Istanbul in 1,2 or 3 Day Private Guided Tour with Highlights and Hidden Gems
Overview
Whether you are interested in history, architecture, culture or cuisine while exploring highlights or hidden gems of Istanbul our very well-made itinerary for 1, 2 or 3 days private guided tour has you covered ! Istanbul: no other city on earth straddles two continents -Europe and Asia- and has been home to three great empires (Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman). We will discover Hagia Sophia, visit Topkapi Palace, stroll through Grand Bazaar and enjoy the beauty of Blue Mosque. In a city like this, it's important to have an experienced local guide who can help you to navigate, all the while ensuring you the most personal experience possible. We will sometimes use a ferry and sometimes subway or tram to navigate through the city. Don't forget that the best way of exploring a new city is to use public transport or walking.
• Skip-the-Line Access to the Museums
• Well-Made Itinerary for 1, 2 or 3 Days Private Guided Tour
• Customize the itinerary according to your interest
• Taste Local Food
• Skip-the-Line Access to the Museums
• Well-Made Itinerary for 1, 2 or 3 Days Private Guided Tour
• Customize the itinerary according to your interest
• Taste Local Food
Inclusions
- Private Tour
- Professional Tour Guide
- Local Taxes
What to expect
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Topkapi Palace, Cankurtaran Mahallesi Gulhane Park, Near Sultanahmet Square, Istanbul 34122 Turkiye
TOPKAPI PALACE, the former imperial residence from which the Great Ottoman Empire was ruled for nearly 400 years. Today a spectacular museum, it is famous for its collections of treasury of the Ottoman Royal Family. You will chase the memories of the sultans and the Ottoman Empire through 400 years of the most glorious victories, happiest moments, and mournful days.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Hagia Sophia Mosque, Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya MeydanI No:1, Istanbul 34122 Turkiye
HAGIA SOPHIA is a 6th century church, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, welcomes you with its legends and mosaics. You will have a chance to touch the history of this church, a main attraction of the city since its construction.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Basilica Cistern, Alemdar Mahallesi, Yerebatan Caddesi, No:1/3, Istanbul 34410 Turkiye
Basilica Cistern is the largest underground water reservoir from the Byzantine period. This 6th century underground cistern became famous with the Medusa heads on the inside.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Hippodrome, Binbirdirek, Sultan Ahmet ParkI No:2, Istanbul Turkiye
HIPODROME: The former center of sportive and political activities of Constantinople. You will be able to see the Obelisk from Egypt, Serpentine Column from Delphi and fountain of Willhelm II.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Grand Bazaar, Grand Bazaar, Istanbul
GRAND BAZAAR is both the oldest and the biggest covered bazaar in the world. Your guide will provide the history of the Bazaar as well as some helpful tips on navigating its more than 4000 shops.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Suleymaniye Mosque, Prof. SIddIk Sami Onar Cd. No:1 Süleymaniye Mah, Istanbul 34116 Turkiye
This mosque, constructed by the great Ottoman architect Sinan in 1557, is regarded as the most beautiful of all imperial mosques.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Blue Mosque, Sultanahmet Mah At Meydani Cad No 7, Istanbul 34122 Turkiye
BLUE MOSQUE, also known as the Sultanahment Mosque is one of the biggest mosques and principal adornments of the Istanbul skyline. It was built in the 17th century. Once inside the mosque, blue Iznik tiles and stained glass will surround you.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Misir Carsisi (Spice Market), Rustem Pasa Mahallesi, Erzak Ambari Sok. No:92 Eminonu - Fatih, Istanbul 34116 Turkiye
This market is famous for Turkish delights and spices.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul 34122 Turkiye
Bosphorus Cruise. Bosphorus is a unique natural water strait both sides of which filled in Palaces, Yalis ( old Ottoman Houses), historical mosques and many other buildings and many neighbourhoods with their own unique cultures.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: Rustem Pasha Mosque, 62 HasIrcIlar Carsisi Eminonu, Istanbul Turkiye
Rustem Pasha is famous for the most beautiful examples of Ottoman Tile art pieces adorning it’s walls on the inside.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Kadikoy Carsisi, Caferaga Mahallesi Kadikoy, Istanbul Turkiye
