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.
Nat Geo Day Tour: Istanbul's Finest Coffee and Confectionery
- Explore the enduring significance of coffee in Turkish culture, dating back centuries, and witness the resilience of traditional coffee houses during global coffee chains' expansion.
- 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
-
Guided walking tour
-
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
Based on 1 reviews from verified customers
Review categories
Service
5/5
Staff
5/5
Value for money
5/5
Safety
5/5
Eric
From United States of America - November 2024Solo traveller
35 - 44 years old
Excellent
Overall rated4/5
I loved everything about the tour, and the fact that my guide helped me with some personal shopping at the end. This was a perfect start to my week in ...
You might also like
Nat Geo Day Tour: Istanbul's Finest Coffee and Confectionery
Explore Istanbul's rich heritage on a guided walking tour, where you'll visit esteemed gourmet institutions to savor their delicacies and uncover the fascinating history of Turkish coffee and culture.
en
Nat Geo Day Tour: Artists and Artisans in Istanbul with Hands-on Art Class
Immerse yourself in Istanbul's vibrant heritage with a touch of trendiness in the hip Fener-Balat district. Discover the roots of the area and join in a workshop before trying mantı, a local delicacy.
en
Istanbul Classics - Half Day Morning Tour
Get all the best information for the Istanbul Classic half day morning tour in Turkey and book your tickets, at official rates. Get informed, plan and book your Istanbul tours.
en, fr, es, de
Istanbul Ottoman Relics afternoon tour
Discover the best of Istanbul's Ottoman relics with this half day tour. Book your spot on Musement today to visit Tokapi Palace and see what it has to offer.
en, fr, es, de
Istanbul Byzantine & Ottoman Relics - Day Tour
Get all the best information for the Byzantine & Ottoman Relics day tour in Turkey and book your tickets, at official rates. Get informed, plan and book your Istanbul tours.
en, fr, es, ar, de
Istanbul and Bosphorus cruise on private boat - half day morning tour
Experience the magic of Istanbul in the morning: Spice bazaar, Golden Horn, Balat, Bosporus Cruise, guided tour and more. Book now with Musement!
en, fr, es, de
Istanbul and Bosphorus cruise on private boat - half day afternoon tour
Discover the beauty of Istanbul with a tour to the Golden Horn and a private cruise along the Bosphorus, the waterway between Europe and Asia.
en, fr, es, de
Istanbul to Princes Islands Cruise - Full Day Tour
Discover the beautiful Princes Islands with a cruise from Istanbul, a carriage ride and lovely lunch. Book your ticket now with Musement!
en, it, fr, es, de
Culinary walk with Kadikoy (Chalcedon) treasures
Take a delicious culinary walk with your guide as you explore the Kadikoy region of the city. Try Turkish delicacies and enjoy a full traditional meal.
en
Gallipoli and Anzac tour from Istanbul
Discover Gallipoli on this full day guided visit. Learn all about WWI and WWII and visit the numerous memorials in Gallipoli. Book your visit today on Musement.
en