For centuries, coffee has played a central role in Turkish social life, giving rise to countless coffee houses that remain an integral part of the community. Since 2013 Turkish coffee has been included in UNESCO’s ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage’ and even global coffee chains have admitted that the distinctive local coffee deserves a place on their Turkish menu. On this exclusive National Geographic Day Tour, you will discover the history and cultural significance of Turkish coffee, or ‘kahve’.
Your National Geographic-trained guide will take you to Istanbul's most prestigious gourmet institutions. You'll first pay a visit to Karakoy Gulluoglu, a renowned baklava producer. Here, you'll learn the history of baklava and sample a selection of these deliciously sweet, flaky pastries, paired with Turkish tea. Next up is Ali Muhiddin Hacı Bekir Lokumları, one of Istanbul's oldest bakeries where you'll taste authentic Turkish Delight.
No Turkish coffee tour would be complete without a walk through the Egyptian bazaar, where traditional ‘cezve’ coffee pots are sold. You'll also pass by Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi, the premier Turkish coffee brand since 1871, where fresh coffee is packaged and sold through the window. Next, stop at their coffee shop where you'll savour a coffee tasting and visit the ‘coffee library.’ A fortune teller will also read your coffee cups - a fun custom connected to Turkish coffee culture. So get your tastebuds ready to savour the classic flavours of Istanbul while embracing the local heritage.
Private Nat Geo Day Tour: Istanbul's Coffee & Treats with Fortune Teller
This experience meets the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria. By choosing this experience you can protect the places you love, care for the environment and support local communities.
- On this private National Geographic tour, explore the significance of coffee in Turkish culture, dating back centuries, and gain insight into the resilience of traditional coffee houses.
- Visit Karakoy Gulluoglu, a renowned baklava producer, and delve into the history of baklava and enjoy these delectable sweet pastries.
- Step into Ali Muhiddin Hacı Bekir Lokumları, an establishment with centuries of history, to indulge in the aromatic flavors of authentic Turkish Delight.
- Pass by Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi, the esteemed Turkish coffee brand since 1871, and join the locals as you sip invigorating cups of coffee.
- Discover local customs as a fortune teller interprets the patterns in your coffee cups, a practice deeply rooted in Turkish coffee culture.
Drinks
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Guided walking tour
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Local delicacy tasting
Drinks
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Kılıçali Paşa, Gümrük Muhafaza Kısım Amirliği No:5, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey
Not allowed:
- this tour is not suitable for children under 7 years of age
Know in advance:
- during each visit, you'll have information and tasting. The tour in this combination is exclusive to National Geographic
- the tour will be guided by a local expert. At coffee, Turkish Delight and baklava places, an expert will give a presentation about the specific subject
- this tour will host max. 15 people
What people say about this experience
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