Istanbul - City of World's Desire - Experience the Traditional and Modern Hearts of the City

Hosted by

Utku Asrın

Guided trip
Hello there fellow travelers! My name is Utku and I would like you to introduce you to the city that I have been in love for the last 12 years, Istanbul! From the first time I ever gazed at the golden waters of the Haliç (Golden Horn) and saw the dolphins moving around in flock through the Bosphorus, I knew that this was a special space. I am a 21-year-old senior university student, and I'm studying English Translation and Interpretation. I have worked as a freelance translator and as a tour guide in Istanbul and its close vicinity before. And I never got tired of guiding people around the city because for me the feeling of excitement never gets old and my love for the city only increases with each time I gaze upon it. My English level is professional, but I'm quite competent in Spanish as well. (Málaga is like a second home to me after Erasmus) :) I would like to accompany you as your local guide through the streets and squares of this magnificent metropolis. * What is included in the Costs-* -) Accommodation: I will arrange a nice and comfy hotel or an Airbnb in a convenient location. Nothing too cheap, nothing too fancy though. (Shared rooms) -) Dinner with a variety of traditional dishes for "Day 3" At the end of Day 3, we will go to a great restaurant (you can also choose it if you like) and try out the delis, dishes, and desserts from a rich culinary world. *-Additional Costs-* -) Plane Tickets: I believe it would be much more convenient for you to arrange your own schedule for your desired flexibility level and to benefit from your regional fares on plane tickets. -) Public Transportation Since the city is massive, the use of public transportation is a must. You will be able to easily generate a city transportation card from one of the card boxes that are available almost on every stop or platform. Public transportation fees are much more convenient than in other touristic European cities. For example, the cost of a 10-pass card is 110 TL (5,45 EUR). I will also give you the most convenient methods of traveling from A to B. - Museum Entrances I would not like you to drag into any museum or monument, so I leave the option to you. You will be able to find detailed information on every museum and monument that we are going to, and you should be able to buy all the tickets online. I will give you detailed information about their content and tourist fares in order for you to freely choose the ones you wish to see most. The entrance fees may vary between 2 and 10 Euros for tourists, which is reasonable compared to many other touristic destinations in Europe. Do you have a question? Ask in the Q&A below! I'm happy to hop on a call with you after booking, to see if we get along and if this trip matches your expectations. Can’t wait to hear from you! 🙌🏻
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Trip Itinerary
1

Kadıköy

Day 1
Day 1-) Embrace the City Since the city is huge on a grand scale and has more than one center, it is best to experience it all step by step. Starting from the Asian side, we will embark on a ferry and pass the Bosphorus the traditional way. You will see both sides in all their beauty and most likely get a chance to feed the seagulls. If we are lucky, we will also see dolphins passing by as well :) The ferry is also one of the best ways to sightsee towards the historical peninsula and Galata.
2

Taksim Square

Day 1
After embarking on the European side, we will walk a bit through the shoreline, pass neo-baroque style palaces from the 19th century and ascend a hill to reach to the modern heart of the city, the Taksim Square.
3

Galata Tower

Day 1
Descending through the classic commercial street, we will see lots of shops, churches, mosques, consulates until we reach the old Genoese colony, Galata and gaze upon their striking tower that has been a symbol of the city.
4

Eminonu Pier Kadikoy

Day 1
Descending the steep historical streets, we will reach the shores of the Golden Horn and pass the bridge there to the historical peninsula, where you can see a hundred minarets piercing through the sky and gaze upon the most magnificent and symbolic monuments of the grand city.
5

Rihtim Hotel

Day 1-2
We take a ferry back to Kadıköy and head towards the hotel. I have booked an amazing seaside place with one of the best views of the Bosphorus strait. Although most of our trips will take place on the European side, the tourist fees that the hotels apply there can double or triple the prices that are available on the Asian side. Besides, you will get better views from the shore and ferries this way!
6

Kadıköy

Day 2
Day 2-) Feel the Heritage After leaving our hotel, we take a ferry back to where we left off yesterday, Eminönü! Don't feel discouraged by the constant ferry trip back and forth, it is a reality in this city that connects two continents, and you will get the best of the views every time you travel! For me, it's been 12 years, yet I feel the same feeling of joy and excitement every time I cross the Bosphorus strait.
7

Sultanahmet Square

Day 2-3
Starting from the port-side Eminönü Square, we will ascend towards the highest hill within the old town, where the jewel of the city and an architectural marvel, Hagia Sophia stands. Standing face to face with its younger sibling, Sultanahmet Camii (Blue Mosque) you will get the chance to visit them in the old Hippodrome square along with the Basilica Cistern and Topkapı Palace. If you are an archeology enthusiast, Istanbul Archeology Museum has a collection of artifacts from the Ancient Orient that can rival that of the British History Museum! After the culture trip, we make our way back to the hotel.
8

Grand Bazaar

Day 3-4
Day 3-) Silk Road's Final Stop We continue our exploration of the historical peninsula and dive straight into the heart of commerce. From the elegant rugs, tapestriesş leatherworks, and jewelry to the mouthwatering desserts and traditional coffee shops. You will find the best gifts for yourself and your loved ones in the Grand Bazaar (the biggest and one of the oldest closed markets in the world) and Eminönü. To end the dizzying shopping and haggling, we will feast on a vast variety of traditional dishes and delis from a huge background of Balkan, Anatolian, Caucasian, and Middle Eastern culinary. Although the country is famous for its kebabs in the world, vegetarian and vegan friends will have plenty of options to choose from one of the most delicious and healthy dish options available worldwide.
9

Kadikoy Bull Statue

Day 4
Day 4-) Become the Local We make a detour from the historical centers of the city and head straight for the modern entertainment district of the city on the Asian side, Kadıköy! There you will see how the people of the city, especially the younger generations, go out to have fun! From cute coffee and chocolate shops to pubs and clubs, this side of the city is always a rush for young people to hang around with their friends. Due to being located on the Asian side, it is also one of the best places to take pictures of the historical European side as the crimson sun sets behind the golden city.
Trip Summary
Accommodation
Hotel & Bed & Breakfast
4 days trip
Kadıköy, Taksim Square & 7 more
Transportation
Boat, Trekking
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