1- Our signature Istanbul itinerary (since 2011): the original “The Other Tour” is our flagship day in Istanbul, designed to explore lesser-visited neighborhoods and connect with local life.
2- Our umbrella brand today: “The Other Tour” is now also the name for the full operation behind theothertour.com—the overall identity for everything we do in Istanbul and across Türkiye.
The Other Tour is a team of professionals led by Fethi Karatas, who collaborates with travel agencies, tour guides, tourism companies, institutions, and NGOs to offer travelers unique experiences in Istanbul and across Türkiye.
Today, “The Other Tour” is also the name we use for theothertour.com and the full range of services we provide—private guiding, tailor-made itineraries, themed experiences, and collaborations beyond Istanbul. In other words, the brand has grown into an umbrella for everything we do.
Originally, however, The Other Tour was (and still is) the name of our centerpiece Istanbul itinerary, which has been running since 2011. This signature day is designed to explore Istanbul through its human side—going beyond the well-trodden historic core and into untraveled neighborhoods, where daily life is the main attraction.
Depending on the group and the day, this itinerary can include experiences such as:
Lunch at a local home, sharing a meal and conversation rather than just “trying Turkish food”
A school visit (when appropriate and feasible), offering a grounded look at local community life
Board games and time spent in neighborhood hangouts to slow down and connect
A traditional Turkish bath session for those who want a deeper cultural ritual, not a tourist shortcut
And, to close the day, dinner with fasıl at Galata Meyhanesi, bringing Istanbul’s meyhane culture to life with live music and shared tables
Over the years, that original Istanbul “Other Tour” became the philosophy behind everything else we offer: travel centered on people, stories, and everyday realities—curated with care, but never staged.
The Other Tour of Istanbul is a unique and alternative tour experience that takes visitors off the beaten path to explore the lesser-known, yet fantastic neighborhoods and hidden gems of Istanbul.
The Other Tour is led by knowledgeable and friendly guides who are passionate about showcasing the local culture, food, and history of Istanbul in a fun and engaging way.
The Other Tour offers a refreshing and authentic travel experience for those looking to discover the city beyond the usual tourist spots.
We love Istanbul and we think she’s way too important of a city to glance over – she deserves better than that.
The Other Tour is not a tour. It is a detour. A detour from mainstream tourism. It is a great detour from the touristic sights of the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace etc., allowing you to immerse yourself for a short while into the Turkish way of life.
We set out to experience a special day in life with a simple goal in mind: experiencing the real Istanbul.
Since early 2011, we have had thousands of participants from all across the planet who seek to catch a glimpse into the local culture and cuisine.
It is a unique tour like no other, offering a fresh look into Istanbul that prioritizes people and culture over historic monuments and museums.
The Other Tour offers an immersive, full-day adventure in Istanbul, featuring hidden gems and unique activities like Bosphorus cruising, authentic home-cooked lunches, interactive school visits and much more.
The Other Tour always starts at 9am from a pre-determined starting point, usually your hotel. We hit the road and drive up north by the Bosphorus.
Our first stop is usually Arnavutköy, one of the prettiest neighborhoods of Istanbul. We may stop for coffee or orange juice after a nice little walk through the historic area.
Embark on a private boat journey along the breathtaking Bosphorus, renowned as one of the world’s most picturesque waterways.
Following our enchanting cruise, we disembark at Kanlıca, celebrated for its traditional Turkish yogurt drizzled with honey.
Our exploration then takes us through the Asian side of the Bosphorus, culminating in a visit to Kuzguncuk, the historic Jewish quarter of Istanbul, rich in culture and heritage.
Welcome inside a local family home for a wonderful home-cooked meal by Ayşe Karataş, the mother of The Other Tour.
Experience the vibrant educational landscape of Istanbul with our unique school visits. We join classes and humble ourselves in the generosity of the local teachers and students.
We immerse ourselves in local schools, engaging with enthusiastic students and participating in their interactive lessons.
Our journey also includes visits to inspiring music schools operated by NGOs, where we are enveloped in the harmony of their exceptional musical sessions.
Istanbul’s street markets which the we call ‘pazar’ – a bustling open-air market where locals shop for a diverse range of goods, from fresh produce to clothing and household items.
They are set up in a different location every day of the week and they breathe life into different neighborhoods daily.
Witness the lively exchange at these local bazaars, where an array of fresh produce and traditional goods are brought directly to the community’s doorstep, showcasing Istanbul’s rich mosaic of agriculture and shopping traditions.
Experience the ancient tradition of a Turkish bath with a massage.
We will not only experience this ancient Roman tradition, but also feel fresh, look good, and get a massage.
We will dine with traditional Turkish music and maybe even some dancing at a traditional Turkish tavern.
This will be the perfect way to end our day-long journey along the Bosphorus.
The Other Tour can be booked any day of the year. It costs 350 Euros per person. That includes private transportation, private boat cruise, lunch, dinner and a Turkish bath experience.
