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Historic Off the Beaten Path Tour of the Real Istanbul

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Fatih, Turkey
Historic Off the Beaten Path Tour of the Real Istanbul
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Historic Off the Beaten Path Tour of the Real Istanbul
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From $80.56

Price varies by group size

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Number of travelers
1 Adult2 Adults3 Adults4 Adults5 Adults6 Adults7 Adults8 Adults9 Adults10 Adults11 Adults12 Adults0 Children1 Child2 Children3 Children4 Children5 Children6 Children7 Children8 Children9 Children10 Children11 Children12 Children
Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance. Learn more
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Safety measures
icon7 hours  (Approx.)
Mobile ticket
iconOffered in: English and 1 more
Good for avoiding crowds

Overview

Discover Istanbul on a full-day tour that travels on foot and public transit to historic landmarks and local cultural hubs. Start by touring the Hippodrome, Serefiye Cistern and Grand Bazaar, then take a break for Turkish coffee, pastry and hookah (tobacco pipe). Visit the book and paper market Sahaflar Çarşısı, which started in the Byzantine era, then tour Istanbul University. Continue to Suleymaniye Mosque, the Spice Bazaar and the Church of St George before winding through the districts of Fener and Balat — the old Greek and Jewish neighborhoods.
  • Full-day off-the-beaten-path walking tour of Istanbul
  • Experience Istanbul like a local while traveling on foot, and by ferry and bus
  • See top sites including the Hippodrome, Serefiye Cistern, Grand Bazaar, Suleymaniye Mosque and Spice Bazaar
  • Stop into the Church of St George, located near the Golden Horn
  • Rummage through rare books at Sahaflar Çarşısı, a market on the site of a Byzantine book and paper bazaar
  • Visit the campus of Istanbul University
  • Learn the history of the old Greek and Jewish districts of Fener and Balat
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From $80.56

Lowest Price Guarantee
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Light refreshment
Practice of hookah at favorite local hangout
Professional guide
Public transportation; ferry and bus
Lunch
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Drinks

Departure Point

Alemdar, Divan Yolu Cd. No:6, 34400 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey

Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant - For further explanation perhaps use the Sultanahmet tram stop as a reference. The restaurant is located on the street where the tram lines run through Sultanahmet, approximately 1-minute walk from the Sultanahmet tram stop

Return Details

Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa Mah, Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa, Rıhtım Cd. No:13, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey

It ends near Galata Bridge and Karakoy Tram Station and your guide can explain how to go back to the hotel.

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Meeting point is Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant to departure the walking tour
  • Minimum capacity is 2 persons. We reserve the right to cancel a tour due to insufficient reservations. We will do all we can to reschedule your tour or a refund will be provided.
  • A maximum of 10 people per booking
  • Our tours are done by public transportation and walking so if you have any serious mobility issues, we advise you to book a private tour
  • Parents of children under 6 years are advised to book a private tour
  • On Religious Fests Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar are closed; May 13th,14th, 15th, July 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23th in 2021
  • Stroller accessible
  • Near public transportation
  • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
  • Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
  • OPERATED BY Real Istanbul Tours
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Learn more about cancellations.

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What is the policy on face masks and attendee health during Historic Off the Beaten Path Tour of the Real Istanbul?
A:The policy on face masks and attendee health is:

  • Face masks required for guides in public areas
See all safety measures taken by Historic Off the Beaten Path Tour of the Real Istanbul.

Traveler Photos

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Traveler Tips

  • "Won't spoil anything, but it was so worth that if you miss it, you'll regret it (specially when you hear from others about those places and "how could you miss it?!")." See review

Reviews

5.0
star-5
103 Reviews
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Reviews by Viator travelers

Showing 1-10 of 103 reviews
star-5
Best Experience in Istanbul
Christine_C
, Nov 2021
In the two weeks I spent in Istanbul, this tour was by far the best experience… it completely exceeded my expectations. Emre was knowledgeable, funny, warm, and spoke perfect English. Many of the sites really were “off the beaten path” and well worth seeing, but Emre was also willing to flex the itinerary to align with my interests. It was amazing to see the city through the eyes of an Istanbulite. Don’t miss this experience!
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star-5
Istanbul for tourist by locals
JuanDavid_P
, Nov 2021
Our tour guide was Apo. He was a really cool guy. Our tour was in spanish and he was really good with the language. Also took us some really nice places, mainly for locals, and as a tourist you wouldn't get there. It was a really great day!
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star-5
The Highlight of my trip to Istanbul…
Shaza_M
, Oct 2021
I have been to Istanbul many times. I was skeptical about this trip and what I would learn more about Istanbul. I will easily rate this trip 5/5; it is the combination of the guide, the itinerary and the weather. The main contributor was our guide, Emre; his eagerness to share the history of his country to the level we want, his interest to make sure that we are comfortable throughout and how courteous he was. The itinerary itself was exciting; I have discovered new areas I have never been, ate in new places. For example , we have been to Theodosius Cistern and watched the light show which was breath taking. We have been to the district of Fener and Balat which are on the list of the UNESCO heritage sites. We walked through the street of old Istanbul while experiencing a sample of the Turkish food and drinks. In short, highly recommended.
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1 traveler found this review helpful
star-5
Great tour - highly recommend
John_M
, Oct 2021
Really enjoyed this tour with Apo, who brought great stories and humour. Relaxed pace with stops for food and coffee. Highly recommend this tour.
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star-5
Fascinating Alternative Perspective of Istanbul
Nicole_L
, Jun 2021
Extremely knowledgeable guide, full of detailed information you will hear nowhere else, especially as relates to the more modern history of Istanbul. I hadn’t read about any of the sites we were shown in any of the tourist guides, and would have completely missed this entire side of the city. I now leave the city feeling I have gotten a fairly comprehensive view of it considering the brevity of my stay. I never do guided tours, but I am extremely glad I did this one - worth every penny. Thank you so much for everything, especially your kindness, in sharing yourself and your experiences, n answering all our questions, and making sure we were taken care of throughout the tour.
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1 traveler found this review helpful
star-5
Hidden gem of istanbul
ULYSSES_M
, Nov 2020
It was an amazing exprience.. our guide i think his name was Salem was so knowledgeable, he knows so much... he was an amazing tour guide with good attitude.. ver friendly... he was awesome
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star-5
Balat
Gwyn_J
, Sep 2020
An excellent tour with a brilliant guide in Salih Gam who was very knowledgeable, funny and had an in-depth understanding of the areas he took us to. A great tour which does delve into the less touristy and well-known areas of Istanbul but that have their own history and atmosphere.
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star-5
Fabulous day, fabulous guide
Leslie_F
, Sep 2020
Salit was an excellent guide. He was friendly, very knowledgeable and flexible with us. His English was very good and he gave us lots of recommendations. I would highly recommend him to anyone wanting a more personalized experience. Thanks for a great day!!
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star-5
Great tour!
DavidBrent_W
, Nov 2019
What a great tour. Apo was knowledgeable, personable and a great host. The tour was paced just right to take in a lot but also enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes. We would highly recommend both this tour and Apo!
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star-5
Simply the best
Vacation49287284771
, Oct 2019
I thought this tour was great. We learnt heaps about the history, culture, architecture and food of this fascinating city. I would recommend this tour.
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