Full Day Private Guide in Istanbul
Description
Do not limit yourself with a fixed itinerary. If you book this service you will be able customize your trip just as you wish. You will be accompanied by a local licensed tour guide all day long, you may visit off beaten narrow streets in Istanbul and taste local foods and visit most important tourist monuments such; # Hagia Sophia # Blue Mosque # Topkapi Palace # Dolmabahce Palace # The Grand Bazaar # Egyptian Spice Market
Tour Options
Itinerary
Do not limit yourself with a fixed itinerary. If you book this service you will be able customize your trip just as you wish. You will be accompanied by a local licensed tour guide all day long, you may visit off beaten narrow streets in Istanbul and taste local foods and visit most important tourist monuments such; # Hagia Sophia # Blue Mosque # Topkapi Palace # Dolmabahce Palace # The Grand Bazaar # Egyptian Spice Market
Hagia Sophia, located in Istanbul, Turkey, is an architectural masterpiece that has served as a church, mosque, and museum over its 1,500-year history. Built in 537 AD by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, it was the world's largest cathedral for nearly a thousand years. Its massive dome, stunning mosaics, and grand interior reflect both Byzantine and Ottoman influences. Converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest in 1453, it later became a museum in 1935 and was reconverted into a mosque in 2020. Today, it remains a symbol of Istanbul’s rich cultural and religious heritage.
The Blue Mosque, or Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, renowned for its stunning blue İznik tiles and elegant domes. Built between 1609 and 1616 during the rule of Sultan Ahmed I, it features six towering minarets and a grand central dome. Located opposite Hagia Sophia, it remains an active place of worship while also welcoming visitors. The mosque’s intricate interior, adorned with thousands of blue tiles and beautiful calligraphy, makes it a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture and a must-visit site in Istanbul.
Sultanahmet Square is the historic heart of Istanbul, surrounded by some of the city's most famous landmarks, including Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Basilica Cistern. Once the site of the ancient Byzantine Hippodrome, it was a center for chariot races and public events. Today, the square is a lively gathering place with fountains, historical monuments like the German Fountain and the Obelisk of Theodosius, and a vibrant atmosphere. It serves as a gateway to Istanbul’s rich history and a starting point for exploring the city's cultural treasures.
Topkapi Palace, the grand residence of Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years, is one of Istanbul’s most significant historical landmarks. Built in the 15th century by Sultan Mehmed II, it served as the political and administrative center of the Ottoman Empire. The palace complex features opulent courtyards, stunning pavilions, and the famous Harem. It houses an impressive collection of imperial treasures, including sacred relics, exquisite ceramics, and the legendary Topkapi Dagger. Overlooking the Bosphorus, Topkapi Palace offers a glimpse into the grandeur and intrigue of Ottoman history.
The Basilica Cistern is an ancient underground water reservoir in Istanbul, built in the 6th century during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. Located near Hagia Sophia, this vast cistern features 336 marble columns, creating a mysterious and enchanting atmosphere. Originally designed to supply water to the Great Palace, it is now a popular tourist attraction known for its eerie lighting, the famous Medusa head carvings, and its serene, reflective waters. The Basilica Cistern offers a fascinating glimpse into Byzantine engineering and history.
The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets, dating back to the 15th century during the reign of Sultan Mehmed II. With over 4,000 shops spread across a maze of bustling alleys, it offers a vibrant shopping experience featuring handmade carpets, jewelry, ceramics, spices, and textiles. The bazaar's historic atmosphere, lively bargaining culture, and stunning Ottoman architecture make it a must-visit destination for travelers looking to explore Turkey’s rich artisanal heritage.
A Bosphorus Cruise offers a scenic journey between Europe and Asia, showcasing Istanbul’s stunning skyline, historic palaces, and iconic landmarks along the strait.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
"We provide hotel pickup in Istanbul, as well as port pickup at the Galata Cruise Port for cruise passengers. With Transport Option: Your guide will arrive with a private vehicle to pick you up. Guide-Only Option: Your guide will meet you at your requested meeting point without a vehicle. You will use public transit (like the tram) or a taxi to get around, which will be at your own expense."
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(14)
We have spent an amazing day with Çiçek discovering Estambul’s historical jewels! Her detailed explanations., patience and recommendations gave us a wonderful experience in Istanbul, Thanks for everything Çiçek!!!!
