Our story started on a long layover in Istanbul
We were on our way back to LA and it was a great opportunity to visit Istanbul for 7 hours tour! But we arrived early and didn't know how long it would take to get the visa and what to do or where to go after. It was a little scary to leave the airport not knowing anything about traffic, and how long it would take to go from, and come back to IST. But we did it anyhow only to discover that Istanbul wakes up late (around 11:00 AM). We were there at 7:00 Am so the only thing we were able to do is enjoy a nice Turkish breakfast at one of the open restaurants. All the shops on Istiklal street were closed (the main tourist attraction). It took us around an hour to get from the airport to the city center. We ended up having to walk quite a bit to find an open restaurant. We could have seen so much more have we across to the 'European side of Istanbul'.
On the flight back home we brainstormed a business model where verified locals connect with international travelers stuck in the airport. This is how LayoverStop came to life. And this is the tour that made it happen on a long layover in Istanbul.
What makes us different?
It's our commitment to deliver an experience that speaks to our nature as social beings. Our goal isn't to sell tours. The internet is full of that. Our aim is to connect people and make a difference. The connection between the host and the guest will enhance both of their lives, even if it's for short hours. This connection should be authentic and real. One where our guests feel like they've seen a lot with a friend rather than just a tour guide. Our hosts are friendly, educated and enthusiastic. They value the connections they make here and will share what they love about their city. They KNOW what to do, where to go, and how to navigate through local traffic. It just makes more sense this way.
Private, customized sightseeing tours from the airport with local tour guides
It's an experience!
(not just a long layover tour)
As a traveler you will have our full attention and you will be treated as a friend, not a customer. In this space, you are family.
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We never charge per person because people rarely travel alone. We love groups and so we charge a flat hourly rate for groups of 4 guests (or if you fit in the car with your host) go ahead and invite others to share the cost with you. If you're traveling solo, you will also find our rates make sense because they are based on hours.
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We customize our tours around your schedule, always private, and always personal. We are not a 'tour bus' and we never run on a schedule, you create your own schedule and experience so plan it the way YOU want.
The crew
LayoverStop team
Our promise
Real, authentic, private, and highly customizable experiences for travelers and hosts.