Istanbul's Hidden Treasures Guided Tour with Lunch and Ferry
Discover Istanbul off the beaten path on a guided adventure where history and vibrant culture come alive. Visit iconic landmarks like the Hippodrome, Serefiye Cistern, and Suleymaniye Mosque, along with hidden gems like the book market Sahaflar Çarşısı, the Spice Bazaar, and the old neighborhoods of Fener and Balat. Between stops, savor Turkish coffee, pastries, and even a relaxing hookah session before exploring more of the city’s rich layers.
Highlights
- ✓Discover Istanbul as a local would
- ✓Explore the ancient Greek and Jewish neighborhoods
- ✓Tea and a ferry cruise with breathtaking scenery
- ✓Visit the largest mosque in Istanbul and the markets
What you'll see & do
- ✓We'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.
- ✓In 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.
- ✓Located 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 order
- ✓We’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.
- ✓Vividly 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.
- ✓After 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.
- ✓Next, we'll learn about the Turkish education system as we explore the area around Istanbul University.
- ✓We’ll also visit the historic bookstore market where has been a book and paper market since Byzantine times.
- ✓An old madrasah which turns into a coffee shop
What's included
- ✓Professional guide
- ✓Lunch
- ✓Public transportation; ferry and tram
- ✓Light refreshment with tea on the ferry ride
What's 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 )
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.
Cancellation policy
- •A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.
- •No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.
Istanbul's Hidden Treasures Guided Tour with Lunch and Ferry
Discover Istanbul off the beaten path on a guided adventure where history and vibrant culture come alive. Visit iconic landmarks like the Hippodrome, Serefiye Cistern, and Suleymaniye Mosque, along with hidden gems like the book market Sahaflar Çarşısı, the Spice Bazaar, and the old neighborhoods of Fener and Balat. Between stops, savor Turkish coffee, pastries, and even a relaxing hookah session before exploring more of the city’s rich layers.
Highlights
- ✓Discover Istanbul as a local would
- ✓Explore the ancient Greek and Jewish neighborhoods
- ✓Tea and a ferry cruise with breathtaking scenery
- ✓Visit the largest mosque in Istanbul and the markets
What you'll see & do
- ✓We'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.
- ✓In 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.
- ✓Located 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 order
- ✓We’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.
- ✓Vividly 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.
- ✓After 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.
- ✓Next, we'll learn about the Turkish education system as we explore the area around Istanbul University.
- ✓We’ll also visit the historic bookstore market where has been a book and paper market since Byzantine times.
- ✓An old madrasah which turns into a coffee shop
What's included
- ✓Professional guide
- ✓Lunch
- ✓Public transportation; ferry and tram
- ✓Light refreshment with tea on the ferry ride
What's 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 )
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.
Cancellation policy
- •A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.
- •No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.