Roman Aqueduct, Sehzade Mosques &Women’s Market

Explore the Quiet Corners of Istanbul for $68

This 3-hour tour in Istanbul offers a chance to see the city’s hidden faces, away from the bustling tourist crowds. For $68 per person, you get to visit non-touristy mosques, walk along ancient Roman aqueducts, and experience local food from Southeastern Turkey. It’s a perfect trip for curious travelers eager to uncover Istanbul’s residential neighborhoods and their stories.

The tour begins at the German Fountain in Fatih and is led by a licensed English-speaking guide. It includes tram tickets to navigate the city efficiently, a boza drink served for 150 years, and a delicious traditional lunch featuring Buryan kebap cooked slowly for 5 hours. The entire experience lasts about 3 hours, making it an ideal choice for a half-day adventure.

While it does not include hotel pick-up or lunch, the tour’s small group size (limited to 10 participants) ensures personalized attention. The pacing is manageable, with easy walking distances of 5-15 minutes between sites, and emphasizes authentic local experiences over tourist hot spots.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Affordable price of $68 for a 3-hour in-depth exploration
• Visits Sehzade Mosque, Roman aqueducts, and Zeyrek Mosque
• Experience local food like boza and Buryan kebap in traditional settings
• Guided by knowledgeable licensed guides with small groups for intimacy
• Focus on residential neighborhoods and less crowded sites
• Includes tram tickets and boza drink, with optional lunch available

Discover Sehzade Mosque’s Hidden History

The tour’s highlight is the Sehzade Mosque, built for the son of Sultan Suleiman. This 16th-century mosque is notable for being connected to the mysterious death of the prince, adding a layer of intrigue. Unlike the more crowded mosques in Istanbul, Sehzade Mosque offers a peaceful and contemplative atmosphere.

Your guide explains the historical significance of this less-visited site and its unique architecture. The mosque’s quiet surroundings make it a perfect example of Istanbul’s less touristy religious sites. Visiting this mosque provides a more authentic experience of the city’s Islamic heritage.

Walking Through Ancient Roman Aqueducts

Next, the tour takes you to walk under the 6th-century Roman aqueducts. These impressive water channels supplied Istanbul with fresh water in antiquity. Walking beneath these well-preserved structures offers a tangible connection to Istanbul’s ancient past.

Your guide highlights how these aqueducts functioned and their role in shaping the city’s development. This aspect of the tour blends history with physical activity, providing easy walking through a scenic part of Fatih. It’s a chance to enjoy peaceful scenery away from busy tourist routes.

Exploring Vefa Neighborhood and Boza Tasting

The heart of local life beats in the Vefa neighborhood, where the tour steps off the main tourist trails. Here, you’ll find the famous boza served at a family-run place that has been serving this fermented grain drink for 150 years.

The Vefa market offers a glimpse into daily life, with vendors selling fresh produce and local delicacies. The guide points out food origins from Eastern Turkey, giving insight into the diverse culinary influences in Istanbul. The boza is described as a refreshing, slightly tangy drink, often enjoyed with roasted chickpeas or cinnamon.

This stop provides a genuine taste of local culture and an opportunity to appreciate Istanbul’s traditional food scene.

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Savoring Buryan Kebap in a Non-Touristy Restaurant

A key highlight of the tour is the lamb Buryan kebap, cooked in an underground clay oven for five hours. This slow-cooked, authentic Kurdish dish is served in a simple, non-touristy restaurant away from the busy city center.

Your guide recommends trying this delicious lamb, along with accompanying rice dishes. The meal offers a true taste of Southeastern Turkish cuisine and showcases the diverse culinary traditions in Istanbul. Visitors praise the quality of the food and the authenticity of this experience.

Zeyrek Mosque and the Pantokrator Complex

Another stop is the Zeyrek Mosque, a former Pantokrator church complex built in 1118 A.D.. This less-known religious site features ancient mosaics and a quiet courtyard, providing a peaceful atmosphere far from tourist crowds.

