About this experience
For one day you will become true locals: visit mosques, stroll through vibrant streets, take a ferry ride, drink Eastern coffee, and finally escape from the metropolis to a quiet neighborhood with old houses and cheerful cats. I will be your reliable and friendly guide who will decipher what you see and help you understand Istanbul!
What to expect
Unconventional Istanbul
You will visit the private pavilion - Hunkar Kasry with the harem of Sultan Ibrahim and a 17th-century mosque, both built at the initiative of Hatidje Turhan (Great Hope). You will understand the role of this place in the rulers' lives, explore the cisterns of the Ottoman period, and learn about their features. You will also visit one of the largest covered markets in Istanbul - the Egyptian Bazaar - hear about the history of Eastern markets, and delve into the nuances of urban construction during the period of the two empires. (No shopping)
Traveling on the Bosphorus
During a 20-minute sea trip, you will admire Istanbul from the most impressive perspective, and I will tell you about the beautiful and romantic legend that gave the name to the Bosphorus and the Maiden's Tower. After crossing the Golden Horn bay, we will admire from the water the Topkapi Palace, Dolmabahce Palace, Maiden's Tower, the historical peninsula of Istanbul, and the minarets of Hagia Sophia. In the Asian part of the city, we will walk through a gastronomic street and a local fish market. I will also show you the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque and a modernist glass mosque near the, combining elements of modern and Ottoman architecture. In addition, you will see the masterpiece of the architect Mimar Sinan.
Unexplored Istanbul
The Uskudar waterfront will lead us to the cozy neighborhood of Kuzguncuk. Here you will meet a completely different Istanbul: quiet and sparsely populated, with winding green streets, colorful houses, antique shops, old wooden buildings, and bold cats. Finally, you will have the opportunity to taste the best Iskender kebab - a traditional beef dish. After the tour, I will escort you to the pier, from where you can return to the Old City, Taksim, Besiktas, Kabatas, and Galata districts.
Who is this excursion for
For travelers who prefer a leisurely and 'live' acquaintance with the city. I will help you delve into the colorful world of Istanbul without boring lectures with a list of dates and events. I will tell and show you what is truly interesting.
Organizational details
How the tour goes
- The duration of the tour is indicated taking into account travel on public transport. If you choose a taxi (the total cost for a taxi will be 250 lira / 8 euros), the tour will be one hour faster.
- I will gladly take pictures of you on your camera or smartphone.
Additional expenses
- Food, drinks, and public transport expenses are not included in the tour price
- An Istanbul Card with a balance of 120 lira per person is required for transportation
