Turkey at the Table: A Culinary Journey at the Crossroads of Culture
Turkey is a place where cultures meet, histories overlap, and food tells the story of it all. Sitting at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, the country’s cuisine has been shaped by centuries of trade, migration, empire, and everyday life. From bustling spice markets and ancient streets to family kitchens and neighborhood bakeries, every region carries flavors that reflect deep tradition, generosity, and pride.
This tour is an invitation to experience Turkey through its cuisine. We’ll explore the foods that anchor daily life and celebration alike—tasting regional specialties, learning the stories behind iconic dishes, and connecting with the people who keep these culinary traditions alive. Along the way, we’ll experience Turkey’s rich cultural heritage, legendary hospitality, and the belief that a shared table is one of the most meaningful ways to understand a place.
To bring this experience to life, we’re teaming up with Deniz Kirkanahtar, founder of Edible Istanbul—a native guide, storyteller, and passionate culinary expert who knows Turkey from the inside out. Together, we’ve designed a tour that goes beyond the highlights and into the real rhythms of Turkish food culture: the markets locals shop in, the dishes families pass down, and the places where tradition is still made by hand every day. With Deniz as our collaborating partner, you’ll get access to the kind of local insight, connections, and cultural context that turns a great trip into an unforgettable one.
Turkey 2027
Location: Istanbul Şanlıurfa, MArdin
Dates: September 20-29, 2027
12 Spots remaining
Price: $11,000 Per Person
Who?
The trip is designed for experienced travelers with a passion for great food that is still made the way it was many hundreds of years ago – food that is deeply connected to the people and culture of the place. Our guests are adults of all ages, who enjoy walking, and enjoy exploring places on their own as well as with the group. Guests should expect to climbing stair in and out of buildings, use public transportation and standing on their for long periods during tours, classes and demonstrations.
We keep the group small. Up to 12 guests traveling with two experienced hosts.
Food Curiosity Level: High
Patience
A good appetite
A sense of humor
Curiosity
Flexibility
Accommodations
We’ve carefully curated a selection of four- and five-star hotels around the country in an effort to balance our active days with comfort and relaxation. All of our hotels include bars or restaurants and a few also offer spa facilities.
What’s Included?
Amazing food – all breakfasts, most lunches, and several dinners. We will enjoy traditional regional specialties made with local, fresh ingredients.
Behind-the-scenes visits with artisanal producers, local farmers, and hands-on cooking experiences.
A Zingerman’s tour host and our guides will be at your disposal at all times.
Public/Private Transportation
Hotel accommodations for 9 nights
What’s Not Included?
Airfare
Airport transfers
Alcoholic beverages (other than beverages with dinner or when they are specifically included in the itinerary)
Personal spending money
Additional Tips
SAMPLE ITINERARy*
Day 1 – ISTANBUL
Sunday, September 20, 2027
This evening we will gather for a to get acquainted with our fellow travelers and the days ahead of us.
After we get familiar, we will head to dinner within walking distance of our hotel — our first taste of Istanbul together where the menu boasts an impressive array of mezze, dishes for sharing and other traditional specialities that prove utterly irresistible.
Day 2 - Sugar & Spice
After breakfast, we explore Karaköy, one of Istanbul’s oldest functioning ports, shaped by Byzantine, Ottoman, and modern influences.
We visit a baklava prodcuer that is the gold standard of baklava in Türkiye. A multi-generational family business, we’ll learn about the artistry and precision of baklava production — ending, of course, with a tasting.
Lunch is hosted at an iconic restaurant located above the Spice Bazaar serving classic Ottoman and Turkish cuisine since 1901.
In the afternoon, we walk through the vibrant Spice Bazaar and surrounding historic inns, discovering the sensory richness of Istanbul’s spice and trade culture.
Dinner is a traditional three-course meal with wine or rakı before returning to the hotel.