Kadikoy is probably the most vibrant and local district of Istanbul.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: Uskudar Pier, Uskudar, Istanbul Turkiye
District in the Asian side of Istanbul.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Taksim Square, Gumussuyu Mh., Istanbul 34435 Turkiye
Main square of Istanbul.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Dolmabahce Palace, Visnezade Mahallesi Dolmabahce Cd, Istanbul 34357 Turkiye
This palace, constructed between 1843 and 1858 by Sultan I Abdulmecit, contains eclectic elements from the Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical styles, blended with traditional Ottoman architecture to create a new synthesis.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: Galata Tower, Buyuk Hendek Cad. 2, Istanbul Turkiye
We will see GALATA TOWER from outside.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Karakoy, Karakoy, Istanbul
The commercial site of old Istanbul.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Basilica Cistern, Alemdar Mahallesi, Yerebatan Caddesi, No:1/3, Istanbul 34410 Turkiye
The largest underground water reservoir from the Byzantine time. This 6th century underground cistern became famous with the Medusa heads located in one corner of the cistern.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Istiklal Caddesi, Istiklal Street Taksim Beyoglu, Istanbul Turkiye
ISTIKLAL STREET is where locals like to hang out.The architecture of the buildings in that area will remind you of French style, and the street was once called Rue de Pera by it’s French residents.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Balat, Istanbul Turkiye
BALAT is where you will enjoy the most authentic houses of Istanbul.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Bulgarian Orthodox Church, Balat Mahallesi, Murselpasa Cd. No:10, Istanbul 34087 Turkiye
This is a unique church which is fully made of iron.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Fener Rum Patrikhanesi, Dr. SadIk Ahmet Cd. No:44 Yavuz Sultan Selim Mahallesi, Istanbul 34083 Turkiye
This is the Petriarchate of the Orthodox.
Duration: 15 minutes
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Topkapi Palace, Cankurtaran Mahallesi Gulhane Park, Near Sultanahmet Square, Istanbul 34122 Turkiye
TOPKAPI PALACE, the former imperial residence from which the Great Ottoman Empire was ruled for nearly 400 years. Today a spectacular museum, it is famous for its collections of treasury of the Ottoman Royal Family. You will chase the memories of the sultans and the Ottoman Empire through 400 years of the most glorious victories, happiest moments, and mournful days.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Hagia Sophia Mosque, Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya MeydanI No:1, Istanbul 34122 Turkiye
HAGIA SOPHIA is a 6th century church, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, welcomes you with its legends and mosaics. You will have a chance to touch the history of this church, a main attraction of the city since its construction.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Basilica Cistern, Alemdar Mahallesi, Yerebatan Caddesi, No:1/3, Istanbul 34410 Turkiye
Basilica Cistern is the largest underground water reservoir from the Byzantine period. This 6th century underground cistern became famous with the Medusa heads on the inside.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Hippodrome, Binbirdirek, Sultan Ahmet ParkI No:2, Istanbul Turkiye
HIPODROME: The former center of sportive and political activities of Constantinople. You will be able to see the Obelisk from Egypt, Serpentine Column from Delphi and fountain of Willhelm II.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Grand Bazaar, Grand Bazaar, Istanbul
GRAND BAZAAR is both the oldest and the biggest covered bazaar in the world. Your guide will provide the history of the Bazaar as well as some helpful tips on navigating its more than 4000 shops.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Suleymaniye Mosque, Prof. SIddIk Sami Onar Cd. No:1 Süleymaniye Mah, Istanbul 34116 Turkiye
This mosque, constructed by the great Ottoman architect Sinan in 1557, is regarded as the most beautiful of all imperial mosques.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Blue Mosque, Sultanahmet Mah At Meydani Cad No 7, Istanbul 34122 Turkiye
BLUE MOSQUE, also known as the Sultanahment Mosque is one of the biggest mosques and principal adornments of the Istanbul skyline. It was built in the 17th century. Once inside the mosque, blue Iznik tiles and stained glass will surround you.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Misir Carsisi (Spice Market), Rustem Pasa Mahallesi, Erzak Ambari Sok. No:92 Eminonu - Fatih, Istanbul 34116 Turkiye
