Private 1,2 or 3 Days Guided Tour of Istanbul

7 to 21 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English and 1 more

Explore the rich tapestry of Istanbul with a personalized private tour lasting 1,2 or 3 days. Discover iconic sites like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar while enjoying skip-the-line access, making your adventure seamless and hassle-free. Your expert guide shares captivating stories of the city’s history, ensuring a memorable experience that can be tailored to your interests. Enjoy flexibility with pick-up options from your hotel or designated meeting points, and savor local cuisine during your journey.

- Private tours available for 1,2 or 3 days with a licensed guide
- Visit major attractions like Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and more
- Flexible pick-up from hotels or central locations in Istanbul
- Customize your itinerary and enjoy lunch at local eateries

What's Included

Flexible Pick-up Point: Guide will meet you at central Istanbul hotels, Airbnb, or Galataport
Private Tour with a Licensed Professional Tour Guide
Traditional Turkish Arts & Crafts Experience (Depending on interest)
Gratuities (Suggested)
Transportation with Private Van (If the option is not selected)
Museum,Ferry,Cable Car Tickets (Available upon request)

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

*If van service is not booked your guide will pick you up ONLY at centrally located hotels or Galataport ON FOOT. The meeting point will be the German Fountain if the hotel is not centrally located and not accessible by public transportation.

**If private van service is booked, we pick up from all central hotels, please note that there will be a surcharge if your hotel is outside the city center or on the Asian Side.

***Tours that are booked without van service could easily be operated by tram, funicular and ferries.

****Tours starting from the airports should be booked with van service and additional payment is required as the airports are outside the pick-up zone.

OR
Meeting point
You can choose from multiple locations at checkout.
End point
This activity ends in a different location. You can choose from multiple locations at checkout.

Itinerary

Duration: 7 to 21 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Sultanahmet Square

    Sultanahmet Square (Hippodrome) is the historic heart of Istanbul, surrounded by iconic landmarks such as the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. Once the center of Byzantine public life and chariot races, the square is home to the Egyptian Obelisk, Serpent Column, Column of Constantine, and German Fountain.

    45 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Blue Mosque

    Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) The Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is one of Istanbul’s most iconic architectural masterpieces. Built between 1609 and 1616 during the reign of Sultan Ahmed I, this magnificent Ottoman mosque is famous for its six minarets, cascading domes, and exquisite blue İznik tiles decorating its interior. Located in the heart of Sultanahmet Square, directly across from Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into Ottoman history, Islamic art, and Turkish culture.

    1 hour • Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

    The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque is one of Istanbul’s most extraordinary historical and architectural landmarks, representing nearly 1,500 years of Byzantine and Ottoman heritage. Originally constructed in 537 AD under Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, Hagia Sophia served as the world's largest cathedral for nearly a thousand years. Following the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453, it was converted into a mosque. It later became a museum in 1935 before reopening as a functioning mosque in 2020. Famous for its magnificent central dome, breathtaking mosaics, towering marble columns, and impressive Islamic calligraphy, Hagia Sophia offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the fascinating blend of Christian and Islamic history.

    1 hour • Admission ticket included
  • 4
    Basilica Cistern

    The Basilica Cistern, also known as the Sunken Palace, is one of Istanbul’s most extraordinary underground attractions and a remarkable masterpiece of Byzantine engineering. Built in the 6th century during the reign of Emperor Justinian I, this magnificent underground reservoir was designed to supply water to the Great Palace of Constantinople and nearby buildings. Located just steps away from Hagia Sophia in the historic Sultanahmet district, the Basilica Cistern features 336 impressive marble columns arranged in 12 rows, creating a mysterious atmosphere enhanced by dramatic lighting and beautiful reflections on the water.

    1 minute • Admission ticket not included
  • 5
    TopkapI Palace

    Topkapi Palace is one of Istanbul's most spectacular historical landmarks and a magnificent symbol of the Ottoman Empire's rich cultural heritage, royal traditions, and imperial power. Constructed in the 15th century by Sultan Mehmed II following the conquest of Constantinople in 1453, this extraordinary palace served as the primary residence and administrative center of the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. Situated on Istanbul's historic peninsula, overlooking the breathtaking Bosphorus and Golden Horn, Topkapi Palace offers visitors an unforgettable journey into the fascinating world of Ottoman royalty. The palace complex features magnificent imperial courtyards, beautifully decorated pavilions, elegant gardens, and impressive collections of priceless treasures. Visitors can explore the famous Imperial Harem, discover the luxurious chambers of the sultans, admire exquisite İznik tiles, and learn about the daily lives of the Ottoman royal family.

    2 hours • Admission ticket not included
  • 6
    Grand Bazaar

    The Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, offering visitors an unforgettable shopping and cultural experience in the heart of Istanbul. Established in the 15th century during the reign of Sultan Mehmed II, this legendary marketplace has been a vibrant center of trade, craftsmanship, and cultural exchange for centuries. With more than 4,000 shops spread across a maze of historic covered streets, the Grand Bazaar is a paradise for visitors looking to discover traditional Turkish carpets, handmade jewelry, colorful ceramics, leather goods, textiles, antiques, and unique souvenirs.

