Istanbul Layover Tour: Personalized, Private Journey with a Local

Experience Istanbul like a local on a personalized layover tour. Skip the tourist traps and explore the city’s iconic attractions, neighborhoods, and cultural diversity.

Duration: 8 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Eminonu Pier - Join a like-minded host to explore Istanbul’s unique districts and discover hidden local gems along the way

IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalized experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences

  • Grand Bazaar Jewelers - Explore whatever you want from the city, letting your host know the things you’d most like to see or letting them recommend the highlights

IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalized experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences

  • Blue Mosque - Get a unique insider’s view as you discover Istanbul’s iconic art galleries, museums and attractions

IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalized experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences

What's Included
  • Transfers to and from the airport via taxi
  • Choose 2, 3, 4, 6 or 8 hour walking tour, exploring highlights and hidden gems
  • Your host will meet you at the airport
  • Private and personalized walking tour with a passionate local
What's Not Included
  • Food and drinks
  • Tickets to any attractions
  • Additional transportation costs
  • Gratuities (optional)
Additional Information

Beat the layover blues and make the most of your time in a new city – even if it is only for a few hours. Join one of our hosts in a personalized experience where they’ll enable you to see Istanbul through the eyes of a local that knows it inside out! From iconic mosques to tangles of streets and bazaars that enrich its cultural diversity- there is so much to take in and that is exactly what you will do with this totally customized experience tailored to fit your time, budget and interests. See the city’s most famous attractions such an iconic art gallery of palace or explore a nearby neighborhood and soak up the local lifestyle. Having a host by your side means you’ll skip the tourist traps and dive into what really matters. Whether you’re staying for a night or stopping off for a shorter period of time, there is plenty to keep you entertained. Whatever your preference, make the most of your time with a host who can’t wait to show off their city.

Location
Istanbul Airport
Terminal Caddesi
After booking, you can adjust the meeting point to fit your preferences with the help of our Experience Planners.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(22 Ratings)
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Elisabethp723
Jul 17, 2024
Big bang for the buck - I was so lucky to get to spend my layover with Feruza! She showed such amazing knowledge and passion for the city that it was infectious! She met us at the airport, took us up to olde towne where we got to see the bazaar, the blue mosque, a subterranean museum, and got to enjoy the local cuisine. If you have the time get out and see the city with an amazing and passionate guide Feruza!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Leebj2663sy
Jul 7, 2024
Outstanding layover experience! - Latif is a perfect guide to help a first time visitor understand the historical, religious, and political landscape of Istanbul. I had only 3 hours but he packed them with visits to key sites and insightful commentary. I will be back in a couple of years and definitely plan to engage his services again. Outstanding guide!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Elisabeth_p
Jun 27, 2024
Great taste of Istanbul - Our guide Feruza was excellent! She picked us up straight from the airport! We got to see the Grand Bizarre, several historic sites, and sampled the local cuisine! She got us back to the airport in ample time to make our connection!
Review provided by Viator
Miroslav_h
Jun 17, 2024
Perfect day in Istanbul! - Feruza figured out how to make it possible for us to visit Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Basilica Cistern, the Grand Market, the spice market, take a sunset cruise, and a stroll through the modern district all in one day! She kept us informed with important facts regarding each historical monument we visited. We would highly recommend taking a tour with her on your next trip to Istanbul!
Review provided by Viator
Donovan_w
Jun 8, 2024
Great layover tour - Jamal is amazing. He’s very conversational, warm and knows all the short cuts around the city. This tour is great for someone who doesn’t want to just settle for the basics and would like to explore in depth.
Review provided by Viator
Alyx_a
Jun 1, 2024
An incredible 8-hours in Istanbul. Get a taste of the city. - We booked this tour on an 18-hour layover in Istanbul. It was a wonderful way explore, learn and BE in the city with a local. Jamal was amazing. Very communicative, knowledgeable about history, landmarks, and current events. He customized the tour to our interests. It was such a great way to see so much of the city and get a taste of Istanbul in 8-hours.
Review provided by Viator
N4671sfanthonyp
Jun 1, 2024
Great way to see Istanbul at your choice - Jamal was excellent. Very professional and Interesting. He really cared to made it a great day. He was showed me the part of the city I wanted to see and Kept it a great day. if you get Jamal he will make it special for sure.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
D_m
May 27, 2024
Great layover tour - Guide met me at 7am as I requested I only had 3-4hr. She was very informative. Changed the itinerary to what I wanted to see and I told her I walk fast and she kept up lol. Even had time to eat and grab a beer. Great layover tour
Review provided by Viator
X5907afoliviad
Apr 16, 2024
Istanbul Tour with Aylin - Aylin was an amazing guide. I was able to see all of the city in such a short amount of time. We did everything I could’ve dreamed of and more. She was so informative and very accommodating to my needs
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Guanming_r
Mar 5, 2024
Exceptional Tour Guide - My flight got to Istanbul at 5:30 a.m. Despite the company's normal tour start time of 8:00 a.m., my guide Feruza picked me up at the airport at 7:00 a.m., giving me an extra hour in Istanbul. Feruza is knowledgeable about the city, personable, and thoughtful. In addition to sharing with me information about the Blue Mosque and other historic sites, she talked to me about Turkish history, culture, religious practices, and daily lives of the locals. Although my time in Istanbul was short, I had a good introduction to the city.
Review provided by Viator
Select Date and Tickets
up to 8 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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