The Istanbul Two Continents One Soul Food Tour offers an immersive culinary adventure across both the European and Asian sides of this vibrant city. Participants indulge in a delightful array of 30-40 different snacks, kebabs, and desserts at 10 stops in the historic Old Town, savoring Turkish ice cream, sipping on raki, and exploring the iconic Spice Bazaar. With convenient ferry tickets and alcoholic beverages included, this tour promises to delight the senses and provide a deeper appreciation for Istanbul’s rich culinary traditions. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a curious traveler, this experience just might…
More food tours and experiences we've reviewed
Key Points
• This private food tour explores the culinary delights of Istanbul, offering a journey across the Bosphorus Strait to indulge in 30-40 different snacks, kebabs, and desserts.
• The tour starts at the Sirkeci (Dentur) terminal in the Hobyar neighborhood of Fatih district, with a 5-minute walk to the nearby Coffeetopia café in the Old Town.
• Participants are dropped off at the Eminönü İskele ferry dock, near the iconic Spice Bazaar, allowing them to explore the flavors of both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul.
• The tour includes ferry tickets and alcoholic beverages, providing an immersive experience that caters to both seasoned foodies and curious travelers.
• The tour is offered by Cooking Alaturka, a local tour operator, with a starting price of €120 for the full-day culinary exploration.
Meeting Point and Directions
The tour begins at the Sirkeci (Dentur) terminal in the Hobyar neighborhood of Fatih district in Istanbul, where participants can meet the guide.
From there, the group will walk about 5 minutes to the nearby Coffeetopia café in the Old Town, close to the famous Spice Bazaar. The café serves as a convenient meeting point before the food tour gets underway.
At the end of the tour, guests will be dropped off at the Emin??n?? ??skele ferry dock, also in the Hobyar neighborhood and just a short walk from the Spice Bazaar.
The directions are straightforward, and the locations are easily accessible via public transportation around Istanbul’s historic Old Town.
Tour Overview
This two-continent food tour in Istanbul takes participants on a culinary journey across the Bosphorus Strait, allowing them to explore the diverse flavors that define the city’s vibrant food scene.
Over the course of the tour, visitors will make 10 stops, indulging in a remarkable array of 30-40 different snacks, kebabs, desserts, and more.
The experience also includes ferry tickets and alcoholic beverages, providing a well-rounded and immersive exploration of Istanbul’s rich gastronomic heritage.
Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a curious traveler, this tour promises to delight the senses and leave you with a deeper appreciation for the unique culinary traditions that make Istanbul such a captivating destination.
Food and Beverage Highlights
As participants journey across the Bosphorus Strait, they’ll savor an impressive array of 30-40 distinct food and beverage offerings throughout the 10 stops on this culinary tour.
From the savory delights of traditional Turkish kebabs and meze platters to the sweetness of baklava and Turkish coffee, this tour promises to tantalize the taste buds.
Highlights include:
- Indulging in the rich, creamy texture of housemade Turkish ice cream, known as dondurma.
- Sipping on refreshing raki, the quintessential Turkish anise-flavored spirit.
- Savoring the flaky, buttery layers of freshly baked simit, a circular sesame bread.
- Exploring the vibrant flavors of authentic Turkish spices at the iconic Spice Bazaar.
This gastronomic adventure across two continents offers a truly immersive experience, celebrating the vibrant flavors and rich culinary heritage of Istanbul.
Transportation and Accessibility
Participants can conveniently reach the meeting point at Sirkeci (Dentur) in the Hobyar district of Fatih/Istanbul, which is easily accessible via public transportation.
The tour isn’t wheelchair-accessible, but most travelers can participate, with infants required to sit on laps.
From there, the group will take a ferry to explore the culinary delights on both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul.
At the end of the tour, guests can stroll the short 5-minute walk from Eminönü İskele back to the iconic Spice Bazaar.
This private tour ensures an intimate experience, with only your group participating in the 2-continent food adventure.
