Embark on a captivating journey through Istanbul, a city where East meets West and history blends seamlessly with modernity.
Discover the timeless beauty and rich history of Istanbul on this exclusive 1 or 2-day private guided tour. Designed to showcase the city’s most iconic landmarks, this tour offers a unique blend of culture, history, and local experiences. With a knowledgeable guide by your side, you’ll dive deep into the stories and secrets behind Istanbul’s most treasured sites, creating unforgettable memories along the way.
Your journey begins at Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture and a symbol of Istanbul’s unique place between East and West. This awe-inspiring structure has served as a cathedral, a mosque, and now a museum, standing as a testament to the city’s layered history. Inside, marvel at the intricate mosaics, the massive dome, and the interplay of light and space that has captivated visitors for centuries.
Next, step into the serene beauty of the Blue Mosque, known for its striking blue Iznik tiles and harmonious architecture. Officially called the Sultanahmet Mosque, it is one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks and an enduring symbol of Islamic art and culture. Close by, visit the Hippodrome of Constantinople, an ancient Roman chariot racing arena. Today, it’s a peaceful square surrounded by historic monuments like the Egyptian Obelisk and the Serpentine Column, each with its own fascinating story.
Venture into the grandeur of Topkapi Palace, the opulent home of Ottoman sultans for centuries. Stroll through its lush courtyards and gaze at the breathtaking views of the Bosphorus from its terraces. Inside, explore the harem, treasury, and the ornate chambers that once housed the empire’s most powerful figures.
No visit to Istanbul is complete without exploring the bustling Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. Here, the vibrant energy of Istanbul comes alive as you wander through endless rows of shops offering handmade carpets, jewelry, spices, and traditional Turkish delights. Practice your bargaining skills and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and scents of this lively marketplace.
For a touch of tranquility, descend into the mystical Basilica Cistern, an underground marvel that once stored water for the city. With its dim lighting, towering marble columns, and the famous Medusa heads, it’s an experience that feels almost otherworldly.
Enjoy a scenic cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, where the city’s stunning skyline unfolds before your eyes. As you sail between Europe and Asia, spot Ottoman mansions, historic mosques, and modern bridges that connect the continents. The tour also includes a visit to Dolmabahce Palace, an architectural gem from the Ottoman Empire’s later years, with its lavish interiors and rich history.
Whether you choose a one-day highlight experience or a two-day deep dive, this private guided tour is customizable to suit your pace and interests. Your guide will ensure you don’t just see Istanbul, but truly experience it, leaving you with memories to cherish forever.
Benefit from the ease of hotel pickup and drop-off (available with selected options), providing a seamless and hassle-free experience for your day.
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of one of the world’s largest and oldest markets. Shop for Turkish delights, handmade crafts, and souvenirs.
Descend into this atmospheric underground marvel, supported by towering marble columns. Discover its rich history as a water storage system and admire the mysterious Medusa head carvings.
Start your exploration at this iconic site, renowned for its breathtaking architecture and layered history as a cathedral, mosque, and museum.
Stroll through the lush gardens of the former Ottoman residence, explore the treasury, and uncover its fascinating past.
Visit the iconic Sultan Ahmed Mosque, widely known as the Blue Mosque, and admire its exquisite blue Iznik tiles, grand domes, and elegant architecture.
Stroll through the historic heart of Istanbul, where centuries of history come alive. Explore the streets, admire the surrounding landmarks, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this cultural hub.
Explore this opulent Ottoman palace, renowned for its lavish interiors, stunning architecture, and rich history.
Wander through the lively Beyoglu district, filled with historic charm, vibrant shops, and trendy cafes, offering a glimpse into Istanbul’s modern culture and dynamic energy.
Visit the bustling heart of modern Istanbul, surrounded by vibrant shops, restaurants, and cultural landmarks, reflecting the city’s dynamic energy.
Enjoy a scenic journey along the Bosphorus Strait, where Europe and Asia meet. Take in stunning views of historic landmarks, Ottoman mansions, and Istanbul’s iconic skyline.
If you have selected the transfer option, you will be conveniently dropped off at your hotel.
For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.
