Your guide teaches you the rules of Turkish haggling: when and how much to bargain down, how to tell authentic products from imitations, and the most common tourist traps. With these tools, you will walk into the Grand Bazaar as a well-prepared shopper.
20 minWe enter the Grand Bazaar through the less touristy gates and head for the authentic workshops. Your guide takes you to trusted sellers of Turkish carpets (kilim and halı), hand-painted Iznik ceramics and handmade mosaic lamps. You will learn to tell a genuine silk carpet from an imitation.
Read more about Grand Bazaar: carpets and ceramics 80 minWe visit a workshop where artisans assemble the iconic Turkish mosaic lamps piece by piece. Your guide explains the craft tradition and the materials (coloured glass, crystal) and helps you choose authentic pieces at a fair price. You can also make your own lamp in the workshop.
40 minWe explore the Egyptian Bazaar looking for the best products to take home: genuine saffron, spice blends, handmade lokum, Turkish teas, rose oil and laurel soap from Hatay. Your guide shows you the stalls with the best value for money.
Read more about Spice Bazaar and gourmet products 40 minA lunch break with your guide's recommendations for local restaurants near Eminönü or Sirkeci. Options range from home-style kebab to meze at a neighbourhood lokanta.
50 minWe visit the Arasta Bazaar next to the Blue Mosque — smaller and quieter than the Grand Bazaar, with higher-quality jewellery, textile and craft shops. Your guide takes you to trusted jewellers working with turquoise, silver and Turkish gold.
40 minWe cross to Karaköy and Galata to discover the boutiques of contemporary Turkish design: fashion, homeware, natural cosmetics and trendy Turkish brands you won't find in international chains. Sophisticated and original gift ideas.
45 minYour guide sums up the best buys of the day and leaves you a list of other trusted shops, plus advice on shipping parcels home if you bought carpets or large items.
10 minIt includes: Licensed English-speaking guide specialising in Turkish crafts; Visits to craft workshops (ceramics, lamps, carpets); Turkish tea and coffee tasting with the artisans; Advice on quality and haggling techniques; Istanbulkart travel card for transport. Not included: Personal shopping; Lunch (your guide will recommend options); Tips.
The tour starts at 10:00 and lasts about 6 hours. Meeting point: Sultanahmet Square (next to the German Fountain).
This is a private tour: just you and your group with the guide (maximum 6 people), never shared with other tourists. That means the pace can be adapted and we can go deeper into the topics that interest you most.
Yes, subject to availability. We recommend booking at least 24–48 hours in advance to secure your date, but we can often arrange last-minute tours.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour. The price is confirmed in a free, no-obligation quote before you book.
Of course. The guide adapts the pace and explanations for families. Young children get free or reduced entry at many sites in Türkiye; the age limit varies from one site to another.
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