Experience a private Istanbul tour with no hidden costs. Enjoy special discounts, flexible itinerary, skip-the-line tickets, and delicious Turkish food. Book now!
- Galataport Istanbul - Your private guide will meet you at Istanbul port Terminal Building with a sign displaying “Your Name“ at the pre-arranged time (usually 30 minutes after your cruise docks at the port).
- Galata Koprusu - Pass by the Galata bridge over the Golden Horn.
- Hippodrome - After greeting, walk to our air-conditioned van and begin your tour of Istanbul, the only city in the world located on two continents, and the capital of three great empires – Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman – for over 2000 years.
Our first stop is Hippodrome Square, which was the site of chariot races and Byzantine riots during the Roman and Byzantine periods.
- Blue Mosque - Our second stop is the Blue Mosque, located just a few meters from the Ancient Hippodrome. The Blue Mosque is renowned for its stunning blue Iznik tiles.
- Topkapi Palace - Continue walking approximately 300 meters to Topkapi Palace, which served as the residence of the Ottoman sultans and the administrative and educational center of the state. It was built between 1460 and 1478 by Sultan Mehmed II, the conqueror of Constantinople. We will visit the Topkapi Palace, including the weapons section.
- Hagia Sophia Mosque - A short walk away is Hagia Sophia, built in 532 AD by Roman Emperor Justinian I.
Update for St. Sophia interior visit:
Live guiding is not allowed in St. Sophia after January 15, 2024. Guests must have their smartphones and headphones during their visit. If guests do not have headphones, they can purchase them at the entrance for 3.5 USD. The system is similar to an audio guide system. Guests without smartphones will follow the signs and the information provided on them.
- Kapali Carsi - After a brief lunch break at famous local restaurants like the Pudding Shop, we will walk to visit the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with more than 58 covered streets and over 1,200 shops attracting between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily. Opened in 1461, it is famous for its jewelry, pottery, spices, and carpet shops.
- Galataport Istanbul - After visiting the Grand Bazaar, we will walk back to our van and drive to the port through Galata, where you will see locals taking ferries, enjoying street food, and fishing. Arrival back at the port marks the end of our services.
- Professional Licensed Tour guide
- Port pickup and drop-off
- Transport by air-conditioned minivan
- Food and drinks
- Tips
- Entrance Fees ( Our guide will have pre-paid tickets )
Why Private Tours with Us? Special discounts. You will decide on departure time. Our tour guide will meet you at the port with your name sign, Our professional tour guide and A/C vehicle will be with you from arrival till departure, Our professional guide will be with you in the sites. Our guide will have pre-paid tickets to skip the lines. Fees can be paid to our guide after the tour. You will have flexibilty to spend how much time you want in each site and make small changes on the itinerary, You do not have to wait for other group members. You will have a chance to make stops to have pictues during the tour. Our Private tour rates are more reasonable than cruise shore tours, You will have several alternatives to taste famous Turkish Delicious foods, if you want to have lunch during your trip
- Dress code is smart casual
- In the event of any museum closures, an alternative similar museum will be visited. On Tuesdays : Topkapi Palace replaced by Underground Cistern, On Sundays: Grand Bazaar will be replaced by Spice Market. Grand Bazaar on religious holidays will be replaced by Arasta Bazaar. On Fridays: Blue Mosque is open from 14.30 to 16.30
- Private tour for your family and friends
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