Day 3 - Imperial City
After breakfast, travel by tram into Istanbul’s historic heart for an essential walking tour of the Imperial City (Sultanahmet). We’ll begin our morning exploring Istanbul's historic treasures; the ancient Hippodrome and the Basilica Cistern. Together, they offer a journey through centuries of history and culture.
Midday today features a hands-on cultural highlight: a cooking class learning the ancient secrets and recipes of Ottoman Palace cuisine and have chance to enjoy them on our beautiful terrace with breathtaking view on the whole Istanbul for lunch.
In the evening we will take a ferry to Kadıköy for a market visit and see the vibrant reflection of Istanbul’s everyday culinary life. Dinner is in Kadıköy before returning to the hotel.
Day 4 - Grand Bazaar & Topkapı Palace
Today blends the energy of Istanbul’s iconic markets with one of its most atmospheric neighborhoods.
Begin with a guided visit to the Grand Bazaar, including food stops and “grazing” along the way. We’ll continue to the one of the city’s best-preserved Mosques and Byzantine treasures, followed by a walking tour through the colorful streets of Balat.
Dinner is at a traditional waterfront meyhane, a traditional Turkish Tavern, in Balat.
After dinner we will experience a special night visit to Topkapı Palace, including the palace kitchens (home to the world’s largest collection of Chinese porcelain), the Harem quarters, and imperial treasures.
Day 5 – Istanbul → Şanlıurfa
After breakfast, we will transfer to the airport for our flight to southeastern Turkey. Upon arrival, we check into our boutique hotel housed in a restored traditional Urfa home.
In the evening, we attend a traditional sıra gecesi — an unforgettable cultural gathering where regional music meets Urfa’s bold and spicy cuisine. This will be our first full kebap experience in the region.
Day 6 - Urfa: Markets & Museums
Today we’ll spend the day discovering the deep history and flavors of Şanlıurfa is a walking tour. On our way we’ll see local sights, visit spice & copper markets and have a guided food crawl through the market.
In the afternoon, we visit the Şanlıurfa Archaeology Museum and Mosaic Museum, home to one of the world’s most important prehistoric collections, including extraordinary finds from the Pre-Pottery Neolithic era.
Dinner tonight will be in the city center within walking distance to our hotel.
Day 7 – Şanlıurfa → Mardin
Today we’ll give our feet a break and let the bus takeover.
After breakfast, we will travel by private bus toward Mardin, the birthplace of wheat, stopping at two of the most significant Neolithic sites in the world. We enjoy a village lunch along the way before arriving in Mardin.
Upon arrival in Mardin we will check into our hotel and enjoy dinner at a celebrated restaurant, known for highlighting the region’s multicultural culinary heritage and social impact work.
Day 8 – Mardin → Istanbul
Today will begin with a guided walking tour of Mardin, one of Turkey’s most distinctive and beautiful cities discovering the city’s Syriac, Kurdish, Arab, and Ottoman layers. After our walk we’ll enjoy a local wine tasting and have lunch overlooking the Mesopotamian plains.
This afternoon we will transfer to the airport for our return flight back to Istanbul.
Once we’ve arrived in Istanbul we will check back into our hotel and you’ll have the evening free to rest or head out for dinner on your own.
Day 9 - Bosphorus Day
After breakfast, we’ll enjoy a Bosphorus Cruise. Sailing from the Sea of Marmara to the Black Sea. Along the way, we pass elegant waterfront mansions, imperial landmarks, and fishing villages, stopping at Anadolu Kavağı before returning.
The afternoon is free for independent exploration.
In the evening, we’ll join together to celebrate the journey with a special dinner.
Day 10 – Departure
Thursday, October 30, 2025
After breakfast, check out and transfer to the airport for departure or continue your adventure.
*Please note: this itinerary is based on recommendations from our local guide’s expertise. We will make every effort to provide the tours and experiences that are described above. The nature of the places we’ll be visiting — not typical tourist destinations — means that plans may change at the last minute. Also, you always have the option of skipping a particular excursion, but please note that we will be unable to make refunds for any missed meals or other events.
