Istanbul Night Tasting Trail
Istanbul, Turkey
From USD 102.64
Office phone number: Destination re-opening in April, 2021
Istanbul Night Tasting Trail
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
The best way to see a city like a local? Eat and drink like a local! This culinary adventure takes you on foot, away from the tourist trail, to search out the hidden gems of Istanbul’s thriving street food scene. Learn what’s trendy today in Turkish cuisine and sample a variety of tasty treats as you work your way through the best food in Istanbul.
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Highlights
- Eat delicious Turkish street food just like the locals do, tasting from the best food carts, street cafés, and other secret spots
- Visit a traditional tavern, known as a meyhane, and sample the Turkish alcoholic drink of choice, raki
- Hang out with locals in-the-know and enjoy a Turkish coffee in a backstreet café
- Stroll through hidden alleyways and learn about the unique food culture of this ancient city that borders both Europe and Asia
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Schedule details
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Meeting point:
The Tünel (The Tunnel) entrance, IETT building in Karaköy, opposite Nordstern Hotel (Kemeraltı Cd,Arap Cami Mh., Beyoğlu (GPS: 41.022816,28.974877)
- Find the exact meeting point with what3words:
- Starting time: 6.00 PM
- Ending point:
Taksim Square, near Independent Monument and Central Metro Station (GPS: 41.037048, 28.985860)
Language: English
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, progressive dinner, tea and coffee
Exclusions: Extra drinks, tips, or gratuities for your local guide
A short journey from Karaköy on the world’s second oldest funicular will take you to the heart of Istanbul’s food scene on this culinary city tour, where you’ll wander through back streets and hidden laneways, feasting as you go. Your local guide will offer insight into the intricacies and traditions of Turkish food culture, and explain about the ingredients and origins of Turkey’s most popular dishes.
Start your Istanbul food tour with some borek, a delicious flaky pastry consisting of several thin layers filled with local cheeses, potato, or meat. Wash it down with a cup of ayran, a yogurt drink that’s considered by many to be the national beverage of Turkey.
Next, you’ll take part in a true local tradition; at the end of a long work day, many Istanbulites sit down for some drinks, tasty food, and good conversation with friends. We’ll pull up a seat at a traditional meyhene (tavern) and join the local scene as we sample meze served with a glass of raki, and learn about the fascinating history of these Turkish restaurants and dishes.
Filled up with snacks, you’ll get a break to let it all digest with a stop at a hidden tea house that’s also the famous meeting place of the Young Turks, a political reform movement from the early 20th century that brought multi-party democracy to Turkey.
Hungry from all that discussion? Fill yourself up again with delectable treats from locals’ favourite street food carts, including içli kofte (deep-fried meat balls) and midye dolma (mussels stuffed with rice).
Next, you’ll cleanse the palate with a sample of Turkish delight in the gorgeous, historic Cicek Passage, before grabbing some of Turkey’s famed baklava and çikolata (chocolate) or ice cream from Maraş.
Of course, you can’t visit Istanbul without stopping at the famed entertainment district of Taksim Square, where late-night revellers flock for the delicious Islik Burger — guaranteed to defeat any hunger!
You’ll stroll the atmospheric backstreets and finish at an alfresco café and bar that’s a popular local haunt with awesome street art and graffiti. Order a coffee and dig into your purchases of chocolate and baklava. Linger as long as you like and soak up the nighttime vibe of Istanbul.
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.
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Additional information
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, progressive dinner, tea and coffee
Exclusions: Extra drinks, tips, or gratuities for your local guide
Dress standard: While Istanbul is quite liberal, please be aware that the standard of dress throughout much of Turkey is often conservative. To respect this and for your own comfort, we recommend modest clothing. This means clothing that covers your shoulders and knees for both women and men.
Your Trip: For your Urban Adventure you will be in a small group of a maximum of 12 people.
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: Children under 12 years of age are not permitted to join this tour.
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Local contact
Office phone number: Destination re-opening in April, 2021
Email address: info@istanbulurbanadventures.com
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