img0 img1img2img3img4
Left Arrow
Right Arrow
img1
img2
img3
img4
Rating Star

5 (5)

Location Icon Istanbul

Unveiling Istanbul's Secret: A Private Hiking Tour to Ottoman Dams & Forest Delights

Clock

300

Overview

Highlights

Sentiment Analysis

FAQs

Location

Overview

Quotes Logo Discover Secret Lakes on a private Istanbul hiking tour, exploring historic Ottoman-era dams and lush forests. Enjoy a flexible, safe adventure with lunch included. Perfect for nature lovers and history buffs, experience Istanbul's hidden beauty beyond the city center. Hotel pickup and drop-off included. Quotes Logo

Highlights

Highlight Icon

Explore Ottoman History: Discover four historic drinking water dams built by the Ottomans, still in use today, showcasing engineering marvels of the past.

Highlight Icon

Lush Forest Hikes: Hike through a forest boasting some of the world's most beautiful vegetation, offering a refreshing escape into nature.

Highlight Icon

Personalized Experience: Enjoy a safe, fun, and flexible private tour tailored to your preferences, ensuring a memorable and intimate adventure.

Highlight Icon

Local Culinary Delights: Savor a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, experiencing authentic flavors and supporting local businesses.

Sentiment Analysis

  • Positive Highlight Icon Guests appreciate the personalized attention from knowledgeable guides

  • Positive Highlight Icon The scenic beauty of the forests and dams receives high praise

  • Positive Highlight Icon The inclusion of lunch is a convenient and enjoyable perk

  • Positive Highlight Icon The hotel pick-up and drop-off service adds significant value

  • Negative Highlight Icon Some may find the hiking physically demanding

  • Negative Highlight Icon Limited information is available about the local restaurant

Review Summary

People usually say the Discover Secret Lakes by Private Hiking Tour offers a unique and refreshing escape from Istanbul's busy city life, highlighting the beautiful forest scenery and interesting Ottoman-era dams. Reviewers appreciate the friendly and accommodating guide, the convenience of hotel transfers, and the included local lunch. A few mention that some parts of the hike require moderate fitness and recommend suitable clothing and footwear. Overall, travelers enjoy the combination of nature, history, and personalized service, though a small number note that the tour's remote location means limited nearby amenities.

Frequently Asked Questions

This page is synthesized and developed by Dyvarcity Team

From $77 Price

Book Now

As a Viator affiliate partner, we may earn a commission on purchases made through our platform.

Book Now

As a Viator affiliate partner, we may earn a commission on purchases made through our platform.

More like this

Capture Istanbul's Soul: An Immersive Street Photography Adventure

Location Icon Istanbul

$169

Capture Istanbul's Soul: An Immersive Street Photography Adventure

Photo Shoots Excellent Quality Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate

Rating Star 5.0 (31 reviews)

Duration In Minutes Duration: 210 minutes

The Istanbul Street Photo Tour offers an authentic glimpse into Istanbul's heart. Explore hidden spots away from tourist crowds, capture unique shots of local life, and benefit from expert guidance, regardless of your skill level. This tour promises an intimate photographic journey, creating lasting memories.

Details

Book Now

Istanbul: Private Guided Tour - See Top Sights in 1-3 Days

Location Icon Istanbul

$100

Istanbul: Private Guided Tour - See Top Sights in 1-3 Days

City Tours Rail Tours Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate

Rating Star 5.0 (8786 reviews)

Explore the magic of Istanbul with the Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour. This tour lets visitors discover Istanbul's gems with a personal guide, offering a flexible plan that spans one, two, or three days.

Visitors will get ready to see amazing places like the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque in Sultanahmet District. They can walk where old horse races were held at the Hippodrome of Constantinople and see the cool German Fountain. They get to shop at the Grand Bazaar and go on a boat ride on the Bosphorus. The tour may also include seeing the Dolmabahce Palace and going to Taksim Square, plus the tall Galata Tower and the Spice Market. Seeing the Suleymaniye Mosque, plus the colorful Fener-Balat Neighborhoods and the pretty Pierre Loti Hill, are other options. The tour makes sure that everyone enjoys seeing important spots in Istanbul.

This private tour includes a professional, licensed guide who meets guests at their hotel. It excludes transportation, museum/ferry/cable car tickets, lunch, and gratuity.