Included
Not Included
What to Bring
Information Before Booking
Know Before You Go
Stepan Dymov - Russia
18 May
The city tour with Hakan was really enjoyable. He knows so much about the places we visited and shared it in a way that made the whole day feel unique. Hakan made the experience memorable, and I’d definitely recommend him to anyone planning a tour.
Daria Hadžiosmanovic - Bosnia and Herzegovina
22 May
Hassan is a guide who clearly has a lot of experience and genuine enthusiasm for what he does. We had a really enjoyable day with him, and his energy made the tour feel lively and engaging.
All reviews are from verified customers who purchased the activity. Reviews can only be submitted after the activity takes place.
Overall Rating
4.8/5
Based on 53 Reviews
4.8/5
4.8/5
4.8/5
The guide didn’t seem too interested in telling us about Istanbul’s history, which was a letdown. We barely spent any time at the main attractions, and there wasn’t much explanation about what we were looking at. Instead, we were taken to several shops selling things like rugs, Turkish delight, and fake leather goods felt like those stops were more for the guide’s benefit than ours. I wouldn’t recommend booking this tour.
Helpful? Yes
The city tour with Hakan was really enjoyable. He knows so much about the places we visited and shared it in a way that made the whole day feel unique. Hakan made the experience memorable, and I’d definitely recommend him to anyone planning a tour.
Helpful? Yes
Hassan is a guide who clearly has a lot of experience and genuine enthusiasm for what he does. We had a really enjoyable day with him, and his energy made the tour feel lively and engaging.
Helpful? Yes
Cicek, our guide, was super helpful throughout the walking tour. She patiently answered all our questions at every stop, which made the whole experience much more enjoyable and informative.
Helpful? Yes
Hassan guided us through the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and many other sites in a way that was both engaging and thorough. We had a really enjoyable day learning about these amazing places. It was also great that he reached out before the tour, which made us feel comfortable right from the start. Definitely highly recommended!
Helpful? Yes
Ayla was the perfect guide for our group! We really enjoyed the two days, learned a lot, and had a great time together.
Helpful? Yes
We enjoyed a full-day tour around Istanbul that showed us some of the city’s most beautiful spots. Our guide was friendly and really helpful, which made everything feel comfortable. He was great at patiently answering all our questions with lots of knowledge. That said, the pace was quite fast, and walking so quickly was a bit tiring at times. We also wished the guide had suggested more places to visit to mix things up a bit. Still, it was a good day overall, and we got to see a lot of what makes Istanbul such an impressive city.
Helpful? Yes
The guide was really engaging and shared insights from many different areas, which helped us get a better understanding of Turkish culture and life. It made the whole experience much more meaningful.
Helpful? Yes
Excellent experience our guide was very attentive, and everything went smoothly. It was a truly wonderful day from start to finish.
Helpful? Yes
Really good experience overall. Everything was well organised, and I enjoyed the day. No complaints at all.
Helpful? Yes
Our tour guide was excellent. He showed us all the most fascinating spots in Istanbul. I’d definitely choose him again for my next visit.
Helpful? Yes
Hasan really listened to what we wanted and planned the tours based on both our interests and his knowledge. We got to see the main sights but also discovered a lot about the authentic side of Istanbul.
Helpful? Yes
Overall, the guide was friendly, knowledgeable, and made the tour enjoyable. The only downside was having to wait in line to buy tickets for Hagia Sophia, which took some time.
Helpful? Yes
The guide was excellent and had a deep knowledge of the site's history. Although his Portuguese wasn’t perfect, he still managed to communicate everything clearly and made sure we understood.
Helpful? Yes
Everything went really well. Hassan was very friendly and shared detailed information with great enthusiasm, making the experience enjoyable for everyone.
Helpful? Yes
Our guide was really friendly and polite, with a deep knowledge of the city’s history. It made the tour both enjoyable and informative.
Helpful? Yes
The tour was wonderful, especially for my parents who don’t speak English. Selami spoke Spanish fluently and made sure they visited all the key spots. They also enjoyed some really tasty meals. They were very pleased with their two day Istanbul trip. Definitely highly recommended!
Helpful? Yes
We had a wonderful day with our guide Ozgur. He was very patient and shared all the important details about the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and Hagia Sophia. Thanks to him, we really enjoyed our visit and learned a lot. We’re very happy with the experience!
Helpful? Yes
We were really impressed with our guide Aila she definitely deserves five stars from us! Thanks for making our day in Istanbul so memorable and enjoyable.
Helpful? Yes
The tour was punctual and well-organized, with plenty of useful information throughout. The staff were confident and professional, and the whole experience was a success. The food included was a great bonus too.
Helpful? Yes
We spent the day with our guide Fatih, who shared a lot about Ottoman Empire history. It was really interesting, and he made sure to include everything we wanted to see, so the tour felt very personalized. We have no complaints and found the day very informative! The entrance fees were quite steep, especially for Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia. Still, the trip was definitely worth it. Thanks to Fatih for a wonderful day!
Helpful? Yes
Our guide, Mrs. Ciçek, was truly fantastic and did an excellent job explaining the history to us. We also enjoyed a great lunch, and she made sure we got back to the hotel safely at the end of the tour.
Helpful? Yes
Our guide was really knowledgeable and shared the history in great detail, which made the whole experience much more interesting.
Helpful? Yes
We had a fascinating 5-hour tour covering Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Cistern, the Hippodrome, and the Grand Bazaar with our guide Ayla. She helped us skip the long lines at the main attractions, kept things entertaining, and shared lots of useful information, which really enhanced our experience exploring this amazing city.
Helpful? Yes
Our guide Gulsen had an impressive knowledge of Turkey’s history and shared it with us in a way that made the whole group feel like family. It was a warm and welcoming experience.
Helpful? Yes
Our tour guide Ayla was fantastic. She was really friendly and shared tons of information with us, plus she gave us plenty of helpful tips throughout the day.
Helpful? Yes
We booked a one-day private tour with Mr. Baris Gunduz. He arrived on time to pick us up from our hotel and went over the itinerary with us beforehand, explaining which sights we would visit. Baris was happy to add the harem rooms at Topkapi Palace and the Basilica Cistern to our tour upon request. He’s clearly an experienced guide with passion and deep knowledge of history there wasn’t a question he couldn’t answer. He was also very helpful with our personal needs throughout the day. Overall, we were completely impressed with Mr. Gunduz and couldn’t have asked for a better guide.
Helpful? Yes
The tour with our guide was really good, and we were very happy with him personally. However, for the price, we wished there had been a bit more communication and coordination beforehand, but unfortunately, the organizer didn’t handle that. We finished the planned stops earlier than expected, but I guess that depends on how fast the group moves and how much time people spend sightseeing. Overall, I’d recommend this tour to anyone visiting Istanbul for the first time who wants to see a lot in one day. The guide also gave us some great tips that helped us during the rest of our trip.
Helpful? Yes
Ayla was fantastic. She has a deep knowledge of Istanbul and its history. We had an amazing day exploring such a beautiful city. I’d definitely book this tour again! Thanks to Ayla, we learned so much that we never would have discovered on our own.
Helpful? Yes
Our trip through Istanbul was absolutely amazing. Hassan took great care of us and made sure our wishes were met. He showed us sides of Istanbul we never even dreamed of seeing. Of course, we covered the usual tourist spots too, but mostly the tour was tailored to what we wanted. Hassan was available anytime during our two day tour even at night! It was truly an unforgettable experience. From our perspective, this tour is a must-do and comes highly recommended. Huge thanks to Hassan!
Helpful? Yes
Our guide, Saliha Kismet, was absolutely perfect. She has an impressive knowledge of Istanbul and shares her culture with real passion. She patiently answered all our questions and always paid attention to what we wanted, all with a friendly smile. A big thank you to her, and we definitely recommend Saliha for anyone wanting to see the must-visit spots in Istanbul.
Helpful? Yes
The visit was fantastic, and Batu was an outstanding guide and advisor. He helped us plan the visit, skip the lines, and gave us great shopping tips. He was very friendly and professional throughout the day.
Helpful? Yes
Mustafa was a passionate guide who kept enriching our day with insights not only about the city but also about Turkish culture. It made the whole experience really rewarding.
