Alex Chacón (USA) – https://www.alex-chacon.com/

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“Unsal was a fabulous and knowledgable guide! His passion for showing the sights of Istanbul was infectious and made for a 10/10 experience.

My dad and I customised the tour route to include The City Walls, Suleymaniye Mosque and the Asian side.

It was such a great experience that when I return with my boyfriend, I will book another tour with Unsal. Highly recommend to other travellers wanting to get the most out of their trip to Istanbul. :)”

Sasha M. (Australia)

“I have taken two tours of Istanbul with Unsal and both times it has been a great experience. The more time I spent with Unsal, the more I was impressed with his depth of knowledge about this fabulous city and his commitment to giving his guests the best possible experience.

The thing I valued most is that Unsal loves going off the beaten track, exploring nooks and crannies of Istanbul that most visitors (and even locals) don’t see. I especially enjoyed our visit to the Walls of Theodosius, a surprising amount of which remains and still an impressive sight after more than 1,500 years. And almost no tourists in sight! We also visited the Grand Bazaar, the Suleymaniye Mosque, Suleyman the Magnificent’s mausoleum and enjoyed an amazing chicken dessert in Uskudar after a twilight ferry ride across the Bosphorous. Highly recommended!”

David M. (Australia)

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We had an amazing tour with Unsal visiting Topkapi palace! Unsal is the best tour guide I had in a long list of my travels. He has an extensive knowledge of history and delivered it beautifuly! I saw so many amazing things and received detailed explanations from Unsal.

It was a great pleasure to spend time with Unsal as a guide and also like a bright and friendly person!

I highly recommend his tours. You will enjoy it!

Irina B. (USA)

We had the most memorable tour with Unsal. He has expansive knowledge of Turkish history and culture. We learned a lot of interesting facts. He provided us with detailed explanations of everything we saw.

Unsal was extremely accommodating. He met us at the hotel and we started the tour right away. He has a wonderful gentle personality and made us very comfortable throughout our long hours together. He is a great storyteller and very good photographer also. He sent us all good pictures that he took. We spent wonderful day with Unsal.

His tour was excellent!!! We are very grateful and have the best memories of our time together!

Yuriy B. (USA)

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Myriam G. (Switzerland)

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“In 2024, I joined “Istanbul Essentials for First Timers” route with Ünsal – such a great experience that I had to come back for more. Eager to explore the city’s deeper layers, I booked him once again, this time focused on lesser-known historical gems.

After coffee at Sirkeci, we took the metro to Kazlıçeşme and walked to Yedikule Hisarı, a former fortress with Istanbul views. A short bus ride brought us to Mevlanakapı, part of the restored Byzantine walls. My favorite stop was Chora Church, also known as Kariye Camii, in Edirnekapı. Dating back to the 4th century, it’s renowned for its exquisite Late Byzantine mosaics and frescoes depicting biblical stories, particularly the life of the Virgin Mary. Having served as a church, mosque and a museum, its layered history is fascinating. We made brief stops at the restored Tekfur Sarayı and the Aqueduct of Valens and visited the Fatih Mosque Complex before ending at Zeyrek Mosque, a beautifully restored Byzantine church overlooking the Golden Horn. Along the way, I tried my first chicken dürüm and we had Turkish tea and desserts.

Ünsal’s knowledge and passion made the day unforgettable. Teşekkür ederim!”

Myriam G. (Switzerland)

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“Unsal was a really exceptional guide. Very professional and extremely informative. Would highly recommend. We toured these spots: Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar. Lot of walking history around the highlighted areas above.

Unsal was also very helpful with recommendations for restaurants and things to do outside of the tour.”

Allan A. (USA)

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“We did the tour including Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, sultans’ tomb, Hippodrome and Basilica Cistern. The tour is extraordinary interesting for inter-cultural experience from the ancient to the modern istanbul. The perfectly well prepared schedule suits for beginners. For the ones with background knowledge or deeper interest in specific topics the tour could be personally adjusted on request.

Our many detailed questions to social, economic, technical and cultural topics have all been answered in a motivated and enthoustiastic manor. – We enjoyed the tour also on a personal level and are deeply thankful for the many recommandations and organisational support for our next holidays in istanbul. – Thank you very much! :-)”

Jens W. (Germany)

“We did the private day tour “Istanbul for first timers” with Ünsal. He is an extremely passionate person, who did the tour not only tailored to our wishes but also took extra time to explain us everything in detail and was happy about every question we had.

