Tired of the same old touristy stuff? You’ve come to the right place. We help you experience Istanbul the way she deserves!
At The Other Tour, we pride ourselves on offering a completely different way to experience Istanbul since we started in 2011. While most travel agencies stick to the usual tourist routes, we take you on a journey that’s far more immersive, personal, and comprehensive.
So, since 2011 our centerpiece product/itinerary is called The Other Tour which lends its name to our whole company and website. The Other Tour’s 2025 itinerary is exciting – read it here.
Stylistically, we go way beyond simply checking off the city’s historical highlights (although we do offer professional tour guides for exploring iconic spots like the Hagia Sophia or Topkapi Palace if that’s what you’re after). Our approach focuses on helping you connect with Istanbul’s vibrant local culture and uncovering the soul of this incredible city.
You’ll share a home-cooked meal with a local family, wander through bustling street markets, and even visit schools to interact with students. From cruising along the Bosphorus to relaxing in a traditional Turkish bath and ending the day with dinner, music, and dancing—every moment is designed to go deeper than what traditional tours offer.
Moreover, we also offer a wide range of tours, from standard sightseeing and guided historical tours to immersive cultural experiences and unique, off-the-beaten-path itineraries. Our offerings include everything from private Bosphorus cruises and Jewish heritage tours to birdwatching, rooftop tours with cocktail bar-hopping, and even specialized academic tours, like exploring Istanbul’s ancient waterways.
If you’re looking for more than just landmarks, but a real connection to Istanbul and its people, The Other Tour is the experience for you.
Read our 2025 Itinerary here.
Watch The Other Tour’s 2025 video
Go beyond touristy hotspots to uncover Istanbul’s authentic soul. Explore vibrant neighborhoods, connect with locals, and experience the city’s cultural and social fabric through unique activities that showcase its true essence.
We kick off at 9 AM, driving along the scenic Bosphorus to discover Arnavutköy and nearby neighborhoods, celebrated for their beauty and charm.
On our private boat, we cruise past historic mansions along the Bosphorus. We disembark in Kanlıca to savor the area’s famous yogurt.
Crossing to the Asian side, we explore picturesque Kuzguncuk and enjoy a delightful homemade lunch in a local’s home.
Back to the European side via ferry, we explore Balat and Fener’s vibrant streets and visit a local school to connect with the community.
Unwind with a traditional scrub and massage in a historic Turkish bath, a rejuvenating pause before the evening festivities.
The night unfolds at a lively Turkish tavern with dinner and dancing, or perhaps a magical dinner cruise—it’s always a surprise!
Unlike conventional tours that focus solely on monuments and landmarks, we craft immersive experiences that bring you face-to-face with Istanbul’s people, traditions, and contemporary culture.
With expert guides, curated itineraries, hotel recommendations, and seamless logistics, we ensure an authentic and hassle-free exploration of Turkey’s rich heritage.
The Other Tour offers personalized travel services in Istanbul and Türkiye, including custom private tours, cultural experiences, culinary adventures, and layover tours.
We reach beyond the surface and explore Istanbul and Turkey in a much deeper level than the usual.
Yes, we got them all! If you’re interested in Istanbul’s must-see attractions like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, or Grand Bazaar, we offer professional guides who can bring the history and stories of these landmarks to life.
These tours can be done privately or in small groups, with flexibility tailored to your schedule.
Absolutely. We organize tours to Turkey’s most iconic destinations, including Cappadocia, Ephesus, Pamukkale, and more. From hot air balloon rides to ancient ruins, we can help you explore the best of Turkey.
Let us handle the logistics, including flights, transfers, accommodations, and guided tours.
Check out all our Turkey tours here.
Yes! Customization is at the heart of what we do. Whether you’re fascinated by Istanbul’s Byzantine heritage, want to explore its modern cocktail scene, or need a family-friendly adventure, we create personalized itineraries to suit your interests, pace, and needs.
Beyond tours, we provide a full range of travel services, including:
We aim to make your trip to Istanbul as seamless and memorable as possible.
The Other Tour’s blog offers a diverse array of posts that delve into Istanbul and Turkey’s rich history, vibrant culture, and hidden gems.
Explore the world of private tours in Istanbul in 2024, from private guided tours to cruises on the Bosphorus, and everything in between.
Hepsine Ne Fena and its upbeat tempo and catchy lyrics are sure to get you moving and singing along in no time. So get your headphones out!
Istanbul is a city steeped in history and culture, with a wealth of museums to explore. Here are the city’s best museum that we recommend.
Focus on unique experiences, responsible tourism, and personalized interactions with local guides: Istanbul Alternative Tours.
Istanbul is a city that has a lot to offer in terms of parks and natural beauty. These are some of the best parks in Istanbul as of 2024.
Istanbul offers many great bookshops that offer a vast selection of books in different languages, here are the best bookshops in Istanbul.
Anatolia is a land so varied in history, culture and ethnicity that it almost makes modern day melting pots like America look homogeneous.
Turkish, being an Altaic language, has grammar and vocabulary that is very different from Indo-European languages.
With two wars happening in the region and steep inflation, let’s answer whether it’s actually safe to travel to Turkey in 2025?
The Other Tour is an immersive Istanbul experience, taking you beyond tourist spots to explore local culture with activities like home-cooked meals, school visits, and Bosphorus cruises. As a travel agency, we also offer personalized travel planning in Istanbul and Turkey, crafting custom itineraries and unique experiences tailored to each traveler.
© 2025 The Other Tour - Istanbul by Eren Nergiz Travel.
© 2025 The Other Tour - Istanbul by Eren Nergiz Travel.