Thank you so much for your review!
I was a bit disappointed in the tour. Yes, they tell you that you can make your own itinerary, but that wasn't the case on my trip. Apparently, they called someone who did not work consistently for their company to do the tour. Although she was a very good guide, there was no discussion of what I wanted to do. We essentially went to the Old City and did the square, Blue Mosque, Topakpi Palace, Haggia Sofia, and that was it. But it was about 5 hours long, not 8. And nobody bothered to mention before that date that the Grand Bazaar would not be available because it was closed on Sundays. So, I payed 190 bucks for an 8 hour Istanbul tour, received about 5 hours of sites withing 200 meters of each other and that was it. I didn't think it was a good value, and I do not think the tour operators took enough care to make sure I received what was promised in the ad. The tour guide was very good, but I don't think they told her about the tour that was promised and instead just had her give me a basic Old Town tour. I had the very distinct impression that they hired her only a couple of days before my tour date because they didnt have any of their own guides available. That would be fine, but in those cases they need to make sure the new guide knows what product has been sold to the customer.
Dear Timothy, Thank you for your feedback. We’re sorry your Istanbul tour didn’t meet expectations. The 5-hour duration was due to short museum wait times, and as you didn’t share specific preferences with our guide, a standard Old City itinerary was followed. We regret not communicating the Grand Bazaar’s Sunday closure. Despite having our contact number, we received no feedback during the tour. We provided a complimentary meeting point from the Asian side for you before your tour date. We appreciate your input and wish you the best in future travels. Plus, this tour is satisfaction guaranteed, and we now issued your refund. Sorry about the inconvenience. Best Regards, Gizem
Ilker was nice and very knowledgeable. We were happy with our tour. He took time to explain the history about the pla es to us.
Thank you for your review.
Buyer beware , cancelled without contact on the day so wasn’t able to see any sights! Ruined holiday. No response from chat.
We called you 100s of times and send messages and you did not reply. This is your responsibility. We refunded %100 of your payment, because you did not reply. Thank you!
Our party of 4 did an all-day walking tour of Istanbul, which we structured to start at 10 am and finish before 4 pm and to be as flexible as possible. We won the winning ticket when our guide Emel turned up at our hotel. Her understanding of our requirements, her deep knowledge of her city, and the ease at which she explained the history and beauty of Istanbul make the tour so special. This was our third visit to Turkey and Emel rates as our number one guide!
Thank you for your review!
Our guide did not turn up at meeting point and the company did not try to contact us at any time to inform us he wasn’t coming . He was apparently unwell but we should have been informed. We were left with no assistance at all in Istanbul. Refund paid but not even apology from company.
Dear Sheila, you did not experience the tour. We refund your payment. We have informed you immediately and refund your payment in full. So why you are reviewing with 1 star and damage a local business? What else do you want?
Admission to Hagia Sophia was charged free of charge because the details in Japanese were not what they actually were. I inquired and the truth was that there was a fee, correct my Japanese, I was uncomfortable, but the others were very knowledgeable guides, very different from the last travel agency tour. It was a great satisfaction.
Thank you for your review 🙏
Excellent way to explore Istanbul. Tubs our guide was a lovely lady , very knowledgeable and spoke very good English. She paced the walking for us which was appreciated, she ensured that we did everything that we wanted to see as well as the Bazzar. There is a lot of walking but it’s easy flat walking , can’t thank Tuba enough for the time spent with us. 5 stars .
Thank you for your review!
Ozkan was an outstanding guide. I booked this tour around 10 am the day of the tour. Was not sure about it being so last minute but Ozkan was super accommodating. The tour was private so just him and I - meaning we could go/see anything I chose at my pace!!! Big plus. Second big plus was my guide had excellent english. Ozkan was very personable through out the tour about all kinds of topics from religion, modern culture, city history, living and working in Istanbul. Just all around pleasant conversation all day. We visited: the hippodrome, Hagia Sophia, the Blue mosque, the grand bazar, the royal gardens and my personal favorite the basilica cistern. I would highly recommend Ozkan to anyone looking for a great private guide!
thank you for your review!
It was a great tour with knowledgeable guide. We had a wonderful time. Istanbul is a city filled with history.
Thank you for your review!
