Istanbul by Bike: Two Wheels, One City, 1001 Stories

The best way to know Istanbul is with someone who has been telling its story for years, at your own pace. Our tour starts in front of the REVIVA office in Balat, at Plation Cafe. First we ride among the churches, synagogues, mosques and historic houses of Fener and Balat, soaking up the colourful atmosphere of the neighbourhood, then pass the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Along the Golden Horn we reach Eminönü and Sirkeci Station, the eastern terminus of the Orient Express. We ride through Gülhane Park, once the outer gardens of Topkapı Palace, past Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque to the Hippodrome. After Beyazıt and the Grand Bazaar we climb to Süleymaniye, Sinan’s masterpiece, stop at the historic Vefa Bozacısı, and return along the Golden Horn via Cibali to where we started in Balat.

At every stop we talk not only about what it is, but why it is there. Your guide is Osman Altay or one of our experienced local guides. Tours run in English or Turkish. Join a small group of up to 5, or book the tour privately for your own party; we can provide extra bikes for larger groups. Bike, helmet and a glass of boza at Vefa are included, €100 per person.