The Other Tour offers an immersive, full-day journey that dives deep into the heart of Istanbul, far beyond the touristy facades. Unlike most city tours, it challenges participants to dedicate 14 hours to explore the real, vibrant Istanbul—a city that has grown to be 400 times larger than ancient Constantinople. The experience takes guests off the beaten path, revealing a metropolis of at least 20 million people, with diverse neighborhoods, rich cultural interactions, and authentic moments.
Through intimate encounters with locals, visits to family homes, schools, street markets, and even casual games, The Other Tour reveals the complex layers of Istanbul’s history and modern life. The journey through hidden streets and bustling squares showcases the city’s sprawling extent, from the historic core to the lively outskirts, offering an unparalleled view of the cultural mosaic that defines this magnificent city.
2023 was a fantastic year for The Other Tour, with a special focus on The Bosphorus. In 2024, we’re excited to prioritize the Asian Side of Istanbul as well!
About us
We are a family-owned travel agency based in Istanbul. We have been offering alternative city tours of Istanbul since 2011.
The Itinerary
Experience Istanbul with our comprehensive city tour - skip the usual historic sites to focus on the present-day wonders of the city.
The cost
The Other Tour is booked privately and costs 300 Euros per person. This includes all the costs during the entire adventure, no hidden fees!
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.
Golden Horn
We explore the vibrant neighborhoods along the Golden Horn of Istanbul, which is an inlet of the Bosphorus.
We explore Balat and Fener, Istanbul’s old Jewish and Greek neighborhoods.
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.
Istanbul's best alternative city tour
OUR PRICING
Bosphorus Tour
Public ferries & water taxi- Instant Booking
- 9am-5pm Full day Excursion
- Boat Cruise & Walking Tour
- All Included (food & transport)
The Other Tour
Istanbul's comprehensive culture tour since 2011- No deposit Required
- 9am-11pm Immersive Experience
- Private cruise, Private Transport, Turkish Bath, Lunch at home, Dinner and more
- All Included throughout the experience
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