Frequently asked questions
The things guests ask us most, answered by the local guides who run every tour.
What is Unique Istanbul Experiences?
We are a boutique travel studio based in Istanbul, a licensed travel agency (No. 3211) run by people who live here. We host small-group and private experiences across the city and publish travel guidebooks and map pins for Istanbul, Cappadocia and Antalya. The city, told by the people who live it.
What kind of experiences do you offer?
Four kinds: food tours on both sides of the Bosphorus, yacht cruises on a 23-meter boat, walking tours of the Old City and the Asian side, and hands-on workshops (Iznik tile painting, ebru marbling, Turkish delight making, Turkish coffee and fortune telling). Beyond the tours, we offer guidebooks, map pins we maintain ourselves, airport transfer and a concierge service for trip planning.
Why book with you directly instead of through Viator or GetYourGuide?
You book with the local team that runs the tours, with no marketplace in between. Questions before and after booking go straight to us on WhatsApp, and food, bazaar and shopping tours include our digital Istanbul guidebook at no extra cost.
How big are the group tours?
Group tours take a maximum of 15 people, small enough that you can talk with the guide the whole way. Private tours are just your own party. The one exception is the wine sunset cruise, which seats up to 25.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellation is free up to 3 days before the tour. Within 3 days of the start time, bookings are non-refundable. If plans change earlier than that, write to us and we move your date or cancel.
Where do the tours meet?
Food tours and yacht cruises meet in Karaköy, Old City walks meet in Sultanahmet, Asian-side walks meet in Üsküdar, and bazaar tours meet in Eminönü. Every tour page shows the exact meeting point with a Google Maps link.
Is food included in the food tour price?
The price covers your professional local guide and the digital Istanbul guidebook; food and drinks are paid as you go, so you only pay for what you taste. The ferry between the two continents costs about $1, payable by card.
Are the tours run in English?
Yes, all tours run in English with licensed local guides. English is the guiding language across all four kinds of experience, from the food tours to the yacht cruises.
Can you handle vegetarian, halal or allergy needs on food tours?
Tell us when you book and the guide plans the stops around it. Turkish food is generous to vegetarians. For gluten and nut allergies, let us know in advance: wheat and nuts run through much of Turkish cooking, so we steer you to what is safe rather than promise every stop works.
Which experience should a first-time visitor pick?
Start with the Istanbul Highlights Tour ($40, 5 hours) to cover the Old City on foot, or Taste of Istanbul ($40, 4 hours) to eat across both continents in an afternoon. Doing either on your first day makes the rest of the trip easier to plan.