Experience local hospitality with a Turkish family on this small-group tour and munch on home-cooked local treats.
Experience local hospitality with a Turkish family on this small-group tour and munch on home-cooked local treats. Nothing beats home cooking, especially Turkish home cooking. Join this tour to be treated to a feast at a local family’s home. Try Turkish life with a family meal and an evening mingling with locals at some of their favorite haunts on this Istanbul food tour. An expert local guide will meet you at the meeting point, from which you’ll wander through the streets of historical Sultanahmet en route to meet a local family. Turkish people’s sense of hospitality is world-famous and on this Istanbul tour, you’ll have the opportunity to experience it firsthand. Meet the family and settle in for a typical Turkish meal. There is little English spoken in the household but your local guide will be there to help translate-all part of the authentic local experience! Chat informally with all members of the family and hear what it’s like to live in Turkey today.
Dinner at Local Family
We will be welcomed to family for dinner and meet with family. This will be great opportunity to understand the local culture in Istanbul. Later your guide will take you to a local tea house and have chit chat about local style of Istanbul
A quick introduction to the Sultanahmet Area
The Hippodrome of Constantinople was a circus that was the sporting and social center of Constantinople. Today it is a square with a few fragments of the original structure surviving. Monuments decorating the Hippodrome include the 3500-year-old Egyptian Obelisk, Serpentine Column.
Sultanahmet Square
This beautiful square and a great place to make a stop, relax and take photos of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.
Food & drinks
Home-cooked dinner and tea-soft drinks
All Fees and Taxes
Local English-Speaking Guide
Gratuities (Recommended)
Extra drinks at the teahouse
Authentic Local Experience – Step inside a local home, enjoy a home-cooked Turkish meal, and chat with the family to learn about their daily lives in Istanbul. It’s an intimate experience that brings you closer to the culture than any typical tour could.
Personalized Insights – With a local guide who speaks English and can translate, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Turkish traditions, customs, and the local way of life. This personalized experience is unmatched by larger group tours.
Savor Traditional Turkish Cuisine – There’s no substitute for the taste of home-cooked food. You’ll get to try delicious, traditional Turkish dishes prepared by a local family, offering you a true taste of the country’s culinary heritage.
Cultural Connection – The opportunity to interact with a family in their home allows you to build a real connection with the culture and people of Istanbul. The stories shared during your dinner will provide insight into local life and make your visit unforgettable.
Explore Hidden Local Spots – After dinner, your guide will take you to a local teahouse where you can experience Istanbul’s tea culture in a relaxed setting, providing a charming way to end the evening.
Small Group Setting – This tour’s intimate group size ensures a personalized experience, so you can ask questions, engage in conversation, and make the most of your time in Istanbul.
Memorable and Unique – This isn’t just a dinner—it’s a full cultural immersion that will leave you with lasting memories and a true sense of what it means to live in Istanbul.
Comfortable Shoes
Since you’ll be walking through the streets of Sultanahmet and entering a local home, it’s important to wear comfortable, easy-to-slip-on shoes. Remember, you’ll be asked to remove your shoes inside the home, so slip-on shoes are ideal.
Modest Clothing
To respect Turkish customs, we recommend wearing modest clothing. This means covering your shoulders and knees for both men and women. For example, opt for long pants or a skirt, and a shirt with sleeves. It’s important to dress comfortably but also respectfully.
Camera or Smartphone
Don’t forget your camera or smartphone! You’ll want to capture the moments as you explore Istanbul and enjoy your meal with the local family. However, always ask permission before taking photos of the family members.
Water Bottle
It’s a good idea to bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated, especially if you’re visiting in warmer months. While drinks are provided during the tour, having your own bottle of water can be helpful.
Any Dietary Requirements
If you have any dietary restrictions (e.g., vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free) or food allergies, be sure to inform the tour provider in advance when booking. You may also want to bring any personal items, such as snacks or supplements, that cater to your dietary needs.
Cash for Gratuities
While the tour includes most costs, tipping is customary in Turkey. Bring a small amount of cash to offer gratuities to your guide and the local family. Tips are a nice way to show appreciation for their hospitality.
Sunscreen and Hat (Seasonal)
Depending on the season, it can get sunny and hot in Istanbul. If you’re visiting during warmer months, bring sunscreen and a hat for sun protection.
Weather-Appropriate Clothing
Istanbul weather can be unpredictable, so be sure to check the forecast before your tour. Bring a light jacket or an umbrella if there’s a chance of rain, especially if you’re traveling in the cooler months.
Good Attitude and Open Mind
Lastly, bring your curiosity, an open mind, and a willingness to engage with the local culture. This experience is all about connecting with people and learning from them, so a positive and open attitude will enhance your experience.
Cultural Understanding
By dining with a local family, you’ll gain insight into everyday life in Istanbul. You’ll hear stories about Turkish traditions, customs, and the modern lifestyle from the people who live them. This gives you a genuine perspective on Turkish culture that goes beyond the typical tourist experience.
Authentic Culinary Experience
Enjoy the flavors of Turkish home cooking, prepared with love by locals. From savory stews to fresh salads and traditional desserts, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the country’s rich culinary heritage and the importance of food in Turkish culture.
A Taste of Local Hospitality
Turkish hospitality is legendary. By being welcomed into a local home, you’ll experience firsthand how Turkish people take pride in offering guests a warm and generous experience. This genuine hospitality will leave you feeling connected to the country’s culture in a personal way.
Memorable Conversations
Engaging with the local family allows you to ask questions, share stories, and understand the nuances of daily life in Istanbul. You’ll leave with a stronger connection to the people and a richer understanding of the city’s vibrant history and culture.
Cultural Insights from a Local Guide
Your local guide will provide personalized insights into the history, architecture, and social life of Istanbul as you stroll through Sultanahmet. They’ll also help you better understand the significance of the places you visit and offer unique perspectives on Istanbul’s blend of tradition and modernity.
Stronger Cultural Sensitivity and Awareness
This experience will help you appreciate the importance of respecting local customs and traditions. By understanding the cultural values of hospitality, food, and community, you’ll leave with a deeper respect for Turkish society and its customs.
A Sense of Belonging
Sharing a meal with locals often feels like being part of the family. This tour allows you to step away from being just a tourist and immerse yourself in the community. The conversations and experiences you have will give you a sense of belonging and connection to Istanbul’s rich culture.
New Friends and Connections
While you might start the evening as a guest, you’ll likely leave with lasting memories and possibly new friends. The friendly environment and genuine exchange make it easy to form personal connections, enriching your travel experience.
Broadened Perspective on Global Travel
After experiencing local life in a way that most tourists never do, you’ll walk away with a broader perspective on the world. You’ll understand how people live, eat, and socialize in different parts of the world, which can transform the way you approach future travel.