THE OTHER TOUR
Tired of the same old touristy stuff? You’ve come to the right place. We help you experience Istanbul the way she deserves!
What kind of tours do we offer
Discover Istanbul and Beyond with The Other Tour
At TheOtherTour, we believe travel should be an immersive, eye-opening experience that goes beyond the surface. Whether you’re looking to explore Istanbul like a local or venture deeper into Turkey’s rich history and landscapes, our tours offer something unique for every traveler.
Our Signature Istanbul Experience: The Other Tour (Flagship)
Our full-day adventure (9 AM – ~10 PM) is designed to show you Istanbul through the eyes of those who call it home. From a private Bosphorus cruise and intimate meals with local families to exploring hidden neighborhoods and engaging in lively cultural activities, this is the ultimate alternative experience.
Highlights include:
Strolling through charming districts like Arnavutköy and Kuzguncuk
Savoring a home-cooked meal with a local family
Engaging with students at a neighborhood school
Experiencing Istanbul’s markets, Turkish bath culture, and vibrant nightlife
Wrapping up with dinner at a meyhane (traditional tavern) or a surprise event
Istanbul’s Historical and Cultural Icons
Old Town (Sultanahmet) Exploration
Discover Istanbul’s legendary landmarks, including Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, and the Grand Bazaar. Dive into Byzantine and Ottoman history with expert insights.
Golden Horn & Jewish Heritage
Explore the multicultural districts of Balat and Fener, walk the Theodosian Walls, and visit historic synagogues like Ahrida for a glimpse into Istanbul’s diverse past.
Neighborhood & Local Life Experiences
European Side: Dive into Beyoğlu’s art scene, Galata’s iconic views, and Beşiktaş’s bustling markets.
Asian Side: Wander through Kadıköy’s vibrant streets, Üsküdar’s historic sites, and the picturesque village of Kuzguncuk.
Off-the-Grid: Play board games with locals, enjoy a traditional hamam, or join an underground rooftop gathering.
Bosphorus & Coastal Journeys
Private Bosphorus Cruises: Glide past palaces, mansions, and scenic fishing villages, with stops for walking tours and local delicacies.
Blue Cruises: Multi-day sailing adventures along the Mediterranean coast, featuring secluded beaches, ancient ruins, and luxury gulet yachts.
Beyond Istanbul: Day Trips & Turkey Tours
Cultural Day Trips: Explore the ruins of Troy, Bursa’s Ottoman heritage, or the battlefields of Gallipoli.
Multi-City Adventures: Experience Cappadocia’s breathtaking landscapes (hot air balloon included!), Ephesus’ ancient wonders, Pamukkale’s thermal terraces, or the hidden gems of the Carian Coast.
Custom & Specialty Tours
We design tailor-made itineraries based on your interests, whether it’s Byzantine history, culinary experiences, or niche explorations like Istanbul’s ancient waterways and rooftop cocktail tours.
Additional Travel Support
From booking boutique hotels to arranging private guides and transportation, we ensure your trip is seamless and unforgettable. Plus, our curated culinary and nightlife experiences—think meze tastings, Turkish tavern nights, and cocktail-hopping—offer an authentic taste of local life.
Watch The Other Tour’s 2025 video
2025 Itinerary
We kick off at 9 AM, driving along the scenic Bosphorus to discover Arnavutköy and nearby neighborhoods, celebrated for their beauty and charm.
On our private boat, we cruise past historic mansions along the Bosphorus. We disembark in Kanlıca to savor the area’s famous yogurt.
Crossing to the Asian side, we explore picturesque Kuzguncuk and enjoy a delightful homemade lunch in a local’s home.
Savor a home-cooked feast at the founders’ family house, where heartfelt hospitality and lively conversations bring Istanbul’s spirit to life.
Visit a local school to engage with students, share smiles, and gain a deeper understanding of Istanbul’s education and vibrant youth culture.
Wander through bustling street markets, mingling with locals, tasting fresh flavors, and experiencing Istanbul’s lively daily rhythms up close.
Back to the European side via ferry, we explore Balat and Fener’s vibrant streets and visit a local school to connect with the community.
