Everybody Loves It!

guided walking tours in istanbul, private bespoke itineraries in istanbul with an expert guide

Istanbul is a place to see on foot, and the best way to do that is to hook up with Arzu  who enchants as she guides. In the ruins of a Byzantine church she made us feel like we were reliving those days. Same in an Ottoman Mosque.

 Arzu has a way of seeing things as though she lived through them, whether watching the chariot races on the Hippodrome in 800 AD, attending the Ahrida synagogue or strolling through the Grand Bazaar in 1550, entering the Chora church in 1200 AD, or besieging the city walls in 1453. You’ll see Istanbul through the eyes of people of the time, all in the person af a charming, imaginative, poetic, and funny personal guide. You’ll love her. And the walks.

She’s promised to show me Troy through Odysseus’s eyes. She will, too.

Bob Stone

Four women, age 18-55, got so much out of our trip to Istanbul, thanks to our guide, Arzu

She’s fluent in English, extremely knowledgeable, has tons of energy, and is so much fun to be with! We especially enjoyed seeing the city from a woman’s perspective. She also coordinated our overnight trip to Ephesus.

A day — or a week — spent in the company of  our tour guide Arzu  will make Istanbul come alive! In addition to Top 10 sites, Arzu will take you on walking tours of hidden gems, including non-touristy restaurants and shops

Sarah Valente

There’s a world of difference between walking with a guide in your hand or with a guide walking alongside. Particularly if that guide is a nice young woman who speaks perfect English, knows Istanbul like the back of hand because she was born and raised there, and takes you to places which you would normally pass by.  Arzu organises customised tours together with her clients, attuned to their areas of interest. 

Do you want to focus on Byzantine and Ottoman Istanbul? On the modern, trendier districts? Do you want a trip to Princes’ Island in the Sea of Marmara? Do you want to talk to artists? Arzu will arrange it, accompany you, tell you everything there is to know, and be very pleasant company to boot.

Happinez Magazine, NL

My husband and I spent a lovely day with Arzu Tutuk as our guide, covering both the highlights of Istanbul, as well as the exciting non tourist neighbourhoods. 

We learnt so much in one day, visited great sites, shared good laughs, fantastic meal and quite a number of kilometres. 

What a great way to get to know a new city. Arzu is full of energy and passion.

Helena De la Barré

Dear Arzu,

Jeff and I have so much enjoyed our time in Istanbul with you as our guide. You have made everything so easy and pleasant- and informative. 

We feel as though we made the most of our time here and that is largely attributed to you.

Jeff & Celia Harris

Our group of 15 hired Arzu  to lead us on a walking tour of Istanbul. She is a great choice.

She and I worked together in advance to come up with a tour that worked for us. We are walkers and wanted to cover a lot of the non-touristy areas as well as some specific sites.

Arzu listened to what we wanted and came up with a good plan. The day of the walk was cold and rainy and the Istanbul Marathon was going on which required a change in our plans. Arzu adapted well and showed us everything we wanted.

She answered our many questions openly about life in Turkey as well. She is an Istanbul native and without her we would have missed out on some special memories.

Martha Myron, Northwest Tulip Trekkers, Volkssport Club

Dear Arzu,
We have just arrived back from Istanbul having had a really great trip.  

The great success of the trip was due in no small part to your efforts in getting it off really well.  

We had a great night out at the restaurant you recommended and then had a real insight into your wonderful city with you

Diane and Gordon Benett , Nailsea Footpath Group

Hello Arzu!
We want to thank you again  for the wonderful time we had in Turkey! Everyone loved seeing Istanbul, the  Bosphorous, and the Asian side.

You were a terrific guide and we loved our  time with you! If we ever come back again and you are still guiding people,  we will be your loyal customers!
 

We had such a special time.
 Our friends loved Turkey, the people and the food. I think  they might return someday.

Ed & Faris Charbonneau

Dear Arzu,

We arrived back last night after an amazing time.
Thank you for being such a wonderfully informative guide and showing us some of the beautiful sights of Istanbul and for giving us such an excellent introduction to Turkey.

Lin Visser

Dear Arzu,

 Just a quick note to thank you for looking after my mum and friend, they both said how much they had enjoyed their days out.  They have gone back to the UK now and unfortunately the weather is not as nice!

I will certainly recommend you to other friends in Turkey and also any guests who will be staying with us in the future.

Sandra Priddis

Hi Arzu,
We just wanted to thank you for one of the best days of our 50-day cruise.  

You were, by far, the best tour guide we have had the pleasure to be with, and we will certainly recommend your tour to everyone.  

Bill & Pat

Dear Arzu,

We had a fabulous time with you in Istanbul and want to come back someday with our children. 

Thank you so much for everything you did to make our stay there memorable, colorful, educational and spiritually moving. And oh yes, thanks for all of your help with shopping!!

Prisicilla and james Warner