Masonry Obelisk: Istanbul’s Counterfeit Wonder of the World
The story of the Masonry Obelisk in Istanbul's Hippodrome — a scarred Byzantine landmark hiding eighteen centuries of layered history.
Established in 2011, TheOtherTour has evolved from offering alternative city tours in Istanbul to becoming a trusted travel agency that provides top-quality services and curated travel experiences throughout Turkey.
With 15 years of experience exploring the nooks and crannies of Istanbul, we delight ourselves in sharing the city's hidden gems, from underground art scenes to music schools and various intimate spaces. The focus is not just on showing you the sights but also on introducing you to the city's heartbeat, its people, and its unsung tales.
We have tested and curated the best of what Turkey has to offer—be it boutique hotels, unique experiences, or cultural journeys. The company is committed to sustainable tourism, partnering with local artisans, guides, and businesses to offer an authentic experience that benefits communities as much as it delights travelers.
Follow and join us for insider tips, exclusive reviews, and inspirational stories that will make your next journey truly unforgettable.
The story of the Masonry Obelisk in Istanbul's Hippodrome — a scarred Byzantine landmark hiding eighteen centuries of layered history.
Discover the state-funded movement that turned ancient wisdom into a global scientific revolution during the Islamic Golden Age.
Discover how a modest bronze shaft in Sultanahmet Square is actually one of the ancient world's greatest victory trophies: Serpent...
Beat the Istanbul heat with the city's 10 best luxury hotel day pools, from Bosphorus infinity edges to palace courtyards.
Discover how a 3,500-year-old Egyptian trophy became Istanbul's most-traveled monument and the ultimate Roman power move.
Deniz Karagözoğlu — London-born, bilingual, licensed, and now guiding private Istanbul tours in 2026. Polished English, gentlemanly manners.
Experience Lokanta 1741 in Istanbul. Dine on Michelin-guided, ancestral Turkish cuisine inside a stunning, 300-year-old hamam.
Discover how Constantine the Great reshaped Rome, founded Constantinople, and transformed the Roman Empire forever.
Jewish history from medieval Europe to the Ottoman Empire, tracing migrations, expulsions, and lasting heritage in cities.
Unlock the secrets of Bodrum, Ephesus and the Lelegian Way with Dr. Selda Özhan, the expert scholar guide in Bodrum....
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.