Explore the enchanting city of Istanbul with a meticulously crafted private guided tour that showcases the very best the city has to offer. Whether you have one, two, or three days to spare, this immersive experience promises to unveil the rich history, cultural treasures, and architectural wonders of Istanbul in a way that is both informative and captivating.
Embark on a journey through time as your expert guide leads you to iconic landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia, a marvel of Byzantine architecture that has stood the test of time. Marvel at the intricate designs of the Basilica Cistern, an ancient underground reservoir that exudes an air of mystery and intrigue. Step into the opulent world of the Topkapi Palace Museum, once the residence of Ottoman sultans, and immerse yourself in the grandeur of a bygone era.
No visit to Istanbul is complete without a stop at the Blue Mosque, with its stunning blue tiles and towering minarets that dominate the city skyline. Lose yourself in the bustling lanes of the Grand Bazaar, a shopper's paradise where you can haggle for traditional Turkish treasures and souvenirs to take back home.
Venture to the Dolmabahce Palace, a symbol of Ottoman extravagance that boasts stunning interiors and lush gardens overlooking the Bosphorus. Stroll through the vibrant streets of Taksim Square, a hub of modern culture and entertainment, before ascending the Galata Tower for panoramic views of the city below.
Discover the spiritual beauty of the Suleymaniye Mosque, an architectural masterpiece that offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. Wander through the colorful neighborhood of Balat, with its charming streets and historic buildings that offer a glimpse into Istanbul's past.
As you cruise along the Bosphorus, the waterway that divides Europe and Asia, soak in the mesmerizing views of palaces, mosques, and bustling waterfronts that line its shores. Your private guide will provide insightful commentary and insider tips, ensuring that you make the most of your time in this vibrant city.
Whether you opt for a one, two, or three-day itinerary, this private guided tour of Istanbul promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you with lasting memories of this magical city. Immerse yourself in the best that Istanbul has to offer, from its ancient wonders to its modern delights, and let the spirit of this historic city captivate your senses.
Day 1 Itinerary: Istanbul Tour – Old City Tour
Your tour guide will meet you at your hotel lobby or cruise port and start your Istanbul Old City Tour;
Hagia Sophia; Built in 6th century by Emperor Justinian. After the Ottoman conquest the bells, altar, and sacrificial vessels were removed and many mosaics were covered to convert church into a mosque.
Hippodrome; where chariot races were held in Roman Empire times, Egyptian Column from Byzantine Empire time. Today German Fountain is cornerstone of square.
Basilica Cistern; was the water storage of Byzantine Empire providing drinking water to citizens of city, especially during period of siege.
Blue Mosque; Built in the early 1600s for Sultan Ahmet I of the Ottoman Empire. Blue Mosque is truly a magnificent masterpiece of architecture with amazingly delicate proportions for a building of such massive scale.
Topkapi Palace; (Topkapi Sarayi) More than just an Imperial Residence of Ottoman Sultans. It was seat of Supreme Executive Council for almost 400 years long. Topkapi Palace is a great monument of Oriental architecture which resembles power of Ottoman Empire.
Grand Bazaar; (Kapali Carsi) The largest and oldest covered markets in the world with over 4,000 shops. You can find colorful products of ceramic, leather, rugs, carpets, handicrafts, clothes, silver, and gold.
After completing your private Istanbul tour here, your private guide will accompany you on the way back to your hotel or Istanbul port.
Note: This trip can be operated as walking tour because sites of visit are near to each other. But if your hotel is not centrally located, booking private van is recommended from and back to your hotel.
Day 2 Itinerary: Istanbul Tour – Bosphorus Region Tour
Your Istanbul tour guide will wait you at your hotel lobby or cruise port and start your Istanbul Bosphorus Region Tour;
Spice Market; is a colorful indoor bazaar and has lots of shops offering a variety of products. Some of them are spices, purses, flavored teas, Turkish delight, nuts, as well as ceramics, and small souvenirs.
Bosphorus Cruise; is operated with public ferry to see both Istanbul’s European and Asian side. On the way we see Galata Tower, Dolmabahce Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, Rumeli Fortress, old Ottoman villas, Bosphorus bridge, mosques. Your best Istanbul tour memories will be in Bosphorus. Please advise if you prefer Private Yacht Option for Bosphorus Cruise.
Dolmabahce Palace; Elegance and beauty with most luxury decoration, chandeliers, rugs, crystals, ceramic fireplaces. Beautiful palace, right on the Bosphorus with gorgeous furnishings, paintings, porcelains made for Dolmabahce.
Taksim Square; A great place defining modern Turkey which witnessed important historical moments.
Cicek Passage; A combined structure of traditional and modern construction methods and architecture style by Ottoman Empire is reflected here. Cicek Passage has very good food joints, cafes, shops, bars, night clubs around Taksim.
Istiklal Street; (Istiklal Caddesi) and Galata Tower along with embassies of European countries in Taksim.
After finishing your private Istanbul trip here, your private guide can drop you off back to your hotel or Galataport.
Note: Booking private car is suggested for this day as transportation is required between sites of visit.
Day 3 Itinerary: Istanbul Tour – Golden Horn Tour
Your private tour guide can pick you up at your hotel lobby or cruise port and begin your Istanbul Golden Horn Tour;
Suleymaniye Mosque; is the largest mosque in Istanbul and impressive both inside and out. Suleymaniye terrace offers lovely views of the Golden Horn and Bosphorus.
Fener District; Continue exploring Istanbul’s rich religious history with a stop at Church of St. George.
Balat District; lines of drying laundry stretch across steep, winding streets. Century-old Ottoman houses lean against each other in a combination of reds, blues, and greens. And art galleries and design shops along water.
St. Stephen Church; Located on the shore of Golden Horn. Known as Iron Church because it’s made entirely of iron in 19th century.
Pierre Lotti Hill & Cable Car; offers great view of Golden Horn for visitors. Take cable car to reach the top and enjoy beautiful scenery while drinking Turkish coffee or tea.
Rahmi Koc Museum; here we visit industrial and cultural museum built by famous family of Koc. The family were leading power of Turkish Republic in industrial field since early period of 20th century.
Alternative sites for Rahmi Koc Museum; Kadikoy Neighborhood by public ferry or Istanbul Archaeological Museum (requires 75 TL entrance fee per person)
After ending your private Istanbul tour here, your private guide can drop you off back to your hotel or port.
Note: Booking private vehicle is suggested for this day as transportation is required between sites of visit. The bridge between east and west, Istanbul is a vibrant city with magnificent architecture and a rich history as the former capital of the Ottoman empire
Cover top sites like Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Spice Market on this action-packed guided trip
Explore the best of Istanbul with 1,2,3 day tour options and create itineraries that best suit your schedule
Because it’s a private tour, you have plenty of time for questions along the way,
,Here you can see the flexible daily tour itineraries below (7 hours per day):
Day 1 - Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome Square, German Fountain, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace Museum, Grand Bazaar
Day 2 - Bosphorus Cruise by Public Ferry, Dolmabahce Palace, Spice Market, Taksim Square, Istiklal Street, Cicek Passage, Galata Tower (from outside)
Day 3 - Suleymaniye Mosque, Fener and Balat Districts, St. Stephen Church (Iron Church), Pierre Lotti Panoramic Hill by Cable Car, Rahmi Koc Museum (or alternative sites)