Private Cultural Tour of Istanbul: 1 or 2-Day Tailored Experience

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Day 1: Historical Gems of Istanbul
7 stops
1
Sultanahmet District
Start your journey with an intimate introduction to Istanbul’s historical heart, where ancient empires flourished. Unlike other tours, we’ll give you insights into the hidden nooks of this district, offering personalized historical anecdotes.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free
2
Hippodrome
Explore the remnants of the ancient chariot-racing arena. Our guide will give you exclusive details about its political significance and lesser-known stories of Byzantine power struggles that most tours overlook.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free
3
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
Step inside this awe-inspiring structure, where your guide will provide in-depth explanations of its architectural techniques and cultural transformations across centuries. Gain access to off-the-beaten-path viewpoints within Hagia Sophia that other tours miss.
1 hour • Admission ticket not included
4
Blue Mosque
Your visit to the Blue Mosque includes not only the beautiful interior but also a stroll through its peaceful courtyards, where our guide will share intimate stories of the mosque’s place in modern Turkish life, setting this tour apart from others.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
5
TopkapI Palace
Beyond just the main sights, this tour offers exclusive insights into Topkapı’s hidden courtyards and chambers that are often skipped on larger tours. Your guide will focus on the personal lives of the sultans and their intriguing world behind palace walls.
2 hours • Admission ticket not included
6
Grand Bazaar
We’ll take you through the Grand Bazaar like a local, showing you not just the famous spots but also lesser-known artisanal shops and secret treasures. Get personalized advice on bargaining and finding authentic, high-quality items that many visitors miss.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
7
Misir Carsisi (Spice Market)
Our guide will introduce you to specific stalls in the Spice Market that are renowned among locals but often overlooked by tourists. You’ll get a chance to sample and buy some of Istanbul’s finest spices and sweets, with insider tips on how to use them.
45 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 2
Day 2: Modern Istanbul & Bosphorus
4 stops
8
Bosphorus Strait
Unlike most tours, this Bosphorus cruise will give you a closer look at both European and Asian shorelines, with our guide sharing not just historical facts, but also local legends and stories about life along the Bosphorus. PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS NOT A PRIVATE BOAT.
2 hours • Admission ticket not included
9
Dolmabahce Palace
This palace visit goes beyond the surface. You’ll learn about its pivotal role during the Ottoman Empire’s final years and how it became a symbol of the Turkish Republic. Your guide will give insights into rarely discussed rooms and artifacts.
1 hour • Admission ticket not included
10
Taksim Square
As the modern pulse of Istanbul, Taksim Square offers more than just shopping and dining. We’ll introduce you to contemporary cultural hotspots, street performances, and how this square has played a role in Turkey’s social movements.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
11
Istiklal Caddesi
More than just a shopping street, we’ll guide you through hidden alleyways and historical buildings along Istiklal, from charming art galleries to secret rooftop cafes with stunning views. You’ll experience a side of Istiklal that typical tourists don’t get to see.
45 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• +3 hours allotted for traffic, waiting line, food etc

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