The RS tour of Turkey has limited time in Istanbul, a city that deserves many more days. I arrived 4 days before the tour began & connected with a local guide who was outstanding. Being with her was like visiting a friend in Istanbul and having her show you the town. REMZIYE KURT: remziye.kurt2@gmail.com; +90 505 806 13 15. Remziye was flexible in adjusting to my specific areas of interest. She had an engaging, conversational style & introduced me to neighborhood treasures I would have not found in a guide book or on my own. Also can provide a Turkish culinary orientation. Flawless English and German in addition to Turkish. I was questioning whether to spend the money on a local guide, and it was totally worth it with Remziye.
On another topic, I found a local non-profit store representing women artists from rural areas where I purchased gifts rather than from the Grand Bazaar or other tourist centers (although some retail purchases in that type of setting is part of the Turkey experience). NAHUL: Isitklal Cd., Bekar Sk. No. 17, Beyoğlu District of Istanbul.