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Istanbul Culture Tours

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Istanbul is a city with a rich and vibrant history that spans thousands of years. With so many cultural experiences to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide where to start. To help you get the most out of your trip to Istanbul, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 cultural tours that showcase the city’s unique history, traditions, and culture.

What is a culture tour?

A culture tour delves deeper into the traditions, customs, and history of a place, aiming to provide a more immersive and meaningful experience than a standard city tour. While city tours typically focus on major landmarks and historical sites, culture tours often include visits to local markets, artisans’ workshops, traditional performances, and even home meals to truly connect you with the local way of life.

Here’s how a culture tour in Istanbul might look:

• Explore historic sites with a focus on their cultural significance: Visit the Hagia Sophia , marveling at its architectural brilliance and understanding its transformation from a Byzantine church to an Ottoman mosque, a museum and now back to a unique mosque.

• Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of the Grand Bazaar: Wander through the labyrinthine alleys, haggle with vendors for spices, carpets, and souvenirs, and witness the bustling commercial heart of the city.

• Take a calligraphy workshop and learn about the art of Islamic inscription: Discover the beauty and symbolism of this traditional art form and create your own personalized souvenir.

• Enjoy a traditional Turkish hammam experience: Relax in the warm waters, indulge in a body scrub and massage, and experience a centuries-old bathing ritual.

• Savor a local home-cooked meal: Share a meal with a local family in their home, enjoying authentic Turkish cuisine and conversation.

These are just a few examples, and the specific itinerary of a culture tour will vary depending on the tour operator and your interests. But overall, a culture tour in Istanbul is a chance to go beyond the tourist facade and experience the richness of the city’s culture and traditions.

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Here are some hand-picked travel agencies that offer cultural tours in Istanbul that deviate from the mainstream offerings.

Also, here is Nat Geo’s Istanbul travel guide that contains lots of cool info.

Guidebook author Tom Brosnahan has instructions on his website for an Istanbul Bazaars Walking Tour through the maze-like backstreets between the Grand Bazaar and Eminönü.

Travel writer Pale Yale has written a number of pieces about exploring Istanbul’s little-known corners by foot; her thorough description of walking the land walls is particularly useful. BBC’s audio tour from Taksim Square to the Grand Bazaar – with a basic accompanying map – for download on its website.

IstanbulEats also has wonderful suggestions and itineraries for culinary walks.

Turkish cuisine, like Turkey itself, channels cultural currents coming in from every direction, resulting in the delicious culinary chaos that is Istanbul.

But most importantly, the best Istanbul culture tours are the ones that you spontaneously go on your own . That’s the style we embrace. Just hopping on a bus and ending up in a neighborhood you have no idea about. That’s when you’re in a new city. Especially a city like Istanbul .

Get in touch for fantastic culture tours of Istanbul with us.

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Istanbul Cultural Tours

Istanbul cultural tours – istanbul is the heart of turkey.

It is not the political capital of Turkey but with the population (approximately 18 million people) living there, it is definitely the commercial; social and art capital of Turkey. Istanbul is one of the favourite places for Turkey tour guides. It is the only city in the world located on two continents. That gives you the chance to have two continents included in your Istanbul cultural tours. You can easily get Istanbulday tour that starts on the European side with the historical part of Istanbul and finishes with a relaxing Bosphorus tour between the two continents. Turkey tour guides

Istanbul has over 2000 years of history and is the former capital of three successive empires, the Roman; Byzantium and Ottoman Empires. Istanbul cultural tours are like travelling back in time. In your visit Istanbul you can see the remnants from the Ottoman, Byzantium and Roman Empires. The past is well preserved, whilst there is a modern streak apparent. To fully plunge into the past, you should consider visiting Ephesus with its Ephesus sightseeing .

If you are a little bit interested in History or Mitology or Art history; Istanbul is the place for you to visit and Ensar is your guide for Istanbul cultural tours as well as for Istanbul fun tours . Although the majority of the cultural things are on the European side of Istanbul; there are also some significant places such as Beylerbeyi Palace; Kuleli and Kuzguncuk on the Asian side. Istanbul daily city tours can take you to these places.

The small waterway, the Bosphorous, runs through the city and creates a harmonic setting for the historic landmarks.

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CULTURAL TOURS TURKEY

Does your group want to explore Lycian history, walk in the St. Paul, taste delicious cuisines or experience a culturally rich lifestyle tour? We offer a rich selection of cultural tours, packages, and activities for individuals, families, and groups. We invite you to come, and turn the pages of this amazing country with its great history & civilizations, archaeology and nature. Explore Turkey with an extensive and varied selection of tour packages for pilgrimage or whatever you like. One of our dedicated Turkey Travel Specialist will be at your disposal to help you design excellent itinerary as per your desire and expectations. If you cannot find a sample tour matching your needs, just fill out a custom tour plan form or please send an e-mail .

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Thank you very much again for the excellent service you have provided us with during our event in Istanbul. I organized a rather large conference which lasted over a week in Istanbul with Top Executives and the service we have received was fantastic. They are simply a very professional company and offer super customer service.

