“Excellent guide to wonderful Istanbul”

My family (wife and two small boys under 8) visited Istanbul following a trip to Greece, and had arranged a private guided tour with Dilek to cover: Blue Mosque, Ayia Sofia, and the Basilica Cistern, as well as guiding us on walking tour from our hotel to and between the various sites. The tour was excellent. The intention was the for the tour to be specifically geared to our two children and I was worried about keeping their attention and making it interesting for them. We had experienced a couple of similar 'kids' tours' in Athens that were disappointing and not really for kids (despite the advertising), but Dilek's tour was a complete contrast: informative, genuinely calibrated to the two boys (she established great rapport with them, especially my eldest, and was very patient), educational (she was teaching and quizzing them!), and very enjoyable. Dilek patiently helped us with photos and was very tolerant and always friendly and helpful. I can strongly recommend Dilek as a guide for families like ours with small children: you will not be disappointed.

Dilek O.

(5 reviews)

Hi Richard. Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a beautiful review! It was a pleasure guiding your family through the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the Basilica Cistern. I know how challenging it can be to keep young explorers engaged during historical tours, so I am so happy that the boys enjoyed our time together. They were so bright, curious, and fun to quiz! I'm so happy that I could turn your previous worries into a positive experience for the whole family. It was really fun to capture some lovely family photos for you as well. Thank you for choosing to explore Istanbul with me. I wish you all many more wonderful family adventures, and I hope to welcome you back to Turkiye in the future!

“Thank you Dilek!”

Hi Dilek, I wanted to send a sincere thank you from my family and me for an unforgettable experience in Istanbul! Your 18 years of expertise truly shone through. Catching the sudden reopening of the Basilica Cistern just 1 day before our tour was a masterstroke that saved us hours of waiting in line. Thank you also for your incredible patience and thoughtfulness with our twin boys—buying them those small toys to keep them engaged inside the mosques was an elite guide touch that we deeply appreciated. You truly know the ins and outs of your city, right down to the exact status of the palace kitchens! Your pristine, expert guidance was the highlight of our historical journey. We wish you an absolutely fantastic summer guiding season, and we will happily recommend your great services to any friends and family heading to Istanbul down the road. Warm regards, Tony

Dilek O.

(5 reviews)

Hi Tony, Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a wonderful review. It was my pleasure to guide you and your beautiful family through Istanbul. I was very happy that our timing worked out so perfectly for the Basilica Cistern skipping those long lines definitely leaves much more energy for exploring. The twin boys were great sports throughout our historical journey, and I was more than happy to find a little something to keep them entertained and engaged while we visited the mosques. Sharing the intricate details of the city with curious and appreciative travelers like you is exactly why I love what I do. Thank you again for trusting me with your trip and for your kind promise to recommend my services. I wish you and your family all the best, and I hope you have a fantastic rest of your summer

“Perfect day in Istanbul”

We had the most delightful day with Dilek. She was very kind and friendly and we learnt so much about Istanbul. We were able to see everything on our customised tour and even bought some beautiful ceramics from the markets. We had lunch at an authentic cafe and arrived back in time to the cruise terminal. She was the perfect guide to tour Istanbul.

Dilek O.

(5 reviews)

Hi Sharon, Thank you so much for your lovely message! It really made my day. I’m so glad you enjoyed your time in Istanbul. It was a pleasure guiding you and sharing some of my favorite spots—including that charming café and the vibrant markets. I hope the ceramics bring back happy memories every time you see them. Wishing you many more wonderful adventures ahead, and I’d be so happy to welcome you back anytime!