Half European, half Asian, this Turkish metropolis is the only one in the world located on two continents at once. Former Constantinople immerses its guests in centuries of history and fascinates with a combination of Western modernism and Eastern traditions. Excursions in Istanbul in Russian are the best way to get acquainted with the 14 millionth “city of contrasts”, as the heroine of the beloved movie rightly called it.

Asian Istanbul from dawn to dusk

By booking this tour, you will get to know the places where religions and cultures intersect. On the Anatolian side of the Bosphorus, tourists will find themselves in a world of diverse architecture, atmospheric bazaars, antique shops and traditional restaurants. The Russian-speaking guide will show you the most beautiful corners and sights of the Asian part.

You will visit Uksudar, an area where Ottoman palaces and wooden buildings of the 19th century are located, see the romantic Maiden Tower, get acquainted with the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque, which delights the audience with the elegance of its interiors, and admire the panorama of the city from the highest point of the Buyuk Chamlydzha metropolis (268 m above sea level).

Depending on their preferences, tourists can choose the areas and quarters that are most interesting to them, as well as complement the trip with shopping on Baghdad Jadesi – a street on both sides of which boutiques of famous Turkish and international brands adjoin.

Turkish street food

Travelers who prioritize gastronomic tourism are invited to get acquainted with the culinary art of the streets, which allows them to experience the diversity of Turkish cuisine. The walk begins in the Besiktas and Karakoy districts, famous not only for their modern youth culture and graffiti-painted buildings, but also for kebabs, roasted chestnuts, boiled corn and kavurma – minced lamb with spices wrapped in a flatbread.

Then connoisseurs of delicious food will go “closer to the people” – to traditional soup rooms, where chefs prepare excellent lentil and mint yogurt soups. Fans of fish dishes and seafood will appreciate grilled mackerel and stuffed mussels. Vegetarians will not miss chi kofte – a dish of bulgur, pepper, tomato paste and greens. A must for tourists: to fully appreciate the taste and variety of street food, go on an empty stomach trip!

Turkish night on the Bosphorus – boat trip

The evening city fascinates and invites you to ride the waves of the Bosphorus together, meet the mystical sunset, take amazing photos and admire suspension bridges, ancient buildings, wide embankments, magnificent Dolmabahce and Chiragan palaces illuminated by the setting sun and hundreds of iridescent lights from a new angle. A cruise along the strait will plunge you into the magical atmosphere of the oriental night, delicious food and enticing oriental music.

The crew of the cozy ship will greet its guests with a welcome cocktail and invite them to become spectators and participants in the traditional colorful performance. It includes theatrical skits performed by male actors, a henna ceremony, a belly dance and a performance by the Turna folklore group. The price of the four-hour cruise includes transfer, local drinks and dinner.

Waves into history

If you are tired of crowds of travelers and ubiquitous barkers, join the tour that opens the exciting pages of the history of the eastern metropolis. Acquaintance with legends and secrets begins in Uskudar, a region on the Anatolian side of the Bosporus. Here you will visit the medieval mosque Mihrimah Sultan, named after the daughter of Suleiman the Magnificent and Roksolana. Hopelessly in love with a girl, architect Mimar Sinan immortalized his feeling in granite and marble.

Next, you will have an hour-long journey along the strait by ferry, after which the guide will take you through the old cemetery, famous not only for the burial places of famous Ottoman politicians and cultural figures, but also for cats that have found their home among marble tombstones. The tour will end at the Pierre Loti coffee shop, located on the hill of the same name. People come here not only to taste the famous Turkish coffee. The terrace offers a breathtaking view of the Golden Horn Bay.

Istanbul from the inside

To get to know the metropolis as the locals see it, to feel the oriental flavor and visit the ancient quarters, a five-hour tour will help, the route of which starts on the crowded pedestrian Istiklal Street, which has become a symbol of European Turkey. Here is the largest Istanbul basilica – the Catholic Church of St. Anthony. Then the road will take you to the Chukurjuma area filled with ancient wooden buildings and the bohemian Cihangir.

Walking along the walls of the Dolmabahce Palace, the Yildiz Pastoral Park and the Rumeli Hisary Fortress built in 1452, listening to the guide's story about the history of the eastern metropolis, you will quietly find yourself in the fashionable Bebek and calm Ortaköy, beloved by the townspeople, an area of stone-paved streets, colorful old buildings and marinas. One of the attractions of this place is kupmir – baked potatoes with vegetable filling.

