Itinerary
- We’ll begin our journey at a charming historical café nestled in the heart of Istanbul’s Old City.
- Misir Carsisi (Spice Market): Step into the aromatic heart of Istanbul at the Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı) and its historic surroundings, where you’ll sample a curated selection of Turkey’s most iconic warm drinks – including Turkish tea and Turkish coffee, Ottoman sherbet, sahlep, and a comforting bowl of traditional soup.
- After savoring the historic flavors of the Old City, we’ll board a ferry and glide across the scenic Bosphorus Strait — the natural border between Europe and Asia. We’ll dock at Kadıköy, the vibrant cultural heart of the Asian side, where the second chapter of our tasting journey begins.
- Kadikoy: Experience the quintessential taste of Turkey with a traditional rakı and meze tasting — an intimate ritual that brings people together over good conversation and vibrant flavors.
- KadIkoy CarsIsI: Discover the vibrant and innovative side of Istanbul’s beverage scene with a craft beer tasting in Kadıköy — the city’s creative hub on the Asian shore.
- Kadikoy: Discover the rich heritage of Turkish vineyards with a tasting of fine local wines in Kadıköy.
Experience the unique flavors of Anatolia’s renowned grape varieties, carefully crafted by passionate winemakers. - Kadikoy Iskelesi: Our journey concludes on the Asian side of Istanbul, at the lively Kadıköy Ferry Terminal.
From here, you’re free to continue exploring Kadıköy’s vibrant markets, cafés, and bars – or catch a ferry back across the Bosphorus.
Includes
- A curated route through both European & Asian sides of Istanbul
- All drink tastings listed in the itinerary
- Cultural and historical storytelling throughout the tour
- Licensed local guide
- Gratuities (optional but appreciated)
- Additional food or beverages outside the tasting selections
- Transportation to the meeting point or from the end point
- Gluten-free, vegan, and alcohol-free options are not available.
Details
"Istanbul: Sips of Europe & Asia" isn’t just a food or drink tour — it's a sensory journey across continents. What sets this experience apart is its seamless blend of culture, taste, and storytelling: we explore not only what locals drink, but why, when, and with whom.
From the spice-scented lanes of the Old City to the lively meyhane culture of the Asian Side, you'll travel like a local, sip like a local, and learn the deep stories behind each flavor — from Ottoman sherbets to Anatolian wines.
This tour is small-group, curated with passion by a local guide, and features hidden gems you won’t find on typical routes — including historic cafés, traditional soup kitchens, family-run meyhanes, and independent craft producers.
We connect continents — and cups — in one unforgettable experience.
From the spice-scented lanes of the Old City to the lively meyhane culture of the Asian Side, you'll travel like a local, sip like a local, and learn the deep stories behind each flavor — from Ottoman sherbets to Anatolian wines.
This tour is small-group, curated with passion by a local guide, and features hidden gems you won’t find on typical routes — including historic cafés, traditional soup kitchens, family-run meyhanes, and independent craft producers.
We connect continents — and cups — in one unforgettable experience.
Know Before You Go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Severe food allergies (nuts, dairy, gluten, seafood, etc.)
- Gluten intolerance / celiac disease (bread, beer, soup, and meze may contain gluten)
- Lactose intolerance (some tastings include milk-based drinks and yogurt-based dishes)
- Vegan or strict vegetarian diets (most tastings are traditional and not easily substitutable)
- Alcohol-free preferences (rakı, wine, and craft beer tastings are integral to the experience)
