Fernwayer’s Private Tours in Istanbul

Feel the pulse of Istanbul, a city at a crossroads between East and West. Our private tours in Istanbul delve deep into the city’s heritage and its many iterations over the centuries. With our Istanbul guided private tours, you'll travel back in time to explore monuments of the Byzantine and Ottoman times, follow the threads of the Silk Route, and have a cup of Turkish coffee with local artisans cultivating Istanbul’s vibrant arts scene today, from Ebru to Shadow Theater. With Fernwayer, you'll go beyond the top things to see in Istanbul, absorbing the daily routines of the Turkish people, dining alongside them in a Meyhane, or sourcing spices at a bustling food market. But also consider our guided tours in Istanbul with the innovative ventures of winemakers, photographers, and avid textile collectors.

Private Istanbul Walking Tours & City Tours in Istanbul, Turkey

Uncover the layers of history with our private walking tours in Istanbul, Turkey. You’ll wander through the historic Sultanahmet district and capture Byzantine sites like the Hagia Sophia Museum Istanbul and the Basilica Cistern Istanbul that thrived when the city was known as Constantinople. Hear the stories of the Ottoman sultans who once roamed the Topkapi Palace and take in the 20,000 blue tiles that have helped nickname the Blue Mosque. History tours aside, you’ll get to follow in the footsteps of a photographer, watching dawn break over the Galata Bridge or capturing the hidden courtyards of Eminönü. These tours are an invitation to witness how this cosmopolitan city has been shaped over time, offering a profound understanding of its past and present. Discover unique places to see in Istanbul with us.

Experience the Arts of Turkey: Ebru Marbling, Tezhip & Textile Dyeing

Step into the world of traditional Turkish crafts with our Istanbul art tours led by local experts. You’ll meet a master artisan skilled in Ebru to learn about the art of Turkish paper marbling, watching as the drops of color turn into a vibrant marble painting. Witness the magic of Ebru marbling, also known as Ebru paper marbling, a traditional Turkey painting technique. Learn about Tezhip, a Turkish Islamic art that was prominent during the Ottoman empire, using gold powder to create motifs similar to the ones that once embellished old manuscripts, design a shadow puppet with a master puppeteer, or try your hand at dying your own fabric using natural dyes. Explore the beauty of Ebru art and Ebru painting. At the Grand Bazaar, a textile expert will guide you through a series of family-run shops and explain the rich symbolisms woven into Turkish fabrics, or you can trace the historic Silk Route to Bursa, where the ancient art of silk production is still alive.

Wine Tasting and Food Tours in Istanbul, Turkey

Savor traditional Turkish delicacies and learn how different cultures have influenced the local cuisine in our Istanbul food tours. Start the day with breakfast in the Grand Bazaar, adopting the morning routine of local merchants, or enjoy an evening in a Meyhane, sampling a variety of mezzes while you master the art of drinking raki. Each experience is designed to deepen your appreciation for Istanbul’s gastronomic heritage. Alternatively, you can dive into the world of Turkish wines with a wine expert who will introduce you to the country’s unique terroirs and the distinct profiles of indigenous grapes like Narince and Öküzgözü in a private wine tasting. Our tour guides in Istanbul, Turkey, will introduce you to the city like no one else can.

We Can Help

Prefer expert guidance? In a one-hour session, we'll design a tailored itinerary anchored in Fernwayer’s exclusive experiences, self-explore spots, and handpicked dining and hotel recommendations. While we don’t handle bookings, we’ll help you craft an unforgettable journey. Book a consult at info@fernwayer.com. Share where you want to go, how many days, interests, and group size.

Istanbul: How Many Days?