Istanbul Off the Beaten Path Tour with Guide, Lunch and Transfers
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Istanbul Off the Beaten Path Tour with Guide, Lunch and Transfers
Next available dates
Today
Apr 24
Fri
Apr 25
Sat
Apr 26
Bestseller
Small Group Tour
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Free cancellation
From
USD 114.59
Private Tour Option
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Free cancellation
Private Historic Off the Beaten Path Tour of the Real Istanbul
From
USD 252.09
Highlights
How about uncovering the hidden gems of Istanbul—places where locals go and tourists often miss? On this tour, you’ll see the city through the eyes of a local, hopping on trams and ferries to explore its fascinating mix of history and modern life. Starting in the vibrant Karaköy neighborhood, you’ll uncover Istanbul’s secrets, experiencing its rich past and lively present together. Along the way, you’ll immerse yourself in the daily life of Turkish people, visiting the old Greek and Jewish districts, the bustling Tahtake market, the majestic Süleymaniye Mosque (Istanbul's largest historical mosque), the charming second-hand bookseller's market, and much more. This is a chance to dive deep into the heart of Istanbul and see it like never before!
Itinerary
Karakoy
25 minsAdmission Ticket FreeWe'll begin our tour in Karaköy, offering a chance to see Istanbul from a more local viewpoint. After your guide gives a brief introduction to both Istanbul and Karaköy, we'll head to Balat, enjoying freshly bought bagels or pastries along with Turkish tea during our ferry ride.Balat & Fener Tour
50 minsAdmission Ticket FreeIn Balat and Fener, former Greek and Jewish districts, we’ll explore the buildings that have outlasted the communities once living within them. As we trace the rich, cosmopolitan history of Istanbul—shaped by Christian and Jewish cultures alongside their neighbors until the 1960s—we'll reflect on the shift from the past to the present. Walking through side streets greeted by clotheslines, we'll reminisce about the lost neighborhood culture and ponder the meaning of events that once unfolded here. Today, Fener and Balat are vibrant with colorful cafés, antique shops, and a diverse mix of people, offering us a unique glimpse into this evolving neighborhood. After exploring this fascinating area, we’ll hop on the tram and make our way to Eminönü.St. George
20 minsAdmission Ticket FreeLocated in one of the oldest parts of Istanbul, in Fatih, the Cathedral Church of Saint George is a Greek Orthodox Church which is still in working orderTahtakale District
55 minsAdmission Ticket FreeWe’ll take a quick look at the Egyptian Spice Market, popular with tourists, before heading to the Tahtakale Market, where locals do their shopping. This is also where we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch, immersing ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the area.Misir Carsisi (Spice Market)
25 minsAdmission Ticket FreeVividly coloured spices are displayed alongside jewel-like lokum (Turkish delight) at this Ottoman-era marketplace, providing eye candy for the thousands of tourists and locals who make their way here every day.Suleymaniye Mosque
40 minsAdmission Ticket FreeAfter lunch, we’ll indulge in some Turkish delight at a local spot, with no pressure to shop, and take in the grandeur of the Süleymaniye Mosque. We’ll also learn more about the Islamic faith, gaining insight into its teachings and significance.Istanbul Universitesi Rektorlugu
25 minsAdmission Ticket FreeNext, we'll learn about the Turkish education system as we explore the area around Istanbul University.Sahaflar Carsisi
10 minsAdmission Ticket FreeWe’ll also visit the historic bookstore market where has been a book and paper market since Byzantine times.Corlulu Ali Pasa Medresesi
25 minsAdmission Ticket FreeAn old madrasah which turns into a coffee shop
What's included
INCLUDED
Professional guide
Lunch
Public transportation; ferry and tram
Light refreshment with tea on the ferry ride
NOT INCLUDED
Tipping your local guide.
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Drinks on the lunch
Practice of hookah at favorite local hangout ( Optional you can skip if you like )
Customer reviews
Additional information
Must Know
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Good To Know
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Minimum capacity is 2 persons. We reserve the right to cancel a tour due to insufficient reservations. We will do all we can to reschedule your tour or a refund will be provided.
A maximum of 12 people per booking
Our tours are done by public transportation and walking so if you have any serious mobility issues, we advise you to book a private tour
Parents of children under 6 years are advised to book a private tour
On Religious Fests Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar are closed.
On Sundays: Grand Bazaar is closed.
Location
Address
Mollafenari Mh., Istanbul, Turkiye 34120
Provider
Real Istanbul Tours
Best price guaranteed
From
USD 114.59
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