Culinary Weekend Tour

Culinary tour is based on Turkish cuisine which is as rich and varied as the history and culture of this fascinating country. The Ottoman Empire at its height stretched from Vienne to Iran and even today, the city of Istanbul joins the continents of Asia and Europe so it is not surprising that the cooking of Turkey also reflects an eclectic range of influences.

Day 1 – Istanbul – Arrival Day
Arrival at Istanbul Ataturk Airport, meet and greet by a fully qualified tour guide followed by a direct transfer to your hotel. Welcome dinner will be served at Meze Restaurant which is a typical Turkish meyhane serving Turkish dishes. You will have chance to chat over Turkish Cuisine with our chef “Mr.Gençay Uçok” who will also be participating in our events this weekend.

Day 2 – Istanbul
Begin the day by visiting the Hippodrome, the original venue for Roman chariot races. Proceed to the Blue Mosque, built by Sultan Ahmet I in 1609 and famous for its interior decoration of blue and white Iznik tiles. Later you will enjoy the magnificent Haghia Sophia Museum, built as the church of “Divine Wisdom” by the Emperor Justinian in the 6th Century AD.

Drive to the Egyptian market district to visit markets, suppliers and good food shops.
Upon arrival “Chef Uçok” will meet you at the traditional Pandelli Restaurant where we will be served lunch and he will inform you regarding gourmet shopping.

Continue to the Beyoğlu Balık Pazarı, wellknown local market to enrich our knowledge on Turkish supplies.
After this visit, we stroll down to the Galata district and  you will have a wine tasting at a popular wine boutique. You will enjoy a variety of Turkish wines, with Turkish cheese, tapas and grapes and have the opportunity to get information about the wines served from professional sommeliers.

Day 3 – Istanbul – Cook with a professional
The cuisine of Turkey is as rich and varied as the history and culture of this fascinating country. The Ottoman Empire at its height stretched from Vienne to Iran and even today, the city of Istanbul joins the continents of Asia and Europe so it is not surprising that the cooking of Turkey also reflects an eclectic range of influences. On Day 3 you will have a chance to cook with professional assistance. At the end of the lesson, enjoy Turkish specialties you have created. Late afternoon will be spared for an investigation visit paid to the Grand Bazaar followed by leisurely time for shopping. Our Farwell dinner will be at Samatya Develi Restaurant one of the most popular kebab restaurants among the locals.

Day 4 – Bosphorus Cruise
Enjoy a splendid day cruising along the Bosphorus towards the Black Sea. Witness the 15th CC fortress of the Ottoman Empire along with the 18th CC wooden mansions called “Yali “ Early lunch in a favourite restaurant of the locals; Cundali Hasan, on the keys of the famous straits. Afternoon transfers for departures.

All transfers upon arrival and at departure.

3 nights HB accommodation in hotels mentioned in itinerary. Welcome and Farewell dinners organized as venues outside hotels, other meals open buffet in hotels.

3 organized group lunches (1 combined with cooking lesson)

All entrance fees to the museums and sites named in itinerary.

English speaking professional guidance throughout the tour.

Hands on cooking lesson.

Travel & Health Insurance.

Local (VAT) and addtional taxes.