Details

Book Now

Istanbul Food Tour: Taste Two Continents - Ferry & Market!

Location Icon Istanbul

$135

Istanbul Food Tour: Taste Two Continents - Ferry & Market!

Excellent Quality Viator Experience Award 2025 Small Group

Rating Star 5.0 (3143 reviews)

Duration In Minutes Duration: 330 minutes

The Istanbul Taste of Two Continents Food Tour takes you on a tasty trip through Istanbul, exploring food on both the European and Asian sides! This walking and culinary tour is perfect for food lovers who want to see more of Istanbul than just the usual tourist spots. It's a delicious dive into Turkish culture and daily life.

The tour starts with a yummy traditional Turkish breakfast in the heart of Istanbul's Old City in Europe, near Eminönü and the Turkish Breakfast Market. Then, the tour will hop on a ferry to Asia to explore the lively streets and Kadıköy Market in Kadıköy. This food adventure includes 8-9 stops, each offering different samples. Expect to eat street foods, homemade Turkish dishes, kebabs, and even Turkish ice cream. The tour provides a local insider's view, sharing culinary, cultural, and historical stories.

This experience is led by a friendly, English-speaking guide. The group size is small, so it will be easy to ask questions and learn about the food and city. It's a full-day of eating and exploring, so wear comfortable shoes! Please note that vegetarian options are limited at 2-3 stops, and vegan options are limited at 4-5 stops. This tour has earned Viator Experience Awards and is known for its excellent quality and low cancellation rate.

Details

Book Now

Bosphorus Cruise: Explore Istanbul's Asian Side by Yacht

Location Icon Istanbul

€50

Bosphorus Cruise: Explore Istanbul's Asian Side by Yacht

Top Product Low Supplier Cancellation Rate Water Tours

Rating Star 5.0 (2240 reviews)

Duration In Minutes Duration: 150 minutes

Bosphorus Yacht Cruise Experience: Visit the Asian Side offers a luxurious and relaxing way to see Istanbul. This 2.5-hour small-group yacht cruise takes travelers away from the busy city, showing a different side of Istanbul from the beautiful Bosphorus Strait.

Travelers will sail between Europe and Asia, seeing amazing sights with a guide. The cruise stops on the Asian side, where visitors can explore Kanlica, a beautiful district that feels like time has stood still. Along the Bosphorus Strait, passengers witness Dolmabahçe Palace's grandeur, the lively Ortaköy Square and Mosque, and the iconic Bosphorus Bridge (15 July Martyrs Bridge). Views of Rumeli Fortress and Fatih Sultan Mehmet (FSM) Bridge add to the experience, as does the charm of Kanlıca, Küçüksu Palace, Anadolu Hisarı, and Çengelköy. The legendary Maiden's Tower (Kız Kulesi) also graces the horizon, with glimpses of Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Galata Bridge, Süleymaniye Mosque, Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar), Galata Tower, and Galataport.

What to Expect: This cruise includes free pickup from the Old City and Taksim areas, savory pastries, bottled water, snacks, a fresh fruit platter, small sandwiches, and Turkish coffee with Turkish delight. At the end of the cruise, guests will be dropped off at Taksim or Sultanahmet Squares. Alcoholic beverages are not included. With its excellent quality and worry-free shore excursion promise, this experience ensures a memorable and comfortable exploration of Istanbul's iconic waterway.

Details

Book Now

Istanbul Bosphorus Sunset Cruise: Luxury Yacht Views

Location Icon Istanbul

€24.75

Istanbul Bosphorus Sunset Cruise: Luxury Yacht Views

Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate Curated Catalog Top Product

Rating Star 4.9 (4293 reviews)

Duration In Minutes Duration: 135 minutes

Istanbul Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht starts at Kabatas Pier. This special cruise lets people see Istanbul from a fancy yacht as the sun goes down. The yacht goes up the Bosphorus Strait to the second bridge, showing amazing views of the Dolmabahce Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, and Rumeli Fortress. You can take great pictures of these famous places.

The yacht then turns around and goes to the Asian side, passing wooden houses. A guide tells you about all the important spots. The cruise stops at the Maiden's Tower, right in the sea, where you can take sunset pictures. This tour uses a luxury yacht that is made for comfort. You can use the restroom on the boat and enjoy fruit, baklava, and cookies. The tour guide knows a lot about the area, and you get free drinks like lemonade, tea, and coffee.

