Istanbul Culinary Tour – Taste of Two Continents

Please note that you can book for more that 2 travelers as this tour can accommodate more.

Amenities and Accommodations – Walking, Tram, and Cruise

Dietary restrictions – Please notify us of any restrictions you may have. We can make the appropriate accommodations for your needs and customize the itinerary.

Here is how your day will look:

Are you ready to experience a traditional Turkish meal?  Join Onur for a tour of the local’s favorite restaurants for breakfast and lunch! Experience the taste of two continents showcasing the amazing diversity in food that Istanbul offers. You will begin your tour in the European end of the city in the Spice Market located in Istanbul – Eminonu. This colorful market holds hidden places around every narrow corner waiting to be discovered. This is one of the oldest areas in the city to get a drink of that delicious coffee, tracing its roots back a hundred of years. In this market you will be shown around by Onur. There are number of food items to get your hands on. You will also get the opportunity to learn and see were the delicious spices come from.

Turkish Breakfast Sampler

Once your morning meal is completed Onur will take you to your next destination – Bosphurus Cruise. While you wait for your turn to ride the waves of the beautiful water, enjoy a moment to feed the seagulls of the Bosphurus. The cruise will take you across the Bosphorus to the Asian side, where you will have the opportunity to try a Turkish Mezze. If you are feeling a little peckish from your walk, enjoy a snack and cup of tea on the cruise, but don’t fill up, more food awaits you.

Bosphurus Cruise

Itinerary for the Day:

10:00AM – You will meet Onur at the Spice Market to begin your tour. If you are not sure how to navigate your way here, please let us know in advance and we will be able to support you.

Accommodations – If you are uncertain of the area or require support with transportation, please inform us in advance. Depending on the 10KM radius from the location, Onur can meet you at your location.

Historical context of the Spice Market:

This unique spice market, also known as Egyptian bazaar, it’s the most famous covered shopping complex after the Grand Bazaar. Built by the architect Kazim Aga in 1664 and hosts eighty-five shops. You can find their Turkish delights and other sweets, jewelry, souvenirs, herbs, big variaty of spices, dried fruits and nuts, fresh tea, scarves, lanterns and Nargile! A place that will satisfy all your senses! The area of the market is referred to as the caranvanserai, as it was the place for travelers to rest and recover from their journey through the famous Silk Road. The camels would ride into this area with their owners, to drop off products from their long journey.

Breakfast – Oh Yum!!!

Afiyet Olsun! (may it be good for you!) – On a lovely walk through the Spice Market you will have a chance to nibble on samples of various options of cheeses, vegetables, deli meats, sausages, toasts, omelets, pancakes, and pastries. The options are endless, the real test is how much can you handle. Don’t forget to stop for traditional cup of Turkish tea.

During your meal, you will have the opportunity to converse with Onur regarding the traditions of the foods as well as the opportunity to meet the cook or chef along the stops you make.

Stroll to the Bosphorus

Next on your list of places is the Bosphurus Cruise. While you wait for your ride across the beautiful water. Take a moment to dance with the seagulls. You may chuckle while you read this, but these seagulls do have you hopping. Grab some bread and enjoy mother natures wonders.

Bosphorus Cruise – A little bit of knowledge to share:

The calm waters of the Bosphorus Strait beckon you to get aboard and take in the legendary remnants of ancient Constantinople, Byzantium, and the Ottoman Empire. A cruise through the Bosphorus Strait is like witnessing the past and present of Turkey. As you see the ancient monuments, you will also get to see newer buildings and mansions and see how the land has evolved over time. Seeing these monuments from the cruise will give you a panoramic view, a whole different perspective.

Turkish Pide

The Second half – Asia

Once you step out of your cruise and into the second half of your Culinary tour. Onur will take you to the famous Fish and Vegetable market.

Lunch:

All that talk about food must have you hungry.

There are number of places to try from. Onur will arrange your next pit stop for food where you will enjoy a Turkish Mezze with delicious samples of kebab, meat, pite, lahmacun and more cheese. Well, who can say no to more cheese! If you have a preference don’t hesitate to inform Onur.

Turkish Mezze

Coffee or Tea

No meal is complete without a tea or coffee in the afternoon. You may enjoy this with some sweets of your liking – baklava, Turkish delights or kanefe. Whatever your heart desires.

Time for Dessert!

Next is the district of Karakoy which will involve a boat cruise back to the European side. Please be advised that from this point onwards, the cost of food and purchase will be on the traveller should they purchase boxes of treats. Onur is able to show you shops that have some of the most famous Baklava and Turkish Delights. For those who prefer a evening drink, local spots for drinks are available. Raki, anyone.!!

The end of the tour:

Once you have filled up your belly and ready to head back to your hotel. Onur will take you back to where it begins, the Spice Market. If you choose to depart earlier, please arrange that with Onur, if you are uncertain of directions. He will be happy to direct you.

We hope you filled up and took a lot of pictures through the day!

If we are lucky, you might get a glimpse of Salt Bae, if he is in town!