Best of Istanbul Private Guided Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore the majestic Hagia Sophia
- Wander through the opulent Topkapi Palace
- Marvel at the intricate Blue Mosque
- Shop at the bustling Grand Bazaar
- Cruise along the scenic Bosphorus Strait
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Private guided tour of Istanbul's historic sites
- Flexible 1, 2, or 3-day itinerary options
- Personalized experience tailored to your interests
- Meals and beverages
Meeting point
Start Location
German Fountain, Binbirdirek, At Meydanı Cd, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Important information
Know before you book
- Tour availability may vary; check the latest schedule
- Confirm the duration and itinerary with the tour operator
- Be aware of any local holidays that might affect site access
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for exploring historic sites
- Bring a hat and sunscreen for outdoor activities
- Carry a water bottle to stay hydrated during the tour
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Stroller Accessible
- Service Animals Allowed
- Easy Public Transport
- Infant Seats Available
Good to know
- The suggested first-day tour is designed as a walking tour, with transportation needed only between the hotel and the Old Town if the hotel is outside old town.
- The suggested second-day tour can be easily managed by public transportation
- 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.
- Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays and replaced with Spice Market.
- Dolmabahce Palace is closed on Mondays. Due to museum regulations, live guide service is not available at Dolmabahce Palace.
- For the tours that start later than 11 am, kindly note that you may have to skip one/a couple of sites as the sites are closed by 7 pm. Your guide will adjust the program according to your priorities.
- On Fridays, Blue Mosque will be visited in the afternoon due to Friday prayers.
- Grand Bazaar and Spice Market is closed during Eid. (Tue, Mar 9, 2027 – Thu, Mar 11, 2027)
Traveler reviews
24 Hours in Istanbul
Tarik was the perfect tour guide for our short visit to Istanbul. We had a 24 hour layover on our way to Tanzania and were looking for a highlighted tour of Istanbul - He was friendly and extremely knowledgeable and provided us with a great pace for a 6 hour walking tour in Old Town. Highlights of the tour were the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and the Basilica Cistern and a stop at The Pudding Shop for a sampling of Turkish food. We wrapped up the tour with walk through the Grand Bazaar with a history of the Bazaar and suggestions for vendors to consider. We had a lot of ground to cover in a short period of time and Tarik did an amazing job of making sure we saw everything. It pays to have a professional guide to avoid busy times of day, skip long lines and experience all the sites that Turkey has to offer! I am a travel advisor and would absolutely recommend Tarik for my clients!
Halil was an excellent...
Halil was an excellent guide. Very knowledgeable and makes the tour very enjoyable. Good pace, was able to prioritize what we wanted to see.
David Clark Brisbane Australia October 2026
Fantastic tour by a wonderful guide Goktug. He was on time, patient and accommodated our every need. Goktug's knowledge of his city, traditions and culture was outstanding. Having a guide meant we could skip the queues at the more popular sites which was a real bonus. Goktug knowledge of local restaurants, not the tourist traps, serving traditional dishes was another bonus. Would highly recommend this tour and if you get Goktug as your guide, you will have a fantastic experience.
Perfect Intro to Istanbul
Hilal was a treat! We were heavily jet lagged for our tour and she kindly offered to shift the start time by an hour the night before to give us more sleep. Then, she started the tour with special history unique to our hotel and neighborhood! As we continued through the day, she regularly called out parts of museums we should skip to give time for more special items and views later on. This approach was new for us, but we quickly learned how right she was! I wish we had another day (less jet lagged) where we could ask her questions and learn from her guidance. Truly a unique and wonderful experience, and a must do for your first time in Istanbul!
Great way to spend a day in Istanbul
This was a great day! Our guide Can was so interesting and informative but also a great guy to spend the day with. He made everything so easy for us and we saw and learnt so much about the history. Would highly recommend this tour. Its a must when you visit Istanbul.