Tolga

History Buff & Wine Lover & Foodie

  • I live in Istanbul
  • I speak English, Türkçe
  • Verified Local host
  • Response time less than 17 hours

Hi there! Nice to meet you

Tolga

Exploring the past, savoring the present, and indulging in culinary delights – that's the essence of who I am. As a dedicated History Buff, I immerse myself in the stories of bygone eras, finding inspiration and wisdom from the lessons of history. My love for delving into the past is only rivaled by my passion for the finer things in life.

📜🌍🔍 Unearthing forgotten tales and unraveling the intricacies of different epochs is my forte. I'm that person who loses track of time while wandering through museums, flipping through aged manuscripts, and engaging in discussions about the historical events that shaped our world. The echoes of the past guide my steps as I seek to understand the roots of our present.

🍇🍷🥂 Equally enchanting is my devotion to the art of viniculture. A true Wine Lover at heart, I delight in the symphony of flavors that dance across the palate with every sip. From the rich depths of a bold Cabernet Sauvignon to the delicate notes of a crisp Chardonnay, I find joy in exploring the diverse landscapes of the wine world. Whether it's a wine tasting soirée or a quiet evening with a well-aged bottle, my appreciation for the grape knows no bounds.

🍔🌮🍰 Of course, my journey wouldn't be complete without the exquisite pleasures of gastronomy. A devoted Foodie, I embark on culinary escapades that take me from charming street-side vendors to Michelin-starred establishments. The crackling of a perfectly seared steak, the aroma of freshly baked bread, and the symphony of flavors in a thoughtfully crafted dish – these are the moments that make life truly delectable.

Join me as I explore the annals of time, raise a glass to the present moment, and relish every bite that life's banquet has to offer. Together, we'll uncover the threads that weave our world and savor the tastes that make it all the more vibrant. Cheers to history, wine, and the irresistible allure of culinary artistry! 🥂📚🍷🍴"

  • I live in Istanbul
  • I speak English, Türkçe
  • Verified Local host
  • Response time less than 17 hours

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Reviews

Miqelle
22 February 2025
Tolga took over from Emre who we originally booked with but had the flu. An avid traveler himself, Tolga was super interesting to listen and talk to. Not only did he do a fabulous job with showing us Turkish street food and classic dishes, he also knew a lot about history and historical context of the region. Emre too was helpful—even though he didn’t conduct the tour he gave us extremely useful tips about Istanbul. So much better than any canned tour of the attractions. So much better than Get Your Guide
Alexander
30 December 2024
Tolga (who was already a replacement for another guide) did not show up and did not even inform us that another guide would take over. His name was Errol and while I am not sure he is a Withlocals guide he did an excellent job.
Esther
26 December 2024
Tolga was an awesome tour guide, showing us all the best and hidden spots in Kadikoy. He had so many fun and historical stories to share that brought the food to life and gave us a window into the gastronomy of Istanbul which was exactly what we hoped for! He's super knowledgeable and very talented as a tour guide! We were absolutely full by the end--so make sure to go with an empty stomach! You will not be disappointed!Kadikoy food tour highly recommended!
John
8 December 2024
I have taken two tours with Tolga and he has proven both times to be immensely knowledgeable and easy to interact with.Great tour guide!
Yoeri
12 November 2024
We had a nice tour from our guide Tolga. He is someone you immediately feel comfortable with. He speaks very good English and has extensive knowledge about Istanbul. Thanks to him you will learn fun facts about life in IstanbulGood times with Tolga
Michelle
30 October 2024
This was an amazing tour with Erol Utgun. Olga wasn’t available but he sent his colleague and we are so glad he did. Erol did a fantastic job of guiding us around the asian side of istanbul and helped us understand the importance of food in the culture. Not only was everything we sampled fantastic but he explained the history and significance of everything and really helped us understand the neighborhood like a local. We had a group of seven ranking in age from 25 to 82 and everyone felt it was a highlight of our five day trip to this remarkable city. Fantastic Tour and Great Day
V
25 October 2024
Tolga unfortunately was not the one at the tour. He sent another individual in his stead, but did not inform me of this during the booking. Roy / Abdullah his replacement was good. It was also tough to nail down the plan with Tolga, meaning I had to write him many many times to get the time and pick up confirmed. But, Roy was very friendly and knowledgeable. Good guide and can recommend
Robyn
11 October 2024
Great guide. Interesting history. Fantastic wine and restaurant recommendations. Europaolo
Nancy
6 October 2024
We had Erol to guide us. It was very nice and good food. He told us about the local habits and made us taste real Turkish food. I would definitely recommend ErolErol gave us a really good tour
Carolyn
2 October 2024
At the last minute our guide was changed and our substitute guide was wonderful. He had all the facts at his fingertips and provided a wonderful walking tour of the key city sites. Wonderdul substitute guide

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