ISTANBUL, TURKEY
Holiday Houseboys
To fully appreciate Istanbul you need to book a Holiday Houseboy, your local gay friendly tour guide. He will be able to show you around Ilike a local. Whether you want to see the tourist sites, places off the beaten track or discover the new experiences, the Holiday Houseboy is there to help you.
ONDER
Onder works in a hotel close to Taksim Square. He has been in this job for 5 years. Being a night receptionist he is accustomed to customer service. His secret interest includes acting, which he does at an amateur level. He also likes opera, the cinema, football and swimming. He goes to the gym a few times a week to keep in good shape. A worldy guy, Onder looks forward to looking after you as your Istanbul guide.
Onder is a non smoker, and speaks Azeri, Turkish and English.
Cost for the guide services of Onder for one day (8 hours) = a non refundable deposit of USD 45 by Paypal or major credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) PLUS USD 100 in cash to Onder after his services. Total 145 US dollars.
Cost for the guide services of Onder for half a day (4 hours) = a non refundable deposit of USD 25 by Paypal or major credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) PLUS USD 60 in cash to Onder after his services. Total 85 US dollars.
This does not include transport, entrance fees or food & beverage costs. Please pay the guide’s expenses when he is with you.
Testimonials:
“Onder was fantastic. An experienced guide and knowledgeable about everything Istanbul, what makes him successful is the pure joy he derives from showing off his hometown. He’s also one of the nicest guys you’d ever meet. Run don’t walk to have Onder as your guide.” – Fred, USA
“Onder my guide in Istanbul was fantastic. He was a great guide and a lovely person. Thanks for creating the connection which made for a perfect day touring!” – Steven, USA
“I have to say Onder was fantastic!! We had a terrific day together, one which I won’t soon forget. He was communicative, prompt, friendly, intelligent and spoke excellent English. His knowledge of the areas we visited was awesome, as well. We didn’t really plan much in advance, so the day just unfolded… we went to Balat, walked around Galata, had lunch at a mezes restaurant and he showed me how the subway system works, among other things. I can only give Onder my highest praise and recommendation. Many thanks and, if Onder is typical, I wouldn’t hesitate to book with Holiday Houseboys again.” – Thom, USA
“Onder is a handsome, charming guy. I really enjoyed his company. By telling a series of anecdotes and describing various neighbourhoods, he gave me an interesting perspective on life in Istanbul and how it relates to other parts of a multi-faceted country. He has a good sense of humour and an adventurous spirit. I would not hesitate to recommend Onder’s services if you’re looking for a courteous and attentive Istanbul guide. Particularly helpful for people who are travelling on their own” — Ted, Canada
“Just to let you know Onder provided excellent service as our Istanbul guide. Enjoyed a nice evening with him.” – Joe, China
“Onder turned out to be the best guide I’ve ever used. He showed me everything I wanted to see, eat, drink, go out and all I could have wished for in a guide. He was so friendly great to talk to. So relaxed and I saw all of Istanbul through his eyes which is what I wanted. Hopefully I will be returning late September and using him again.” – Paul, Australia
“Onder was super friendly and personable. He made us feel very comfortable from the beginning until the end of the day and made sure we were OK all the time. By the end of out time together, it felt like hanging out with a long time friend. He showed us his city at a casual and relaxed pace with lots of time to chat, drink coffee and enjoy the sights. We would strongly recommend Onder to anyone who wants to learn about day to day life in Istanbul and take respite from the main tourist attractions.” – Rafael, Canada
“Well Onder was an exceptional guide. When we met him, he gave each of us a hug as he introduced himself. This jester immediately put us at ease. Onder was very knowledgeable about the city. We thoroughly enjoyed our tour with him and it was because of him, I will use Holidayhouseboys again. I will return to Istanbul again because of the tour with Onder. He will be my guide next time in Istanbul. I have told friends thinking of going to Istanbul to contact you for bookings with Onder. I salute you for having him as a guide. Thank you for such a wonderful guide.” – Dennis, USA
Holiday Houseboy Onder with Jeff & friend
“Onder was the best guide we’ve had in years. He asked what we were looking for in terms of tour expectations up front and he exceeded expectations. His extensive background on Istanbul was evident, his passion to show off his city and country made the tour awesome. The pace of his full day tour was exactly what we were looking for. Honestly, by mid-day, it was as if we were visiting a great friend in his city and was showing us around. Onder was funny, had a great personality and super fun to explore with. We highly recommend Onder!” – Jeff, USA
“Onder was very personable, friendly , knowledgeable and professional.. I would definitely use his services again and will highly recommend him to friends..” – Stavros, Australia
“Onder is an amazing host. He knows the city very well and helped me with a business project. He is smart, capable, and a genuinely good person. I highly recommend him.” – Harry, USA
“Onder was perfect.” – John, USA
“Onder was a amazing, friendly guide – it was like hanging out with a friend for the day. I have been to Istanbul before, so was looking for something different from the usual places. And Onder certainly delivered! His comprehensive knowledge of the various parts of the city, was coupled with stories from history, and his own life in Istanbul. He knew great places to eat and how to easily get round the city. We took the ferry to the Asian side, to areas I had never been to, and then further up the Bosphorus to Aṣyan. I would highly recommend spending time with Onder when you are in Istanbul, you will not regret it!” – Brent, UK
How To Book A Holiday Houseboy
To book any of our Holiday Houseboys please go to the booking form.
Or send an email to info@holidayhouseboys.com.
Alternatively WhatsApp +34-676-78 63 51.
Remember a Holiday Houseboy is your gay friendly tour guide who looks after your safety and welfare at all times.
Please note these are guide services and not sexual services.
Our other destinations in Turkey are Ankara, Bursa, Cappadocia, Cesme and Izmir.
Highlights of Istanbul
Istanbul’s ocean with cruise ship
Istanbul, Turkey where Europe meets Asia. Indeed take a ferry from Europe across the Bosphorus Strait and you are in Asia.
Why not visit the Grand Bazaar. Buy your spices, trinkets or turkish delight here. However if nightlife is what you are after, then head towards Taksim Square. Moreover you can find many respectable hotels and restaurants in this area.
Alternatively another option is to explore the Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sophia Museum or the Sultanahmet District.
On the other hand why not try a hamman. Refreshing and invigorating, it is a good way to meet the locals. Besides the intricate tiles and heated slabs, you see an amazing sunlight through the round skylights.
Another impressive sight is the the open-air Roman Hippodrome. For centuries this was the site of chariot races. Egyptian obelisks also remain here.
Don’t forget to visit the Dolmabahce Palace in all its splendour and past grandeur. With an amazing view over the Bosphorus, this was the home for six sultans and Ataturk in his latter years. Indeed you can see the bed in which Ataturk died. The palace is a peep into the opulence of the Turkish Empire. You can tour the palace with a free audio guide.
Another palace to visit is Topkapi Palace. Although not all the palace is open to the public, it is still an interesting place to visit especially the harem quarters. Many open spaces and a library too. Check out the kitchen with the kitchenware collection, glassware collection and ceramic collection. Another peek into the Ottoman Empire. This palace becomes crowded with tourists at noon so an early visit is recommended. You can see the best places without the crowds with a gay friendly Istanbul guide.
