My husband and I chose Inca Tour for our honeymoon and we are so glad we did. The boutique hotel selection was beautiful and the Bosphorus dinner cruise was so romantic. Thank you for making our trip special!
3 Days Gourmet Istanbul: Ottoman Cuisine, Cooking Classes & Old City Highlights Private Tour
Highlights of the Gourmet Istanbul Experience
Immerse yourself in the rich culinary heritage of Turkey with this curated three-day getaway designed for food lovers and history enthusiasts. This journey combines hands-on gastronomic discovery with deep dives into the imperial past of Istanbul. You will have the unique opportunity to learn the delicate art of traditional Turkish cooking from professional instructors, followed by the rewarding experience of savoring your own creations. It is the perfect blend of active learning and cultural enrichment.
Beyond the kitchen, our itinerary takes you through the heart of the historic peninsula. You will walk the grounds of the magnificent Topkapi Palace, once the opulent residence of Ottoman Sultans, and marvel at the intricate blue Iznik tiles of the Blue Mosque. Our guided exploration also covers the ancient Hippodrome, where chariot races once thrilled the masses, and the architectural masterpiece of the Hagia Sophia, which has stood as a symbol of grandeur since the 6th century.
This tour is crafted to provide a seamless experience, including two nights of hotel accommodation, airport transfers, a welcome dinner, the cooking class lunch and expert guidance throughout your stay. Vegetarian cooking menus can be prepared on request, and because Topkapi Palace closes on Tuesdays, the Basilica Cistern can be visited instead on that day. Whether you are admiring the collection of Chinese porcelains at the palace or wandering through the historic sites that define the city's skyline, every moment is designed to connect you with the soul of Istanbul. Join us for an unforgettable exploration where the flavors of the Ottoman Empire meet the timeless beauty of its most iconic landmarks.
Quick facts
| Tour type | Private Β· multi-day tour |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 Days 2 Nights |
| Price | From β¬1,044 per person |
| Departures | Every day |
| Guide | Licensed guide in your language |
| Stops | 5 |
| Entrance fees | Included |
| Booking | Instant request online, confirmation within 24 hours Β· TΓRSAB-licensed operator (A-5751) |
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Your full program, day by day β click a day to see every stop.
Day 1 Arrival - Istanbul π½ Dinner βΎ
Upon your arrival in Istanbul, our team will greet you and provide a comfortable transfer to your hotel. After check-in, you will have the chance to meet your fellow travelers and our knowledgeable gourmet experts. We will kick off your culinary adventure with a traditional Turkish welcome dinner, allowing you to sample authentic local dishes while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the city at night. This evening serves as the perfect introduction to the rich flavors and warm hospitality that await you during your stay.
Day 2 Istanbul π½ Breakfast Β· Lunch βΎ
Start your day with an orientation followed by a professional Turkish cooking lesson. You will learn to prepare classic local recipes before enjoying the fruits of your labor during a shared lunch. Energized by your culinary success, we head to the Old City. We will visit the Topkapi Palace to view its vast collections of silver and relics, the Blue Mosque with its famous tile work, and the ancient Hippodrome. We also see the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpentine Column and the Column of Constantine on the Hippodrome, and the tour concludes at the grand Hagia Sophia Mosque, a monument of immense historical significance, before returning to your hotel.
Day 3 Departure - Istanbul π½ Breakfast βΎ
After enjoying a final breakfast at your hotel, you will complete your check-out process. A transfer will be waiting to take you to Istanbul Airport for your departure flight. As your gourmet adventure concludes, you will carry with you the skills learned in the kitchen and the memories of Istanbulβs most spectacular historic sites. We wish you a pleasant journey home and look forward to welcoming you back to Turkey for your next exploration.
What's Included
β Included
- 2 nights hotel accommodation in Istanbul
- Licensed professional guide in your language
- Cooking lesson with professional instruction
- Guided Istanbul Old City tour
- All entrance fees for mentioned sites
- 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 1 welcome dinner
- Arrival and departure airport transfers
- Transportation in a non-smoking, air-conditioned coach
β Not Included
- International and domestic flights
- Travel insurance of any kind
- City tax
- Turkey entry visa
- Personal expenses and hotel extras
- Tips for guides and drivers
Where You'll Stay β Recommended Hotels
Handpicked 3-, 4- and 5-star hotels along your route. Choose your category β the price adapts.
π Istanbul
Exact hotels are confirmed on booking based on availability and your chosen category; equivalent alternatives may be offered.
Your Route Across Turkey
Istanbul
Our Tour Vehicles
Modern, comfortable and fully-equipped vehicles β the same fleet we use on your tour.
π₯ 54 Seats
π₯ 37 Seats (2+1 VIP)
π₯ 55 Seats
π₯ 54 Seats
π₯ 50 Seats
π₯ 50 Seats
π₯ 50 Seats
π₯ 46 Seats
π₯ 37+2 Seats
π₯ 37 Seats
π₯ 35 Seats
π₯ 16+1 Seats
π₯ 16+1 Seats
π₯ 12+1 Seats
π₯ 6+1 Seats
Add Daily Excursions
Extra day tours you can add along your route β Istanbul.
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Book This Tour
Fill in your details and we confirm your private departure within 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the 3 Days Gourmet Istanbul: Ottoman Cuisine, Cooking Classes & Old City Highlights Private Tour?βΎ
How many days is this tour and which cities does it cover?βΎ
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What Our Travellers Say
Real, verified reviews from travellers who explored Turkey with us.
It was important for us to have a guide who spoke Russian, and Ender was wonderful. He explained every detail at Dolmabahce Palace. The Princes Islands day trip was a beautiful break from the busy city.
Our guide Ender was incredibly knowledgeable about Turkish history. The hot-air balloon ride at sunrise in Cappadocia was the highlight of our trip. Everything was perfectly organized β from airport pick-up to the last d...
Ender was our Italian-speaking guide and we felt like family. He took us to local spots tourists never see. The hotel choice in Sultanahmet was perfect for walking everywhere.
10+ years later we still talk about our Cappadocia balloon ride and the Bosphorus sunset cruise. Some memories are timeless. Thank you Inca Tour!