This market is famous for Turkish delights and spices.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul 34122 Turkiye
Bosphorus Cruise. Bosphorus is a unique natural water strait both sides of which filled in Palaces, Yalis ( old Ottoman Houses), historical mosques and many other buildings and many neighbourhoods with their own unique cultures.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: Rustem Pasha Mosque, 62 HasIrcIlar Carsisi Eminonu, Istanbul Turkiye
Rustem Pasha is famous for the most beautiful examples of Ottoman Tile art pieces adorning it’s walls on the inside.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Kadikoy Carsisi, Caferaga Mahallesi Kadikoy, Istanbul Turkiye
Kadikoy is probably the most vibrant and local district of Istanbul.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: Uskudar Pier, Uskudar, Istanbul Turkiye
District in the Asian side of Istanbul.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Taksim Square, Gumussuyu Mh., Istanbul 34435 Turkiye
Main square of Istanbul.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Dolmabahce Palace, Visnezade Mahallesi Dolmabahce Cd, Istanbul 34357 Turkiye
This palace, constructed between 1843 and 1858 by Sultan I Abdulmecit, contains eclectic elements from the Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical styles, blended with traditional Ottoman architecture to create a new synthesis.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: Galata Tower, Buyuk Hendek Cad. 2, Istanbul Turkiye
We will see GALATA TOWER from outside.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Karakoy, Karakoy, Istanbul
The commercial site of old Istanbul.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Basilica Cistern, Alemdar Mahallesi, Yerebatan Caddesi, No:1/3, Istanbul 34410 Turkiye
The largest underground water reservoir from the Byzantine time. This 6th century underground cistern became famous with the Medusa heads located in one corner of the cistern.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Istiklal Caddesi, Istiklal Street Taksim Beyoglu, Istanbul Turkiye
ISTIKLAL STREET is where locals like to hang out.The architecture of the buildings in that area will remind you of French style, and the street was once called Rue de Pera by it’s French residents.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Balat, Istanbul Turkiye
BALAT is where you will enjoy the most authentic houses of Istanbul.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Bulgarian Orthodox Church, Balat Mahallesi, Murselpasa Cd. No:10, Istanbul 34087 Turkiye
This is a unique church which is fully made of iron.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Fener Rum Patrikhanesi, Dr. SadIk Ahmet Cd. No:44 Yavuz Sultan Selim Mahallesi, Istanbul 34083 Turkiye
This is the Petriarchate of the Orthodox.
Duration: 15 minutes
Additional information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Near public transportation
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays. Dolmabahce Palace will be visited instead.
- Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays. Spice Market will be visited instead.
- Grand Bazaar and Spice Market will be closed in 2022 in the following dates; May 02/03/04-Ramadan Celebrations. July 09/10/11/12-Eid Celebrations. October 29-Republic Day.
- We have Kid-Friendly Tour Guides in our team.
- For the cruise passengers public transportation (tram) is strongly recommended due to heavy traffic in/around the old city. By the tram the old city takes only 10 minutes. Please book the tour accordingly
- If you book the tour with a private van, please beware that extra charges may apply if your hotel/apartment is located in the Asian Side or far from the city center.
- Face masks required for travelers in public areas
- Face masks required for guides in public areas
- Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
- Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
- Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
- COVID-19 vaccination required for guides
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Ticket delivery
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.
awinderwilliams
April 2023
She is a terrific guide…best possible experience. Knowledgable about places and history…I ask lots of questions and my day was like a College course in history, architecture, and cultural and geopolitical realities then and now….and fun, good sense of humor to boot. Mine should be considered the ...