Photo adventure – scenic beauty of the slums

For lovers of textured photos and the city behind the scenes – outskirts free from hundreds of tourists – a three-hour excursion program is offered. Its participants will make a boat trip along the Golden Horn and come into contact with the secrets of the ruins and urban slums. You will visit Balat, a former area of Jewish settlers, and now a place that has gathered medieval clay huts, sagging balconies, asymmetric intersections and exotic lanes through which ropes with the dried linen of local residents stretch.

Behind the remains of the fortress wall that separates Istanbul from the Sea of Marmara, there is Fener, whose streets are devoid of artificial gloss. Doomed to extinction, the area acquaints its few guests with the dilapidated beauty of ancient buildings. Authentic courtyards, Greek cafes, craft workshops, neglected mosques, temples and synagogues will serve as a backdrop for an unusual walk.

Istanbul for

The metropolis without pathos and gloss appears before the participants of the tour, which takes place far from the places whose photos flash in glossy guidebooks. Travelers will set off to explore the oldest quarters and small courtyards, free from the tourist bustle. Here you can meet the locals, taste freshly baked bread made in the home bakery, see how the famous lint-free kelim rugs are made from coarse fiber, visit real hammams and learn how to behave in Turkish steam rooms.

During a 3.5-hour walk, you will get acquainted with the Karakoy region, where thousands of Russians, expelled from their homeland by the revolution and the Civil War, arrived in 1917-1920, and where the first Orthodox church is located. And only a guide will help you not to get lost in the intricacies of tiny lanes and narrow streets, among antique shops, taverns and art salons.

Treasures of the Bosphorus

A 30 km long waterway with a maximum width of 3,700 m divides the metropolis into two continents: Europe and Asia. The tour dedicated to the surroundings of the Bosphorus invites you to a 45-minute walk on a cruise ship, during which you will admire the main sights from an unusual angle and watch the fishermen on the Galata Bridge.

The return journey will take place by land and will begin with a visit to the 28-meter-high Rumeli Hisary Fortress. From its walls you can see the blue waters of the strait and the Asian part. Further, the guide will take you through the Arnavutköy quarter, famous for its openwork wooden houses in the Ottoman style, the promenade with the Ataköy Marina marina, the privileged Bebek and the historical Ortaköy captivating with its beauty, filled with cozy cafes, numerous shops and jewelry shops.

Whole city in 1 day

Get to know the Turkish metropolis in a short time, learn to navigate its streets, see the iconic sights with a sightseeing tour. A magnificent city with 8,500 years of history that has changed several names, the city that for centuries was the residence of Roman, Byzantine emperors and Ottoman sultans, today invites its guests to experience oriental magic and national flavor.

Is it possible to see all the most interesting things in 8 hours? Judge for yourself: the Million Stone, Gulhane Park, Suleymaniye Mosque, Grand Bazaar, Dolmabahce Palace, Maiden and Galata Towers, fortresses and suspension bridges will appear before you. The Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and the Byzantine Church of Sergius and Bacchus will open their doors. You will walk along Istiklal Street, visit an inexpensive sweet shop and the Egyptian Spice Market. You can take a break from walking while traveling on a boat on the Bosphorus.

Magnificent century

To see the city through the prism of the era of Suleiman I, during which Istanbul experienced the apogee of its development, will help the route passing through the ancient streets that witnessed the heyday of the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century. Travelers will discover interesting facts from the life of the ruler, the features of the life and structure of the harem, the secrets of the court and the story of the ruler's love for Roksolana. You will learn why the tenth Ottoman sultan executed his vizier and his own sons, why Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska died, and who inherited the throne.

Armed with knowledge, you will see the Suleymaniye, Rustem Pasha and Mihrimah Sultan mosques in a different light – the best works of engineer and architect Mimar Sinan. After getting acquainted with the biography of the powerful of this world, you will go to the quarters where ordinary citizens lived and worked. Here, behind the front facades, you can watch the work of artisans and dine in a tavern, whose chefs have been preparing Turkish dishes for 100 years.

Istanbul is Istiklal

Through the crowd of people, a red retro tram slowly makes its way, plying along the street back in 1871. Byzantine buildings and Ottoman palaces coexist with modern buildings and arcades. Christian churches coexist next to mosques and synagogues. Boot shiners beckon customers in every way, and vendors with carts offer delicious ice cream and hearty ichli kofte – tiny minced meat patties with walnuts and spices.

