Our guide couldn’t have been better. We tried so many foods and went all over. He picked us up at the hotel and made sure we knew several different ways to get home. We learned a lot about the culture and political system, which was an added bonus. I lived That it was a private tour and he took extra care for our youngest that wasn’t feeling 100%

I thoroughly enjoyed my Istanbul Food & Wine Tour with Furkan; it was such an amazing experience! He takes you to the best Turkish breakfasts located in some of the most scenic neighbourhoods in Istanbul, which are a feast for both the eyes and stomach! It is the perfect tour for the solo traveller as well, as Furkan is so genuine and welcoming that you feel like you’re travelling with a good friend right from the start. The wine tasting on the Asian side is a great experience as well, accompanied by copious amounts of various cheeses. I have a physical disability and am mobility impaired, and Furkan went above and beyond to accommodate me to ensure that I could enjoy the tour to the fullest. The first day was so enjoyable that I booked a second day with him to see more of Istanbul’s colourful neighbourhoods and cafes, and yet another fun day of great food, plenty of engaging and interesting conversations and a few laughs along the way. I also met Derya a couple of times, and she is lovely as well! It’s such a great way to experience the real Istanbul. Thank you, Furkan, for a wonderful two days. Without a doubt, you provide the best tours of Istanbul!

My friends and I had the most fantastic food tour in Istanbul with our excellent guide, Derya! She met us at our hotel, and we kicked things off with a fantastic breakfast at a local favorite pastry shop. The freshly baked borek,cheese, olives, menemen, and our group’s absolute favorite, honey, and clotted cream, were to die for! We even tried rice pudding cooked with chicken, which turned out to be delightful surprise. Throughout the day, we explored both Asia and Europe, making six delicious stops, all of which were excellent. The tour included plenty of walking, lovely ferry ride, and tons of laughter. It was the perfect way to enjoy our time in Istanbul. Thank you, Derya! You truly made our experience unforgettable!

Derya took us on an unforgettable food tour of Istanbul that spanned nearly five delightful hours. We sampled an incredible variety of local dishes, from savory kebabs to flaky baklava, each bite offering a glimpse into the city’s vibrant culinary tapestry. Her charming personality shone through every interaction, and her warm smile made the experience feel more like an outing with a close friend rather than just a guided tour. The way she connected with each vendor showcased her love for the city and its people, creating a welcoming environment that invited us to ask questions and share our own experiences. By the end of the tour, we not only felt wonderfully satisfied but also deeply appreciative of the city’s essence, thanks to Derya's passionate storytelling. Without a doubt, she was the best tour guide we have ever had, leaving us with lasting memories and a genuine connection to Istanbul.

Spending time with Furkan was truly fantastic. I really appreciated how enjoyable the day was, and it meant a lot to me to have such a positive experience. I learned so much during our time together. The shopping was great, but the food truly stole the show. Furkan has such a warm spirit that instantly puts everyone at ease. This feeling made my introduction to the gastro culture in Istanbul not only memorable but also exceeded all my expectations. Thank you, Furkan, for a wonderful day.

We always prefer to take private tours during our travels, and our trip to Istanbul was no exception. Derya was highly recommended by a friend, and she certainly lived up to the praise. Over the course of two full days, we immersed ourselves in the rich history and vibrant culture of the city. Derya expertly guided us through iconic landmarks, unveiling their fascinating stories, while also leading us to hidden gems far from the typical tourist paths. We wandered through bustling bazaars filled with vibrant textiles and fragrant spices, and indulged in the delectable offerings of traditional Turkish cuisine, savoring every bite. With her deep knowledge of the city and its people, Derya navigated Istanbul like a true local, warmly greeting acquaintances at every turn. The entire visit was seamless; thanks to her meticulous planning, we never had to wait in line or feel rushed, allowing us to truly soak in each experience. As we made our way through the enchanting streets, we couldn’t help but wish for more time in this beautiful city. Istanbul and Turkey have so much to offer, and we left longing to explore even further.

We took an old city walking tour with Furkan. He met us in the lobby at 8:00 AM and led us on a very informative and enjoyable tour of Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar. He had booked the tickets in advance, allowing us to skip the long lines, and since we started early, we were able to beat the large crowds at the museums. Furkan was incredibly knowledgeable about his country and its history. His great sense of humor made the historical tour even more enjoyable. At the end of the tour, he also assisted us with our shopping in the bazaar, helping us negotiate and find authentic handcrafted rugs and tiles. He was so impressive that we ended up booking another tour with him for the following day to explore less-visited tourist sites and local food. Once again, we were not disappointed! The food tour was the highlight of our Istanbul trip. This was our first food tour, and from now on, we plan to book a food tour wherever we go. We loved it!