He took special care when selecting spots to show us details of Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque or Basilica Cistern and often had some extra pictures or information prepared on his tablet. Very often he shared personal discoveries of the monuments that would have remained hidden to us without him. For lunch he recommended us food, helped us with the order and already got the tickets for the next sight, while we could stay and recover at the restaurant and did not have to wait in the queue.

For us it was a special joy to see that someone loves their job. We had a truly amazing day with Ünsal and I can highly recommend him as a guide.

Benjamin L. (Germany)

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Unsal customised an itinerary for my second visit to Istanbul including the Roman Heritage area. The rich history and breathtaking artwork on display in all the places we visited was incredible.

Unsal is a wonderful guide who paces the program and information based on your energy level and preference.

I particularly appreciated the extensive personal photo collection which is used for reference during activities, as this helped highlight key information and intricate design details in the areas visited.

I highly recommend Unsal as a reliable and engaging person. His guiding style will allow you to explore Istanbul effectively and in keeping with your specific areas of interest, whilst helping you to learn so much about the history of this fascinating city.

Kim S. (Australia)

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“Unsal wasn’t just a tour guide, he was the key to unlocking the magic of Istanbul for me. From the moment he met me with a smile at the crack of dawn, I knew I was in good hands.

Instead of a rigid itinerary, Unsal offered me the chance to choose my own adventure. Whether it was the architectural marvel of Hagia Sophia, the serene beauty of the Blue Mosque, the fascinating mystery of the Basilica Cistern, or the bustling Grand Bazaar, Unsal’s knowledge flowed freely. He wasn’t just reciting facts; he brought history to life with a passion that was contagious.

As someone completely lost on how to tackle Istanbul in a single day, hiring Unsal was the best decision I could have made. He wasn’t just a guide; he was a local friend. Beyond the historical gems, he showed me hidden culinary delights and the perfect spots to find unique souvenirs.

If you’re looking to explore Istanbul and have an unforgettable experience, look no further than Unsal. He’s a 10/10 guide who will make you feel like a sultan on your own Istanbul adventure.”

Lena P. (USA)

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“There are many good guides in Istanbul but Ünsal is a special one. Best in suiting the needs of tour participants, very knowledgeable not only on Istanbul but also expert level in photography. With his former successful career in Silicon Valley companies, Ünsal has the grasp of what a corporate needs in their travel requirements. Truly your best choice to make your Istanbul visit an unforgettable memory.”

Murat Özbilgi (Türkiye) – https://www.instagram.com/gezimanya

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“As it was our first visit to Istanbul we booked this tour in advance. It proved to be an excellent decision.

Unsal contacted us directly before our arrival in Istanbul just to check what we were looking for in the tour so that he could adjust it accordingly. Unsal met us at 9am and we had a full day tour until 6pm stopping for refreshments twice and a light lunch. The pace was just right and the time flew by. We covered all the main sights as set out in the itinerary.

Unsal has so much knowledge of Istanbul and Turkey’s history, which he is clearly keen to pass on. His enthusiasm is infectious! Unsal is a keen photographer too and knew all the best vantage spots. At the end of the day Unsal forwarded all the photographs he had taken with us. In addition, other items that we had discussed during the day (such as a visit to the Asia side of Istanbul on our own), Unsal texted us helpful recommendations.

We cannot recommend Unsal highly enough. Thank you!”

Matthew B. (UK)

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“We created a tailor-made service, took fantastic photos. Delicious food, many surprising beautiful perspectives of the architecture. Very nice. Thank you.”

Sharda D. (The Netherlands)

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“I brought my two teenage daughters to Istanbul for the first time and we had one day to sight see. We customized our itinerary to include Topkapi Palace and Unsal was a tremendous help with coordinating the day for us. We even swapped our morning and afternoon itinerary to make sure we saw the Hagia Sofia. He educating us with many facts as we moved around and was keenly aware of not boring the teenagers and adjusted the level of information accordingly.

Unsal is very patient, accommodating, and very well spoken in English. I look forward to meeting him again in Turkey and hope you meet him too!”

