8-star guide – Sibel Akdogan!
Our guide, Sibel Akdogan, in Istanbul was truly exceptional - deeply knowledgeable, empathetic, and wonderfully attentive from start to finish. We didn’t just ‘see’ the city; we understood its culture, religion, cuisine, and art through clear, patient storytelling that made everything feel vivid and personal. This is the kind of tour you’ll remember long after you leave. Would give her 8 stars if we could!
You don’t know what you don’t know
We had originally booked the tour because we wanted a guide for the grand bazaar. It was a Sunday and Sibel informed us it was closed on Sundays. She assured us we could do the bazaar alone and her skills are best used around town. She was so right. She was incredibly informative, kind, and patient. You don’t know what you don’t know. She ended the tour with an amazing rooftop bar with a stunning view. Your only regret will be it didn’t last longer.
What a day we had in Istanbul ….
What a day we had in Istanbul, Isabel our guide was absolutely brilliant. There were four of us, two plodders and two sprinters but she manged us remarkably. We had booked Isabel on line a month before our visit and started planning our day as we did not want to miss out on anything. We need not have worried Isabel met us at the hotel in the morning and briefed us on how she saw the day panning out and with her expert local knowledge made suggestions as how to beat the crowds, and the gems that were worth spending a little more time at and those that would only warrant a brief visit. Our “tour” included the Topkapi Palace and the Harem, the Blue Mosque, the Basilica Cistern, and the Hagia Sofia Mosque. We even managed a coffee break mid-morning, and later a lunch that was superb, and the bill was very reasonable, again the benefit of being with a local. Isabel made our day in Istanbul something really special, she treated us as visiting friends and not just as tourists, and we hope to stay in touch with her and wish her well for her upcoming wedding.
Wonder full day in historic Istanbul
Our guide made our day in Istanbul's Old Town unforgettable! Sibel was warm, knowledgeable, and brought the history of Sultanahmet to life, from Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque to the hidden corners we'd never have found on our own. We couldn't have asked for a better introduction to Turkey, and we'd recommend her to anyone visiting Istanbul.