Signature Istanbul Walks

Zlata is a woman of her word: if she says she’ll do something — she will.
And she’ll do it beautifully, wisely, and with depth.

Traveling with her is a real pleasure — everything is thought through to the smallest detail, the places are unexpected, and she has a rare ability to show what’s genuine.

If she invites me on another journey, I’ll say “Let’s go!” — and only then ask, “Where to?”
(Guzel Khismatullina)

This is nothing like a classic sightseeing tour with dates and historical facts.
It feels more like a walk with a very kind and good friend — like when you visit someone in another city, and they show you their favorite places.

We truly enjoyed this walk.
A walk with someone who loves her city, knows the most charming corners, cozy cafés, and breathtaking viewpoints.

We walked, we talked, we soaked it all in.
It was a warm and heartfelt experience — exploring the city with someone who really knows and feels it.

So, if you’re looking not for a tour, but for a genuinely soulful, beautiful, and warm walk —
we highly recommend it.
(Yulia Derdo and Alexander Kolmanovsky)

Travels with Zlata are always refined, precise, and goes right to the heart.
They lead to beautiful places and views — often not touristic, but deeply sacred.

There’s always so much to learn about how locals live — their rituals, routines, and the nuances of their food.
Yes, with Zlata you’ll taste unique dishes, drinks, and desserts that you simply wouldn’t find on your own.

You’ll see locals in their natural environment — places where tourists never go.
You’ll live for a few days like real Istanbulites, moving around by local transport, and you’ll feel the greatness and timelessness of this city.
(Olga Berdnikova)

We didn’t want a standard list of sights and historical facts (an audio guide can do that).
We wanted a story from someone who lives in this city — flavored with feelings, impressions, and atmosphere.
A living story about local traditions and culture, seen through her own perception.

That’s exactly what I experienced during our walk through Balat.
It was light and effortless — a real dialogue, an exchange of impressions, answers to the questions that truly matter.

The coffee was wonderful (when you have no idea which one to choose among a hundred types, it’s great to have someone who recommends the best and tastiest for you!).
Time flew by unnoticed.

And now I read Zlata’s Istanbul channel with great pleasure — her writing is beautiful, few people can put thoughts into words so gracefully.
It’s fascinating to learn about local life, especially when it comes with her professional photos — it’s simply captivating.

I’m already looking forward to our next meeting in spring!
(Zhanna Grishina)

The trip was an emotional one, because I don’t really love Turkey — and going to Istanbul was what scared me the most. I went there already prepared that my worst expectations would come true… But it turned out Istanbul is different: there’s the tourist Istanbul, and there’s the Istanbul “for its own people.” And it was this Istanbul “for its own people” that Zlata showed me.

Unhurried walks filled with feelings, stories, and scents… We went to places where life flows at its own pace, and you simply become part of it. You walk through narrow streets surrounded by beautiful, diverse buildings where ordinary people live, and laundry is hanging between them — it feels so alive!

Zlata is the person who will show you your Istanbul — she’ll take you to the places that will stay with you, that you’ll keep sensing, remembering, and tasting long after. I truly recommend it!
(Dilyara Khismatullina)

Getting to know a city can happen in two ways. The first — you listen to well-rehearsed historical facts, look left, look right, and before you know it, the tour is over.
The second — you merge with the city: through sensations, tastes, and smells, all seasoned with history and architecture. After that, there remains a long aftertaste — and a desire to discover more.

With Zlata, we got to know Istanbul in the second way, and we know for sure that we’ll come back again.
(Anastasia Gizatova)

For me, it was one of the most comfortable and graceful journeys. The program Zlata designed was unique and heartfelt. We saw the city from the inside, walking through places that not even all locals visit.

At first, I wanted to see everything at once. But once you tune into Zlata’s rhythm — seeing and breathing in Istanbul — you realize there’s no need to rush anywhere. The city will reveal its secrets to you itself.

Zlata managed to create such a warm and flavorful atmosphere. Amid the incredible noise and bustle of this amazing city, she grounded our lively group and shared her own Istanbul with us.
(Guzel Khasanova)

You showed us the most beautiful places in Istanbul — places I hadn’t even known existed. Your café and sightseeing recommendations stayed with me for their warmth; I still keep all the photos from that day.

Walking beyond the tourist paths, we discovered a completely different Istanbul. It was both fascinating and a little bit thrilling — as if we’d stepped into a mysterious TV series full of secrets.
(Rozalia)

We went on two walks around Istanbul with Zlata (speaking English) — one on the European side and the other on the Asian side. With her, we sat in the most beautiful cafés, took a ferry ride, had the most delightful conversations, explored wonderful places, and tasted truly local food.

Zlata shared stories about local traditions and everyday life in such a natural, effortless way. The routes were thoughtfully tailored to our interests and personalities. She is the reason I discovered the true beauty and generosity of Istanbul.
(Liza Golovina)

You showed us a completely different side of Istanbul. We walked through old, narrow streets where, it seemed, no tourist had set foot for many years. We saw wonderful places — mosques, little cafés — and had real Turkish coffee with berefşan (a chocolate dessert), the taste of which still lingers.

I had traveled around Turkey before with my sons when they were still in school — we took many different excursions. But this time, I saw the country from a whole new perspective. We walked an average of 15 kilometers a day, yet it never felt tiring because of our conversations along the way.

And if we ever take another sea cruise through Istanbul, we will definitely meet again.
(Maginur Zaripova)