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Full Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour From Hotel or Cruise Ships
4.5
20 Ratings
Beyoğlu
Experience the rich history, dazzling architecture, and vibrant culture of Istanbul on a private guided tour. Choose from pre-designed itineraries or customize your own adventure.
Duration:
8 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Sultanahmet District - The historic heart of Istanbul, home to numerous attractions like Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, and the Blue Mosque.
- Topkapi Palace - Once the administrative center and royal residence of the Ottoman Empire for nearly 400 years, Topkapi Palace features four courtyards and served as home to Sultan Mehmet II and his successors until Sultan Abdulmecid.
- Hagia Sophia Mosque - A must-see in Istanbul, Hagia Sophia has been built three times on the same site and was a Greek Orthodox cathedral until the Byzantine Empire’s end. It became a mosque after Sultan Mehmed II’s conquest of Constantinople in 1453. This iconic structure boasts Byzantine mosaics, a massive dome, and Ottoman-era additions. It now functions as a mosque again after years as a museum.
- Blue Mosque - Built in 1617 by Architect Sedefkar Mehmet Aga for Sultan Ahmet I, the Blue Mosque is renowned for its 22,000 handmade blue İznik tiles and six minarets. It stands directly opposite Hagia Sophia.
- Hippodrome - The Hippodrome features three notable monuments:
- The Egyptian Obelisk - Originally erected by Pharaoh Tuthmosis in the 16th century BC in Egypt, it was transported to Istanbul in the 4th century AD.
- The Serpentine Column - Initially set up in the Temple of Delphi in Greece, it was moved to Istanbul. It once had three bronze snake heads, one of which is now in the archaeological museum.
- The Column of Constantine - Believed to date back earlier than the 10th century, it was once covered in bronze and silver, which were stripped by Crusaders in 1204.
- Basilica Cistern - Beneath the Historic Peninsula lies a hidden world of water cisterns, with the Basilica Cistern being the largest and most well-preserved. Located west of Hagia Sophia, it could hold 80,000 cubic meters of water and has been featured in films like James Bond’s “From Russia with Love” and Dan Brown’s “Inferno.”
- Kapali Carsi - The Grand Bazaar, established in 1461 after Istanbul’s conquest by Sultan Mehmet II, offers an authentic Ottoman shopping experience. Each section specializes in different merchandise, giving each street its unique name.
- Misir Carsisi (Spice Market) - The Spice Market, or Egyptian Bazaar, built in 1660 by Hatice Turhan Sultan, is located behind the New Mosque in Eminonu square. Named for the Egyptian spices sold there, it was funded by taxes on Egyptian imports. It houses around 100 traditional spice shops.
- Dolmabahce Palace - Situated on the Bosphorus’s southern shore in Besiktas, Dolmabahce Palace was the residence of the last six Ottoman Sultans. Built in the mid-19th century, its architecture is influenced by Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical styles. It became a museum in 1984.
- Galata Tower - A remnant of the Genoese colony in Istanbul, Galata Tower was first constructed in the 14th century. Overlooking the Golden Horn, it has been restored multiple times and served various purposes. Its iconic presence is a testament to the city’s history.
- Bosphorus Bridge - A Bosphorus Cruise is a must-do in Istanbul, offering views of magnificent landmarks, historic mansions, imperial palaces, and other notable buildings on both the Asian and European sides of the city.
- Taksim Square - Taksim is a key tourist area in Istanbul, historically a water distribution hub. Located in the city’s heart, it blends historical sites with modern touches and bustling commercial markets, making it a lively spot for tourists and shoppers.
- Istiklal Caddesi - Extending from Taksim Square to Karakoy, Istiklal Street is one of Istanbul’s most famous streets, featuring one of the city’s oldest trams, which has been running for about a century.
- Fener & Balat - Fener and Balat are among Istanbul’s most historically rich districts and are UNESCO heritage sites. Their cobblestone alleys, colorful Ottoman houses, religious buildings, and local charm offer a unique glimpse into the city’s past.
- Balat - Adjacent to Fener, Balat is known for its vibrant cafes, antique shops, and Jewish heritage, including synagogues and churches. It has been home to Greek-speaking Jews since Byzantine times and later to Sephardic Jews exiled from Spain in the 15th century.
- Fener Rum Patrikhanesi - The Fener Greek Patriarchate and the Patriarchal Church of St. George are located in the Fener neighborhood. The Patriarchate has been the spiritual center for 300 million people worldwide for over seventeen centuries.
- St. George - The Church of St. George, the fifth to house the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate since the 15th century, was once a convent for Orthodox nuns before becoming the patriarchal offices between 1598 and 1601.
- Bulgarian Orthodox Church - The Church of Saint Stephen, built for the Bulgarian community in the late Ottoman period, is known as the “Iron Church” due to its iron and steel construction. Recently restored, it captivates visitors with its interior decor and icon wall.
- Pierre Loti Tepesi - Named after French writer Julien Viaud, who settled in Istanbul in 1876, Pierre Loti Hill in Eyüp offers a romantic and unique atmosphere, making it one of the best places to visit in Istanbul.
- Halic - The Golden Horn, once a Byzantine trading harbor and residential area, was protected by a massive chain to block unwanted ships. During the Ottoman period, it was home to Jewish immigrants from Spain, along with Armenians, Greeks, Gypsies, and Turks, reflecting the city’s diverse ethnic mosaic.
What's Included
- Pick-up by guide from central hotels or port on foot
- Private Tour
- Skip the ticket line with the official tour guide
- Private Expert Local Tour Guide
What's Not Included
- Admission fees of museums.
