Istanbul Tours and Experiences See what others overlook. Understand what others don't.
Discover the heart and soul of Istanbul through perspective-shifting walking tours led by historians, art curators, archaeologists, and more.
Istanbul Private Walking Tours
Context Travel Istanbul Tours
Istanbul, once Byzantium and later Constantinople, stands as a city where millennia of history converge. Its streets echo with the footsteps of Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman pasts, each layer telling a story of conquest, faith, and cultural exchange. With Context Travel, curious travelers can delve into this rich historical narrative through our tailored Istanbul tours.
Begin with our Istanbul Highlights Tour: From the Blue Mosque to Hagia Sophia, an insightful walk through the city's heart, where you'll encounter the architectural genius of the Hagia Sophia and the serene beauty of the Blue Mosque. This tour is a cornerstone for understanding Istanbul's religious and architectural heritage.
For those fascinated by the intricacies of Ottoman design, our Topkapi Palace Tour beckons. Kids and adults alike can discover the opulence of sultans and the secrets of the harem, making history accessible and engaging through interactive storytelling.
Crossing the Bosphorus, our Asian Side of Istanbul Tour offers a different perspective on this sprawling metropolis. This Istanbul private tour invites you to explore the less-trodden paths, revealing the everyday life and local culture that define the city's Asian half, a perfect complement to the more recognized European side.
No visit to Istanbul is complete without indulging in its culinary legacy. The Istanbul Food Tour: Spice Bazaar and Kadikoy Market takes you through a sensory adventure where the scents of spices and the flavors of local dishes tell their own historical tales. From the bustling stalls of the Spice Bazaar to the vibrant Kadikoy Market, this walking tour is a feast for both the palate and the mind.
Through these Context Travel experiences, Istanbul reveals itself not just as a city but as a living chronicle of human history, inviting travelers to step into its past and savor its present.
What Context Istanbul Travelers Say
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1,142 Reviews
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Claire was wonderful on both days of our tour. She was kind, knowledgable, kept the kids interested, adapted to our needs. Just fabulous!!
Ruchi
Jul 7, 2025
Our guide was so sweet, patient and kind two our children ❤️ she explained historic events in ways they could understand
Jessica
Jul 7, 2025
Reyan was a fantastic host from start to finish—highly recommend her and this tour.
The morning of our tour, she reached out with advice for visiting the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia (bring socks and, if possible, a small laundry bag from our hotel to carry them in) and gave clear directions (with images and a pin on Google Maps so we could see exactly she was) on where to meet. She arrived early to get in line so we didnt have to wait and could make the most of our time together.
She gave us a ton of history about the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome and Hagia Sophia. So much to learn about the Roman and Ottoman Empires and 4th crusaders.
She also brought us to a rug and jewelry shop (Nakkas) that sits atop a cistern that was largely undiscovered until a few decades ago and is now open to the public for free - what a treat. The owner was there and showed us how they make Turkish rugs which are stunning (they can take up to 18 months because they are meticulously handmade).
Reyan was very generous with her time and also sent us recommendations on specific shops to visit in the Grand Bazaar and other places in Istanbul because we have a few specific things we want to buy and the idea of wandering 4,000 shops is overwhelming.
Julia
Jul 6, 2025