Alex S. (USA)

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“Unsal had an impressive depth of knowledge, seamlessly weaving together fascinating historical facts about the various sites we visited. Whether we were wandering through the majestic Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, navigating the Basilica Cistern, his insights made every moment feel special.

If you’re looking to explore Istanbul with a guide who genuinely cares about his guests and has a wealth of knowledge to share, Unsal is your guy. His enthusiasm was infectious, making even the most crowded spots feel intimate and engaging.”

Emre K. (USA)

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“I took this tour (Photograph Istanbul) because it was customizable to what I wanted to see: The Cats of Istanbul. We went to a couple cat museums, then walked the streets, took the ferries, visited some mosque courtyards, cafes, cemeteries, etc to where the cats often wander. I highly recommend.”

John E. (USA)

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We had a whole day tour with Unsal in the Topkapi palace. His knowledge is exceptional, very pleasant person. Topkapi is worth for a whole day tour.

Robert F. (UK)

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Unsal tailored the experience perfectly, not only for our style but also for 2 somewhat tired travellers: his pace was great and he was aware of our needs at all times.

Unsal has such a wide depth of knowledge about Istanbul history, architecture and culture and makes all the information so easy to take in. This guided tour was great for our first day. Unsal continued to provide us with loads of information on other sites and activities in Istanbul and around Turkey.

He is a fantastic guide. Thanks Unsal!

Cate M. (Australia)

Unsal was a font of knowledge which he articulated with great care and attentiveness, we only wish that we had more time with.

Adrian S. (Australia)

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“The tour with Unsal gave me a wonderful insight into the beautiful city of Istanbul. He knows a lot about the history of the city and Turkey and has a good way of imparting his knowledge. The photography tips really helped me to take beautiful pictures. Unsal is a very good tour guide. I can recommend him without reservation.”

Anja R. (Germany)

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A Family Trip (USA)

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A Private Trip (USA)

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“I had the pleasure of travelling with Unsal around Istanbul, Izmir, Ankara and Cappadocia. Travelling with him was an intellectual, spiritual and gastronomic delight. He is well-versed in history, adding context of thousands of years to the sights we were so fortunate to visit. And to sooth our weary souls, he would find the most beautiful nature spots for relaxing after a day of travelling. Also the culinary specialities that he recommended were a special type of journey in themselves. Everything was absolutely amazing. Thank you again, Unsal!”

Bogdan U. (Romania)

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We had an excellent day with Unsal. He met us at our hotel. We visited the “essentials” and more. He gave lots of information (he’ll tailor depending how much you want to hear); told us history and made loads of recommendations for the rest of our stay. We ate meatballs (Turkish favourite) and later, baklava in an artisan tea house.

We have had a day to remember, highly recommend this tour.

Katy W. (UK)

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Our guide Unsal was extraordinary! This being a private tour he showed us all the important Roman Heritage sights which is not listed in the normal tours.

He took time to discuss with us our interest level and at each of the historical places he explained every thing in detail. Helped us with lunch introduced us to a special sweet dish. Not only dropped us where we wanted but guided us again to our next activity and again helped us with dinner choices.

A very friendly person it was like spending a day with a friend who knows so much about the many historical events that shaped Istanbul. He explained every thing about the art work in the Mosques added with pictures from his IPad, showing us how things were how things would be. Highly recommended tour.

Rajashekar & Mala P. (India)

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“Thank you Unsal. You allowed us to see Turkey through your eyes and get to start to know it in a way that no book would let us. Thank you for your dedication and patience.”

Emanuela P. (Italy)

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“My guide was an incredible resource who answered the questions I had as I navigated the walkable districts through diverse neighborhoods with a mix of architectural marvels and landmarks. It’s great to wander the streets with a local expert who can share ancient stories about this unique destination, once the capital of the Byzantine and later the Ottoman Empire—and the only city in the world that spans two continents… The guide’s expertise exceeded my expectations.”

(Quotation from Chanin Victor’s Intrepid “Taste of Istanbul” Tour Review: Go deep, not wide: a review of Intrepid’s Taste of Istanbul tour – Tour Scoop)

Chanin Victor (USA) – https://chaninvictor.com/

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“We had an amazing tour with Unsal Koslu! He was incredibly knowledgeable and explained everything in great detail, making the experience both fun and informative. He took us to the Grand Bazaar, where we visited a few shops and bought jewelry, as well as iconic sites like the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace.

