Istanbul Delights: A Journey Through Flavor and History
Overview
“Istanbul Delights: A Journey Through Flavor and History” offers a unique blend of old-city highlights and authentic culinary experiences.
Explore iconic landmarks such as Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, Roman Hippodrome, and the Spice Market, then take a ferry ride to Asia for a tasting tour.
-- Two Continents in One Day — Experience both the historic Old City highlights and the vibrant Asian side in a single, well-balanced tour that combines culture and cuisine.
-- Local Flavor & Real Neighborhoods — Go beyond tourist spots with a ferry ride to the Asian side, where you’ll explore a lively residential area and enjoy authentic local food in a true Istanbul atmosphere.
-- Expert-Guided Experience — Discover the stories behind Istanbul’s iconic landmarks and daily life with a knowledgeable local guide, making your journey both insightful and memorable.
What's Included
- Lunch experience on the Asian side
- Multiple food tastings in selected local spots
- Coffee, Tea and Traditional Drinks
- A full-day cultural, historical & culinary experience
- Local Desserts
- Professional, licensed local tour guide
- Guided Old City highlights (exterior explanations)
- Personal Expenses
- Entrance fees for Hagia Sophia & Basilica Cistern (optional, can be visited with your guide upon request)
- This is a walking tour experience ~5 miles walking. Max walking distance is around 10 -15 minutes between the stops.
- No vegetarian / vegan food options at 2-3 of the food stops
- Gratuity to Tour Guide
Meeting Location
Alemdar
Ticarethane Sk. No: 13, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
Caferağa
34710 Kadıköy/İstanbul, Türkiye
The tour concludes at the ferry terminal on the Asian side, where your guide will assist you before departure.
What To Expect
Book Online
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Sultanahmet Square
45 minutes Admission Ticket Included
Blue Mosque
30 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Hippodrome
15 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
1 hour Admission Ticket Free
Basilica Cistern
1 hour Admission Ticket Free
Misir Carsisi (Spice Market)
30 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Bosphorus Strait
20 minutes Admission Ticket Included
KadIkoy CarsIsI
2 hours Admission Ticket Free
Kadikoy Iskelesi
30 minutes Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Hagia Sophia Mosque will be closed during the prayer times.
- Blue Mosque is closed on Fridays till 2 - 2.30 pm due to the Sermon. There is only outer visit on Fridays.
- Spice Market will be closed during Religious Fest of Ramadan (2026 March 20-21-22), during Eid al Adha (2026 May 27-28-29-30) and on Republic Day (October 29)
- This is a walking tour. Max walking distance is 10 - 15 minutes between the stops. Total distance is ~5 miles (7.5 km) walking
- There is no pick-up or drop-off service for this small group tour. All our guests are expected to be at the meeting point by 8.30 am.
- Our tours fill up quickly during high season. Early bookings are highly recommended in the season (April-May-June-July-August-September-October).
- Children aged 5 and under can join free of charge
- The tour operates in all weather conditions
- Due to the nature of the tastings, options for vegan, gluten-free, or lactose-free diets are limited
- Not suitable for guests with severe food allergies or strict dietary restrictions
- Please inform us of any dietary requirements or allergies at the time of booking
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (7)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Istanbul Delights: A Journey Through Flavor and History?
Cancellation Policy
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Activity code: C-107816P2
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Reviews
Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 10 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
Filter by:
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (+03).
- Lunch experience on the Asian side.
- Multiple food tastings in selected local spots.
- Coffee, Tea and Traditional Drinks.
- A full-day cultural, historical & culinary experience.
- Local Desserts.
- Professional, licensed local tour guide.
- Guided Old City highlights (exterior explanations).
- Personal Expenses.
- Entrance fees for Hagia Sophia & Basilica Cistern (optional, can be visited with your guide upon request).
- This is a walking tour experience ~5 miles walking. Max walking distance is around 10 -15 minutes between the stops.
- No vegetarian / vegan food options at 2-3 of the food stops.
- Gratuity to Tour Guide.
There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Istanbul Delights: A Journey Through Flavor and History is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Istanbul Delights: A Journey Through Flavor and History will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Lunch experience on the Asian side
- Multiple food tastings in selected local spots
- Coffee, Tea and Traditional Drinks
- A full-day cultural, historical & culinary experience
- Local Desserts
- Professional, licensed local tour guide
- Guided Old City highlights (exterior explanations)
- Personal Expenses
- Entrance fees for Hagia Sophia & Basilica Cistern (optional, can be visited with your guide upon request)
- This is a walking tour experience ~5 miles walking. Max walking distance is around 10 -15 minutes between the stops.
- No vegetarian / vegan food options at 2-3 of the food stops
- Gratuity to Tour Guide
Additional Info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Hagia Sophia Mosque will be closed during the prayer times.
- Blue Mosque is closed on Fridays till 2 - 2.30 pm due to the Sermon. There is only outer visit on Fridays.
- Spice Market will be closed during Religious Fest of Ramadan (2026 March 20-21-22), during Eid al Adha (2026 May 27-28-29-30) and on Republic Day (October 29)
- This is a walking tour. Max walking distance is 10 - 15 minutes between the stops. Total distance is ~5 miles (7.5 km) walking
- There is no pick-up or drop-off service for this small group tour. All our guests are expected to be at the meeting point by 8.30 am.
- Our tours fill up quickly during high season. Early bookings are highly recommended in the season (April-May-June-July-August-September-October).
- Children aged 5 and under can join free of charge
- The tour operates in all weather conditions
- Due to the nature of the tastings, options for vegan, gluten-free, or lactose-free diets are limited
- Not suitable for guests with severe food allergies or strict dietary restrictions
- Please inform us of any dietary requirements or allergies at the time of booking
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
