Lonely Planet Experiences Private Istanbul Tour: Picnic On Two Continents
Istanbul, Turkey
From USD 69.15
Office phone number: Destination re-opening in April, 2020
Lonely Planet Experiences Private Istanbul Tour: Picnic On Two Continents
Istanbul, Turkey
Culture shock rating
Worried we’re going to shock your senses? Relax! We believe part of the fun of travel is immersing yourself in the destination and its culture, meeting the people, and learning what makes the place tick. We’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The cultural shock rating ranks how different the experience is from most Western cultures. But no matter the level, don’t worry, you’ll have a local, in-the-know guide with you every step of the way.
Low
Consider these tours your 101 intro to a place. Transportation might be private or a very comfortable public option, and the activities are usually visits to iconic sites and locations that are familiar to most Western cultures – but that will still give you fantastic insight into a destination.
Medium
Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether that’s on a packed public bus or in a local market off the tourist trail. There might be a few language barriers or unfamiliar cultural customs, and you’ll get an experience different from what you're used to at home.
High
You're out there in the global community! We’re going to take you down streets you’d rarely explore on your own, introduce you to local customs and languages, and take you for a ride in whatever transport is available. Get ready to take it as it comes, whatever comes. There might be a shock, but oh man, it’s worth it.
Physical rating
Worried our tours are too tough? Relax! From leisurely strolls to muscle-burning treks, we’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The physical grading gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour.
Low
Slow and steady is all you need here. These tours have very limited physical activity, such as walking relatively flat streets, sites, or markets, and climbing in and out of the transport provided.
Medium
Not too hard, not too soft, these tours are just right! You can expect a bit of physical activity, but nothing overly challenging – perhaps walking up and down hills, riding a bike for up to 30 kilometers along mostly flat terrain, or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.
High
Get ready for a workout! These tours are our most challenging and involve intense walking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or bike riding. You could be making steep climbs by foot or pedal, or working your core in the water. We recommend you have a good level of fitness to join this tour.
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Tour snapshot
Taste the very best of Istanbul’s local snack food on this delectable private food tour. Explore the Spice Bazaar and meet friendly traders who will reveal their treasure trove of local delicacies. Stock up on goodies from markets and street stalls, take the ferry to Asia, and stroll along the waterfront. Enjoy tea and Turkish delights while checking out a view of the famed Maiden’s Tower.
This tour is priced for a minimum group size of two travellers. A solo traveller may still book this private experience but will be charged the base rate for two travellers.
Experience the best travel stories for yourself. Join a local expert and uncover hidden gems on this city adventure hand-picked by the world's leading travel publisher. Lonely Planet Experiences powered by Urban Adventures bring stories to life in the best-loved cities around the globe.
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Highlights
- Eat like a local and sample delicious Turkish cuisine from trusted street stalls while learning about Istanbul’s unique food culture
- Experience the bustling markets of the Spice Bazaar and see how Turkish delight is made
- Cross continents with a ferry ride across the Bosphorus to Asia
- Take a stroll along the scenic waterfront of Üsküdar
- Check out a hidden view of the Maiden’s Tower while enjoying a traditional Turkish tea and Turkish delight
- Each Lonely Planet Experience comes with six-months free access to Lonely Planet’s Guides App which includes over 8,000 destinations guides and unbeatable discounts to Lonely Planet Guidebooks
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Schedule details
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Meeting point:
Entrance to Spice Bazaar (main entrance facing the port area marked ‘Fish Market Gate’, in Turkish ‘Balik Pazari Kapisi’)
- Find the exact meeting point with what3words:
- Starting time: 2.00 PM
- Ending point:
Eminonu ferry port. Your local guide can provide directions on how to get back to your hotel or you are free to continue your own personal exploration.
Language: English
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, street stall food, snacks, ferry to Üsküdar, a traditional yoghurt drink or tea
Exclusions: Extra drinks or food, shopping along the way, and tips and gratuities for your local guide
We start our private Istanbul food tour in front of the impressive Spice Bazaar. We’ll wander the perimeter of the bazaar and taste pastirma (Turkish dried beef), local cheeses, and Turkish delight from the shops of the long-established sweet makers.
As we wander on this Istanbul markets tour, our local guide will be buying foods to sample and treats to take with us on our journey to Asia. Depending on the season, you may be sampling several different local foods, including fresh nuts, pastirma, halva, olives, traditional Turkish cheeses, and simit.
After leaving the market, we’ll take the ferry to Üsküdar and enjoy a stroll along the waterfront, stopping at a local tea spot for view of the Maiden’s Tower and the Bosphorus. Enjoy tea and a Turkish delight and learn about popular foods and traditions in Turkey.
Afterwards we return by metro to the port of Eminönü, where our guide will offer recommendations for the evening or assist you with getting back to your hotel.
Following recent safety incidents we recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest information on travelling in Turkey before your departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas of your itinerary. We have links to prominent government travel advisories and regular updates on issues affecting this trip on our Travel Alerts page - www.intrepidtravel.com/au/travel-alerts.
This tour is priced for a minimum group size of two travellers. A solo traveller may still book this private experience but will be charged the base rate for two travellers.
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Additional information
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, street stall food, snacks, ferry to Üsküdar, a traditional yoghurt drink or tea
Exclusions: Extra drinks or food, shopping along the way, and tips and gratuities for your local guide
Confirmation of booking: If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at the start point. Get in touch if you have any concerns or require more information via the email address or phone number (business hours only) on your voucher.
Additional Information: Destination re-opening in April, 2020
Child Policy: This is a child-friendly tour. Children under the age of 6 are permitted to join this tour free of charge. Children over the age of 6 will be charged the adult price. Please inform us at the time of booking if you’ll be bringing a child under the age of 6 with you. You can do so in the special request box on the checkout page. For children above that age, please count them as an adult.
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Local contact
Office phone number: Destination re-opening in April, 2020
Email address: info@istanbulurbanadventures.com
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