wandering and observing with an insider and a photographer
CUSTOM WALKS AND WORKSHOPS IN TURKEY AND BEYOND
testimonials.
“Take in the sky” she said. “ don't just centre on the mountain. See how the colours change?”.....
When you get to learn from one of the best there is......
Thank you Monica Fritz for amazing experiences every single time!!!!!! Sangita Garg India
"Walking through the back streets and hidden rooftops of Istanbul through Monica’s eyes was an incredible experience. She’s been exploring and photographing Istanbul’s magical neighborhoods for over 20 years and shares with travelers so many inspiring anecdotes about the people she knows and daily life in Istanbul. She showed me some really special places and knows so many people around town that really respect her and give her access to these hidden places. If you’re in Istanbul, don’t miss out on taking a walk with Monica!" Andrea B. California
"We did an absorbing tour of two Istanbul neighbourhoods and the Grand Bazaar. Monica's knowledge and insight is impressive. So is her patience and kindness. What a lovely experience." Nadia De Kock South Africa
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"It was not the first time we came to Istanbul, and we wanted to see something new in this wonderful city. The Contrasting Neighborhoods walk with Monica was the highlight of our trip. We saw the picturesque districts and places that we would not see without her, and the closed doors literally were opened for us. This is not just a walk, it is a conversation, new knowledge about local life and new experience. Thanks to Monica, it was a great day!" Anastasia Romanenko Moscow
"We had an amazing walk from Balat all the way up to Fatih mosque. I really recommend Monica’s walks if you like slow travelling, good company and a sense of history on what you are visiting. She can transport you to a magical Istanbul beyond traffic jams and speed." Miquel Pancorbo, Spain
"The walks are expertly guided. I have been to many places I would not have found on my own. Monica is also a highly experienced photographer who is also able to offer advice.
Every walk I have done with Monica has felt like a relaxed day out with friends, made exciting by new discoveries. Her enthusiasm for Istanbul and its people, and photography, make her a natural guide. I love following her through alleyways and doorways I have barely noticed to emerge into a jaw-dropping vista, or a tucked-away gem." Julia Cooke London
"I had an awesome time. Loved the beautiful views and the neat little spots we *never* would have found ourselves. Thanks!" Anya USA
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"Thanks again for being such a wonderful guide yesterday. We had an amazing time, have some great photos & experiences, and felt like we spent most of the day hanging out with a good friend." Brian Kane New York
"I have just returned from my first walking tour with Monica Fritz. Having lived here for over a year, I was excited to discover new & exciting places & views I hadn't been able to find on my own. Her style is relaxed and "go with the flow," and yet I learned a lot from her. Definitely one of my favourite days. I recommend you spend some time with her!" Shannon Vogelaar
I would thoroughly recommend Monica, I have had some great walks and seen some incredibly beautiful old buildings, quirky streets, hans and shops not to mention all the cay stops and boat trips that spontaneously happen - a great fun day out. Tracey Scott-Masson
“Thank you for a brilliant afternoon. Very interesting and entertaining. I hope to come again and my daughter loved it totally. I recommended all my friends to come next time.” Sharon
Sevgili Monica, her seferinde bir sonraki 'Istanbul Photography Walks/Works dort gozle bekler oldum...Istanbul'un gizli koselerini senin bakis acin ile kesfetmek cok guzel..Tesekkurler. Nilufer Ozaltun Meierkord
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Monica è una fantastica fotografa, riesce a coglieri aspetti della quotidianeità rendendoli unici nella straordinaria cornice della città di Istanbul.I suoi tour fotografici sono una delle cose piu interessanti che abia fatto ad Istanbul
susanna
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The tour was never based of the timings it was all self paced. And it was a perfect stroll through the streets of Istanbul.
Thanks Monica for the fantabulous day...
Muxyd
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Monica, what a fantastic tour! We really enjoyed exploring the backstreets and hidden corners of the Grand Bazaar with you. It really brought the city to life. I have been to the Grand Bazaar several times before, but I think this is the first time that I have properly seen it :-)
Miles
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Monica, I so enjoyed the day I spent with you visiting Ashkenazi synagogue, the Galata Anglican Church, and our Ferry trip up the Golden Horn to the Eyup Sultan Mosque.
You are so kind, calm & generous with your time & have a genuinely lovely manner with everyone you meet. It was great to do an alternative tour with someone so knowledgeable & you really brought this fascinating city to life for me. Thank you.
Elizabeth Picton
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Monica, I just wanted to thank you for the most amazing tour of the Bazaar on Wednesday. I so enjoyed it and loved being taken to the less known places and especially up onto the roofs. It was fascinating being in your company, you are a wealth of information and I learnt so much, thank you.
Anna Hall
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Monica, I so enjoyed the day I spent with you visiting Ashkenazi synagogue, the Galata Anglican Church, and our Ferry trip up the Golden Horn to the Eyup Sultan Mosque.
You are so kind, calm & generous with your time & have a genuinely lovely manner with everyone you meet. It was great to do an alternative tour with someone so knowledgeable & you really brought this fascinating city to life for me. Thank you.
Elizabeth Picton
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This is an amazing tour. Off the beaten tourist track and with a very knowledgable woman..Monica. This is a not to be missed experience. You climb to the rooftops and wind though alleyways and see the "other side" of the Grand Bazaar. Highly recommended
Lyndsay Rendall
Je wandelt door en bovenop volkswijken van Istanbul die je normaal als toerist niet zo snel ontdekt of toegang tot hebt.
Het uitzicht boven op de middeleeuwse daken van de grote bazaar, de zigeunergemeenschap aan de aquaduct en de oude Griekse/joodse wijk is op zich zelf is reeds de moeite om deel te nemen.
De gids, zelf een fotografe en reeds meer dan 20 jaar woonachtig, helpt je in het zoeken van je beste fotohoeken en onderwerpen in het wonderlijke Istanbul.
Een echte aanrader en een A+ foto activiteit Bart Gent, Belgie
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about
Fine art photographer and traveler, living away from her native New York City more than half her life, (15 years in Italy, 1 year in Yemen and 20 years in Istanbul), Monica delights in sharing her curiosity and enthusiasm exploring light, a moment, and the subtleties of the city.
" Photography has always been Monica's passion, and with her camera, she's been able to go beyond the superficial ." Time Out
ADD YOUR COMMENTS
about
Fine art photographer and traveler, living away from her native New York City more than half her life, (15 years in Italy, 1 year in Yemen and 30 years in Istanbul), Monica delights in sharing her curiosity and enthusiasm exploring light, a moment, and the subtleties of the city.
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" Photography has always been Monica's passion, and with her camera, she's been able to go beyond the superficial ." Time Out
Alternative City Tours is not a tourism company, it is a way to travel and experience the city through your own eyes and a way to feel the atmosphere without a traditional guide. Stroll with a local, enjoy an insiders itinerary. A way to the rooftops, a lunch in a traditional home, a lesser known back street, a private concert... The possibilities are vast.