All this is a pedestrian two-kilometer Istiklal Street, originating from Taksim Square and ending in the Galata area. Coming to Istanbul and not walking around it is a crime. Therefore, put on comfortable shoes and follow your guide on a city trip. During the promenade, you will meet famous sights, authentic buildings, traditional cafes, designer shops, nightclubs and many more surprises that Turkish Arbat is rich in.

Istanbul without a cover or how to get lost in the city

Studying the streets and quarters, one cannot only follow the paths laid by millions of tourists. Feel the mood of the metropolis, look at it through the eyes of local residents, find images inherent only to it, taste unfamiliar dishes with a four-hour sightseeing tour. Accompanied by an accredited private guide, you will visit two continents, get acquainted with Ottoman monuments and modern European architecture, learn about the history of the city and its famous inhabitants in an accessible informal way.

Walking among the Orthodox and Catholic churches, you will hear echoes of the Christian era of the former Constantinople. A trip on the Bosphorus ferry will complement the walking tour. Sitting on the deck and enjoying the taste of Turkish tea, you will see not only sea views, but also an entertaining game of backgammon, which the townspeople who cross from coast to coast entertain themselves with.

From Europe to Asia: Kadikoy

The city combines European and Asian traditions, antiquity and modernity. If you want to get acquainted with the culture, customs, mores of the locals, then take advantage of the new excursion offer.

Group members will be able to:

You will get to the Kadikoy area by ferry. The journey will take no more than 20 minutes. You will enjoy wonderful sea views and feed waterfowl. At the oriental bazaar, get acquainted with a rich assortment of goods offered by local merchants. Try to bargain with them, believe me, this is an exciting experience.

You will get acquainted with the work of artists, designers, you will be able to study the proposed antiques and purchase souvenirs. You will walk around the area and see the significant architectural monuments of the place. And at the end of the route, participants will have a unique opportunity to taste real Turkish coffee. Such a walk will not leave anyone indifferent.

The city through the eyes of Istanbulites

If you want to get to know a modern city that is filled with historical monuments, visit it accompanied by an experienced guide. The guide will show amazing places, saturated with mystery and mystery. The Golden Horn is the symbol of the metropolis. It is associated with many historical facts relating to the times of the existence of Constantinople and the Ottoman Empire. You will get to know them during the walk.

You will visit the original Balat area and see colorful houses that are known all over the world. You will learn how the locals managed to remain optimistic despite the poverty. You will visit the picturesque district of Kuzgundzhuk – a kind of Parisian Montmartre and understand why filmmakers liked this place so much.

Then you will pass through Arnavutköy, which is compared to Nice. It is full of cozy, openwork houses made of wood. This is the main fishing place of the metropolis. If you wish, you will be able to try or purchase products of local fishermen.

You will have a unique opportunity to walk around the Turkish Manhatton – the Levent area. This is an elite place, skyscrapers and office buildings are concentrated here. Weather permitting, you can enjoy a bird's-eye view of the city.

The Russian-speaking guide will take you through all the famous areas:

And at the end of the program, you will plunge into the world of a real, unhurried city. There are no crowds of tourists, fuss and haste. Only in the evening, young people gather in Kadikoy. The best clubs are located on Cadifé Street. You can look there if you wish.

Live everyday Istanbul

If you want to look at the city through the eyes of local residents, then you should become a member of an unusual excursion program. During the route, you will get acquainted with iconic monuments, walk along the Istiklal shopping street and enjoy real, fragrant Turkish coffee in the best cafe.

You will be able to get acquainted with the grandiose monument of architecture – the Tolkapı Palace. It has a long history and keeps within its walls the memory of the names of great rulers.

The participants of the route will visit the heart of the city – the historical district of Beyoglu and personally see the majesty of such unique sights as:

The guide will acquaint you with the details of the founding of the monuments, the history of their origin and tell a lot of legends and legends. You will learn how modern Turks live, what are their customs and features of cultural traditions. A fascinating and detailed story of the guide will allow you to plunge into the everyday life of the townspeople.

Discover unexplored Istanbul

The excursion offer will appeal to those travelers who want to see the most mysterious and enigmatic places in the city. The guide will lead you along the paths where the tourist's foot rarely sets foot. The participants of the program will walk along the legendary Galata Bridge, visit Uskudar and Kadikoy districts and appreciate the beauty of the setting sun on Chamlyc Hill.

