Top Notch Istanbul: 1,2 or 3 Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour

Experience a private tour of Istanbul that allows you to explore both the European and Asian sides of the city at your own pace. Customize your itinerary and enjoy skip-the-line access to museums. Perfect for groups of up to 13 people!

Duration: 1 day
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Istanbul - Embark on a personalized journey through Istanbul, tailored to your schedule and interests. Choose between a private guide only, Hotel, Airbnb or port pickup drop off by minivan or full day guide and minivan options. Your guide meets you at your centrally located hotel, allowing for flexible departure times and a fully customizable itinerary. Immerse in the UNESCO-listed Historic Areas, visiting landmarks like Hagia Sophia, TopKapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, Hippodrome, Extend your adventure with a Bosporus cruise and the Grand Bazaar. Your guide’s insights deepen your connection with each site.

  • Blue Mosque - The Blue Mosque is not only a religious site but also a masterpiece of art and architecture. Taking the time to explore its beauty and historical significance can be a highlight of your layover in Istanbul.

  • Sultanahmet District - You will start to visit main attraction from Sultanahmet District.

  • Topkapi Palace - Topkapi Palace: Founder by Fatih Sultan Mehmed Han at 1473. Topkapı Palace used almost 380 years as a Empire administrative centre and residential place of Ottoman Sultans and his families. 4000 People used to live insight. Now it is one of the biggest museum in Istanbul.

  • Basilica Cistern - The Basilica Cistern, also known as the Yerebatan Cistern, is a remarkable underground water reservoir located in the historic peninsula of Istanbul, Turkey. Built during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century, the cistern is one of the largest surviving ancient cisterns in Istanbul and is known for its impressive architecture and historical significance

  • Kapali Carsi - The oldest and most famous biggest antique mall of the World built around 4000 square meters land.There are lot of Turkish traditional shops insight as u can find hand made carpets,jewelleries ,antique stuffs ,silk products and spices shops.

  • Hagia Sophia Mosque - Meaning of Hagia Sophia is holly wisdom Church.Built by Byzantium king I. Justinanus.Converted to a mosque during Ottoman time. Used as a museum almost 75 years nowadays using as a mosque. One of the most amazing architecture of Istanbul. Throughout its history, Hagia Sophia has been admired for its architectural beauty and the innovative engineering used in its construction. It is renowned for its massive dome, intricate mosaics, and historical significance, reflecting both Christian and Islamic heritage.

  • Bosphorus Strait - Your tremendous Istanbul tour should be included Bosporus cruise by Public Ferry or Private Yacht. According to your chosen option you can explore Bosporus by public ferry or private yacht. During the ferry or yacht tour you will see both Istanbul European and Asian sides and will see from the sea, Dolmabahce Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, The Rumeli Fortress, Bridges of Bosporus, Old Ottoman Villas, Old Mosques and Churches.

  • Misir Carsisi (Spice Market) - Spice bazaar is one of the oldest bazaar of Istanbul located in European side next to Yeni Cami(mosque). The bazaar was founded by the Turhan Valide Sultan in 1660. You can find all types of nuts, spices ,herbal teas and many more insight shops.

  • Historic Areas of Istanbul - Explore historic areas of Istanbul

  • Istanbul - Istanbul is a culinary paradise, offering a diverse range of delicious dishes that reflect its rich history and cultural influences. Here are some iconic foods you must try when exploring the vibrant food scene in Istanbul: Kebabs, Koftes, Doner, Baklavas, Turkish Delights, Organic Herbal Teas, Midye dolma, Manti, Kokorec, Simit, Lahmacun, Fish and sea foods. Your guide will help you to take you these restourants during your regular tours or food and shopping tours.

  • Istanbul Handicraft Center - Turkey has a rich tradition of handcraft arts, showcasing the country’s cultural diversity and artistic heritage. Here are some notable handcraft arts in Turkey: Carpet and Kilims, Pottery and Ceramic Art, Turkish Jewelery and Onyx Art, Leather and Textiles, Ebru (Paper Marbling), Copperware, Turkish Miniature Painting and etc.. You can ask your guide if you interesting to see how to make any of this arts during your tour

  • Taksim Square - Most famous Square of Istanbul. Consider as Modern Istanbul

  • Galata Tower - 1 of the main attraction worth to visit.Guides are not priority to skip the line

  • Istiklal Caddesi - Many shops and most crowded steeet of Istanbul

  • Dolmabahce Palace - Dolmabahçe Palace is a grand and historic palace in Istanbul, Turkey, located along the Bosporus Strait. Built in the 19th century by Sultan Abdülmecid I, it became the main administrative center of the Ottoman Empire. The palace is known for its blend of European and Ottoman architectural styles, featuring luxurious interiors with gold, crystal, and marble. One of its highlights is a massive crystal chandelier, the largest in the world. The palace also has beautiful gardens and offers stunning views of the Bosporus.

  • Pierre Loti Tepesi - One of the best view of Istanbul from asian side and golden horn

  • Suleymaniye Mosque - Built by Mimar Sinan with the order of Sultan Suleyman

  • Fener Rum Ortodoks Patrikhanesi Kutuphanesi - Fener district. Greek Orthodox church

  • Bulgarian Orthodox Church - Bulgarian Church

  • Balat - Balat district. Hidden gems of Istanbul

  • Historic Areas of Istanbul - Many more to see in Istanbul

What's Included
  • Professional licensed local guide
  • Private minivan pickup and drop off service from Hotel/Port/Airbnb if chosen options
  • Private Tour
What's Not Included
  • Breakfast-lunch-dinner and drinks
  • Gratuities
  • Ferry-Museum-Cable Car Tickets
  • Public transportations during the tour
Additional Information

Private Guided Tour: You’ll have the exclusive expertise of a private guide throughout your exploration Istanbul. Your guide will share historical insights, cultural anecdotes, and local tips to enrich your experience.