After a busy meeting day, we are picked up at our hotel by good conditioned bus to drive to our booked dinner cruise tour. The trip itself has been the highlight of our international meeting. Illuminated Istanbul by night was fantastic and worth seeing. The service has been very quick and attentive, we had good drinks and meal. Thank you for seamless day.

Thanks once again for your assistance and excellent service during the Turkey tour of our VIP guests. The trip itself has been the highlight of our international meeting. Illuminated Istanbul by night was fantastic and worth seeing. The service has been very quick and attentive, we had good drinks and meal. Thank you for seamless day.

We had a great time with Mr Murat. He was a much better guide than we could have expected. His knowledge of Istambul's history is excellent. He consulted with us before each location including the choice of restaurant. His english was also excellent. I Thanking you for such a great tour of Istanbul.

It was a pleasure meeting you and spending some time with you. Judy and I thoroughly enjoyed our time in Istanbul. Fatih was an outstanding tour guide. His knowledge and care for us was very much appreciated. Thank you for the lovely Calligraphy plate. Thank you again for making Istanbul my favorite place of the tour.

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Luxury and Unique Experiences in Istanbul: Discovering Exclusive Tours with Licensed Guides

Istanbul is one of the world's most historic and mesmerizing cities. With its thousands of years of history, rich cultural heritage, and magnificent views, it attracts millions of tourists every year. However, truly exploring Istanbul is not limited to just visiting historical sites. Understanding the city, discovering its hidden treasures, and experiencing unique adventures are all made possible through exclusive tours with licensed guides.

The Importance of Licensed Guides

Istanbul is renowned as one of the most impressive cities in the world, known for its historical and cultural richness. however, truly exploring istanbul requires more than just relying on maps and guidebooks. to understand and experience the city properly, it is necessary to navigate with the guidance of an expert..

Traveling with a licensed guide to explore Istanbul offers much more than a typical tourist experience. Licensed guides are professionals who have received special training and are experts in the historical, cultural, and artistic details of the city. They provide in-depth narratives to visitors, unraveling the mysterious fabric of Istanbul by sharing the stories behind each location.

Here are the keys to the exclusive luxury tours and experiences offered by licensed guides in Istanbul:

Advantages of exclusive luxury and private tours in istanbul.

Exclusive tours with licensed guides in Istanbul go beyond a typical visit. These tours offer numerous advantages to our guests:

Personalized Experience: Private tours tailored to the interests and schedules of each visitor provide a personalized Istanbul experience.

Exclusive Access: Licensed guides can often provide exclusive access to areas closed to the public. This allows visitors to explore locations they wouldn't typically see on standard tours.

Knowledge and Insight: Guides are knowledgeable not only about historical and cultural sites but also about the city's contemporary life. This enables visitors to understand Istanbul in its entirety.

Comfortable Transportation: Private tours typically offer comfortable transportation options. With complimentary transfer services, visitors can comfortably complete their city tour.

Exclusive Luxury Shopping and Dining Destinations in Istanbul:

Istanbul is also famous for its shopping and gastronomy. Private tours with licensed guides allow visitors to discover the city's best shopping spots and luxury restaurants. From traditional handmade products to the latest fashion designs, and from local delicacies to international cuisines, a wide range of experiences is offered.

To truly uncover Istanbul's hidden treasures and experience the city's grandeur, exclusive tours with licensed guides provide an unforgettable experience. These tours promise an in-depth exploration of Istanbul and offer the opportunity to discover the historical, cultural, and exclusive luxury aspects of Istanbul neighborhoods.

Private tours with licensed guides offer the opportunity to explore the most iconic areas and hidden gems of the city. They cover museums, exclusive venues, historic districts, and more. Tours are often personalized to provide experiences tailored to the interests and schedules of visitors.

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Luxury boat tours are a great option for enjoying the unique views of Istanbul from the sea. Guided by licensed guides, these tours offer the opportunity to admire the magnificent views of the Bosphorus and typically provide a comfortable and elegant experience on private boats.

Exclusive Luxury Restaurants and Gastronomic Experiences in Istanbul

Istanbul is home to globally renowned restaurants and boasts a rich culinary culture. Private tours with licensed guides offer the opportunity to discover the city's best restaurants and provide visitors with the chance to have an unforgettable gastronomic experience.

Exclusive Shopping and Fashion

Istanbul is a paradise for shopping enthusiasts. From luxury boutiques to traditional bazaars, the city offers a wide range of shopping experiences. Private shopping tours with licensed guides allow visitors to explore the best shopping spots and purchase the latest trend products.

Free Transfer Services and Comfortable Transportation in Istanbul

Private tours with licensed guides in Istanbul often provide free transfer services. These services cater to visitors' needs, such as airport transfers and transportation between accommodation areas. Private tours with licensed guides are the key to exploring the city in the most impressive and unforgettable way. These tours offer visitors the opportunity to experience exclusive luxury and cultural experiences and discover the historical and modern aspects of Istanbul.

Places to Explore in Istanbul

Private tours with licensed guides in Istanbul offer the opportunity to explore the city's most iconic areas and hidden treasures. They are ideal for discovering historical landmarks in Sultanahmet, luxury shopping destinations in Taksim, traditional markets in Eminönü, and the unique views of the Bosphorus with a Private Tour.

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