Your guide shares insights into its history and architectural features, enriching your understanding of Istanbul’s religious past. Visiting Zeyrek Mosque adds depth to the tour’s focus on hidden historical gems.

Navigating the Neighborhood Market and Eastern Turkish Food

The tour includes a walk through a local neighborhood market where food from Eastern Turkey is sold. Vendors offer fresh produce, spices, and regional specialties, giving a vivid picture of local life.

This market visit is a highlight for food lovers, enabling sampling and observing authentic ingredients used in regional cooking. It also demonstrates Istanbul’s culinary diversity, influenced by its position as a crossroads of cultures.

Transportation and Logistics in the Tour

The tour begins at the German Fountain in Fatih, with clear instructions to reach the Sultanahmet Tram Station. It covers public transport, including tram tickets to travel to and from the main sites.

Transportation is efficient, avoiding Istanbul’s traffic jams. The small group size and easy walking distances make the tour accessible, though participants should be prepared for some standing and walking.

The Experience of Guided Personalization

Guided by a licensed English-speaking guide, the tour offers personalized insights into Istanbul’s less-known sites. Guests praise guides like Onder and Salih for their enthusiasm and knowledge.

The guide’s ability to pace the tour according to participants’ needs, especially in quieter sites like mosques, is a major plus. The small group setting allows for more interaction and opportunity to ask questions.

Practical Details and Recommendations

Participants should bring comfortable shoes and a scarf for visiting mosques. The tour involves walking and the use of public transportation. It operates on a flexible schedule, with availability updates to check.

Since lunch is not included but costs around $10-15 USD, travelers can choose to dine at the suggested local restaurant for an authentic meal. The tour starts and ends at the German Fountain in Fatih, making it convenient for those staying nearby.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This tour is perfect for travelers seeking a more authentic side of Istanbul away from crowds. It appeals to those interested in history, architecture, and local cuisine. The small group size and knowledgeable guides ensure a personalized experience.

It suits active visitors comfortable with walking and public transport, with the ability to appreciate quiet, historical sites and regional food. It’s especially ideal for those who want to see residential neighborhoods and taste local flavors in a relaxed setting.

Final Thoughts on the Hidden Face of Istanbul

This 3-hour guided tour offers a rare glimpse into Istanbul’s lesser-known neighborhoods and historical sites. The cost of $68 includes entrance tickets, tram rides, and boza drinks, providing good value for a personalized experience.

While it does not cover top tourist landmarks like the Blue Mosque or Hagia Sophia**, it excels in revealing local life, authentic food, and quiet historical sites. It’s a great choice for curious travelers who crave depth over crowds and want a more genuine connection to Istanbul’s diverse past and present.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for travelers with mobility issues?
The tour involves walking and some use of public transport. Participants should be comfortable with standing and walking distances of 5-15 minutes between sites.

What should I bring for this tour?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, and a scarf is suggested for visiting mosques. No specific clothing restrictions are noted, but respectful attire is advised.

Does the tour include lunch?
No, lunch is not included but can be purchased for $10-15 USD at a local restaurant, which is highly recommended for an authentic experience.

How do I meet the guide?
The meeting point is the German Fountain in Fatih, with clear instructions to reach the Sultanahmet Tram Station and walk to the fountain.

What’s the group size?
The group is limited to 10 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour good for families?
The tour’s pace and walking distances are manageable for most, but families with very young children should consider their comfort with walking and standing.

Are guides available in languages other than English?
The tour is specifically offered in English as a guided experience.

What makes this tour different from other Istanbul tours?
It emphasizes hidden sites, local neighborhoods, and regional cuisine, providing a more authentic and peaceful experience outside the usual tourist spots.

Is there an option to extend this experience?
While this specific tour lasts about 3 hours, similar experiences including more sites or food tastings are available through the provider, My Local Guide Istanbul.

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