The cruise ends back at Kabatas Pier, where you can take pictures of the old city. This Bosphorus cruise is about enjoying beautiful sights, tasty treats, and learning about Istanbul's history from the water. What's included is a luxury yacht, fruit, baklava, cookies, drinks, and a guide. What's excluded is alcoholic drinks and transfer services. See key stops like Bosphorus Strait, Dolmabahçe Palace, and Maiden's Tower.

Details

Book Now

Istanbul Sunset Cruise: Luxury Yacht, Guided Tour

Location Icon Istanbul

€21

Istanbul Sunset Cruise: Luxury Yacht, Guided Tour

Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate Curated Catalog Best Conversion

Rating Star 4.9 (1780 reviews)

Duration In Minutes Duration: 135 minutes

Experience the magic of Istanbul with the Istanbul Sunset Cruise on a Luxury Yacht. See the city's most beautiful sunset views and world-famous landmarks from a comfortable, luxurious setting. This guided Bosphorus cruise takes people down both the European and Asian sides of the famous strait.

What to Expect: The cruise will pass by amazing places like the 19th-century Dolmabahce Palace, the strong Rumeli Fortress, and the well-known Maiden's and Galata Towers. See the beautiful Ortaköy area, cross the Bosphorus Bridge (15 July Martyrs Bridge) and see the grand Çırağan Palace Kempinski. Other highlights include the historic Anadolu Hisarı (Anatolian Fortress), the impressive Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, and the elegant Beylerbeyi Palace. Pass by Galataport Istanbul and under the Galata Bridge for unforgettable views of the Galata Tower.

The tour includes fresh fruit, nuts, baklava, and homemade lemonade. Guests can use the restroom on board. The tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off, or alcoholic drinks. It's a great way to see Istanbul's best sights!

Details

Book Now

Nearby Events

%100 Metal Sunar: Eluveitie Live at Zorlu PSM

Location Icon Zorlu PSM - Turkcell Sahnesi

Dec 17

9:30 PM

%100 Metal Sunar: Eluveitie Live at Zorlu PSM

Metal Heavy Metal Music

%100 Metal Sunar: Eluveitie is a heavy metal concert event held at Zorlu PSM - Turkcell Sahnesi in Istanbul, one of Turkey's premier performing arts venues. This event presents an electrifying live experience featuring Eluveitie, a renowned Swiss folk metal band known for blending melodic death metal with traditional Celtic instruments. The band continues to captivate metal fans worldwide, delivering a powerful showcase of their latest works alongside classic hits.
Zorlu PSM - Turkcell Sahnesi, located in the heart of Istanbul's Beşiktaş district, is celebrated for its state-of-the-art acoustics and seating arrangements, accommodating over 3,000 standing guests during concerts. As Turkey's largest dedicated performing arts center, it boasts cutting-edge video, sound, and lighting technology, making it a sought-after venue for international metal and rock acts.

Details

Book Now

Book Tickets: Ömür Arpacı & Gözde Kaya at Maximum UNIQ Hall

Location Icon Maximum UNIQ Hall

Jan 09

8:30 PM

Book Tickets: Ömür Arpacı & Gözde Kaya at Maximum UNIQ Hall

Theatre Arts & Theatre

Oyunun Oyunu features celebrated artists Ömür Arpacı and Gözde Kaya in a captivating theatre performance at İstanbul's renowned Maximum UNIQ Hall. This event promises a distinctive blend of contemporary storytelling and compelling stagecraft that showcases the duo's creative synergy, reflecting their rising prominence in the Turkish arts scene.
Ömür Arpacı and Gözde Kaya are recognized for their innovative contributions to modern theatre, delivering performances rich in emotional depth and artistic nuance. Maximum UNIQ Hall complements the experience with its state-of-the-art acoustic design and intimate setting, making it one of İstanbul's prime venues for cultural events, known for hosting international artists and world-class productions.

