About this experience
Want to experience Turkey and spend a day in the best local traditions? With me, you will discover the secrets of the Egyptian Bazaar, stroll through the streets of the creative district, learn how to prepare two of the most exotic meat soups, and taste the delicious baklava with a cup of aromatic tea. And for a complete immersion in Turkish culture, you will experience the ritual of body and mind cleansing in a 16th-century Ottoman hamam.
What to Expect
Famous Bazaar
Our first stop will be the Egyptian Bazaar, the most vibrant and aromatic place in Istanbul. We will learn to understand the unusual blends of tea, spices, and famous Turkish sweets. We will visit the oldest coffee shop in the city, whose history began in the 19th century when the shop owner Mehmet Efendi was one of the first in Istanbul to sell roasted coffee beans and ground coffee.
The next stop is a gastronomic symbol of old Istanbul, a place with a 100-year history and timeless Turkish cuisine recipes. This is my secret location that will be a big surprise for you.
Balık-Ekmek or Balik-Dürüm
Get ready to taste the famous "balık-ekmek"! Any local will tell you that the traditional fish sandwich (mackerel) must be tasted exclusively in the area of the Galata Bridge. Over the years living in Istanbul, I found a chef who makes the most delicious balık-ekmek in the city, keeping the secret of his signature sauce under seven locks.
The tasty stroll will continue in the once-port district, which is currently experiencing a vibrant revival. You will see streets favored by creative youth, with street food spots, stylish cafes, shops, and restaurants.
Soup House and Famous Baklava
We will visit the Soup House, where for 10 years they have been offering a choice of 21 soups – from classic lentil to Ottoman soup made from beef tripe. And we will finish the gastronomic tour with a cup of Turkish tea and the famous baklava with a history of more than 200 years.
Traditional Hamam: Relaxation with Ottoman Flair
You will visit Istanbul's historical corner and a hamam where sultans and their subjects bathed. The original preserved interiors will immerse you in the atmosphere of that time, and the hamam ritual will be performed according to Ottoman traditions. You can also order additional spa treatments or massage with aromatherapy. You will practically experience the beneficial effects of the hamam – feel complete relaxation and peace of mind. The gentle steam will improve sleep, relieve neuroses, alleviate stress, improve metabolism, and also start skin rejuvenation processes.
Organizational Details
Additional Expenses: food and drinks – 10-20€, hamam – from 60€ to 300€ depending on the service you desire (duration of the traditional ritual is approximately 1 hour 15 minutes), additional spa procedures are discussed separately with the guide.