Unsal felt more like a friend than just a tour guide, making the day even more enjoyable. He even captured some stunning photos at Hagia Sophia, zooming in to reveal hidden details we would have missed. Despite the rain, his warm and friendly service made the tour unforgettable.

I will definitely be booking with him again on my next trip! Highly recommend!”

Neenu S. (USA)

“Really enjoyed our Istanbul day tour. Unsal was super pleasant and very knowledgable. It was obvious to us he really likes what he does.

He has vast knowledge of the city and knows the history of Ottoman Empire, Hagia Sofia, very thorough. We were able to see some of the most beautiful and important sights that we would have never been able to see on our own in a day. Good value tour. Lots of walking but the pace was very manageable. Thanks again for making this day in Istanbul special!”

Shariful K. (USA)

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Detailed, friendly tour. Hire this guide!!

I cannot recommend this tour high enough. Unsal is an excellent guide providing detailed descriptions of every place, while selecting sites off the beaten path. My knowledge of Roman Istanbul has increased tenfold, and i have tons of memories of the places we visited.

Bryan E. (USA)

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I took the Roman Byzantine Heritage tour with Unsal. I’m a history buff so really wanted to see and learn more about the Roman Constantinople history.

Unsal ended up being the perfect guide. He is not only professional and knowledgeable but also very kind and a great company. The tour lasted several hours, almost the whole day, as even when the itinerary was followed pretty closely, the thoroughness of the explanations and the conversations resulted in an extended time. Other than the rush to reach some mosques due prayer time schedules, there was never a rush to cover my questions and interests. The tour combined walking, metro rides and taxis, which were basically tailored to the my specific needs and preferences. Unsal complemented his explanations with digital material thru an iPad, which I thought it was nice. At the end of the day, he still wanted me to see an additional site that I missed during my first visit to Istanbul but unfortunately I was too tired and had to decline, however, that showed Unsal’s passion for his job and customer service excellence. At the end of the tour, he called a taxi for me and even rode with me to my hotel to ensure I would get there safe and sound.

Great and highly recommended experience overall!

Fernando V. (Mexico)

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“How lucky we were to have Unsal as our personal Istanbul guide during our stay in Turkey. After the first day, we wanted to hire him for the rest of our stay!

The guidance service he organised for us was excellent. He didn’t miss a thing. We called him our walking encyclopaedia, as he has a deep understanding of the history of this area, which made the experience come alive for us. His amazing knowledge, gave us a real appreciation of this unique city! He was most respectful and showed concern at all times for our safety.

He also made himself available and flexible to attend to all our requirements! When the visits were over for the day, he always returned us to our hotel, even when it is very late!

We would definitely recommend Unsal to anyone who is planning a trip to this great city of Istanbul.”

Margaret and Ken N. (Australia)

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“Following a reference of a friend, I decided to hire Unsal as a guide for my daily Istanbul trip.

He is an enthusiastic person about his job and making his guests happy as his priority. As I hired him for a private tour, he explained to me that he could modify the pace, content and timings according to my personal preferences. His guidance and the overall experience were more than I hoped for.

Following the success of my visit in Istanbul, I wanted to hire him again for a visit to Edirne. A city which is known by only few tourists, but I was curious to see it. Unsal accompanied me to Edirne in my rented car and we had another very comprehensive tour in that small but delightful city.

In both of my experiences, Unsal explained to me the historical heritage, but also showed the nuances of daily life, pointed out local products and introduced me to some of the most delicious foods that Istanbul and Edirne can offer.

I can highly recommend hiring Unsal as a private tour guide, because of the personalization he can provide during such private services.”

Maurice K. (France)

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“I visited Istanbul with my extended family (group of 11). In order to get the maximum out of our long weekend trip we hired Unsal as our tour guide. This was a real success factor for the weekend. Not only was he very knowledgeable about the history of Turkey, the sight seeing spots (not only the top ones, but also the less known) and the infrastructure of Istanbul, but he also was capable to adjust the tour and the content provided to the various needs of this heterogenous group.

No doubt: I certainly will hire Unsal again when going back to Istanbul or other areas in Turkey.”

