Experience the rich history and vibrant culture of Istanbul with the best tour guides in the city. While there are many tour guides available, only a few offer a truly local and immersive experience. Fest Travel, Istanbul Tour Studio, and Locally Istanbul are three tour guide companies that provide tailor-made tours filled with detailed historical information and unique local experiences. Whether you’re interested in exploring Byzantine landmarks, diving into Istanbul’s food and art scene, or taking an adventure on a vintage motorcycle, these tour guides have it all covered. Discover the hidden gems of Istanbul and embark on an unforgettable journey through this ancient city with the help of these expert guides.
Fest Travel
Background and History
Fest Travel is a cultural organization and travel agency that has been operating since 1985. It first started with the Strolling Through Istanbul and Istanbul Step by Step tours, which were immensely successful. Since then, Fest Travel has expanded its offerings to include 170 different itineraries in Istanbul, 200 itineraries all around Anatolia, and more than 220 tours in 190 countries. However, what sets Fest Travel apart is its dedication to each destination’s cultural, religious, and archeological characteristics. They ensure that every guide has a deep knowledge of the particular route and all its sights. In Istanbul, some of their tours include the Byzantine Tour, Bazaars of Istanbul, Bosphorus Cruise, Jewish Heritage, Ottoman Tour, and Two Continents.
Tour Offerings
Fest Travel offers a wide range of tours to cater to various interests and preferences. Whether you’re interested in exploring the rich history of Istanbul, experiencing the vibrant bazaars, or immersing yourself in the Jewish heritage of the city, Fest Travel has a tour for you. Their tours are carefully curated to provide a comprehensive and authentic experience, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in the local culture. From historical landmarks to local cuisines, Fest Travel ensures that you get to explore all aspects of Istanbul. With a deep knowledge of each destination they operate in, Fest Travel guarantees an enriching and inspiring travel experience.
Istanbul Tour Studio
Founding and Vision
Istanbul Tour Studio was founded in 2013 by Sinan Sökmen with the vision of providing a fully customized travel experience in Istanbul and throughout Turkey. The agency’s team goes above and beyond to ensure that every aspect of your trip is taken care of, from airport welcome to hotel bookings, dinner reservations, and transportation. Istanbul Tour Studio’s goal is to provide a truly local feel to their tours by collaborating with connoisseurs in different fields and local experts. By curating itineraries based on specific interests, such as history, photography, food, art, and more, Istanbul Tour Studio offers unique experiences tailored to the preferences of each guest.
Customized Travel Experience
Istanbul Tour Studio prides itself on offering a customized travel experience. They understand that every traveler is unique and has different interests and preferences. That’s why the agency ensures that their tours are curated to cater to the specific interests, expectations, timing, and mood of each guest. By providing a personalized touch to their tours, Istanbul Tour Studio ensures that you get to explore Istanbul in a way that resonates with your interests and preferences. From historical tours to street art tours, spiritual walks to food tours, Istanbul Tour Studio offers a wide range of experiences to choose from.
Current Tours
Istanbul Tour Studio offers a diverse range of tours that showcase the best of Istanbul. Whether you’re interested in taking a helicopter tour of the city, exploring its street art scene, or going on a bike and bite tour, Istanbul Tour Studio has a tour for you. Some of their current tours include the Istanbul Helicopter Tour, One Day Street Art Tour, Spiritual Sunday Walk, Bike and Bite Tour Istanbul, and I’m Rowing in Istanbul (among many others). These tours are designed to provide a unique and immersive experience, allowing you to discover Istanbul from a local’s perspective.
Locally Istanbul
Founding and Concept
Locally Istanbul was founded by Ümit Aggül and Erk Erkaya, two young and dynamic Istanbul experts who have a passion for excellent food. The concept behind Locally Istanbul is to provide a local experience that takes you off the beaten path. Their itineraries are based entirely on the personal whims of each client. By considering specific interests, expectations, timing, and mood, Locally Istanbul aims to showcase the versatile personality of Istanbul. From rich history to design, fashion, art, culture, music, and nightlife, Locally Istanbul covers it all, ensuring a truly immersive and personalized experience.
Personalized Tours
Locally Istanbul believes in the power of personalization. They understand that every traveler is unique and has different preferences. That’s why they offer personalized tours that cater to the specific interests and preferences of each client. Whether you’re interested in vintage motorcycle tours, tours of the Asian side of Istanbul, or private Bosphorus cruises, Locally Istanbul can create an itinerary that perfectly aligns with your preferences. With Locally Istanbul, you’ll have the opportunity to hang out with two locals who know their city inside out and are passionate about showing off its best attributes.
Preferred Tours
Locally Istanbul offers a variety of preferred tours that showcase the best of what Istanbul has to offer. Some of their preferred tours include the famous Istanbul tour in a WWII vintage motorcycle, Tour of the Asian Side, Golden Horn Tour, Private Bosphorus Cruise, Art & Antiques Tour, Turkish Designers Tour, and Istanbul By Night. These tours are designed to provide a unique and personalized experience, allowing you to explore Istanbul’s diverse offerings in a way that resonates with your interests and preferences.
Culture Trip Small-Group Trips
Introduction to Culture Trip
Culture Trip is a travel company that aims to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people, and its culture special and meaningful. Since its launch in 2011, Culture Trip has been dedicated to providing award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand the uniqueness of certain places and communities. With a focus on meaningful, real-life connections and responsible travel, Culture Trip has curated a collection of premium small-group trips that invite curious travelers to explore the world in a more responsible and immersive way.
Categories of Trips
Culture Trip offers small-group trips in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips, and Private Trips. Culture Trips are deeply immersive itineraries that range from 5 to 16 days. These trips combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities, and 4-5 star accommodation to provide a comprehensive and unforgettable travel experience. Rail Trips are designed to be planet-friendly, offering scenic routes and the opportunity to relax while getting under the skin of a destination. Private Trips, on the other hand, are fully tailored itineraries curated specifically for individuals, friends, or families.
Commitment to Responsible Travel
Culture Trip is committed to responsible travel and minimizing its environmental impact. They understand the concerns surrounding the environmental effects of travel and are actively working towards addressing them. To mitigate the carbon footprint of their trips, Culture Trip ensures that all their trips are flightless in destination and fully carbon offset. Additionally, they have ambitious plans to be net zero in the near future. By choosing Culture Trip Small-Group Trips, travelers can explore the world in a responsible and sustainable manner.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you’re looking for the best tour guides in Istanbul, look no further than Fest Travel, Istanbul Tour Studio, and Locally Istanbul. These tour guide companies offer tailor-made and personalized experiences that allow you to explore Istanbul from a local’s perspective. Whether you’re interested in historical tours, food tours, art tours, or simply experiencing the local culture, these companies have a tour for you. With their dedication to providing comprehensive and authentic experiences, you’re guaranteed to have an unforgettable time exploring Istanbul’s rich history, vibrant bazaars, and hidden gems. Book a tour with one of these companies and embark on a journey that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.