Tour Duration and Timing
The tour kicks off at 9:00 am, giving participants ample time to explore Istanbul’s culinary delights across two continents.
Over the course of the day, guests will indulge in a bountiful array of 30-40 different snacks, kebabs, and desserts at 10 distinct food and beverage stops.
The immersive experience lasts for the entirety of the day, allowing visitors to:
- Savor the flavors of both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul.
- Gain a deeper understanding of the city’s rich cultural heritage through its diverse cuisine.
- Enjoy the convenience of included ferry tickets and alcoholic beverages.
- Conclude the tour with a short 5-minute walk back to the iconic Spice Bazaar.
Reservation and Confirmation
Travelers can expect confirmation of their booking within 48 hours, subject to availability for this private food tour operated by Cooking Alaturka. As this is a popular tour, early booking is recommended to secure a spot.
Once confirmed, guests can look forward to an immersive culinary experience exploring the flavors of two continents in Istanbul.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but is near public transportation options for most travelers to participate. Infants must sit on laps, but the tour is suitable for most visitors.
At a price starting from €120, this food tour offers a unique opportunity to discover the soul of Istanbul through its diverse cuisine.
Tour Operator and Pricing
Cooking Alaturka, a local tour operator, offers this private food tour exploring the culinary delights of Istanbul at a starting price of €120.
This immersive experience takes participants on a 2-continent journey, featuring:
- 10 food and beverage stops, where you’ll indulge in 30-40 different snacks, kebabs, and desserts.
- Complimentary ferry tickets and alcoholic beverages to enhance the culture.
- A knowledgeable guide who’ll share insights into Istanbul’s rich culinary heritage.
- A private tour, ensuring a personalized and intimate experience.
With convenient meeting and end points, this tour is accessible and efficient, making it a must-try for any foodie visiting Istanbul.
Experience the Two Continents
Embarking on this culinary adventure, participants explore the unique flavors that span the two continents of Istanbul. From the historic Spice Bazaar in Europe to the bustling streets of Asia, the tour immerses visitors in the city’s rich gastronomic heritage. Along the way, they’ll savor an array of delectable Turkish specialties, from fragrant kebabs to decadent desserts. The experience is further enhanced by the ferry ride across the Bosphorus Strait, offering breathtaking views of the city skyline.
| Continent | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Europe | Spice Bazaar, Baklava, Turkish Coffee |
| Asia | Kebabs, Simit Bread, Turkish Delight |
| Both | Stunning Bosphorus Views, Diverse Cuisine |
Enjoy the vibrant flavors and cultures that make Istanbul a truly unique and unforgettable destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tour Suitable for Vegetarians/Vegans?
The tour may not be suitable for vegetarians or vegans as it focuses on Turkish cuisine, which typically includes a lot of meat-based dishes. However, the tour operator may be able to accommodate special dietary needs with advance notice.
Can the Tour Be Customized for Dietary Restrictions?
Yes, the tour can be customized for dietary restrictions. The operator is flexible and accommodating, and they will work with you to ensure your dietary needs are met during the food tour.
Is There a Minimum/Maximum Group Size Requirement?
The tour operator does not have a minimum group size requirement, but the maximum group size is 10 people. This private tour is designed for your group only, allowing for a personalized experience.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour Participants?
The tour has no age restrictions, and infants can participate by sitting on their parents’ laps. Most travelers can join the tour, making it suitable for a wide range of ages.
Can the Tour Be Booked for a Specific Date and Time?
Yes, the tour can be booked for a specific date and time. The tour operates on a private basis, so customers can choose their preferred date and start time, subject to availability.
Recap
The Istanbul Two Continents One Soul Food Tour offers an immersive culinary journey through the vibrant flavors of this historic city.
With a diverse array of snacks, kebabs, and desserts, along with convenient transportation and beverages included, this tour promises to delight the senses and provide a deeper understanding of Istanbul’s rich culinary heritage.
It’s an experience not to be missed for foodies seeking to explore the city’s unique blend of European and Asian influences.