Day 1: Explore the architectural wonders of the Old City, including Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar.

Day 2: Embark on a leisurely Bosphorus Cruise to admire Istanbul’s skyline from the water, visit the Dolmabahce Palace, explore the bustling Taksim Square and Istiklal Street, and wander through the Spice Market.

Day 3: Venture off the beaten path to discover hidden gems such as the Suleymaniye Mosque, the historic Fener and Balat Districts, the picturesque St. Stephen Church, and enjoy panoramic views from Pierre Lotti Hill via cable car.

You have the freedom to create the perfect journey for your interests and preferences. Let us know your preferences, and we’ll craft an unforgettable itinerary just for you.

  • Topkapı Palace is closed on Tuesday, Dolmabahce Palace is closed on Monday, Grand Bazaar is closed on Sunday
  • Please note that tour guides do not have skip-the-line priority at Hagia Sophia. To avoid waiting in the security line, we recommend departing tour early in the morning, ideally around 8:30 am or 9:00 am. This will give you a better chance of enjoying the site without long queues
  • If your tour begins after 11 am, please be aware that you might need to skip one or a couple of sites, as they close by 7 pm. Your guide will tailor the program to accommodate your priorities accordingly. Planning your visit earlier in the day ensures you have ample time to explore all the attractions without rush. If you have any specific preferences or questions about the tour, feel free to let us know!
  • This is a private tour/activities. Only your group will participate
  • Please inform us if you wish to have a minivan during your 2 or 3 day tours
Location
Istanbul
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(23 Ratings)
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302kenzae
Aug 6, 2024
Best one & # 1 👍 - Try to contact this guy if your looking for professionalism! I definitely recommend him to everyone who doesn’t know where to go or doesn’t wanna miss great places! He organized our stay in Türkiye & made good plans for us! Thank you so much Mr. Ibrahim for your kindness & how you made our days in Türkiye unforgettable! You’re the best & will contact you for our next trip to Turkiye again FOR SURE❤️🇹🇷
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Maps554147
Jul 18, 2024
1 day Istanbul tour - great experience - I, together with two of my family members took a 1-day tour of Istanbul. We had seen some sites before, so together with the Agency discussed and customized the tour to our needs. We were advised according to our choices we wouldn’t need to get a van/driver, so we got a tour guide and used public transit, cutting down that cost. We used taxi, walked some and took the tram which turned out to be convenient and gave us a taste of the Istanbul commute. The tour was well thought out and planned to utilise every minute of our time. Our guide Remiz was on time to pick us up at the hotel. He turned out to be pleasant, intentional, well organized and knowledgeable about the sites and the history behind everything. He wasn’t rushed and was patient to walk at our pace as he pointed out and explained things. It felt like we were with an old acquaintance. It was a hot afternoon, there was a long queue at the Basilica Cistern, but the tour guide advantage allowed us to go first in line. The Haggia Sophia Palace, The Basilica cistern and the Grand Bazaar are all worth a visit. I particularly enjoyed learning the history behind all these beautiful places. The Bosphorus Cruise allowed us to relax but was underwhelming in my opinion as there wasn’t much detail to explore. Overall, it was a day well spent.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
308oksanas
Jan 10, 2024
Excellent tour! - I booked a tour of Istanbul with the agency and super happy with the service they provided. Our tour guide Volkan was amazing! The tour included not only the most historic sights of the city but also delicious sites for lunch and shopping. Definitely recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tian_l
Jan 2, 2024
Ibrahim and Kenan are my new friends in Turkey. - It feels like seeing the city with my old friend from Turkey. If you’re someone who is interested in learning more at the places you visit, an audio guide at each place is always a plus to add on. However, if you only have limited time in Istanbul and need someone to guide you to everything you needed to see. You’ve found the right place.
Review provided by Viator
Mansoorh167
Dec 31, 2023
A fun time in Istanbul - My experience in Istanbul was amazing. The guided tours were fun and informative. We took our time and were able to enjoy all the masjids and museums. I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone visiting Istanbul. We were treated really well and were able to enjoy our stay. My wife and I really enjoyed this trip and would really recommend this tour to anyone.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Aneekj2023
Dec 31, 2023
Excellent Tour of Istanbul - We had an amazing tour of Istanbul. We got to see beautiful mosques and the rich history behind Istanbul. Absolutely fantastic
Review provided by Tripadvisor
592amrahk
Dec 31, 2023
Family trip. - Had a fantastic trip. Would strongly advise. Incredibly efficient and professional with amazing chauffeur service.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
618_zcan_
Dec 26, 2023
Reliable - We had a too much pleasure of having a knowledgeable guide Yüksel. He had great informations and well mannered guide. Overall everything went smooth and on time. Thank you very much for this great tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
H_seyint30
Dec 22, 2023
Should ne 10 stars... - It was a perfect experience. We booked four- day tour and on these four days we visited most of the worthseeing places in Istanbul. It was an excellent experince and we had an amazing informative tour guide. Highly recommended tour company.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dream324481
Mar 17, 2024
48 hours in Istanbul - Ibrahim was very attentive and from the moment we booked the trip checked in with us and made sure everything was properly arranged. The guide he gave us was also great! Things were well looked after!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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