Istanbul: Guided Food Tour with Ferry Ride and Tastings

Explore the flavors of Istanbul with the Guided Food Tour with Ferry Ride and Tastings offered by My Local Guide Istanbul. This 6-hour adventure takes you across both the European and Asian sides of the city, highlighting local favorite food spots, from bustling markets to cozy cafes. The tour includes eight tasting stops, with around 20 food samples and 5 local drinks, making it ideal for food lovers eager to discover authentic Turkish cuisine.

The tour begins at Itimat Fabrika Sat Yeri, a dairy shop near the Egyptian/Spice Bazaar, where you’ll meet your knowledgeable licensed guide. The experience is designed for those comfortable with walking and standing, and it offers a well-paced exploration of Istanbul’s culinary scene, with panoramic ferry rides adding scenic views along the way.

While vegetarian options are limited at some stops, the wide variety of traditional dishes and cultural insights make this tour a popular choice for travelers keen to connect with Istanbul’s food and history. It’s especially suited for visitors who enjoy guided experiences, want a comprehensive taste of local flavors, and appreciate a mix of food, culture, and scenic travel.

Key Points

• Six-hour guided tour exploring both European and Asian sides of Istanbul
• Includes ferry rides with stunning views of the city’s skyline
• Visits eight different food spots with approximately 20 food samples
• Led by a licensed local guide known for their knowledge and friendliness
• Tastings include traditional Turkish dishes like kaymak, simit, iskender kebap, and balik ekmek
• Tour starts at the Egyptian/Spice Bazaar entrance and ends back at the same location

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Starting Point Near the Egyptian/Spice Bazaar

The tour kicks off at Itimat Fabrika Sat Yeri, a dairy shop situated at the entry gate of the Egyptian/Spice Bazaar. This location is easy to find, but it’s important to wait in front of the right shop to meet your guide. The tour organizer emphasizes the importance of arriving prepared for a full day of eating and exploring, with comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing recommended.

The meeting point’s central location means it’s convenient to access from many parts of Istanbul, making it a practical choice for travelers staying nearby. Since the tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off, guests should plan their transportation accordingly.

From the Dairy Market to the Turkish Breakfast

The first stop takes place at a local bakery, where a delicious breakfast is served, giving a taste of traditional Turkish morning fare. This segment lasts about an hour and allows guests to sample a fresh simit bread ring topped with honey and kaymak, a creamy dairy product beloved in Turkey. Alongside, there are opportunities to try other cheese varieties and enjoy menemen, a tomato-based egg dish, paired with Turkish tea (çay).

This initial tasting sets the tone for the day, blending fresh flavors with cultural storytelling from the guide. It also offers a chance to start conversations with fellow travelers and get comfortable before the walking and ferry segments begin.

Scenic Ferry Ride to Kadikoy on the Asian Side

After exploring the bakery, the group proceeds to the nearby ferry terminal for a 20-minute boat ride across the Bosporus. The ferry provides panoramic views of Istanbul’s skyline, with the iconic mosques, minarets, and bridges framing the journey.

This crossing not only offers stunning scenery but also marks a transition from the European to the Asian side of the city. The ferry is included in the tour price, contributing to the overall value and providing a relaxed way to see the city from the water.

Discovering Kadikoy’s Food Market and Local Eateries

Upon arrival in Kadikoy, the tour leads guests through the lively food market, which lasts approximately 1.5 hours. Here, the focus is on regional specialties, with visits to busy street vendors and small restaurants.

One of the highlighted delicacies is iskender kebap, made from lamb served on pitta bread with fired butter, tomatoes, and yogurt sauce. The guide shares insights into the history and preparation of each dish, enriching the tasting experience. Guests also sample mussels stuffed with rice, spices, and butter sauce, a Turkish specialty that showcases local seafood flavors.

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Exploring Moda and Sampling Street Food

Next, the tour moves to Moda, a trendy neighborhood on the Asian side, where street food and regional dishes are sampled over about an hour. Here, visitors enjoy regional flavors and get a feel for local life, with opportunities to try regional snacks and observe everyday food shopping in this vibrant area.

This segment highlights Istanbul’s diverse culinary influences, from traditional to modern street eats, demonstrating the city’s rich food culture.

