From Istanbul
Calling all coffee lovers! This private daily excursion invites you to follow the aromatic trail of Turkish coffee through the historic heart of Istanbul. Coffee has been woven into daily life here since 1519, when the very first beans arrived in the city during the Ottoman era. Today, locals sip Turkish tea with breakfast and finish the meal with a small, strong cup of coffee – and no dinner feels complete without one. On this relaxed, fully guided day tour from Istanbul, you will taste, learn and even brew your own perfect cup.
Your Istanbul day trip begins in Sultanahmet, the old city district where empires once ruled, and continues towards the Süleymaniye area, crowned by the magnificent mosque of the same name – a masterpiece of the architect Sinan. The route then winds down to Eminönü, the bustling historic trading quarter by the Golden Horn, long associated with spice merchants and the city's oldest coffee traditions. Walking these streets is like leafing through the pages of Istanbul's commercial and culinary past.
A highlight of the day is the stop at Haci Bekir, one of the oldest confectionery houses in the world. Founded in 1777, this family business is credited with perfecting Turkish delight (lokum) as we know it today, and its shops have sweetened the lives of sultans, travellers and locals for nearly two and a half centuries. Pairing these delicate sweets with a foamy cup of Turkish coffee is a ritual you will quickly understand – and happily adopt.
Practical notes: This is a private, fully guided daily tour operated in English, with a relaxed physical level suitable for ages 12 to 99. The tour starts and ends in Sultanahmet, and return transfer to your hotel is included. Coffees and entrance fees are covered; lunch, dinner and personal expenses are not. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for this gentle stroll through history.
| Tour type | Private · day tour |
|---|---|
| Duration | Full Day (approx. 4 Hours) |
| Price | On request |
| Departures | Every day |
| Guide | Licensed guide in your language |
| Stops | 2 |
| Entrance fees | Included |
| Booking | Instant request online, confirmation within 24 hours · TÜRSAB-licensed operator (A-5751) |
Your full day programme — click to see every stop.
Turkish Coffee Trail – Story of Turkish Coffee
Your private coffee adventure begins in Sultanahmet, where you meet your professional English-speaking guide and set off on 'The Coffee Route'. As you stroll through the historic peninsula, your guide shares the fascinating story of how coffee first reached Istanbul in 1519 and quickly became central to Ottoman social life – so much so that coffeehouses became known as 'schools of wisdom', where people gathered to talk, play games and exchange ideas. Along the way, you will stop at several historical venues to taste Turkish coffee prepared in the traditional style, slowly brewed in a copper cezve and served with its signature foam. The walk continues through the Süleymaniye area, dominated by Sinan's grand 16th-century mosque, before descending towards Eminönü, the old harbour district where coffee beans were once unloaded and traded. Next, you visit Haci Bekir Confectioner, the celebrated sweet shop founded in 1777, famous for its Turkish delight and classic confections – the perfect companion to a strong cup of coffee. To finish the day, you take part in a hands-on Turkish coffee-making workshop, learning the techniques of grinding, brewing and serving, and you receive a certificate naming you a certified 'Turkish Coffee Maker'. The tour concludes back in Sultanahmet with a return transfer to your hotel.
Istanbul → Workshop
Modern, comfortable and fully-equipped vehicles — the same fleet we use on your tour.
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Real, verified reviews from travellers who explored Turkey with us.
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!
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 — 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!