For centuries, coffee has played a central role in Turkish social life, giving rise to countless coffee houses that remain an integral part of the community. Since 2013 Turkish coffee has been included in UNESCO’s ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage’ and even global coffee chains have admitted that the distinctive local coffee deserves a place on their Turkish menu. On this exclusive National Geographic Day Tour, you will discover the history and cultural significance of Turkish coffee, or ‘kahve’.

Your National Geographic-trained guide will take you to Istanbul's most prestigious gourmet institutions. You'll first pay a visit to Karakoy Gulluoglu, a renowned baklava producer. Here, you'll learn the history of baklava and sample a selection of these deliciously sweet, flaky pastries, paired with Turkish tea. Next up is Ali Muhiddin Hacı Bekir Lokumları, one of Istanbul's oldest bakeries where you'll taste authentic Turkish Delight.

No Turkish coffee tour would be complete without a walk through the Egyptian bazaar, where traditional ‘cezve’ coffee pots are sold. You'll also pass by Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi, the premier Turkish coffee brand since 1871, where fresh coffee is packaged and sold through the window. Next, stop at their coffee shop where you'll savour a coffee tasting and visit the ‘coffee library.’ A fortune teller will also read your coffee cups - a fun custom connected to Turkish coffee culture. So get your tastebuds ready to savour the classic flavours of Istanbul while embracing the local heritage.