ISTANBUL
Istanbul Food Tour
Bostan Break-feast
(Tue.-Sat.)
Quick bite: This half-day excursion is a rare opportunity to be hosted for an epic breakfast al fresco in the historic gardens of Yedikule while discovering the historical treasures and living culture found inside and outside the iconic old city walls.
Tucked between layers of Byzantine-era fortifications and Istanbul’s iconic old city walls, small green oases exist in the Yedikule neighborhood. Known as bostan, these small farms – beloved for their lettuce and others greens – have produced food for the city for centuries. Though their existence is continuously threatened by the city’s growth and urbanization, the bostan miraculously persist today, quietly tended by a cadre of farmers who originally hail from the Anatolian city of Kastamonu.
With this morning feast and exploration of the area, a living historical fragment of Constantinople, we will celebrate this remarkable snatch of rural life and the people who protect it. We’ll start by gathering around the outdoor table of a local farmer and his wife for a blockbuster Turkish breakfast featuring some specialties from their farm along with top-quality culinary delights collected from some of the best Turkish producers. After a leisurely meal at the table, we’ll set off to discover some hidden treasures of the area, including historic gates of the walls, a little-known architectural treasure by Mimar Sinan and other significant sites in this historic, but often overlooked district.
*Please note that this activity is offered for private groups of 6-8 only.
*Please come prepared with comfortable walking shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty. We will be walking in the fields.
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Fee includes everything consumed on the walk. Some special features:
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Be ready to get a bit dirty; we will be exploring the fields. |  |
Children welcome. |
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Old city views. |  |
An insider view to how the Bostan works. |
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Breakfast is extremely flexible with vegetarian options. |  |
Gluten free options available. |
OUR TOURS IN THE PRESS
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MULTIMEDIA
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FAQ
How are you dealing with COVID-19 risk on your walks?
We have reinforced our commitment to safety with new guidelines to assure maximum safety of our guests on our walks in terms of social distancing and hygiene while maintaining the quality of the experience. For more details on our precautions, read here.
Our routes have been altered during this period of time to ensure the safety of our guests, guides and community. Our cancellation policy is extremely flexible to deal with changes in travel plans.
Why are the Culinary Backstreets tours more expensive than some other walking tours?
Our approach is different than most tour companies. Each of our culinary walks is the outcome of considerable research. We work with academics in the field and our own team of experienced professionals – both guides and local journalists. Our ongoing publishing of articles, from restaurant reviews to features about the intersection of food and culture, constantly feeds new material into the culinary walks, so they evolve and constantly improve. Though costly, we believe that this is how to create the quality experiences we strive for.
We practice honest tourism and would never accept a free lunch or any sort of commission. On the contrary, we are proud to know that the money spent during the culinary walk goes to support businesses that we believe in, helping to preserve the social and cultural fabric of the cities we love so dearly.
What is your cancellation policy? 100% will be refunded if given 1 week notice prior to the activity.
Can I get a discount if I join more than one walk? Yes, we offer a 10% discount to those who join more than one walk. Please email us at walks@culinarybackstreets.com if you’d like to join multiple walks.
Are your walks suitable for people with food allergies? This can vary based on a number of factors, including the food item in question. Please email us at walks@culinarybackstreets.com to discuss your situation before booking.
Are your walks suitable for vegetarians and pescatarians? This activity can be modified for vegetarians.
Can children join the walks? Of course! Children are welcome.
Still have questions? Please email us at walks@culinarybackstreets.com.
