Istanbul Private Guided Tour With Historical Riches
Discover the rich history of Istanbul. Experience the city's Byzantine and Ottoman heritage with expert insights and create unforgettable memories.
Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Istanbul on a private guided tour and discover the city’s most iconic landmarks, rich in history and culture. Your expert guide will take you through each of the extraordinary sites, providing deep insights into Istanbul’s fascinating past.
Your tour begins at one of the world’s greatest architectural wonders, the Hagia Sophia. Today, its breathtaking mosaics and soaring dome tell the story of both the Byzantine and Ottoman empires.
You will then visit the Sultanahmet Mosque, or Blue Mosque, famous for its striking blue tiles and impressive six minarets. This mosque remains a functional place of worship and a superb example of Ottoman architecture.
While you stroll through Sultanahmet Square, your guide will share stories of its past as the Hippodrome of Constantinople. It is home to important monuments including the Obelisk of Theodosius.
The next stop is the Spice Bazaar, where the air is filled with the aromas of exotic spices, Turkish delights and vibrant textiles. This historic market is a sensory delight and the perfect place to experience Istanbul’s vibrant commercial culture.
Next, you will visit the magnificent Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. With over 4,000 shops selling everything from jewellery to carpets, it is a vibrant centre offering a traditional Turkish shopping experience.
Your tour continues with a visit to Topkapi Palace, the former residence of the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. Discover the magnificent rooms, lush gardens and sacred relics that offer a fascinating insight into the power and grandeur of the Ottoman Empire.
Finally, descend into the eerie beauty of the Basilica Cistern, an ancient underground water reservoir. With its 336 columns and Medusa head statues, this hidden gem offers a unique atmosphere and a glimpse into the engineering marvels of the Byzantine period.
Throughout the tour, your private guide will provide detailed explanations, making each stop not just a visit but also a journey through time. Experience the rich cultural fabric of Istanbul in one unforgettable day.
Select date, participants and language
Excursion Itinerary
You must be ready 15 minutes before the meeting time.
Duration: 1 Hour
Duration: 1 Hour
Duration: 1 Hour
Duration: 1.5 Hour , Extra Fee
Duration: 45 Min. , Extra Fee
Duration: 1 Hour
Duration: 1 Hour
For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.
Highlights
- ● You will discover the Hagia Sophia, which was once a cathedral, a mosque and now a museum.
- ● The Sultanahmet Mosque, with its blue-tiled interior and six magnificent minarets.
- ● The Topkapi Palace, with its grand rooms, gardens and priceless will take you back in time
- ● Experience the eerie charm of this ancient underground warehouse with its 336 columns.
- ● You will see the two most famous markets of Istanbul
What's Included and What's Not?
Included
- Professional, licensed tour guide
- Public transport
Not Included
- Entry fees
- Food and drinks
- Personal expenses
Not Suitable For This Activities
- ●People with mobility impairments
Not Allowed This Activities
- ●Alcohol and drugs
Important Information
What to Bring
Information Before Booking
- ●It is not suitable for guests with walking difficulties.
- ●Entrance fees to the museums to be visited are the responsibility of the person.
- ●No food or beverages will be provided.
- ●Our guides will answer all your questions completely.
Know Before You Go
- ●Families with children should have their children's passports with them so that they do not have any difficulty entering
- ●Arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes in advance.
- ●If you have purchased a transfer package, please wait in front of your hotel at the given time.
- ●There may be delays in transfer times due to traffic.
Highlighted reviews from other travelers
Dario Dessi - Italy
15 July
Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and made every site come alive with stories and context. The Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern were especially unforgettable. It was also a great balance between walking, sightseeing, and having time to enjoy the locations without feeling rushed.
Frederik Bruins - Netherlands
10 June
I especially appreciated the insight into the Byzantine architecture. The Basilica Cistern was a hidden treasure I wouldn't have explored properly without this tour.
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Customer Reviews
All reviews are from verified customers who purchased the activity. Reviews can only be submitted after the activity takes place.
Overall Rating
4.8/5
Based on 10 Reviews
4.8/5
4.8/5
4.8/5
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By Traveler Types
By star rating
15 July
Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and made every site come alive with stories and context. The Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern were especially unforgettable. It was also a great balance between walking, sightseeing, and having time to enjoy the locations without feeling rushed.
Helpful? Yes
10 June
I especially appreciated the insight into the Byzantine architecture. The Basilica Cistern was a hidden treasure I wouldn't have explored properly without this tour.
Helpful? Yes
06 March
Our guide had great energy and knew all the best spots to avoid the heavy crowds. The Spice Bazaar was a favorite. We ended up buying Turkish delight and some handmade ceramics. It was a fun and educational day that gave us a deeper appreciation for the city.
Helpful? Yes
09 September
Appreciated the quieter spots like the Basilica Cistern. The day was long, but never boring. Definitely a smart choice for families who want to make the most of their time in Istanbul.
Helpful? Yes
19 August
This was the best decision we made during our trip. The guide was friendly and professional, and we felt like we were walking through centuries of history. The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia were breathtaking, and the visit to the Grand Bazaar was a great ending. It was such a smooth experience from start to finish.
Helpful? Yes
14 June
I booked this tour because I wanted a more in depth look at Istanbul’s history, and it completely delivered. The guide had a great way of connecting historical facts to present day culture. I took so many great photos, especially inside the Hagia Sophia and near the Hippodrome. It felt like more than just sightseeing, which I really appreciated.
Helpful? Yes
05 May
This was such a fun and relaxed tour. We learned a lot without it feeling like a lecture. Our guide answered all our questions and even helped us bargain a little at the Grand Bazaar. I didn’t expect to enjoy the Spice Bazaar so much, but it turned out to be a highlight. A great option if you’re traveling with friends and want a guided experience without the crowds.
Helpful? Yes
21 March
The guide was very kind and made sure we had enough breaks. The kids loved the Medusa heads in the Cistern and watching the pigeons near the Blue Mosque. It was educational and enjoyable for all of us.
Helpful? Yes
17 August
The tour was very informative, and the guide clearly knew the history well. I really enjoyed the visit to Topkapi Palace and the Basilica Cistern. However, I wish there had been more time to explore inside the Grand Bazaar. It felt a bit rushed there, and I would have liked some personal browsing time. Still, it was a solid tour overall and helped me get my bearings in the city.
Helpful? Yes
15 May
We loved seeing the major landmarks and our guide was really friendly. The Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque were absolutely beautiful. That said, the meeting point was a bit confusing and we had to wait around for 15 minutes before the tour actually began. Also, it was quite crowded at some sites, which made it harder to enjoy the experience fully. Despite those small issues, we’re glad we did the tour and learned a lot.
Helpful? Yes
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