Top Istanbul Classes & Workshops

Unleash your inner artist with a Turkish mosaic lamp small-group workshop in Istanbul. This is a hands-on cultural experience that the whole family can enjoy. No experience is needed as skilled instructors are on hand at all times to talk you through creating a traditional design. The immersive experience also includes insider suggestions on what to do, see, and eat with the rest of your time in Istanbul.

Coffee lovers won’t want to miss this uniquely Istanbul experience, which dives deep into the art of Turkish coffee. Learn how brewing with sand lets you control temperatures; master the art of the long-handled copper “cezve” pot; choose between eight different coffee types; and snack on traditional sweet treats. You’ll also discover how to tell fortunes using coffee grounds and take home your own bean blend, cezve, and cup set.

Learn the Turkish art of paper marbling with a private instructor. In this workshop, discover different ebru techniques and patterns and practice each style. The instructor provides all the materials, so take your time and have fun making ebru art. At the end of the workshop, take your marbled paper creations home with you.

With the help of a local mom from the Southeast Turkey, you will be able to learn home style, local Turkish-Kurdish cuisine. In addition to variety of dishes you will learn, you will also get to experience Turkish local home life at a family house and enjoy the meal with the family. You will also learn about the culture and traditions from the family member as you will feel like a part of the family as soon as you come in.

Prepare for an evening of nonstop entertainment with an exciting Rhythm of the Dance show at the legendary Hodjapasha Culture Center in Istanbul. Feel the electric rhythms of Turkey as you enjoy shimmying belly dancers, magnetic harem dances, energetic folklore performances, and dazzling costumes, accompanied by live music and 360-degree video projections.

Uncover the sacred practice of the mystical Sufis at an authentic Mevlevi Sema ceremony held at Istanbul’s Hodjapasha Culture Center, and witness the 750-year-old tradition that has been preserved on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Be mesmerized by the bizarre yet beautiful sight of the whirling dervishes as they perform their unique spiritual rituals during a show with a live orchestra.

Istanbul is a city set on the water and to fully experience its beauty and diversity you need to get out onto the Bosphorus Strait. On this ninety-minute cruise you’ll see both the European and Asian halves of Istanbul, enjoy views of many picturesque mosques and palaces, and learn more about Istanbul’s centuries-long history through an audio guide app available in ten languages.

Prepare to be awed by Istanbul’s magnificent architecture, rich history, and eclectic bazaars as you discover the unmissable highlights of the Old City on this 1-, 2-, or 3-day private tour. Marvel over the glorious Hagia Sophia, learn how the Blue Mosque earned its famous nickname, and see the ancient Basilica Cistern. Tour Topkapi Palace to gain an insight into the lavish lifestyles of the Ottoman sultans and their harem, and browse the legendary Grand Bazaar, where you find everything from carpets to Turkish delight. Flexible daily itineraries: Day 1 - Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome Square, German Fountain, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar. Day 2 - Bosphorus Cruise by Public Ferry, Dolmabahce Palace, Taksim Square, Istiklal Street, Cicek Passage, Galata Tower (from outside), Spice Market. Day 3 - Suleymaniye Mosque, Fener and Balat Districts, St. Stephen Church (Iron Church), Pierre Lotti Panoramic Hill by Cable Car, Kadıkoy Market (or alternative sites).

Fit all of Istanbul's attractions at the top of your bucket list into one packed day, with the help of an expert local guide. Stroll Istanbul’s historic Sultanahmet neighborhood, brimming with iconic buildings and storied streets. Tour the Blue Mosque, one of the most important sites in the Muslim world. Delve into history of the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Istanbul Hippodrome as well as the 'sunken palace' of Basilica Cistern. And you won’t want to miss the bustling Grand Bazaar.

Make your Istanbul adventure totally unique with a 1- 2- or 3 day private sightseeing tour. Opt for a single day and see the whole of the Old City, plus the Grand Bazaar. Extend the tour to include a second day and visit the Spice Bazaar, Dolmabahce Palace, Taksim, and Istiklal Street, plus a Bosphorus cruise. Please note that your guide is happy to alter the itinerary completely to accommodate your personal interests.

Experience a traditional Turkish bath at a hamam in Istanbul — a must-do activity when visiting Turkey. Choose from three options: the standard, massage, or full package. The full package includes the exfoliating full-body scrub and foam bath, a 20-minute oil massage, and a face mask, and lasts about two hours. Towels, slippers, and tea are provided.

As a cultural practice honored by the UNESCO Heritage of Humanity designation, the Mevlevi Semah ceremony offers a transfixing, centuries-old cultural experience. Don't miss this singular dance form with a whirling dervish show in the heart of Istanbul. Just sit down for your experience to watch the Sufi dancers spin and rotate in twisting movements, enjoy the accompanying music, and encounter one of the most popular and beautiful experiences in Turkey.

Take advantage of extended layover time in Istanbul on a round-trip tour of city highlights from the airport, customized to suit your interests and schedule. Zip with ease between iconic sights such as the Hagia Sophia, Grand Bazaar, or Topkapı Palace, and benefit from historic and cultural insights provided by your professional guide.

