About us
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.
PASSION
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.
UNIQUE
The Other Tour offers a refreshing and authentic travel experience for those looking to discover the city beyond the usual tourist spots.
An in-depth look
INTO THE MOST
INTERESTING CITY.
We love Istanbul and we think she’s way too important of a city to glance over – she deserves better than that.
Istanbul's
Alternative City Experience
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
Itinerary
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.
9am Takeoff
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.
Bosphorus Cruise
Embark on a private boat journey along the breathtaking Bosphorus, renowned as one of the world’s most picturesque waterways.
Asian Side of Istanbul
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.
Lunch at Home
Welcome inside a local family home for a wonderful home-cooked meal by Ayşe Karataş, the mother of The Other Tour.
School Visits
Experience the vibrant educational landscape of Istanbul with The Other Tour.
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.
Street Markets
Delve into the heart of Istanbul’s vibrant street market culture with The Other Tour.
We explore the dynamic ‘pazar’, a roving marketplace that breathes 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.
Turkish Bath Experience
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.
Dinner & Dancing
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.
To book, you may email us at [email protected]
Or fill in the form and we'll get back to you ASAP.
