Despite a tardy start due to transportation issues we headed off up Isttikal Caddesi on our adventure. We spent the next five hours exploring six different neighbourhoods in Istanbul. We were both on the European side and the Asian side.

Kerem was our knowledgeable and personable tour guide. He was familiar with just about all of the artists that we viewed. He shared his views on Turkish culture, politics and sports. We tucked down alleyways, we ventured into roped off parks and lurked in locations we could bot have possibly found on our own. At the end of the tour we visited the offices and studio of the arts collective that this group runs. No hard sell, just exposing us to the work of a bunch of creative people in the city.

In my humble judgement the street art scene in Istanbul seems to be in its early stages of growth. It is not quite as developed as say New York City or Buenos Aires. Some of the art might be a bit crude and not too refined. As a tourist also, you need a bit of the symbolism explained to you. So don't set your expectations to the notion that you'll see Banksy's throughout the city.

Initially we thought the price tag of $95 was a bit pricey. But after our five hours with Kerem we thought otherwise. It was a great way to spend a Friday afternoon. He booked a table at Asmali Cavit for dinner for us and later joined us for a pre-dinner drink.

Two thumbs up from this traveller for the Istanbul Studio Tour.

This was a half day cycle starting in Kadikoy, crossing over on the ferry to the Asian side. As our second trip to Istanbul it was good to discover new neighbourhoods and move away from all the main tourist spots we'd ticked of our list on the first visit. The pace was perfect - probably because we were a small group of similar ability. Most of the journey was very flat and smooth with a couple of small easy to climb slopes. Our host was very friendly and informative covering all sorts of topics relevant to the areas we went through. There are plenty of opportunities to stop to take photos, have a drink or find a toilet. He was able to respond to our interests which even took us sample local fast food we'd not tried before. It was the perfect way for us to discover this vibrant and colourful part of Istanbul.