"In Istanbul, every stone tells a story" Exploring Istanbul
These tours were all booked through GuruWalks.
The Tour of Istanbul Old City; Byzantine and Ottoman Tales
It was really cold during this tour and I was not prepared for the weather (it was warm in the days leading up to this tour). So I don't think I was able to appreciate this tour as much as I should have. I also am not into the Ottomon empire and that portion of history. But if you are, I could see the tour being incredibly informative. I did find it interesting being able to see things in a modern city still standing from around 300 AD.
2 Continents, 1 City: From Europe to Asia
To be aware, although it's on an app that indicates the tours are free, this is really a 10 euro tour. If you do not provide the guide 10 euros when providing your tip, he will message you afterwards letting you know how upset he is with you. On my end, I did not short change him on purpose. I gave him all the cash I had on me, even had gone prior to the tour to get money out of the ATM. I took out the middle option of the three I was given. So I thought I was being generous. He also cancelled when I originally scheduled the tour because there weren't enough people scheduled, and cancelled on people because of the weather. So other than the tour guide being incredibly particular, I really did enjoy all I learned on the tour. I got to learn a bit more about the practices and traditions of Islam. And I got to step on the continent of Asia for the first time. I know a bit dorky, but incredibly exciting!
Parts Unknown - Alternative Istanbul Tour - Suleymaniye Mosque
This was my favorite of all the tours. During this tour, got to learn a little bit of everything. Got to learn a little bit more about the cultural traditions, politics (not much, only a little), and more about the religion of Islam. But please be aware, they do expect a minimum of a 10 euro tip. Which in my mind, means it's a 10 euro tour, not a free tour, but whatever. I really appreciated the tour guide and his patience in teaching us and answering all of our questions.
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