish language: introduce you to its theory and help you learn the most commonly used useful words and expressions. You will learn what familiar words like 'dura', 'bardak', and 'tabak' mean in Turkey. You will acquire a set of phrases for small talk in Turkish.
And now it's time for practice! We will immerse ourselves in the language environment, of course, at the local bazaar: you will be able to greet on your own, browse through eastern goods, and even ask for a discount.
Turkish is an incredibly beautiful and melodic language - you will enjoy speaking it!
Who Is This Excursion For
Travelers who want to fully integrate into the urban environment, discover the non-touristy Istanbul, and master the basics of the Turkish language.
Organizational Details
- We will use public transportation - crossing the Bosphorus by ferry, making several stops by metro or tram. I recommend purchasing an Istanbulkart transport card. Transport expenses - approximately 30-50 lira per person.
- I will also send you separately by email the Turkish words we will use so you can practice them.
- We will visit mosques: women need to bring a headscarf.
- If desired, we can visit the Yıldız Kiosk palace complex - 'palace under the linden trees'. Entrance fee for a walk in the palace garden - 10 lira, entrance to the palace pavilion - 40 lira per person. The complex is closed on Mondays.
The excursion will be conducted by me or another guide from my team.
