Full Day Tour of Istanbul by Boat

An exceptional guide – it felt like discovering Istanbul with a friend

We have travelled extensively and have visited many cities with professional guides, but our experience with Esra Koçak was truly exceptional. She combines outstanding professionalism with an impressive and genuinely extensive knowledge of Istanbul’s cultural, historical and architectural heritage. What makes Esra particularly special, however, is that her expertise never feels like a rehearsed lecture. She has a remarkable sense of empathy and quickly understands the interests, expectations and pace of her guests. She adapts the tour naturally to those individual needs, rather than simply following a predetermined programme. Esra is also genuinely interested in the people she guides. Her warmth, kindness and wonderful sense of humour make it very easy to feel comfortable in her company. She goes far beyond what one would normally expect from a guide: she helped us avoid long queues, showed us how to use the metro, assisted us with practical matters and even helped us choose a lovely place for lunch. Throughout the day, we never felt that we were simply being taken from one sight to another. Instead, we felt that we were discovering Istanbul together with someone who genuinely wanted us to have the best possible experience. Perhaps the greatest compliment we can give Esra is that, after a while, it no longer felt as though we were spending the day with a professional guide. It felt as if we were exploring Istanbul with a friend, a very knowledgeable, warm and thoughtful friend. We have rarely encountered such a wonderful combination of professionalism, knowledge, empathy and genuine human warmth. Esra is an exceptional guide, and we would recommend her without hesitation to anyone who wants to discover Istanbul not merely as a tourist, but with someone who can truly bring the city to life. Thank you, Esra, for making our time in Istanbul so special. We hope our paths will cross again one day!

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The Other Tour is Another Experience

A day with Fethi is illuminating - the Other Tour is exactly what it says, an alternative to the cookie cutter tours you’ll find elsewhere. If you are looking for impersonal: this is not it. If you are looking for rich conversation and a chance to explore the real Istanbul; this is definitely the place to come. Fethi is a generous, hospitable guide with great insights to the history and juxtaposition of Istanbul. I had a real walking tour - and we rode of ferries and public transport so prepare to be active. Thanks a lot for showing me Istanbul Fethi.

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Excellent!!

The tour days with Monti, Omer and Tolga was amazing. He is so fascinated by Istanbul and its history that you can truly feel the city through his passion. The experience is spontaneous and flexible, which makes it even more enjoyable. He even took us out for drinks at night, which was a great touch. Would definitely recommend.

Response from the operator: Thank you so much, Tomás — it truly means a lot to us. It was such a pleasure to host you and your friends in Istanbul. We’re very happy to hear that you enjoyed your time with Ömer Çelik and Tolga, both of whom are professional licensed tour guides, as well as your Kadıköy night out with Berra. Your kind words about the spontaneity, flexibility, and passion behind the experience mean a great deal. We always try to make Istanbul feel not just like a city being visited, but a city being genuinely felt — and we’re so glad that came through during your time with us. Thank you again for your generosity, and we hope to welcome you back to Istanbul one day. Warm regards, Fethi Karatas (Monti) Founder of The Other Tour

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Perfect experience

Probably the best tour I've ever had in Istanbul yet. Our tour guide (Fethi) personally ensured that we are having a wonderful time and reach safely back to our hotel. Definitely recommend!

Response from the operator: Thank you so much, Shaheer — this truly means a lot to us. It was a real pleasure to spend the day with you, and we're very happy to know you had such a strong experience. We always try not only to show Istanbul in a meaningful way, but also to make sure the day feels smooth, enjoyable, and genuinely memorable. Thank you again for your generosity and recommendation. And beyond the tour itself, I’m really glad to have gotten to know you — you are a brilliant young man, and I’m very happy our paths have crossed here in Istanbul.

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To get a real life feel of istanbul. Not just a tourist

Spent almost 10 days in Istanbul with Fethi/Monti. Its an experience!!!!! I can't say this enough, it's like u LIVE the city, u feel it, every nook and corner. Indepth, the shops, the dealers, the history. Been to a lot of countries, Monti made this city amazingly enjoyable and made me feel at home. Made me feel apart of this city. Can't recommend this experience strongly enough. Huge shoutout to Ömer Çelik and Zeynep Karatas, The Other Tour’s professional guides, who led the museum visits and historical sightseeing, while Fethi led his team and coordinated everything with the drivers and other staff. It felt like I had a live in experience with my best buddy. Am going to be back as often as I can cause of him. My kids had a blast, and got a good feel for the city and Turkey. Felt at home.

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