Details

Book Now

Tolga Çevik Tolgshow in İstanbul 2025

Location Icon Bostancı Gösteri Merkezi

Dec 19

9:00 PM

Tolga Çevik Tolgshow in İstanbul 2025

Comedy Arts & Theatre

Tolga Çevik brings his acclaimed Tolgshow to Bostancı Gösteri Merkezi, delivering an evening of interactive comedy and improvisation theatre that has captivated Turkish audiences for years. The Turkish actor and comedian, best known for hit films like Organize İşler and the beloved series Avrupa Yakası, returns with his signature blend of audience engagement and spontaneous humor that defines the Tolgshow experience.

Çevik's performances are renowned for their dynamic, ever-changing nature, with subject matter shifting based on real-time audience interaction and stage energy. Bostancı Gösteri Merkezi, a premier entertainment venue in İstanbul, provides an intimate setting that complements Çevik's unique comedy style and ability to create unforgettable moments of connection with his audience.

Details

Book Now

Metallica & Symphony Istanbul 2026 Tickets

Location Icon İstanbul Kongre Merkezi Harbiye Oditoryumu

Feb 08

8:00 PM

Metallica & Symphony Istanbul 2026 Tickets

Metal Heavy Metal Music

Metallica & Symphony Scream Inc. brings the legendary heavy metal band to İstanbul Kongre Merkezi Harbiye Oditoryumu on February 8, 2026. This symphonic collaboration transforms Metallica's iconic catalog into a groundbreaking orchestral experience, combining the raw power of one of rock's most influential bands with the elegance of a full symphony orchestra. The setlist features reimagined versions of Metallica's most celebrated works, delivering a unique concert experience that appeals to both longtime fans and new audiences discovering the band's music through a classical lens.
Metallica has captivated audiences worldwide for over four decades with albums like Master of Puppets* and *The Black Album*, cementing their status as metal royalty. The İstanbul Kongre Merkezi Harbiye Oditoryumu serves as an intimate yet sophisticated venue, providing an ideal setting for this genre-blending performance that pushes the boundaries of what a Metallica concert can be.

Details

Book Now

Kaan Sekban Stand Up at DasDas İstanbul Tickets

Location Icon DasDas

Feb 08

5:00 PM

Kaan Sekban Stand Up at DasDas İstanbul Tickets

Comedy Arts & Theatre

Kaan Sekban's stand-up show at DasDas in İstanbul delivers a unique blend of sharp wit and relatable humor drawn from his rich background as a former white-collar professional turned comedian and actor. Known for his viral self-produced talk show and bestselling books, Sekban captivates audiences with his satirical take on corporate life and life transitions.
Kaan Sekban, awarded Best Stand-Up Comedy Artist in 2018, brings his acclaimed storytelling and stage presence to DasDas, a premier venue celebrated for promoting cutting-edge arts and theatre in İstanbul. This event offers comedy lovers an opportunity to experience one of Turkey's most innovative comedians in an intimate, vibrant setting.

Details

Book Now

Fazıl Say: Mozart ve Mevlana & Mother Earth – İstanbul Premiere

Location Icon Volkswagen Arena

Dec 27

9:00 PM

Fazıl Say: Mozart ve Mevlana & Mother Earth – İstanbul Premiere

Music Chamber Music Arts & Theatre

Fazıl Say brings his groundbreaking new works, 'Mozart ve Mevlana' and 'Mother Earth,' to the Volkswagen Arena in İstanbul for their Turkish premiere. Celebrated as one of the most innovative pianists and composers of his generation, Say fuses Western classical traditions with Eastern philosophy, creating a unique musical dialogue that resonates with audiences worldwide.
His latest composition, 'Mozart ve Mevlana,' reimagines Mozart’s Requiem through the lens of 13th-century Sufi mystic Mevlana Rumi, blending sacred texts in Turkish with metamorphosed motifs from Mozart’s masterpiece. The Volkswagen Arena, one of İstanbul’s largest and most modern venues, provides a dynamic setting for this fusion of cultures and centuries.

Details

Book Now

The Bucket List Playbook: Top Things to do in Istanbul

Ready for adventure? Dyvarcity is your ultimate guide to the top 100 things to do in Istanbul From must-see attractions like Short Term Availability, Music, Historical Tours & Pop in Istanbul. We've handpicked events & experiences with passion: whether you love activities that move your body, vibrant music, sports, food, or cultural explorations.

View Istanbul Activities