We arranged a food tour ahead of our arrival at the Istanbul cruise port, and it turned out to be a fantastic decision. Furkan met us at Galataport and guided us through an enriching five and a half hour experience, where he shared insights into Turkish cuisines, history and culture. This tour was undoubtedly the highlights of our two week Mediterranean journey. The warmth and friendliness of the Turkish people made us feel very safe and comfortable as we explored Istanbul. If you’re planning a visit to the city, I highly recommend taking a tour with Furkan to truly appreciate all that Istanbul has to offer.

My husband and I recently embarked on an incredible food tour in Istanbul with Furkan, who guided us through both the European and Asian sides of the city. The day began with a delightful breakfast featuring traditional dishes that set the perfect tone for the culinary adventure ahead. We savored melt in your mouth baklava and rich pistachio and enjoyed refreshing ice cream that was both creamy and flavorful. As we explored the bustling streets, we indulged in stuffed mussels, perfectly seasoned and served warm, followed by mouthwatering kebabs that captured the essence of Turkish cuisine. The highlight of the tour was definitely the seasonal street food, showcasing local specialties that truly reflected the vibrant culture of Istanbul. Every bite offered a new story, making it a memorable journey for any food lover. This was undoubtedly the most amazing food tour we've ever experienced.

Booking our culinary tour with Derya was the best decision we made for our Istanbul adventure. As the planner of our trip, I was thrilled to have scheduled this experience early on (Day 2), giving us insider knowledge for the rest of our stay. The array of food we sampled was exceptional—authentic, off the beaten path, and a delightful gateway to discovering our own culinary preferences. Derya's expertise in selecting the perfect food spots was unparalleled, and her recommendations enriched our dining experiences throughout the trip. Communication with Derya was a breeze. She was accommodating, engaging, and her passion for Istanbul's culture and cuisine was infectious. This tour was more than just a food tasting; it was an enriching journey through the city's history and traditions, making it the highlight of our visit. If you have any reservations about the cost, rest assured it is well worth it. You will indulge in a diverse array of foods, teas, coffees, and desserts, each carefully chosen by Derya for an authentic taste of Istanbul. This day was a cherished memory and a testament to the value of our investment. If you want to maximize your Istanbul experience, don't hesitate—book this tour with Derya!

We had an awesome vacation, all thanks to the amazing planning by the Private Istanbul Walking Tours travel company. It was our first time using a travel agent, and it was great to have everything sorted out by Furkan, who knows the country so well. All the accommodations, drivers and tours were perfect and we didn't have to worry about anything. Our ten-day itinerary was just right for exploring Turkey and visiting Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus and Bodrum. Each day was full of advanture, and we never got bored. Learning about Turkey's history was fascinating, the Istanbul food tour and Cappadocia hot air ballon tour were our highlights. The tours were informative without being overwhelming. We also had a blast in Bodrum, especially the day we spent on a boat. We highly recommend Furkan and his team.

I typically don’t post reviews, but the Istanbul old city tour I took with Derya was amazing, and I want to share my experience with anyone visiting Istanbul. Derya was incredibly friendly from the moment she greeted me at the hotel. It felt like I was exploring Istanbul with a long time friend. She even went above and beyond, extending her time to help me shop for authentic handcrafted items in the bazaar. I wish I had more time to spend with her in Istanbul. I will definitely return to see more of this wonderful city.

Our unforgettable five and half-hour walking tour through Europe and Asia included an incredible food tasting experience. We were delighted to spend time with Furkan, who led us to savour mouthwatering, authentic Turkish cuisine that we would have missed without his expertise. Furkan’s profound understanding of the city and his well established connections enriched our adventure, offering us an exquisite fusion of food, history, culture, daily life, and exploration.

The Istanbul food tour with Derya exceeded my expectations. Derya not only gave a great tour and was hilarious, but she also shared a wealth of knowledge as a food and wine expert. We visited Karakoy and Kadikoy, where we tasted wonderful traditional breakfast, baklava, ice cream, stuffed mussels, kebabs and wine. It was definitely worth the time and money if you want to experience Istanbul and Turkish gastronomy.

We were so lucky to find Furkan on TripAdvisor. From the first email to the end of the tour, he was always helpful and polite. He showed us around Istanbul for two and a half days, taking us to all the must-see spots like Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar. We even had the best food tasting tour ever. To cap it off, we ended our time with a Bosporus cruise on a private yacht, which was incredibly relaxing and peaceful. We’ve traveled a lot, but these were the best guided tours ever. Furkan knows Istanbul inside out and is an excellent storyteller, so we had a blast with him!