Venture beneath Istanbul’s historic city streets to discover over 1,500 years of history and legends on a group tour of the Basilica Cistern. Begin with skip-the-line admission, which enables you to maximize your limited vacation time in Istanbul. Through immersive and illuminating commentary, you’ll gain an in-depth understanding of the mystery of this subterranean attraction. Throughout the visit, you’re free to ask questions for a more personalized tour experience

Discover Istanbul’s European and Asian sides—and taste a range of delectable Turkish delicacies—on this full-day, small-group tour. Meet your guide in the morning in Istanbul’s Old City, and be sure to come hungry: you have a day of feasting ahead of you. Explore a spice market, and enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast, before crossing the Bosphorus to trendy Kadikoy. Sip Turkish coffee, visit multiple restaurants, and discover Istanbul’s must-try dishes.

Recall the days of ancient Rome on this full-day trip to Ephesus from Istanbul by air. With a professional guide, explore the spectacular Greco-Roman Ephesus, Turkey’s archaeological showpiece. Stroll the ancient streets to marvel at the Basilica of St. John and the Temple of Artemis. You also get time to walk through the Ephesus Archaeological Museum to see the excavations of the ancient city and shop for local handicrafts.

Make Your Own Turkish Coffee! You will be going home with a Turkish Coffee Making Set! PROGRAM 1. MEETING We will meet with you at BALKAPANI HAN. 2. PRESENTATION You will have a presentation after arriving at the coffee shop about Turkish Coffee Culture and History. 3. WORKSHOP Coffee beans, grinders and cezves will be ready for you to make your own Turkish Coffee. You will be guided by the presenter. 4. COFFEE TALK+FORTUNE TELLING Savor your Turkish coffee and immerse yourself in local culture with conversation, while we guide you in the traditional art of reading fortunes from the coffee grounds. 5. COFFEE SET (GIFT) Last but not least, you will get your own Turkish Coffee set which comes with a cezve, coffee, traditional mug, and Turkish delight. The experience takes place on the European side of Istanbul and includes 1500 years old history. Please book as soon as possible!

Whether tucking into a tasty kebab, feasting on mezes or indulging in sweet baklava – Turkish cuisine is a treat for adventurous foodies. Uncover Istanbul’s culinary secrets on this 3-hour cooking class and learn to cook your traditional dishes under the guidance of an expert chef.

This service is not only photoshoot, beside having pictures, at the same time you will be seeing around and interacting with me and my culture. You are all welcome to my service with regardless of race, language, religion, gender. Istanbul, the city of the minarets where your trip should be immortalized by a photographer. Old town area; oldest part of the city. The most visited areas and must see locations are the historical mosques; Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque those two are one of the symbols of Istanbul with its unique history. Photoshoot is a must with these iconic gorgeous monumental mosques. The locations for the photoshoot are Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Sevenhills, Galata Bridge and Ortakoy Mosque.

Join our Traditional Stained Glass Painting Workshop for a blend of tradition and innovation in Turkey's rich cultural scene. This isn't just a class; it's a deep dive into vitreous enamel painting, a craft that combines color, light, and narrative. Learn the history and techniques of vitrail in Anatolia, guided by local experts. Our workshop is open to all levels, with tailored instruction to realize your vision on glass. Experience Turkish hospitality with tea, coffee, and snacks, and immerse in cultural talks. Create your stained glass art and connect with Turkey's artistic heritage, leaving with a unique piece and a story of creativity. Discover stained glass artistry with us and take a piece of Turkey's soul home.

Come join me at my home, to learn how we, Turkish people, cook at home. While you will experience what daily life of a Turkish person is, you will learn things about the culture where you will not find online or on Istanbul streets. Firstly, we will walk to my favorite local stores that I shop in my daily life. We will visit the Charcuterie, green grocery, spice store, pickle store and meze store that I go almost daily. After we do the shopping, we will cook, and set the table together as two friends. While we exchange information about our cultures, religions, literature, and politics, we will enjoy the dishes we cooked together. When you leave, you will have two questions in your mind: how did I eat so much, and how come did I get this close with someone in this short time. You will also keep this cooking knowledge as a souvenier that you will bring back to your friends and family at your hometown. So, come as a guest, leave as a friend!

We can all go to the best breakfast places in Istanbul, which offer amazing menus with various delicious dishes. But we want to introduce something new; we want to show how we, the local people of Turkey, live. Just like families, friends in Turkey would invite each other for breakfast and spend a morning together, we want to have you over at our home as our friends. We want to show you Turkish hospitality. But we want to do this by teaching how to make a typical Turkish breakfast. That way, you will be able to bring this culture wherever you want. We want to learn your culture and teach ours. That makes us different.

Discover the heart of Istanbul with on this private street photography tour. Led by a professional photographer with 18 years of experience, you'll be guided to the cities most photogenic areas, capturing unforgettable moments of locals, far away from tourist traps. Learn to use wide angle lenses and point and shoots to capture unique photos of fishermen, sellers, and families in their home city.