    2 hours • Admission ticket free
  • 7
    Bosphorus Strait

    The Bosphorus Strait is one of Istanbul's most breathtaking natural landmarks, offering a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of two continents in one unforgettable destination. Connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara, this magnificent waterway separates Europe and Asia, making Istanbul one of the world's most extraordinary cities. Stretching approximately 30 kilometers, the Bosphorus is surrounded by magnificent Ottoman palaces, historic waterfront mansions, impressive fortresses, charming neighborhoods, and spectacular suspension bridges. One of the best ways to experience the Bosphorus is by taking a scenic Bosphorus cruise, where visitors can admire Istanbul's iconic skyline while sailing between two continents.

    2 hours • Admission ticket not included
  • 8
    Dolmabahce Palace

    Dolmabahçe Palace is one of Istanbul's most magnificent architectural landmarks, showcasing the elegance, luxury, and grandeur of the late Ottoman Empire. Located along the European shores of the beautiful Bosphorus Strait, this spectacular waterfront palace was completed in 1856 during the reign of Sultan Abdülmecid I. It became the principal administrative residence of the Ottoman sultans, replacing Topkapi Palace as the empire's main royal residence. Combining Baroque, Rococo, Neoclassical, and traditional Ottoman architectural influences, Dolmabahçe Palace represents a fascinating blend of European elegance and Ottoman imperial traditions. The palace features 285 rooms, 46 halls, magnificent ceremonial chambers, richly decorated ceilings, exquisite furnishings, and breathtaking crystal chandeliers.

    2 hours • Admission ticket not included
  • 9
    Taksim Square

    Taksim Square is one of Istanbul's most famous and vibrant public squares, representing the modern spirit, cultural diversity, and energetic atmosphere of Türkiye's largest city. Located in the heart of Istanbul's European side, Taksim Square is a major center for shopping, entertainment, cultural events, and social gatherings. Surrounded by lively streets, restaurants, cafés, hotels, and historical landmarks, the square attracts visitors from around the world. At the center of the square stands the impressive Republic Monument (Cumhuriyet Anıtı), unveiled in 1928 to commemorate the founding of the Republic of Türkiye and honor Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Taksim Square also serves as the gateway to the famous İstiklal Avenue, one of Istanbul's most popular pedestrian streets. Stretching toward the historic Galata neighborhood, this bustling avenue is lined with elegant 19th-century buildings.

    1 hour • Admission ticket free
  • 10
    Galata Tower

    We will see the tower FROM OUTSIDE, due to the regulations unfortunately tour guides don't have skip the line priority here so it takes long time to wait queue. Your tour guide will make you explanation about tower.

    1 hour • Admission ticket free
  • 11
    Misir Carsisi (Spice Market)

    Spice Market / Mısır Çarşısı Egyptian Bazaar is a colorful indoor bazaar and has lots of shops offering a variety of spices, purses, flavored teas, Turkish delight, nuts, as well as ceramics, and small souvenirs. Spice Bazaar is located in Eminonu Square which is the connection point of Bosphorus and Golden Horn.

    1 hour • Admission ticket free
  • 12
    Suleymaniye Mosque

    Suleymaniye Mosque / Süleymaniye Camii is the largest mosque in Istanbul and is as impressive on the inside as it is on the outside. In the garden behind the mosque, the Suleymaniye terrace offers lovely views of the Golden Horn and Bosphorus

    1 hour • Admission ticket free
  • 13
    Balat

    Fener-Balat Neighborhood backstreet walk Continue exploring Istanbul’s rich religious history with a stop at the Church of St. George. Since the 1600s, the church has been the location of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople and is recognized as the spiritual leader of the Eastern Orthodox Religion. Balat District; lines of drying laundry stretch across steep, winding streets. Century-old Ottoman houses lean against each other in a combination of reds, blues, and greens. And art galleries and design shops dot the area along the water.

    1 hour • Admission ticket free
  • 14
    Pierre Loti Tepesi

    Pierre Loti Hill and Cable Car are some of the most popular sights to visit since it offers great views for visitors. Take the cable car to reach the top and enjoy the beautiful scenery while sipping your Turkish coffee or tea.

    1 hour • Admission ticket free
  • 15
    Bulgarian Orthodox Church

    St. Stephen Church; Located on the shore of the Golden Horn, the church is also known as the Iron Church due to the fact that it’s made entirely of prefabricated cast iron in 19th century.

    1 hour • Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays can be replaced with alternatives such as Turkish And Islamic Arts Museum or Archaeological Museum depending on your wishes.
Supplied by Turkey Tour Company
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Tags

Full-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private and Luxury
Private Sightseeing Tours
Cultural Tours
Walking Tours
Ports of Call Tours
Trolley Tours
Water Tours
Cable Car Tours
Shore Excursions
Port Pickup
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

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

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