Istanbul Delights: A Journey Through Flavor and History
Overview
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“Istanbul Delights: A Journey Through Flavor and History” offers a unique blend of old-city highlights and authentic culinary experiences.
Explore iconic landmarks such as Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, Roman Hippodrome, and the Spice Market, then take a ferry ride to Asia for a tasting tour.
-- Two Continents in One Day — Experience both the historic Old City highlights and the vibrant Asian side in a single, well-balanced tour that combines culture and cuisine.
-- Local Flavor & Real Neighborhoods — Go beyond tourist spots with a ferry ride to the Asian side, where you’ll explore a lively residential area and enjoy authentic local food in a true Istanbul atmosphere.
-- Expert-Guided Experience — Discover the stories behind Istanbul’s iconic landmarks and daily life with a knowledgeable local guide, making your journey both insightful and memorable.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Hagia Sophia Mosque will be closed during the prayer times.
Blue Mosque is closed on Fridays till 2 - 2.30 pm due to the Sermon. There is only outer visit on Fridays.
Grand Bazaar and Spice Market will be closed during Religious Fest of Ramadan (2025 March 30-31 and April 1), during Eid al Adha (2025 June 6-7-8-9) and on Republic Day (October 29)
Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.
This is a walking tour as all the highlights are located in a big pedestrian square and so close to each other. It is not possible to drive from one site to another by car, it is a pedestrian square.
There is no pick-up or drop-off service for this small group tour. All our guests are expected to be at the meeting point by 8.30 am.
Our tours fill up quickly during high season. Early bookings are highly recommended in the season (April-May-June-July-August-September-October).
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Sultanahmet Square
Start your day with one of Türkiye’s most beloved culinary traditions. Turkish breakfast is famous for its rich variety, vibrant presentation, and leisurely style, offering a delicious and social way to ease into the day. A true local experience that perfectly reflects the country’s culture and love for good food.
Blue Mosque
Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the Blue Mosque, one of Istanbul's most iconic landmarks and a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture. Officially known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, this majestic structure takes its name from the striking blue tiles that adorn its interior, creating a mesmerizing visual spectacle. Step inside to marvel at the expansive prayer hall adorned with intricate hand-painted tiles, delicate stained glass windows, and elaborately designed calligraphy. As shafts of sunlight filter through the windows, the interior comes alive with a warm, ethereal glow, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and serenity. Whether you're admiring its exterior from the bustling streets of Istanbul or exploring its sacred interior, the Blue Mosque is a testament to the city's rich cultural heritage and a must-visit destination for travelers from around the world.
What‘s Included
Guided Old City highlights (exterior explanations)
Lunch experience on the Asian side
Multiple food tastings in selected local spots
Professional, licensed local tour guide
Coffee, Tea and Traditional Drinks
A full-day cultural, historical & culinary experience
Local Desserts
Personal Expenses
Gratuity to Tour Guide
Entrance fees for Hagia Sophia & Basilica Cistern (optional, can be visited with your guide upon request)
This is a walking tour experience ~5 miles walking. Max walking distance is around 10 -15 minutes between the stops.
No vegetarian / vegan food options at 2-3 of the food stops
Options
Istanbul Delights: A Journey Through Flavor and History
Reviews
11 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great experience
eunak2024,Sep 4, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Tour guide Hamide was kind and knowledgeable in history and local food scene. Well organized tour without waiting in line to get into the monuments - Basilica Cistern, Haiga Sophia, Blue Mosque in the morning and lunch, street food in spice market, grand bazar. Local knowledge was invaluable as we were traversing small alley ways and shops. She gave me great history's and background informations as we travelled through all day in Istanbul. Highly recommended!
Don’t miss this tour, this is the best way to get familiar with the city while eating the best food Istanbul offers.
Lisa M,Aug 29, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were very fortunate to spend the day with Ali exploring Istanbul and all the wonderful foods it has to offer. It was our favourite day in Istanbul and I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting. You could actually do it twice and they will chance up the tour to suit. This is also a great way to get familiar with the city and the public transport system. Absolutely a 10/10 experience that I can’t fault.
Enjoyable İstanbul tour
783onurp,Mar 20, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a very well organized small group tour. As we had a very limited time in Istanbul, it was a great chance to explore the highlights of Istanbul in one day. Our guide Ozgur was amazing and introduced each site that we went in. He was very friendly, attentive, informative and enthusiastic. Lunch was tasty. Timing was just perfect. We had our own free time at the end of the tour in Grand Bazaar. We highly recommend them and will definitely go back and book with them!
Fantastic tour, amazing memories ☺
EwelinaCalanthe,Dec 3, 2019
- Review from Viator
5.00I was in Istanbul for short break and I knew I wanted to do a day trip with guide to see the soul of historic Istanbul. This was an excellent option. This tour inlcudes visits to Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Roman Hippodrome and Grand Bazaar. And you don't need to worry about long wait in the queue. Wonderfully organised. I had an amazing time, my guide Perihan was great and she made everything so fun and airy, it was good to be around her. The lunch was delicious too. I would definitely recomment this tour to anyone who would like to experience an amazing and very informative time. I hope you get Perihan as your tour guide, you'll have a an awesome time with her. She is so passionate about her job, can tell you lots of stories about places you visit. I can't wait to back to Istanbul ☺ ☺ ☺
Marion
Marion M,Oct 15, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Ozlem, our guide was super in every way. She was very knowledgeable about the history and culture of Istanbul, extremely articulate in English, and had all the answers about the Ottoman Empire. We could have a real discussion! Also, she was careful in keeping tabs on us and very polite and congenial. You have a gem in her!!! The tour company was accessible and organized. Highly recommend.
Excellent tour with superb tour guide
Jane M,Oct 15, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Ozlem was an excellent tour guide and surpassed all expectations. She physically navigated our small group quickly past several congested entrances in a courteous way and maintained a highly informative dialogue. She invited questions and her knowledge and energy level was high throughout the tour.
The perfect way to see the sights
Traci A,Aug 10, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour guide Ali was the perfect guide. He spoke fantastic English and was knowledgeable and interesting! During down time/walking he shared thoughts and insight on modern day Turkey. We had a great small group and with Ali's help were comfortable and all chatting in no time! Lunch was a traditional meal, delicious and with good company. The best part is there is no planning on your part. No buying tickets, checking times and days, and you move right through the long lines. I would highly-- highly recommend this tour to see the main sights at ease!
Magnificient day !!
EvenR30,Aug 9, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our trip was so well choreographed through the main sites of Istambul. Ali was very knowledgeable and made the small group feel very comfortable with each other. I would highly highly suggest Ali and his group for seeing the sites with ease.
Excellent Tour! super recommended.
Roam13186,Jul 30, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Tuba was our guide, she was excellent. You have a lot of knowledge of history and that makes the tour much more fun and interesting, 100% recommended to know Istanbul.
Amazing small group tour in Istanbul!
ldnnsh,Jul 27, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We took a tour of Istanbul in June. We engaged with this company for a day to guide us in historical places of Istanbul at the old city and visited Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Roman Hippodrome and Grand Bazaar. Lunch was just delicious!! Our tour guide Ozlem was very friendly, knowledgeable and passionate about Istanbul. She made the whole day memorable for us. I strongly recommend this tour company and Ozlem as your professional tour guide. The historical monuments become more interesting and memorable when you have a professional tour guide with 4-year university degree in tour guiding. This tour is a must if you want to explore all the major sights at the old city of Istanbul!
From €173.80
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Operated by Ultimate Istanbul Tours