Whirling Dervishes and Sufism: Turkey’s Mystical Heart
Discover Sufism's mystical journey in Turkey, from Seljuk-era Konya to Ottoman Sufi architecture. Explore timeless spiritual heritage.
Meet Berra, a passionate 20-year-old student of French literature at the prestigious Galatasaray University. Though young, Berra brings fresh energy and perspective to our team at The Other Tour. She’s not only an enthusiastic Istanbul lover but also a dedicated researcher, diving deep into the city’s hidden gems and Turkey’s rich cultural landscape.
Through her writing, Berra seeks to share Istanbul’s best-kept secrets and lesser-known stories with readers worldwide. From uncovering the historical nuances of Istanbul’s neighborhoods to exploring Turkey’s diverse traditions, she brings an authentic voice that’s both insightful and engaging. When she’s not writing or studying, you can find her wandering the city streets, always on the lookout for the next captivating story to share.
Discover Sufism's mystical journey in Turkey, from Seljuk-era Konya to Ottoman Sufi architecture. Explore timeless spiritual heritage.
Explore the haunting beauty of Turkish cinema—existential dramas, feminist tales, and bold stories that challenge and captivate.
Step into Istanbul’s Ottoman palaces. Uncover architectural marvels and essential visitor tips for exploring these living museums.
Experience thrilling water sports on the Bosphorus! Sail, paddle, jet ski, or dive between Europe & Asia—no experience needed.
Istanbul, a vibrant city on two continents, is home to not just millions of people but also hundreds of thousands...
Only for a night or longer, Kadıköy offers a nightlife experience that’s more than just fun—it’s a cultural journey through...
Explore Kadıköy’s vibrant street food scene in Istanbul, from buttery pilav to savory kokoreç, offering authentic culinary delights.
Kadıköy stands out in Istanbul not only for its cultural richness and historical roots but also for its unique, liberal...
We offer a unique, immersive travel experience across Turkey — not just Istanbul's lesser-known corners, but also the valleys of Cappadocia, the ruins of Ephesus, and the coastlines of Antalya and Bodrum, engaging guests in cultural activities like local home visits, market explorations, and Bosphorus cruises.
What we specialize in, above all, is matching each client with the right professional guide for wherever they're headed in Turkey — though if we're being honest, our roster is still concentrated mostly in Istanbul. As of August 2026, that roster stands at 54 professional tour guides, each one personally vetted rather than pulled from a directory. Most of what we arrange are daily and multi-day private tours, guided primarily in English, with guides available in other languages on request.
We also provide a full range of wheelchair-assisted guided tours, custom itineraries, and specialized tours covering historical, cultural, and niche interests like Jewish heritage, vegan spots, and bird-watching — now paired with a guide roster that reaches Ankara, the Black Sea, and the wider Mediterranean region. We also offer transportation services with professional guides for a more personalized and flexible experience.
The Other Tour is an immersive way to experience Istanbul and the rest of Turkey, led by licensed local guides who take you beyond the tourist spots into the lived culture and quiet corners of Cappadocia, Antalya, Ephesus, Bodrum, and the Mediterranean. We also build personalized travel planning, private tours, and custom itineraries — crafted around what you’re actually curious about, in any region of the country.