Istanbul Walking Tours
 

Hi. I have been comparing the self-directed walking tours recommended in Rick Steve's Istanbul 4th edition to the tours described in great detail by John Freeley in The Companion Guide to Istanbul. Any pros or cons? Would love to hear feedback from those of you who have done either or no of others. Thanks in advance.

Any body?

AMV, I do not know either of the books. But I know John. he was my professor at College in istanbul and is still here.

His books on Turkey and Istanbul are classics. he knows the place very well and should be trusted.

However, some places change and his book may be in need of updating.

I suggest that you glance through the books and choose your own route on a map. Just DIY rather than follow written orders. After all your interests are unique to yourself.

Otherchelebi, thanks, you are right about the DIY. My husband many years ago also spent time on Naxos with Maureen and I believe John too. I have read The Companion Guide cover to cover - it goes into exquisite detail about everything.

If you manage to lay your hands on Hillary Sumner Boyd's Book on istanbul also, it will be great. He was also my professor and an interesting person. (i acted in a number of plays he directed)

If you have the time and the energy, the area behind Rumelihisari, next to the bosphorus university which used to be Robert College is an excellent area for a walk. You can also go into the campus and have a very reasonably priced lunch at kennedy Lodge which is now the faculty lounge and restaurant, with its great view, after walking on campus. If anyone asks, you can say you're visiting professors from United States.

OC, thanks for the recommendation. I am going to try to track down the book you mention.And we will definitely try to go for that walk by Robert College!

I was on the RS Istanbul 7 Day Tour in 2010. We did the
City Wall walking tour. We were in a group with a guide and
I don't know if I would recommend this tour unless you
are into walking uneven surfaces and there are at least 4 in
your group. It is a dusty walk and you also walk through
Roma neighborhoods. The people we met were playing the
Turkish equivalent of Rummy Q outside their neighborhood
tavern and were very nice asking us to join them. The
Chora Church is a must but I can envision someone getting
lost on this walking tour. There is a map provided. Take
it as you will need it.

Xenii, thank you so much. This presents an entirely different slice of life.

I used Freely and Sumner Boyd's book last summer and the one before. Different bits of Istanbul. Found them disappointingly out-of-date. The routes are OK but a lot of the buildings are no longer there, closed, inaccessible.