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Transportation
Additional Information
Join us for an exploration in Constantinople, the distinguished capital of the Great Eastern Roman and Byzantine Empires, celebrated as a hub of diverse cultures, rich history, staggering architecture, exquisite food, and a center for global trade stationed at the crossover of Asia and Europe.
My Guide Turkey presents you with exclusive private tour services. Benefit from hiring an experienced guide who has in-depth knowledge about Istanbul. Our well-versed, expert guides await your arrival.
We highly suggest the following day tour itineraries:
Option 1 (Old City): Hagia Sophia, Constantinople’s Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar.
Option 2: Dolmabahce Palace, Taksim Square, Istiklal Street, Galata Tower, Bosphorus Cruise, Spice Market.
Option 3: Fener and Balat Districts, St. Stephen Church, The Patriarchal Cathedral Church of St. George, Pierre Loti Panoramic Hill reached via Cable Car, Spice Market.
OR
Craft your own tour itinerary based on your preferences.
- Dolmabahce Palace is closed on Mondays. Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays. Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.
- Tour guides doesn’t have skip the line priority in Hagia Sophia. You may need to wait in the ticket and security line.
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
- If there is a chance to use public transportation that will be paid by travellers.
- This is a walking tour.
- At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time.
- While visiting a mosque, women need to cover their heads, shoulders, knees. You can carry your own scarf to cover your head but please note scarves are provided at the entrance of every mosque (available at a charge). If you are wearing leggings, tights or skirts, wraps will be provided at the entrance (available at a charge).
- Men also need to cover the knees if the shorts or bermudas are over the knees.
Location
Galataport Istanbul
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.5
(20 Ratings)
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1 star
Hannahn270
May 27, 2024
Amazing tour with Atilla! - My partner and I had a tour with Atilla on 18th March 2024. It was our first time visiting Istanbul (and Turkey) so we decided this was a great way to spend our first full day in the city. I’d say we both have quite the appetite for historical facts and insights as we are both passionate about history and have attended many historical walking tours in the UK and Europe. We were both absolutely blown away by Atilla’s knowledge, enthusiasm, humour and warmth!
We learnt so much from him, from the history of Istanbul through the ages to what it’s like to live in Istanbul today and the must-try foods in the city. Atilla tailored the tour completely around our own interests. We saw all the key places we had wanted to see, including the Galata Tower, Hippodrome, Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. Long lunches and local cuisines are a holiday must for my partner and I, so we also went for a long lunch with Atilla, where we enjoyed his company and conversation over amazing food.
Atilla was really patient with us – I like to take detailed notes of the walking tours I go on and he didn’t mind me asking him to repeat certain facts, dates etc. for my notes. He was also very patient with regards to any photos we wished to take and even took some of us.
We would 100% recommend taking a tour with Atilla and now consider him a good friend! He made our trip to Istanbul really special and memorable and we used many of his recommendations of good local restaurants, street food and shops. He went above and beyond any tour guide we’ve met before in this way. For information, Atilla also speaks English to a native level.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jo_v
May 16, 2024
See Istanbul’s main highlights in 6 hours - Great tourguide which took us conveniently from one location to the other. We had a great day! Thanks Huseyin.
Review provided by Viator
581kubab
Apr 2, 2024
Istanbul - full day city trip - We embarked on a captivating journey through the heart of Istanbul with a private guide, Kivanc, and discovered the city's mesmerizing blend of history, culture, and architectural wonders. From the iconic Blue Mosque to the bustling streets of Taksim Square, this full-day tour was an unforgettable experience of Istanbul's most cherished landmarks and hidden gems. My favorite place was Basilica Cistern and coffee at the local shop.
Kivanc, was very dedicated and provided an unforgettable experience for us. We highly recommend his service.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jakub_b
Apr 2, 2024
Great service - Our guide - Kivanc - was excellent and very accommodating to our requests. Kivanc was friendly and very knowledgeable and knew all the little places we wanted to visit. I would do this again.
Review provided by Viator
Kim_k
Dec 1, 2023
excellent guide, great tour - Even though it rained on us all day. our guide Kivanc was amazing. He had so much information to give us along our way. I feel like i know a lot more about Turkey’s history, Istanbul history and helpful information about navigating this city. i would definitely book this tour and ask for Kivanc as he really made an awful day truly memorable!
Review provided by Viator
Travellingtobias
Oct 3, 2023
Visit to Istanbul - The views were great; we took many memorable pictures. Tour Guide was very helpful in explaining the history and navigating the entire city.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Octaviajap3010
May 29, 2023
Amazing Trip - We had an amazing time in Turkey thanks to Mr. Kaya. He was informative, kind and understanding. Highly recommended if you are planning on travelling in Turkey.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Violeta_b
Jun 5, 2024
Good intro to Istanbul - Great customized walking tour. Guide Kaya very flexible, great communication, shared many practical tips
Review provided by Viator
Annalee_d
Apr 28, 2024
Not worth it, do not go - Atilla was our guide, and we did not have a good experience, we left early as we could not be with him. He made inappropriate comments and it made us uncomfortable. Additionally he did not take us to most of the places on the itenary and when we asked him he said it is far to walk too. And he was very impatient when we wanted to take pictures. He took us to only one square and then said we shouldn't go inside the palace as it's not interesting.
Review provided by Viator
Rehanna650
Apr 28, 2024
Not worth it - Atilla was our guide, and we did not have a good experience, we left early as we could not be with him. He made inappropriate comments and it made us uncomfortable. Additionally he did not take us to most of the places on the itenary and when we asked him he said it is far to walk too. And he was very impatient when we wanted to take pictures. He did minimal explanation of what we were seeing and most of the places he said that we shouldn't go as its not that good.
Review provided by Tripadvisor