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Istanbul Off the Beaten Path Tour with Guide, Lunch and Transfers

214 Reviews 4.93 out of 5 stars Based on 214 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 99% of reviewers
99% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
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Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards. Istanbul, Turkey
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from US$116.31 per person

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Galata Bridge
Fener
Istanbul Off the Beaten Path Tour with Guide, Lunch and Transfers Image 3
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6 hours (approx.)
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Overview

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!

What's Included

  • Lunch
  • Public transportation; ferry and tram
  • Light refreshment with tea on the ferry ride
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Drinks on the lunch
  • Practice of hookah at favorite local hangout ( Optional you can skip if you like )
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa
Rıhtım Caddesi, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Beyazıt
34126 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

It ends near Grand Bazaar in an old madrasah where we will have coffee.

What To Expect

Karakoy

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.
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25 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Balat & Fener Tour

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.
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50 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

St. George

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
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20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Tahtakale District

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.
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55 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Misir Carsisi (Spice Market)

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.
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25 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Suleymaniye Mosque

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.
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40 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Istanbul Universitesi Rektorlugu

Next, we'll learn about the Turkish education system as we explore the area around Istanbul University.
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25 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Sahaflar Carsisi

We’ll also visit the historic bookstore market where has been a book and paper market since Byzantine times.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Corlulu Ali Pasa Medresesi

An old madrasah which turns into a coffee shop
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25 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

(7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Istanbul Off the Beaten Path Tour with Guide, Lunch and Transfers?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (+03).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-23067P2

Traveler Photos

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Reviews

4.93
214 reviews

Average 4.93 out of 5 stars based on 214 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
203
4 stars
8
3 stars
3
2 stars
0
1 star
0

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Frequently Asked Questions (7)

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Boat Tours customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Istanbul Off the Beaten Path Tour with Guide, Lunch and Transfers?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (+03).
  • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Lunch.
  • Public transportation; ferry and tram.
  • Light refreshment with tea on the ferry ride.
  • Professional guide.
The following is NOT included:
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off.
  • Drinks on the lunch.
  • Practice of hookah at favorite local hangout ( Optional you can skip if you like ).
  • Tipping your local guide.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?
A:

This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

The minimum age to participate is 6. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Istanbul Off the Beaten Path Tour with Guide, Lunch and Transfers is as follows:

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Istanbul Off the Beaten Path Tour with Guide, Lunch and Transfers will be included in your confirmation email from City Boat Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024

What's Included

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • Lunch
  • Public transportation; ferry and tram
  • Light refreshment with tea on the ferry ride
  • Professional guide
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Drinks on the lunch
  • Practice of hookah at favorite local hangout ( Optional you can skip if you like )
  • Tipping your local guide.

Additional Info

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • 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.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers

Report Product Issue

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

Lowest Price Guarantee

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

We guarantee the lowest price on all the tours available to book on our site. We'll refund the difference if you find the exact tour cheaper online until 48 hours before your tour starts.

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Locate your City Boat Tours Booking Number and the proof of the lower price you found.

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Receive your refund

If everything checks out, we'll refund you the price difference.

Refund Terms & Conditions

The following conditions apply to all lowest price guarantee refund requests:

  • The lowest price guarantee is available to any customer who makes a qualifying purchase through our website. The qualifying purchase must be a minimum of US$20 (or equivalent).
  • The lowest price guarantee covers retail and prepaid rates available to the general public. This does not include discounts or promotions you may receive (or be eligible for) from third-party sites or organizations such as AAA or AARP or special offers made as part of a membership program, corporate discount, daily deal, group, or rewards program.
  • City Boat Tours promotions cannot be combined with the lowest price guarantee.
  • If you find a lower retail or prepaid rate for the same tour, offered on the same date, time and priced in the same currency as your original purchase, on any other website between the time you book on City Boat Tours and 48 hours before your trip starts, we will refund the difference.
  • The lowest price guarantee does not apply where a lower overall price is found by breaking down the purchased tour into one or more parts sold separately.
  • City Boat Tours reserves the right to verify the lower price details. Examples of acceptable forms of verification include a web screenshot or a web address.
  • All refund decisions will be made at the sole discretion of City Boat Tours.

Free Cancellation

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (+03).
  • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

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American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

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American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

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