Private Istanbul Full Day 7 to 8 hours Guided Tours / Group opt.

Our guide Emel was very knowledgeable and patient. She taught us the history of all the places we visited and her restaurant recommendation was wonderful. A day well spent. Truly personalized to match our small group of 4. Although admission fees weren’t included it was no hassle getting in. Overall it was a great experience and highly recommend doing it. Our driver also navigated the street with great ease. Although it was busy with such a small group we never felt rushed and the pacing was perfect.

Amazing experience with Mrs Buse Canyurt! Such a nice person, with a lot of knowledge and care for her guests. Can’t recommend more you take this tour. Thank you so much for the lovely day!

We visited the blue mosque, Hagia Sofia, Topkapi palace and the Grand Bazaar all in one long afternoon which, unfortunately, was all the time we had. Our guide had entrance tickets where needed which saved a little waiting time. Lines were long but manageable (mid May). We did 19,000+ steps in the afternoon so people with limited mobility could find it hard (not many stairs but some long ramps). Our guide was very knowledgeable, friendly and accommodating.

Tour guide Leyla was an exceptionl kind,competent guide, so helpful, very knoledgeable, took care of us personally.

Actually, it was a private three-day tour of Istanbul. Our guide met us with minivan and driver at the Galataport Cruise Terminal, but on the upper level. We were not advised to go up to the street level and we waited over thirty minutes at the lower, disembarkation level. Only after a couple of phone calls, did we get straightened out. Leyla was very knowledgeable and thorough, very attentive to our circumstances. My only comment would be that either Curio or Leyla made too many assumptions about American tourists. At times, I felt programed and on the last day, after seeing some attractive shops in a non-tourist area of Istanbul, I asked if perhaps we would not have found just as good and maybe less expensive gifts items here, rather than in the Grand Bazaar. She said, yes, but everyone needs to visit the Grand Bazaar. Maybe so, but she could have at least asked what we were looking for. We had requested a visit to a hammam and she recommended a lovey 300 year old Turkish bath, where we had a fabulous experience. The next day, I told her how much we enjoyed it. She said she thought we would, as it's preferred by tourists, who might not withstand a genuine Turkish bath experience, whatever that means. I can't complain, it was great, but again, we were never offered any options. It was just assumed that we wanted a more gentle (and I guess more expensive) experience. Curio might reconsider that aspect of their service. Not all "tourists" are created equal. Otherwise, we had a wonderful "first visit" to Istanbul, thanks to Leyle. She was patient and always prompt and knowledgeable.

Our favorite was the Hagla Sophia and the history of it as well as the overwhelming excitement and shopping of the Grand Barzzar.

Our guide Ulku was fabulous. We traveled throughout the city with her and she brought the city to life. It was such a good experience we booked her for the following day to continue our experience.

Guide was amazing. Istanbul is a very busy place. We were navigated through it as best as possible. A mix of history and modern

Semic is by far the best tour guide we've ever come across in our travels around the world. A true professional in every sense of the word, his in-depth knowledge in the history and cultural heritage of his amazing city, unique insights and perspectives, and intelligent, thoughtful, engaging conversation exceeded all our expectations.

Our family enjoyed our tour! Our tour guide was so knowledgeable. He showed us a lot of great historical sites and provided a wealth of information for each site.