Martin H. (Switzerland)

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“We recently had the pleasure of exploring Istanbul with Unsal as our guide and it was an absolutely fantastic experience. From the moment the tour began, it was clear that Unsal is deeply passionate about his city and Istanbul’s rich history. Our journey took us through the magnificent Topkapi Palace, where Unsal’s storytelling brought the history of the Ottoman Empire to life. His knowledge of every detail, combined with engaging stories, made it an unforgettable visit.

A highlight of our tour was a visit to Istanbul’s Iron Church, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. Unsal’s insight provided a fascinating context to this unique and much loved place in the heart of Istanbul.

We also enjoyed a fantastic and relaxed atmosphere in the square near the Blue Mosque. Unsal’s insights and engaging comments made this stop even more memorable and it was a perfect place to feel the atmosphere of the city.

Throughout the visit, Unsal generously shared useful tips for travelling in Turkey in general, which proved incredibly helpful for the rest of our trip.

If you are planning a trip to Istanbul and want a guide who can turn your experience into an enriching journey through time, culture and hidden gems, I wholeheartedly recommend Unsal. Thanks to him, we left Istanbul with fantastic memories and a deeper appreciation for this incredible city.”

Svetlana S. (Bulgaria)

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“We went for two longer trips with Unsal, one around Istanbul and one all the way to magical Capadoccia. I can only say that he is the perfect guide, always knowing how to plan an exciting itinerary, finding hidden gems, authentic food spots, and sharing amazing insights (a true historian) . He is great at adapting the journey to weather conditions, clients’ interests and energy. Always smiling and the most generous host of his home country, Turkey.”

Silvia M. (Romania)

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“We were lucky to have Unsal as our tour guide on a trip to Istanbul and surrounding areas in 2023. Unsal is the best guide we could have hoped for, and one of the best we’ve ever had anywhere in the world.

First, he’s super reliable and honest. He takes care of the tourists, he guides like they’re family. His sights and explanations are always top-notch. Unsal has a deep love for his homeland and especially for his city, which he knows like the back of his hand, both the European and Asian sides. Unsal is the ideal guide for your first, second, and many other trips to the fascinating and inexhaustible city of Istanbul. Someone with Unsal’s sensitivity, knowledge and scholarship acquired through university studies are quite rare to find! By the way, one last detail: his English is clear, particularly understandable for non-native speakers. And one more thing, not minor at all for a tour guide: he’s an artist as a photographer! Highly recommended. Just so you know, we were a group of three, two young women and a young man. Have a great trip with him!”

Laura P. (Italy)

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A Family Trip (USA)

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“Some time ago I had the pleasure of touring Istanbul with Unsal, a fantastic travel guide who showed me all the main attractions, including the iconic Hagia Sophia. From the moment we met, I could tell that Unsal was knowledgeable and passionate about sharing the history and beauty of this incredible city.

Our first stop was the Hagia Sophia, and I was blown away by the grandeur and beauty of this historic building. Unsal provided me with fascinating insights into its construction and significance, making the experience even more meaningful.

Throughout the day, Unsal took me to other must-see sights in Istanbul, such as the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar. His expertise and attention to detail truly enhanced my experience, allowing me to appreciate the rich history and culture of Istanbul in a new light.

Not only was Unsal informative and engaging, but they also went above and beyond to ensure that I had a memorable and enjoyable experience. I felt like I was in good hands the entire time, and their passion for sharing Istanbul’s beauty was truly infectious.

Overall, if you are looking to explore Istanbul and Turkey, I highly suggest booking a tour with Unsal. You will not be disappointed!”

Laura S. (France)

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“Thanks to Unsal we spent a very nice time in Istanbul. His knowledge of local places and monuments was priceless and enriched with his history insights. Unsal made our Istanbul tour really unique experience for us with lifelong memories. I am looking forward to come back to Istanbul again one day. Thank you Unsal!”

Matej M. (Slovakia)

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“I had the pleasure of travelling to Istanbul with Unsal and I was incredibly impressed by his knowledge, organization and attention to detail throughout our time there. He expertly navigated the city, ensuring we made the most of our visit and saw all the must-see sights. Unsal’s enthusiasm and passion for the country and the city were evident and his knowledge about the history is also incredible.

He went above and beyond to make our trip memorable. I highly recommend consulting Unsal for anyone planning a visit to Istanbul or beyond.”

Fiona C. (China)

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