Unwind with a traditional scrub and massage in a historic Turkish bath, a rejuvenating pause before the evening festivities.
The night unfolds at a lively Turkish tavern with dinner and dancing, or perhaps a magical dinner cruise—it’s always a surprise!
This is a full day experience from 9am to 10-11pm. Not for the faint of heart, but perfect for those craving an authentic, raw, and unscripted adventure!
Istanbul Tours
Unlike conventional tours that focus solely on monuments and landmarks, we craft immersive experiences that bring you face-to-face with Istanbul’s people, traditions, and contemporary culture.
OUR SERVICES
With expert guides, curated itineraries, hotel recommendations, and seamless logistics, we ensure an authentic and hassle-free exploration of Turkey’s rich heritage.
The Other Tour offers personalized travel services in Istanbul and Türkiye, including custom private tours, cultural experiences, culinary adventures, and layover tours.
What
We Do
We reach beyond the surface and explore Istanbul and Turkey in a much deeper level than the usual.
What is 'The Other Tour' itinerary like in 2025?
Traditional tours of Istanbul?
Yes, we got them all! If you’re interested in Istanbul’s must-see attractions like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, or Grand Bazaar, we offer professional guides who can bring the history and stories of these landmarks to life.
These tours can be done privately or in small groups, with flexibility tailored to your schedule.
Tours to other parts of Turkey?
Absolutely. We organize tours to Turkey’s most iconic destinations, including Cappadocia, Ephesus, Pamukkale, and more. From hot air balloon rides to ancient ruins, we can help you explore the best of Turkey.
Let us handle the logistics, including flights, transfers, accommodations, and guided tours.
Check out all our Turkey tours here.
Customize itineraries to suit specific interests?
Yes! Customization is at the heart of what we do. Whether you’re fascinated by Istanbul’s Byzantine heritage, want to explore its modern cocktail scene, or need a family-friendly adventure, we create personalized itineraries to suit your interests, pace, and needs.
Istanbul Attractions
Turkey Tours
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Most Recent
The Other Tour’s blog offers a diverse array of posts that delve into Istanbul and Turkey’s rich history, vibrant culture, and hidden gems.
🎉 May 24: Season Opener Boat Party on the Bosphorus
This 4-hour boat party on the Bosphorus is designed for exactly that — a Saturday night escape into music, movement, and magic.
Meet Said: Marvelous Tour Guide in Cappadocia
If you’re heading to Cappadocia with The Other Tour, get ready to meet our star guide, Said Balcı—an extraordinary jack-of-all-trades.
Our Tour Guides
We match each traveler with the perfect professional tour guide based on their interests, style, language, and even their mood.
Gülhane Park – The Soulful Garden of Empires
Explore Gülhane Park, Istanbul’s poetic green space where Ottoman history, tulips, and timeless literature come together.
Fethi Karataş – The Visionary Behind The Other Tour
Meet Fethi Karataş, the mind behind The Other Tour—redefining travel across Turkey with meaning, intellect, and curiosity.
Testi Quartz – Seven Generations of Ceramic Excellence
Shop handmade Iznik ceramics in Sultanahmet and join authentic workshops at TESTI Quartz—a living legacy of Ottoman artistry.
Istanbul Shore Excursions from Galataport
Explore Istanbul from Galataport with private, cultural shore excursions—historic sites, local life, and flexible itineraries.
Traveling Istanbul with a Stroller
Discover stroller-friendly tours, parks, and transport in Istanbul — plus gear rental and full support for families with babies.
Guided Tours with Wheelchair
Wheelchair rental and accessible tours in Istanbul — delivered to your hotel, guided with care, and designed for immersive travel.
Responsible Tourism
After 14 years of experience working with thousands of clients from around the world, The Other Tour has evolved from a local tour operator into a country-wide travel agency with a unique vision that highlights the human connection in travel.
Visited numerous public schools and NGOs in Istanbul as part of The Other Tour.
We organized numerous school trips for the children whose classes we joined.
We reached thousands of young students in Istanbul’s schools and engaged with them.
Ready to get in touch for a special tour?