Coffee Break and Additional Food Market Visit in Kadikoy

Back in Kadikoy, the guide arranges a 30-minute coffee break at a local café, where guests can relax and enjoy a traditional Turkish coffee brewed in a cezve (copper pot). The atmosphere is typically lively, with locals and travelers sharing stories over strong, aromatic coffee.

A brief 15-minute visit to another food market allows for a quick look at more regional products, giving travelers a chance to see the variety of fresh ingredients that support Istanbul’s diverse cuisine.

Regional Food Tastings in Kadikoy and Ferry Return

After the market visit, the tour dedicates about 20 minutes to sampling regional foods back in Kadikoy, further enriching the flavor experience. Then, guests board the ferry again for a 20-minute ride back to the European side, enjoying the scenic views of the Bosporus once more.

This return leg offers a relaxing moment after a busy morning of tasting and sightseeing, with plenty of opportunities to take photos of Istanbul’s skyline.

Exploring Karakoy’s Food Scene and Desserts

On the European side, the tour continues in Karakoy, a neighborhood known for its vibrant food scene. Here, guests indulge in food tastings for about 30 minutes, with options including fresh seafood, pastries, and regional snacks.

Next, an additional 45-minute dessert session features classic Turkish sweets like Kunefe, a cheese-based pastry topped with pistachios, and Turkish ice cream, known for its stretchy texture. These desserts showcase the city’s sweet tooth and culinary artistry.

Final Stop at a Local Café

The tour concludes with a Turkish coffee at a local café, providing a fitting end to a flavorful day. Guests can reflect on the variety of dishes tasted and the scenic views experienced from the ferry rides. The total experience wraps up back at the initial meeting point, Itimat Fabrika Sat Yeri.

The Logistics and Practical Details of the Tour

The tour includes all transportation, with roundtrip ferry tickets, and food tastings at eight different spots. It offers 20 food samples and five local drinks, making it a substantial and satisfying experience. The guide is a licensed foodie guide, known for their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to keep the group well-paced.

However, it’s worth noting that hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so guests should plan their own transportation to and from the meeting point. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or vegans, and vegetarian options are limited at some stops.

The Experience Through the Eyes of Past Participants

Reviews consistently praise the knowledgeable guides and the variety of delicious foods. Multiple reviews mention Binnur as an excellent guide, combining food expertise with engaging storytelling. The scenic ferry rides, authentic regional dishes, and visits to lesser-known spots like Rüstem Paa Camii are highlighted as tour highlights.

Travelers appreciate the well-organized pace and the opportunity to try foods they wouldn’t find on their own. Many express satisfaction with the value for money, given the wide range of tastings, scenic travel, and cultural insights.

The Sum Up: A Flavorful Way to Discover Istanbul

This guided food tour offers a comprehensive taste of Istanbul’s culinary scene within six hours. It’s perfect for visitors who want to combine food with scenic ferry rides and local sightseeing. The expert guide and well-planned stops ensure a rich experience, though it’s best suited for those comfortable with walking and limited vegetarian options.

This tour is an excellent way to understand Istanbul through its flavors and neighborhoods. It strikes a balance between food tasting, sightseeing, and cultural storytelling, making it a valuable addition to any Istanbul itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a vegetarian option available on this tour?
Most food stops do not offer vegetarian options, so vegetarian travelers should be aware of this limitation.

How long is the ferry ride included in the tour?
The ferry ride lasts 20 minutes each way, providing scenic views of the Bosporus.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at Itimat Fabrika Sat Yeri, near the Egyptian/Spice Bazaar, and ends back at the same location.

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, with starting times subject to availability.

Are hotel pickups included?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so guests should plan their transportation.

What kinds of foods are tasted during the tour?
Typical tastings include kaymak, simit, iskender kebap, balik ekmek, mussels, Kunefe, and Turkish ice cream.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
No, it is not suitable for wheelchair users due to walking and standing requirements.

Are drinks included in the tour?
Yes, the tour features five local drinks along with the food tastings.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled up to 24 hours in advance.

How do I book and pay?
You can reserve now and pay later, allowing flexibility with your travel plans.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby