Istanbul: Private City Highlights Guided Tour

Embark on a full-day tour of Istanbul, exploring iconic landmarks such as Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and Grand Bazaar, with optional transportation in a Mercedes Sprinter minivan.

Istanbul: Private City Highlights Guided Tour | ®ExcursionMania
Istanbul: Private City Highlights Guided Tour | ®ExcursionMania
Istanbul: Private City Highlights Guided Tour | ®ExcursionMania
Istanbul: Private City Highlights Guided Tour | ®ExcursionMania
Istanbul: Private City Highlights Guided Tour | ®ExcursionMania
Istanbul: Private City Highlights Guided Tour | ®ExcursionMania
Istanbul: Private City Highlights Guided Tour | ®ExcursionMania
Istanbul: Private City Highlights Guided Tour | ®ExcursionMania
Istanbul: Private City Highlights Guided Tour | ®ExcursionMania
Istanbul: Private City Highlights Guided Tour | ®ExcursionMania
Istanbul: Private City Highlights Guided Tour | ®ExcursionMania
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Istanbul: Private City Highlights Guided Tour | ®ExcursionMania

Overview

Begin your full-day Istanbul tour with a personal guide, who will meet you at your hotel or port. Start your exploration with a visit to the Hagia Sophia, a stunning architectural gem that has played a central role in both the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Learn about its history as the world’s largest church for centuries and its incredible dome, the fourth largest in the world. Discover why it remains one of the most impressive examples of Byzantine design, and understand its religious significance.

Next, visit the Sultanahmet Mosque, better known as the Blue Mosque, famous for its striking blue tiles. Your guide will explain the mosque’s importance as the Imperial Mosque of Istanbul and share insights into its majestic architecture and rich history.

Continue your journey to the Topkapi Palace, once the seat of Ottoman sultans. Perched above the Golden Horn, this palace offers a glimpse into the opulence of the Ottoman Empire. Explore the museum's impressive collection, including exquisite Iznik tiles and the lavish rooms of the harem.

Afterward, head to the Hippodrome, an ancient stadium dating back to 203 AD, built by Emperor Septimius Severus. Marvel at the three remaining monuments: the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpentine Column, and the Constantine Column, each holding stories from the past. Also, admire the elegant German Fountain, constructed with marble columns as a gift from Wilhelm II.

End your tour with a visit to the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. Wander through its vibrant alleys, filled with shops selling everything from intricately woven carpets to handcrafted jewelry, and practice your bargaining skills amidst the bustling atmosphere.

Select date, participants and language

Adult x 1

Adult

Age 10-25+

Excursion Itinerary

Istanbul
Start Activities

Van (Transfer)
Duration: 30 Min.

Sultanahmet District
Photo stop, Visit, Guided tour, Shopping,
Duration: 1 Hour

A 1-hour break in Sultanahmet Square, accompanied by a guide, and historical information about the square will be given.


Sultan Ahmed Mosque
Photo stop, Visit, Guided tour, Free time,
Duration: 45 Min.

There will be a break at the Sultanahmet Mosque, a guided tour will be held and information about the history of the mosque will be given.


Hagia Sophia
Photo stop, Visit, Guided tour,
Duration: 1.5 Hour , Extra Fee

A break will be made at Hagia Sophia. This historical monument, one of the most famous structures in the world, bears Byzantine and Ottoman traces; the guide will provide information.


Topkapi Palace
Photo stop, Visit, Guided tour,
Duration: 2 Hour , Extra Fee

There will be a break at Topkapi Palace and a guided tour will be held. The history and details of the palace, which was the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire, will be explained by the guide


Grand Bazaar
Shopping,
Duration: 2 Hour

A break will be made at the Grand Bazaar, and the history and details of this historical place, one of the oldest and largest bazaars in the world, will be conveyed with a guide.


Obelisk of Theodosius III
Photo stop,
Duration: 30 Min.

The history and details of this 3500-year-old obelisk brought from Egypt will be explained by the guide.


Serpent Column
Photo stop,
Duration: 30 Min.

The history and details of this bronze column, brought from Delphi as a victory monument in ancient Greece, will be conveyed by the guide.


Van (Transfer)
Duration: 30 Min.

Istanbul
Finish Activities

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

  • Relive the excitement of Constantinople's historic hippodrome, entertainment and car race
  • Step inside the former royal residence of the Ottoman sultans
  • Explore Hagia Sophia with a personal guide who will reveal its secrets.
  • Wander through the oldest and largest markets, filled with unique products and handicrafts
  • The Sultanahmet Mosque will amaze you with its striking blue tiles that adorn its interior

What's Included and What's Not?

Included

  • Pickup and drop-off from hotel or port
  • Transportation (if option selected)
  • Private tour
  • Licensed guide

Not Included

  • All entrance fees
  • Lunch

Not Suitable For This Activities

  • People with mobility impairments

Not Allowed This Activities

  • Alcohol and drugs

Important Information

What to Bring

Camera
Cash
Comfortable clothes
Comfortable shoes

Information Before Booking

  • You can customise the itinerary as per your preference
  • Comfortable shoes are required as this is a tour that requires walking.
  • Please bring cash with you as entrance fees will be paid in cash.

Know Before You Go

  • There may be delays in transfer times, this is due to Istanbul's heavy traffic.
  • Food and drinks can be purchased at your leisure as an extra.
  • We recommend that you carry water with you.

4.6/5

33
Reviews

About This Activity

Free Cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

Reserve Now & Pay Later

Keep your travel plans flexible - book your spot and pay nothing today

Duration 7  Hours

Check availability to see starting times.

Live Tour Guide

English, Spanish

Pickup Optional

Your driver will be at your hotel lobby 5 minutes before the chosen tour time. Please make sure to wait in the lobby at the agreed time.

Location

Istanbul Türkiye

Book Today

From

€17.00

per person

Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

Aziz Kot - Russia
01 August

The guide was my personal guide for over six hours, and the time flew by with how engaging and enjoyable each part of the tour was. We explored Istanbul on foot, by taxi, and by metro. I highly recommend this experience. Thanks, brother.

Shura Emelyanova - Russia
02 August

The tour was excellent, allowing us to explore at our own pace and focus on what we were most interested in. Most importantly, our guide was very knowledgeable and extremely helpful. The places we visited were fascinating and made even better by his detailed explanations

See More Reviews

Customer Reviews

All reviews are from verified customers who purchased the activity. Reviews can only be submitted after the activity takes place.

Overall Rating

4.6/5

Based on 33 Reviews

Guide

4.6/5

Transportation

4.6/5

Value for Money

4.6/5

By Traveler Types
By star rating
A
Aziz Kot - Russia
01 August

The guide was my personal guide for over six hours, and the time flew by with how engaging and enjoyable each part of the tour was. We explored Istanbul on foot, by taxi, and by metro. I highly recommend this experience. Thanks, brother.

Helpful? Yes

S
Shura Emelyanova - Russia
02 August

The tour was excellent, allowing us to explore at our own pace and focus on what we were most interested in. Most importantly, our guide was very knowledgeable and extremely helpful. The places we visited were fascinating and made even better by his detailed explanations

Helpful? Yes

A
Amira Markina - Russia
03 August

We truly appreciated the walking tour around Istanbul’s streets, exploring key landmarks and learning the fascinating stories that bring the city’s history to life.

Helpful? Yes

D
Daler Alieva - Russia
04 August

Istanbul is a beautiful city. Our guide was very kind and always attentive to our needs.

Helpful? Yes

M
Marianna Denisov - Russia
05 August

Our guide made our experience truly wonderful with his clear explanations. Thanks to him, we learned a lot about Istanbul and got useful tips that helped us plan the rest of our day independently.

Helpful? Yes

L
Leva Golovin - Russia
06 August

The tour and our guide were excellent. He easily accommodated our group and gave very engaging explanations. We booked the tour with transportation included, but they should have specified that transportation was not used within the historic site. Despite this, we were charged for a service we didn't actually use.

Helpful? Yes

A
Abel Marquez - Spain
07 August

Our guide was very friendly and knowledgeable about the history of Istanbul's monuments. He spoke fluent Spanish and, thanks to his experience, knew how to avoid long lines and crowds. He was also patient with the children, entertaining them with entertaining stories. Would I recommend this tour? Definitely.

Helpful? Yes

S
Santos Giraldo - Spain
08 August

The tour guide was extremely courteous and supportive throughout. It would have been even better if the entrance ticket to the Blue Mosque had been part of the tour package.

Helpful? Yes

A
Angela Sepulveda - Spain
18 September

During our tour, we visited the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and the Grand Bazaar. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable about each site. He also made the experience enjoyable and offered many helpful suggestions for the rest of our stay in Istanbul.

Helpful? Yes

N
Nacho Arce - Spain
18 June

We booked a private tour to explore Istanbul's top attractions. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and made sure we visited all the key points of interest. We learned so much from him and he was genuinely kind throughout the day. He even recommended a great place for lunch, which we thoroughly enjoyed.

Helpful? Yes

K
Karen Sales - Spain
06 September

I highly recommend taking the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar walking tour. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and tailored our experience to our needs. He provided lots of helpful information and local tips. We had a wonderful day exploring the wonders of Istanbul.

Helpful? Yes

S
Sebastian Manrique - Spain
30 July

The tour was truly amazing. We had an incredible time; it's hard to put into words how wonderful the experience was.

Helpful? Yes

I
Irina Romero - Spain
05 June

It was a pleasant experience. The guide was very kind and patient throughout the tour.

Helpful? Yes

J
Jianbo Tuo - China
10 May

The guide was excellent very professional. It was a bit pricey, but in line with the general cost of things in the city. All in all, everything was fine.

Helpful? Yes

X
Xuesong Yau - China
18 April

We had a wonderful day in Istanbul with our guide and managed to visit all the places we hoped to see.

Helpful? Yes

J
Jinhui Yong - China
28 May

The tour was excellent and exceeded our expectations. Transportation was first-class, a spacious, custom built, and very comfortable Mercedes minivan. Our guide was especially kind and considerate of our children. He took the time to explain everything in detail. We had plenty of time to explore the Grand Bazaar and were never rushed. The day concluded with a delicious meal at a Turkish restaurant. I highly recommend this experience.

Helpful? Yes

H
Huiqing Guang - China
01 April

It was the perfect way to start our time in Istanbul. Our guide was fantastic and made our entire day enjoyable. He and his driver picked us up directly from our hotel and worked with us to customize the tour based on our interests. The minibus was spotless and very comfortable. Our guide was not only attentive but also incredibly knowledgeable. He listened carefully to what we wanted and designed a route that included all the major attractions on our list. He was incredibly patient with our elderly relative and took the time to answer every question we had. We will definitely book a tour with him on our next trip to Istanbul.

Helpful? Yes

S
Said Criado - Spain
05 May

Everything was handled very well and the whole experience was in Spanish, which I really appreciated. Thank you.

Helpful? Yes

A
Ali Vilches - Spain
07 September

We had a wonderful day exploring Istanbul, seeing all the major sights while also leaving time for shopping and lunch. Our guide was fantastic, sharing his knowledge with great enthusiasm. The itinerary was adaptable to our preferences. We opted for hotel pickup and drop-off, but in retrospect, it seemed a bit pricey since it was only a round trip and we were walking between the sights.

Helpful? Yes

A
Amparo Soler - Spain
07 July

Our guide was exceptional highly informed and very patient throughout. She responded to every question in detail and provided extra interesting stories. We really enjoyed our time with her and loved every part of the tour.

Helpful? Yes

A
Arantxa Luna - Spain
22 April

Our guide was very friendly and had extensive knowledge of the monuments and mosques. He expertly guided us through Topkapi Palace and steered us away from the busiest areas. It was a truly unforgettable experience.

Helpful? Yes

C
Christopher Cortes - Spain
22 May

We spent an incredible day exploring Istanbul with our excellent guide. He took us to both the major sights and hidden gems we wouldn't have discovered on our own. His expertise, enthusiasm, and warmth made the experience truly unforgettable. I highly recommend this tour.

Helpful? Yes

C
Celestina Blazquez - Spain
22 June

While the experience wasn't cheap, it was worth every penny. Our guide, was very knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. The tour had no time limit.

Helpful? Yes

M
Margarita Fernández - Spain
22 July
Istanbul: Private City Highlights Guided Tour | ®ExcursionMania
Istanbul: Private City Highlights Guided Tour | ®ExcursionMania

A fantastic guide with a wealth of knowledge. The information shared adds to the experience's value. An experience not to be missed when visiting Istanbul. Thank you so much for a truly unforgettable day.

Helpful? Yes

M
Margarita Fernández - Spain
22 July
Istanbul: Private City Highlights Guided Tour | ®ExcursionMania
Istanbul: Private City Highlights Guided Tour | ®ExcursionMania

A fantastic guide with a wealth of knowledge. The information shared adds to the experience's value. An experience not to be missed when visiting Istanbul. Thank you so much for a truly unforgettable day.

Helpful? Yes

G
German Quiles - Spain
22 August
Istanbul: Private City Highlights Guided Tour | ®ExcursionMania
Istanbul: Private City Highlights Guided Tour | ®ExcursionMania

He was an excellent guide. We had an unforgettable day exploring many important sites. I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting.

Helpful? Yes

D
Dunia Sacristan - Spain
22 September

The tour was very personalized. The guide was very knowledgeable and kind throughout the tour. He was very supportive. I would 100% recommend this experience.

Helpful? Yes

R
Roque Riera - Spain
24 August

The experience was pleasant; we began our tour early in the morning and managed to see all the main sights. The guide was good but could have engaged in a bit more conversation.

Helpful? Yes

S
Stephanie Hans - Germany
25 July

I was happy that we followed through on our plan, although the pace felt a bit too rushed.

Helpful? Yes

E
Erna Franzen - Germany
15 October

The cost is too high for the level of service provided. It’s better to use Uber and explore the sites independently, as their audio guides are superior. The entrance fees are also quite steep and should be reduced.

Helpful? Yes

H
Hagen Mayr - Germany
22 October

Sadly, the focus on history was minimal, while there was a much stronger emphasis on trying to sell us various items.

Helpful? Yes

M
Matthias Kiefer - Germany
24 June

Everything was great and the guide was absolutely fantastic but it was very rushed.

Helpful? Yes

D
Danny Spindler - Germany
28 July

The tour was excellent, with a very experienced guide with extensive knowledge of the places we visited. I highly recommend it; it really is an experience not to be missed.

Helpful? Yes

Book now

Select person

Adult

12y+

01
Children

2 - 12 years

01
Infant

Below 2 years

01
Proceed to Booking
From
€17.00 per person