Full-Day Private Highlights of Istanbul Walking Tour: Discover Centuries of History and Culture

Immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of Istanbul on a full-day private walking tour. Uncover hidden gems, hear captivating stories, and experience the city like a local.

Duration: 7 hours, 15 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Ayasofya Camii - Hagia Sophia, which means “holy wisdom”, is the most important highlight of old Istanbul. This amazing work of great Roman architecture and engineering was a revolution in architecture. Here, you are going to learn the breathtaking history of Hagia Sophia which is accepted as one of the seven wonders of the middle ages.
  • Blue Mosque - Blue Mosque is one of the most beautiful works of the Ottoman era in terms of aesthetic beauty and architecture. Here you will discover famous blue tiles and learn about
    slam and Islamic art and listen to the most interesting stories about Blue Mosque from your local guide.
  • Topkapi Palace - Topkapi Palace, which became an inspiration for lots of artists and became subject to operas, is a wonderful example from the Ottoman era. It was the main seat of Ottoman sultans and also the main center of Game of Thrones, brutal rivalries, and intrigues. Throughout history, there always have been powerful women who changed history. In the Harem section, you will hear the vital stories of powerful women.
  • Hippodrome - Today, known as horse square but since from Byzantine Empire, it’s been an active social area. The main activities were chariot racing, ceremonies, fights, and many other art performances. As a historical site, Hippodrome is an important place where you can see The Obelisk from Egypt, Serpent Column, German Fountain, and walled column.
  • Grand Bazaar - Grand Bazaar is a 550 years old market. It is very colorful and full of different streets which look like a labyrinth. Are you ready to get lost in this little paradise? We are finishing our tour here and take you back to your hotel.
What's Included
  • Tea/coffee
  • Baklava tasting
What's Not Included
  • Lunch
  • Private transportation
  • Topkapi Palace entrance fee (320.-Turkish Lira, with Harem 420.-Turkish Lira)
Additional Information

Istanbul, a city amongst the world’s most ancient, has served as the heartbeat of civilizations for thousands of years. More than just bridging continents, it’s a fusion of diverse cultures and customs. This venerable city holds more than what meets the eye, entrancing you with its deep-seated history, famed tales, myths, and long-forgotten narratives that form a link between the bygone eras and the now. To gain an enlightening experience about history, cultures, characteristics, and hidden treasures, participate in our tour. Experience Istanbul like an insider…

  • Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays.
  • Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque are closed on Fridays during the prayer.
  • Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.
  • This is a walking tour, you will not need a vehicle during the tour. If you’d like to have a pick-up and/or drop-off service by our private van, please choose the option.
Location
Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant
Divan Yolu Caddesi
If you'd like to use public transportation, Sultanahmet tram stop is the closest station - just 1-minute walking distance away.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(14 Ratings)
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309sercang
Aug 5, 2024
A remarkable tour with Abdullah - Abdullah is the guide who explained all the hidden gems with full of secrets of the beautiful city Istanbul. We were a group comes from Vienna, Austria to see the historical and modern landmarks of Istanbul. Abdullah is an excellent guide he showed us everything, a perfect experience!
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Karolina
Aug 3, 2024
Exceptional Istanbul with an exceptional guidebook.This was a guidebook 100% to our taste - Mega travel guide, Highly qualified guide, Super entertaining, exceptional.Also a very sympathetic guide
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Simon
Jul 26, 2024
Apo is a legend - best tour guide experience of my life - I had SUCH a great time with Apo! He was great fun, tailored the tour to my preferences, and had a wicked sense of humour. We actually became good friends and he even invited me out for a dinner with his friends to a local restaurant with live music, this was the highlight of my trip. Thanks for everything Apo!
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484reginaj
Jul 20, 2024
Turkey: An Incredible Experience! - This was my first time in Turkey and it will certainly not be the last. Every delightful corner of Istanbul was stunning. But I have to say its beauty became even more solidified when I met Apo our tour guide. He is incredibly knowledgeable with more than ten years in the industry. I was in awe of the historical narrative he would tell. He made learning fun, easy and exciting which is rare. I enjoyed Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, Bosphorus cruise, walking aimlessly through the streets, the cable car and so much more! I encourage you to choose Apo as your tour guide for your Istanbul exploration. He works so well with others, charismatic and has amazing taste in food selections! Every place he picked out was a culinary sensation. I cannot wait to go back and experience Turkey more and I hope you do too! 10 stars for Apo!
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Maps826860
Jul 17, 2024
Amazing Tour - A group of us toured with Apo when we arrived in Istanbul. I didn’t know what to expect as we had never done a city tour on holidays before. Apo customized our tour to meet our needs and also helped arrange a hammam for us and a visit to a carpet atelier. He has a way of instantly connecting with you and it’s apparent as you walk around the city that most people he encounters feel the same connection. Istanbul was a more magical place with Apo. Definitely recommend!
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Bethmg855qy
Jul 17, 2024
An Unforgettable Day - My 22yo daughter and I did a private full day tour of the old town with Apo on our first day in Istanbul in June 2024. A friend had recommended him, as I was looking for someone knowledgeable about Turkish history who would also make the day interesting for my daughter. Apo certainly knew his history. He was engaging, easy going and wove the history of this incredible place in an interesting and informative way. He took us to a fabulous roof-top restaurant for lunch, ensuring our dietary requirements were met, and recommended places to visit that we had not considered. I look forward to meeting him again and would highly recommend his tours
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Martha
Jul 16, 2024
Extraordinary person, made us spend an incredible day walking through Istanbul, knowing the most important thing. - We have recommended it to family and friends and everyone has been very happy with Abdulah. He is a great Guide. He knows very well the history of Istanbul and makes you have a very pleasant day.
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Guidenur
Jun 7, 2024
Perfect day with a perfect guide ! - We had lucky to have Apo with us during our city tour in Istanbul. It was a real fun and We really enjoyed our day walking around the city along with his great knowledge and many stories he was telling. He is also expert for local food and drink. Highly recommend him. Thank you Apo !
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Excursion607969
Apr 14, 2024
Great experience - Our tour was great , well planned out and personalized. We got to try new foods , see some history and even got to stop to do some shopping. I learned some great facts about turkey culture all while having fun. Please book for all your tour guide needs!
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Rashmi
Jan 30, 2023
Awesome walking tour experience - The tour experience was excellent - my husband and I loved walking around in Istanbul with our guide: Mr. Apo, who was super fun and easy going (it felt like we were walking around the city with a local friend, not a tour guide). He was very knowledgeable about both the new town & old town landmarks, and it was intriguing listening to him while he showed us around. Highly recommend doing a tour with this firm, and with Mr. Apo!
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