Flavors of Two Continents

"We had a really great day together with our guide Betul, exploring the cuisine of Turkey in both knowledge and through our tastebuds. This also involved lots of close contact with the Turkish people, sellers, traders, makers, cooks, chefs and waiters. It's a real insight to the culture and the way things are done in this part of the world". Read more on Tripadvisor.

Unforgettable Culinary Experiences Between Two Continents

This full-day culinary tour takes you to the finest specialty food shops and local eateries of Istanbul’s two most exciting neighborhoods: Beyoğlu on the European side and Kadikoy (Kadıköy in Turkish) on the Asian side. While tasting some of the best examples of Istanbul’s delicacies, you will also listen to the inspiring stories behind these culinary delights, meet the people who make them and delve deep into the bustling Turkish street culture. If you like to eat your way through a city as much as we do, you will enjoy this unique culinary tour that we designed for you. (Please bear in mind that due to seasonality and environmental sustainability the venues of the culinary tour is subject to change - therefore the places above - in the images- may vary)

Highlights:

Our journey begins in Karaköy with a Turkish breakfast, a traditional egg dish accompanied with some pastries. Next, we take the historic vapur (ferry) to Kadıköy, Istanbul’s Asian side. Crossing continents with one of the best scenic rides in the world is a unique moment on its own and we experience it as most locals do in the morning: eating simit (Turkish sesame bagel) and soft cheese, and drinking Turkish tea freshly brewed in the ferry’s old school canteen with stunning views of the old city serving as a backdrop. You may want to share some of your simit with vapur’s best companions - the famous seagulls! 

We will be spending the first half of the day between Kadiköy and Moda, the new ‘cool’ neighborhoods of Istanbul showcasing the best street food. The local market of Kadikoy is beyond comparison. You can find most Turkish specialties lined up one after another in seemingly unending narrow streets. The real challenge becomes in choosing which ones to taste. Do not worry, we have already sampled it all and chose the best list for you: lahmacun from the South East, meatballs from Marmara, dolmas and mezes  from the Aegean regions - and of course some world famous pickles on the go… Our coffee break will be at a historic dock overlooking the Marmara Sea. 

Then we take the ferry back to Karakoy and take one of the most historic metros in the world up to Istiklal Avenue. We continue with our discovery of the specialty eateries in Beyoğlu. We visit the historic fish market, taste some seafood delicacies, learn about the meyhane (tavern) culture, including the proper way to drink your rakı alongside matching mezes. We taste one of the best cups of Turkish coffee in town in a historical landmark; a 150-year old arcade. Our culinary walk adventure finalizes on a sweet note in a locally famous baklava shop.

Who is this tour for?

• Anyone who wants to sample the best Turkish food.
• Foodies who want to eat what the locals eat.
• People interested in learning about Turkish food culture while enjoying some delicious bites.
• Even if food is not your primary motivation, but you love to get to know the culture and history of Istanbul and Turkey, taking a food tour is an enriching experience.

Why book with Istanbul Tour Studio?

• As enthusiastic Turkish foodies, we take pride in knowing all the best places to eat, and will also point out options for you to visit during the rest of your stay.
• Istanbul Tour Studio is rated "Excellent" on Tripadvisor. Click to read the latest reviews about us.
• We make you feel at home! Our tours give you the feeling that you are walking around Istanbul with local friends. 
• We have a great team: knowledgeable, trustworthy, friendly and always on time.

How much is the private Flavours of Two Continents tour per person?

• Our private Flavours of Two Continents tour price is $120 USD/person for two people. ($240 USD/total for two adults)
• Our prices are quoted per person. We require minimum two participants to organise this private tour. 
• Please contact us if you'd like to book a private tour for one person. The prices include English speaking professional guidance, all the food/drink consumed as part of the culinary tour and public ferry ride. We offer dynamic pricing which means as the number of people on your private group increase, our per person prices decrease. 
• This tour costs $120 USD/person for two people; $95 USD/person for three people; $80 USD/person for four people; $70 USD/person for five people and $65 USD/person for six people. You will automatically get the dynamic pricing at the booking phase once you select the total number of people.
• We give 50% discount for children between 7-12 years old; meanwhile our tours are free for kids under 7 years old.
• The prices quoted above are for the walking tour. If you are staying at Beşiktaş, Beyoğlu (Taksim) or Karaköy areas you can use public transportation such as tram or taxi. It would cost between $15 - $25 USD/total. Alternatively, we also offer private transportation with luxury Mercedes vans with professional drivers for $225 USD/day.
• Please contact us for custom pricing for groups over six people.
  

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