She is a terrific guide…best possible experience. Knowledgable about places and history…I ask lots of questions and my day was like a College course in history, architecture, and cultural and geopolitical realities then and now….and fun, good sense of humor to boot. Mine should be considered the best possible review.loup232
March 2023
Very knowledgeable, very proud of his heritage and flexible enough to alter the itinerary in case of crowds or disruptons
Very knowledgeable, very proud of his heritage and flexible enough to alter the itinerary in case of crowds or disruptonsmamimd
March 2023
Our tour guide Cemil (Jamil) was just absolutely amazing. He was incredibly knowledgeable, funny and treated us like family! Make sure he takes you to his favorite kofta/kebob shop that has been open for decades!
Our tour guide Cemil (Jamil) was just absolutely amazing. He was incredibly knowledgeable, funny and treated us like family! Make sure he takes you to his favorite kofta/kebob shop that has been open for decades!RickMah
February 2023
Good food, important historical sights, fantastic location and two continents. Visit the Hagia Sofia, Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar, the location of the Roman Hippodrome, and Roman Cistern and Roman Aqueduct. Fabulous restaurants await in the old city and on the Asian side of Istanbul. Dine...
Good food, important historical sights, fantastic location and two continents. Visit the Hagia Sofia, Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar, the location of the Roman Hippodrome, and Roman Cistern and Roman Aqueduct. Fabulous restaurants await in the old city and on the Asian side of Istanbul. Dine on seafood in Eminonu outdoors and enjoy strolling musicians and good company. Visit the Spice Market and surrounding neighborhoods that specialize in various things ( I enjoyed looking through the hardware and kitchen shops.). The Tramvay ( street car or light rail) goes through the old part of the city to many places that you want to see. It’s inexpensive, convenient and quite modern. The Archaeological Museum is well worth a visit. The Chora Museum is housed in an old Byzantine church with paintings abd mosaics. Topcapi palace museum is amazing and has a restaurant with an incredible view. Take a boat ride up the Bosphorus to the Black Sea and enjoy a day away from the city. Ride a ferry boat to the Asian side of the Bosphorus to shops and restaurants like Ciya Sofrasi a restaurant featuring dishes from other parts of Turkiye. The menu changes and we visited twice in a week and enjoyed differing food each time. It is possible to take Ina Football ( Soccer) match if you dare. Turkish fans are as fanatical as any Football fans in the world.Nirat S
May 2022
We reached out to Semih and he arranged for a full day tour in Istanbul with our guide Gul. Gul was very informative (she is an Archeology major) and managed to cover a lot of Istanbul to-do lists that we had in those 7 hours. She was very friendly and helpful throughout. We covered all the sig...
We reached out to Semih and he arranged for a full day tour in Istanbul with our guide Gul. Gul was very informative (she is an Archeology major) and managed to cover a lot of Istanbul to-do lists that we had in those 7 hours. She was very friendly and helpful throughout. We covered all the sight seeing in the old city like Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sofia and the spice market. She showed us the best locations for photos (she takes great pictures too) and also took us to a great shop for Turkish delights. Over the course of the tour, we felt that we were seeing Istanbul with a friend, rather than a guide. She took us to all the locations that we were interested in or had looked up on the internet and she was so energetic throughout the entire 7 hours! We even enjoyed some great local Turkish food (we are vegetarians and we werent disappointed) and of course a nice cup of Turkish coffee! I would strongly recommend taking a private tour with them. At the end, we made a lot of memories in a day, enjoyed to the fullest and left Istanbul as a happy couple.Agnes K
May 2022
We didn’t have much time in Istanbul so we decided to get a private tour. Semih was a wonderful guide. He was great company and very knowledgeable about his city and it’s history. A day with Semih made our short trip immensely enjoyable.
We didn’t have much time in Istanbul so we decided to get a private tour. Semih was a wonderful guide. He was great company and very knowledgeable about his city and it’s history. A day with Semih made our short trip immensely enjoyable.