Helpful? Yes
Batuhan was very attentive, friendly, and polite. I really appreciated that he didn’t raise his voice while explaining everything. He knows a lot about the area and clearly has a strong interest in history. I think he met our expectations well, and we’re very happy with the experience.
Helpful? Yes
Our group of 14 had a fantastic tour. Ayla was very knowledgeable and responded thoughtfully to all our questions. She adapted perfectly to what we wanted. We definitely recommend her!
Helpful? Yes
The tour was interesting, fun, and exciting from start to finish. It kept us engaged the whole time and was a great way to explore the city.
Helpful? Yes
Our guide, Çiçek, was very professional and spoke perfect English. She was really helpful and quickly adjusted the route to fit our requests. I definitely recommend her!
Helpful? Yes
Our guide Ayla showed us so much and introduced us to some of Istanbul’s best culinary spots. She was punctual, reliable, very friendly, and always took care of our special requests. She truly went the extra mile to make sure we had a great experience. Thanks to Ayla, we really fell in love with Istanbul.
Helpful? Yes
Yes, we got to see a lot of the city during the tour.
Helpful? Yes
Our tour guide was very friendly and helpful, which made the whole experience much better. Thanks to their good planning and pace, we were able to visit many of the important sights without feeling rushed. It was a great way to get to know the city in a short amount of time.
Helpful? Yes
Our guide was excellent, sharing really useful and fascinating information throughout the tour. He made every stop enjoyable and engaging. I would definitely recommend this experience to others.
Helpful? Yes
Our city tour with Ayla was fantastic. She took us to all the key sights and explained everything clearly but in a warm and friendly way. We highly recommend both the tour and Ayla as a guide!
Helpful? Yes
Naci was fantastic he shared tons of background info in a cheerful mood and spoke perfect German. The tour was really fun, and we’re hoping to book Naci again when we visit Istanbul next time. Thanks so much, Naci!
Helpful? Yes
We spent 8 hours touring with Erol, and he shared so much about the history and culture. We loved that we could pick exactly what we wanted to see. Big thanks to Erol for making the day so special!
Helpful? Yes
We spent 8 hours touring with Erol, and he shared so much about the history and culture. We loved that we could pick exactly what we wanted to see. Big thanks to Erol for making the day so special!
Helpful? Yes
Our guide, Kadri, was really supportive and detailed. He helped us explore the city with kindness and expertise. Thanks for a wonderful experience.
Helpful? Yes
Cicek did an amazing job as our guide. She took us through the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar, sharing the stories and history of each place. I’d definitely suggest booking a tour with her.
Helpful? Yes
Our guide Çiçek was truly outstanding a lovely woman with a friendly way of speaking who was always on top of everything. She adjusted the tour schedule perfectly around the closing days so we didn’t miss any planned visits. Many thanks to Çiçek!
Helpful? Yes
The tour was really well planned, and our guide spoke flawless French and was very knowledgeable.
Helpful? Yes
Dilara really nailed it. From the way everything was organized, to the detailed background info, to how smoothly we moved through the lines, plus her great personality I’d definitely take this tour again. Since I’m coming back in spring, that’s exactly what I’ll do. Well done!
Helpful? Yes
Having a guide was fantastic! It was so convenient to communicate since they spoke both my language and the local one. Getting around was easy too tickets, trams, metro, ferry all sorted without wasting time trying to figure out addresses or directions. Highly recommend it, especially our guide. A true professional who knows their stuff, answers every question, gives great advice on where to go and when. Fluent and knowledgeable in French as well. Thanks for making our Istanbul experience so engaging.
Helpful? Yes
We spent 8 hours on a private tour with Kadri, who speaks excellent Italian. Besides showing us around the city, he shared great insights at the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Basilica Cistern. The walk through Beyoğlu from Taksim Square along the main shopping street was really helpful too. Kadri guided us on using public transport and gave useful tips for planning the rest of our trip on our own. He also recommended buying a 4 day museum card, which saved us both time and money by skipping ticket lines. Huge thanks to him!
Helpful? Yes
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