The route will start from the legendary Eminonu. Everyone who visits the city should visit here. The area is famous for its numerous shops and cozy cafes. Near the symbol of the country and the metropolis, you will try a culinary miracle – the national dish – balyk-ekmek (fish baked in bread). After the meal, the path to the Galata Bridge lies ahead. Along the way, you will meet the main sights of Istanbul and learn their history.

A visit to the autistic district of Uskudar will impress even the most demanding tourists. Here you can observe the contrast of antiquity and modernity. You will have a rare opportunity to sit on the steps of the Maiden Tower and hear an interesting story about how the monument got its name.

A cup of the Turkish drink salep will invigorate you and allow you to continue the unusual route. And you still have to climb Buyuk Chamlij to admire the beauty of the city and capture it against the backdrop of sunset.

King of the Princes' Islands

Buyukada is a place inhabited not only by Turks. Since time immemorial, Greeks, Armenians and representatives of other nationalities have lived here. That is why Buyukada is saturated with a special, colorful atmosphere. Only here it will be possible to get acquainted with the diversity of cultural traditions formed as a result of the life of different peoples.

There is a strange custom here. Guests of the islands attach notes with wishes to the trees, and then pull loose strings to find out their future. The locals do not like the tradition, and the guide will certainly tell you what caused the discontent of the islanders.

You will have an unusual meeting with religious monuments. In one place are collected shrines belonging to different faiths. You will hear a lot of interesting stories: about the owner of a public institution, about Trotsky who visited Buyukada, about ghosts that live in one of the houses.

In the refectory of the monastery of St. George, you will be able to taste local dishes: barbecue, salads, Turkish pies. You will hear the fascinating history of the monastery and enjoy the magnificent views from the hill. We are waiting for you on the most exciting walk around the Princes' Islands.

Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Hippodrome

On a short, introductory walk, you will meet the symbols of the city and learn a lot of interesting facts. Hagia Sophia is considered a symbol of the golden age of Byzantium. It was built in the era of the existence of the great Empire. The unique masterpiece of medieval architecture had to see a lot over the years of its existence.

The Christian shrine was turned into a Muslim mosque. But historians argue that it was this circumstance that made it possible to preserve the appearance of the structure, at least in a modified form. In the 17th century, by decree of the ruler, the incomparable beauty of the Blue Mosque was built. This piece of Islamic architecture is done in gentle blue tones.

The Basilica Cistern should be seen by all guests of the city. The historical landmark remembers the times of the Romans. Once the Basilica Cistern served as the main reservoir. There is a legend among the inhabitants that in those years the fish fell into the wells of houses, it was not even necessary to go to the sea for it.
The tour of the Hippodrome will complete the program. It was built in the 3rd century by the Roman emperor so that the people could have fun.

Conquest of the city on public transport

A sightseeing walk on public transport will allow you to visit the most unusual areas of the city. It is usually divided into two parts: European and Asian. Many residents are in two parts of the world in a day. For example, they go to work in European Istanbul, and return home to Asian. Now you can make an exciting journey too.

You will get to Europe by funicular. The trip will be exciting, with the guide's stories about an unusual form of transport. Here you will get acquainted with the main symbols of Istanbul and hear the history of their origin.
Then you will transfer to the metrobus, another unusual type of Turkish transport. From its windows you will see in detail the appearance of the modern metropolis with its skyscrapers and monuments.

Then you have to make the transition from Europe to Asia along the Bosphorus bridge. This opportunity is not often given to tourists. You will be able to walk around the picturesque area. Back to Europe you will return on a sea vessel. Travel time will provide a unique opportunity to enjoy the seascapes.

istanbul all inclusive

This route is designed for those who want to see the whole city. Tourists will have to ride on the legendary red tram, get acquainted with the bright traditions of the locals, see the main symbols of the country and the city, and try real Turkish food. The tour is conducted by a Russian-speaking local resident. He has been familiar with the city and the cultural customs of the inhabitants since childhood. Therefore, you will hear only reliable facts.

