Istanbul: Private Food and City Tour with a Local Host
Note: This is a private tour, and you'll be the only participant. Once you complete your booking, we will contact you via WhatsApp to finalize the tour details based on your preferences. (Please message us through GetYourGuide to confirm your pick-up location.) General Itinerary: 1️⃣ 10:00 AM – Hotel Pick-up: We’ll start the day with a hotel pick-up. Our first stop is a local breakfast spot in Kadıköy, on the Asian side of Istanbul. We’ll arrive by ferry and enjoy Menemen, a traditional Turkish egg dish cooked with tomatoes and peppers. 2️⃣ Kadıköy District Exploration (30 mins): Take a short walk around the vibrant streets of Kadıköy, full of local shops, street art, and authentic Istanbul life. 3️⃣ Üsküdar Visit: Next, we’ll head to Üsküdar, a picturesque seaside district. Enjoy a traditional Turkish coffee with a scenic view, then visit a historic Ottoman mosque. Afterwards, we’ll take the subway under the Bosphorus to Sirkeci on the European side. 4️⃣ Lunch Stop – Sirkeci: Taste Çağ Kebab, a delicious and unique lamb dish. A one-of-a-kind Turkish culinary experience! 5️⃣ Çemberlitaş & Ottoman Madrasa: We’ll hop on the tram to Çemberlitaş Station and visit a 400-year-old Ottoman madrasa, a historic Islamic school. 6️⃣ Süleymaniye Mosque: Take a guided walk through the Old City to visit the magnificent Süleymaniye Mosque, an architectural masterpiece by Mimar Sinan. 7️⃣ Boza Stop – Traditional Drink: Enjoy Boza, a traditional fermented Turkish drink, at a legendary shop that has been serving it since 1800. 8️⃣ Valens Aqueduct: Visit the ancient Valens Aqueduct, a Roman-era marvel over 2,000 years old. 9️⃣ Dinner – Lamb Leg Soup & More: Indulge in lamb leg soup, a rich and hearty Turkish specialty. Later, taste Lahmacun (Turkish flatbread with minced meat) and Aubergine Kebab, two beloved dishes of Turkish cuisine. Balat Neighborhood Walk: Discover the colorful and historic streets of Balat, known for its charming houses, diverse culture, and street art. 1️⃣1️⃣ World’s Second-Oldest Metro: Visit the Tünel, the world’s second-oldest underground railway (after London), built in 1874. 1️⃣2️⃣ Istiklal Street Walk: Stroll along Istiklal Street, one of Istanbul’s most iconic and lively avenues. Don’t miss the historic red tram! 1️⃣3️⃣ Street Food Stops on Istiklal: Sample a variety of Turkish street food treats from hidden gems along the way. 1️⃣4️⃣ End of Tour: We’ll drop you back at your hotel after an unforgettable day filled with history, culture, and delicious food.