Top Istanbul Food Tours - page 4

Ali is a brilliant guide, and I mean that in every sense. He remembered everyone's names and dietary requirements from the off, which as a vegetarian I really appreciated. There was something for me at every single stop without me having to ask or feel like an afterthought. That kind of thoughtfulness makes a real difference. His knowledge of Istanbul goes well beyond the usual tourist script. We'd done a monuments tour earlier in the trip, but Ali's insight into the city's culture, people, and history felt on another level entirely; peppered with fun, unexpected facts that kept everyone engaged throughout. He took us to places we'd never have stumbled across ourselves, including a wonderful spot in the Egyptian Spice Market where we weren't hassled once. Ali deliberately picks vendors like that. We liked it so much we went back on our own later in the trip to buy. The tour also ends with a ferry crossing to the Asian side, which is a lovely touch; some of the group headed back with Ali while we stayed to explore a little longer. The food itself was a fantastic variety, and the portions are no joke. We were absolutely stuffed by the end. Do yourself a favour and arrive hungry. Seriously, skip breakfast. The group dynamic was brilliant too. Everyone chatted and got involved as we wandered around, which made it feel like so much more than just a tour. Can't recommend it highly enough.