During the program, you will be able to see attractions such as:

The walk will be complemented by a visit to local markets. The splendor of the Grand Bazaar will delight any tourist. The abundance of shops, noisy, cheerful merchants, flavors of oriental cuisine will be remembered for a long time. In addition, you will have a rare opportunity to visit the places where the best Turkish films were filmed, including the Magnificent Century TV series. Hurry up to sign up for a tour if you want to see Istanbul in all its glory.

Assemble the mosaic of Istanbul

The route is ideal for those who want to form their own impression of the city. You will set off from the station from which the famous Orient Express departs. You will hear the history of the train and the legends associated with the train.

You will walk through the Egyptian Bazaar, and along the way, consider the architectural monuments:

Then relax in a cozy cafe and have lunch. The further way is through the famous Istiklal Street. This is the center of life. There is no transport here, but it is always crowded and fun. At the end of the program, you will taste real Turkish plov. Such a deep and bright journey through the city will be remembered for a long time.

Walk-quest along the original Kadikoy

If you have already explored the European part of the city, it's time to start exploring the Asian side. A walk in the format of a quest through the colorful district of Kadikoy will provide tourists with such an opportunity. You will set off from the pier. From here you have wonderful views of the peninsula. During the walk you will learn about the existence of the ancient city of Chalcedon, which has now become one of the urban areas.

You will walk along the quiet, inconspicuous streets and be able to take pictures next to an unusual sculpture – a statue of a bull, as well as enjoy the beauty of the tea garden and hear the story of the legendary Turkish writer. You will certainly enjoy visiting the most bohemian place in Turkey – the Moda district. Here, those who wish can ride the legendary red tram and see the main symbols of the metropolis.

The route has been adjusted in such a way that tourists can pass through the oriental bazaar and plunge into the extraordinary atmosphere that prevails here. The participants of the quest will try fragrant coffee, the recipe of which was created during the reign of Sultan Suleiman. At the end of the program, everyone will receive a commemorative gift.

Istiklal is part of Russian and Turkish history

A unique excursion route has been organized for those who want to see where Imperial Russia ended its existence, where the White Army died. Tourists will get acquainted with Istiklal Street. Slashchev-Krymsky's historical meetings with Baron Wrangel took place here, the “white emigration” once lived here, those who fled from a communist country.

On the famous street, a lot of religious monuments belonging to different faiths have been preserved. Among the attractions, a special place is occupied by the hotel where Agatha Christie, the author of detective novels, lived. Tourists will enjoy traveling by cable car. During the journey, you will be able to admire the Bosphorus and capture the picturesque views of the strait.

Participants of the program will get acquainted with the luxurious area of Nishantashi. Here you will go to a cafe and enjoy a cup of delicious coffee. In addition, guests of Istanbul will see the iconic symbols of the city and learn about their history. If you want to take an unusual walk and find out what is silent on other excursions, then you should hurry to join the group.

All about mosques and ancient monuments

The program includes acquaintance with the main shrines and historical monuments. The walk will begin with a tour of the Hippodrome. Roman rulers used to gather here to watch the horse races. You will visit the place where the legendary series “The Magnificent Age” was filmed and see the best sights of the city.

Not all remarkable places are familiar to tourists. Some of them are not mentioned in guidebooks. But you can personally see the most unusual and mysterious places. These include such ancient monuments as:

In addition, program participants will be able to admire the wonderful natural landscapes of the Golden Horn Bay.
Only the most interesting and unusual that the city carefully preserves awaits you.

Conquer top terraces

Many tourists dream of enjoying the beauty of the city from open terraces. But not all guides have information and the location of the best sites. Those who take advantage of the offer will have the opportunity to see the city from the most unusual angles. It's hard to walk carefree if you don't have breakfast. Therefore, at first the participants of the program will look at the terrace, where breakfast will be organized in the best Turkish traditions.

They will try 24 delicacies and enjoy the taste of aromatic tea. Then the guests of the city will get to the terraces of the secret roof, from where stunning views of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn open. You will be able to take memorable pictures. Turkey is known as a country of winemakers. To visit here and not try a sparkling drink with a rich aftertaste is an unacceptable mistake. You will not be allowed to do it.

You will drink a glass of Turkish sparkling wine, and at the same time admire the towering Galata Tower and hear the history of its origin. Then the participants will visit the hotel, which has been accepting passengers of the Orient Express for a long time, taste the legendary eclairs and relax with a cup of tea. Those who like to sleep a little longer in the morning are invited to take advantage of the afternoon tour option. So the “owls” will also not miss interesting moments.