The Other Tour

The Other Tour was really something. Two brothers Murat and Billy have capitalised on the brilliant concept of their gifted younger brother and have turned the concept into Turkey's number one tour. We met the two brothers at the Dolmabahce Palace Clock Tower, jumped into the air conditioned mini bus, then were dropped off on Istanbul's millionaires row where we walked along the shores of the beautiful Bosphorus. We got the feel of this tour straight away. There were only six of us, the other four were young American and Canadian couples and the feel was relaxed, deliberately so. We had breakfast at a little outdoor cafe in the backstreets...really delicious...and got the chance to talk to our newly acquired mates for the day. It was pretty easy conversation. We liked the whole crew pretty much straight off...Including the very attentive, intelligent guides.

No need to jump up and race off....the guides were very relaxed and were at pains to relax us, so it was made clear that if we wanted to have another tea, or drink that was fine. 

The next thing was a cruise of the Bosphorus. I don't know who owned the boat, but wow, it was luxury. Another sign that this business is going ok for sure. Beers, wine and a personalised tour of the beautiful waterways of Istanbul followed. The conversation went to politics and got really interesting. They are not fans of the pro Islamist government and are hoping for a change at the next election. To be able to discuss this with these guys over a beer one on one was a thrill. They were interested that Australia was a pretty much secular society..the ethos of Ataturk, their hero.

We were then taken to a very poor village sitting right in the middle of the Istanbul suburbs...it was incredible. The people were living in the traditional way right here in the city. 

Normally we would have gone to visit a school but it is holiday time . A real shame.

The lunch was a unique experience. We were whisked away to the backstreets and their family home to sample their Mum's cooking. Not just a feed, a banquet. The hospitality was overwhelming and the food - to die for. 

I have never had better .....seriously. We waddled out and then took in the Greek and Jewish quarters of Istanbul ....certainly not on the main tourist route.

 Poor but fascinating. We had a few more drinks in a little bar and Michele taught the old man in the bar how to play the Turkish board game at which he was national champion. 

As the sun was getting lower it was time for a Turkish bath. It was excellent but a little short...I could have had another hour easily. We finished the day with another fantastic meal, then farewells to the group.

It is impossible to capture this whole day...there was so much more in it. One thing for certain - the city of Istanbul came alive through this brilliantly designed tour. The guides gave the personal touch and the sights were off the beaten track and exciting. Every other tour should be like The Other Tour.