Your enthralling half-day private tour of Istanbul begins with a pickup at your central Istanbul hotel from your local guide. Settle into your plush air-conditioned minivan and get to know your friendly guide. Admire the views beyond your window as you set off for your first destination, the Pera Museum.
As one of the most notable museums in all of Istanbul, the Pera Museum is a great place to orient yourself to its history and the craftspeople of Turkey. Step into the Victorian building it’s housed in, and explore its exhibits of Anatolian artifacts, Ottoman relics and Oriental artworks. Listen closely as your guide illuminates them with history and factoids. See distinct works like "Tortoise Trainer" by Osman Hamdi Be, Kütahya ceramics and 7th century BC Anatolian pieces.
After, journey to Çukurcuma, a lively neighborhood chock full of artists as well as craft shops and galleries. Let your guide take you to its highlights, including renowned maritime antique shop Minyatür Denis Eskisi, where you can peruse old compasses and Turkish naval artifacts. Explore other unique stores and quirky galleries, then head to the Museum of Innocence, founded by Nobel Prize-winning author Orhan Pamuk. This funky gallery is a tribute to the fictional characters in his 2010 novel and is a must-see for any art or literature lover.
As your tour draws to a close, collect a Turkish ‘evil eye’ present from your guide to ward off evil on the rest of your travels. You tour concludes with a drop-off at your central hotel.
