Istanbul Sips of Europe and Asia
"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.
Options
Istanbul Sips of Europe and Asia
What's included in Istanbul Sips of Europe and Asia
(Subject to Option Inclusions)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.
Inclusions
- 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.
- 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)
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting Points
- We’ll begin our journey at Olden 1772, a charming historical café nestled in the heart of Istanbul’s Old City. Look for your guide near the entrance.
End Points
- 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.
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
Ticket Usage Instructions Booking Confirmation: Please have your booking confirmation email or mobile ticket ready at the meeting point. Meeting Point: The tour starts at Olden 1772. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled start time. Cancellation and Changes: Cancellations or changes must be made at least 48 hours before the tour start time. No refunds will be given for late cancellations. Late Arrival: Participants arriving after the tour has started may not be accommodated. Please be punctual. Health & Safety: The tour involves walking and using public transport. Please inform us in advance if you have any health concerns. Important Notes About the Tour The tour includes tastings of traditional Turkish drinks and mezes. Gluten-free, vegan, or alcohol-free dietary preferences cannot be fully accommodated. Please notify us in advance if applicable. The tour lasts approximately 3-4 hours, starting at the Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı) and ending at Kadıköy Pier. There will be light walking and a Bosphorus crossing; comfortable shoes are recommended. Due to alcohol tastings, participants under 18 cannot take part in the alcoholic sections. The itinerary may be subject to minor changes due to weather conditions. Photography may take place during the tour for social media and promotional use. Please inform us if you do not wish to be photographed.
