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Recommended Kids Friendly Guided Tour 2 Hours

Istanbul Taste of Two Continents Food Tour: Spice Market & Ferry

Taste your way through Istanbul's diverse food scene on this unforgettable tour. From market-fresh breakfasts to savory street food and sweet treats like baklava, you'll experience a symphony of flavors while exploring both sides of the city, guided by a local expert.

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Duration 3 Hour

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Get ready for a culinary adventure through Istanbul, exploring the vibrant flavors of both Europe and Asia on this intimate, small-group food tour. This full-day experience immerses you in the heart of Turkish cuisine, beginning with a traditional market breakfast brimming with local cheeses, olives, honey, and freshly baked bread. You'll then traverse the iconic Bosphorus by ferry, crossing from one continent to another, before delving into the bustling markets and hidden eateries of Kadıköy, where you'll sample an array of authentic street food delights.

From savory kebabs and stuffed vine leaves to sweet treats like baklava and freshly brewed Turkish coffee, each tasting offers a unique glimpse into Istanbul's rich culinary heritage. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, you'll not only savor delicious food but also gain insights into Turkish culture and daily life. This tour provides a truly immersive cultural experience, connecting you with the heart and soul of Istanbul through its most delicious offerings.

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Highlights
  • Experience a delicious Turkish breakfast sourced directly from local market vendors.
  • Cross the iconic Bosphorus Strait by ferry, enjoying stunning city views.
  • Explore Kadıköy, a vibrant district on Istanbul's Asian side, known for its diverse culinary scene.
  • Sample a wide variety of authentic Turkish street food and local specialties and njoy freshly brewed Turkish coffee and other local beverages.
  • Taste iconic dishes like döner kebab, kokoreç, midye dolma, and baklava.
  • Immerse yourself in Turkish culture through its rich culinary traditions and discover hidden culinary gems and authentic local eateries.
  • Benefit from the expertise of a local English-speaking guide and experience an intimate small-group setting for a personalized experience.

Included
  • Extensive Food Tastings (8-9 eateries)
  • Turkish Breakfast (market sourced)
  • Lunch & Snacks
  • Coffee/Tea & Local Drinks (4-5)
  • English-Speaking Local Guide
  • Bosphorus Ferry (round-trip)
  • Return Ferry Assistance
Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • No vegetarian food options at 2-3 of the food stops
  • No vegan food options at 4-5 of the food stops
About

Embark on a unique culinary adventure that bridges two continents, exploring the vibrant flavors of Istanbul's European and Asian sides. This immersive food tour offers a deep dive into Turkish cuisine, taking you beyond the typical tourist experience to discover hidden culinary gems and authentic local eateries. With a small group, you'll enjoy a personalized and intimate exploration, guided by a passionate local expert eager to share their knowledge and love for Turkish food and culture.

This isn't just about eating; it's about experiencing Istanbul through its food. From bustling markets overflowing with fresh produce and spices to cozy tea houses and bustling street food stalls, you'll witness the heart and soul of the city. The tour begins with a traditional Turkish breakfast, sourced directly from local vendors, setting the stage for a day filled with delectable tastings and cultural insights. Crossing the iconic Bosphorus by ferry adds another layer of magic, offering breathtaking views and a symbolic journey between two worlds.

The highlight of the tour is undoubtedly the exploration of Kadıköy, a vibrant neighborhood on the Asian side known for its diverse culinary scene. Here, you'll sample an array of authentic street food, from savory kebabs and stuffed vine leaves to sweet treats like baklava, all while learning about the history and cultural significance of each dish. This carefully curated itinerary ensures a rich and unforgettable experience, connecting you with the true essence of Istanbul through its most delicious offerings.

This tour is perfect for food enthusiasts, culture seekers, and anyone looking for an authentic and memorable Istanbul experience. It's more than just a tour; it's a culinary journey that will leave you with a lasting appreciation for Turkish cuisine and culture.

Detailed Tour Information

A Morning of Turkish Delights (European Side)

The tour begins near the iconic Spice Bazaar in Istanbul's historic Eminönü district. Here, you'll meet your friendly, knowledgeable guide and your small group (maximum 10 participants). The first order of business is a truly authentic Turkish breakfast. Instead of sitting down at a restaurant, you'll experience a real market breakfast: your guide will take you through local markets to gather an assortment of fresh cheeses, olives, honey, jams, pastries, and other traditional breakfast items. You'll then enjoy this feast at a traditional tea house, accompanied by Turkish tea and menemen (Turkish scrambled eggs), while your guide shares insights into Turkish breakfast culture and daily life.

Crossing the Bosphorus to Asia

After breakfast, you'll board a local ferry for a scenic journey across the Bosphorus Strait, the natural waterway that divides Europe and Asia. This iconic crossing offers stunning views of Istanbul's skyline, including historic landmarks and modern architecture. As you glide across the water, your guide will point out key sights and share fascinating stories about the city's history and culture.

Exploring Kadıköy's Culinary Scene (Asian Side)

Upon arrival in Kadıköy, a vibrant and trendy district on the Asian side, the real culinary adventure begins. Kadıköy is known for its bustling market, diverse food scene, and lively atmosphere. You'll spend several hours exploring the market and surrounding streets, sampling a wide variety of Turkish street food and local specialties. This includes opportunities to taste dishes like:

Döner Kebab/Tantuni: Thinly sliced meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie.
Kokoreç: Seasoned sheep intestines grilled on a horizontal spit.
Midye Dolma: Mussels stuffed with rice, herbs, and spices.
Dolma: Stuffed vine leaves or vegetables.
Baklava: A rich, sweet pastry made of layers of filo dough filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey.


Throughout the Kadıköy exploration, you’ll also have the opportunity to enjoy freshly brewed Turkish coffee and other local drinks.

Tour Conclusion

The tour concludes at the Kadıköy Ferry Terminal. Your guide will provide you with return ferry tickets and directions for returning to the European side (either to Eminönü or Karaköy), allowing you to continue exploring the city at your own pace.


Frequently Asked Question

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes extensive food tastings at 8-9 different eateries, a market-sourced Turkish breakfast, lunch and snacks, coffee/tea and 4-5 local drinks, an English-speaking guide, round-trip Bosphorus ferry tickets, and assistance with return ferry directions.
What is not included?
Tips for the guide are not included. Also, any other foods and drinks are extra.
How many people are in a group?
The tour is designed for small groups, with a maximum of 10 participants.
What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended as you'll be doing a fair amount of walking. Dress appropriately for the weather.

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Istanbul Taste of Two Continents Food Tour: Spice Market & Ferry
Total Price 125.00 €
12 January 2022
19:00
2 Adult(s), 1 Child
Turkish
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