Tours/Istanbul/Best Istanbul tour with private guide by skipping ticket line
Viator · Private tour

Best Istanbul tour with private guide by skipping ticket line

5.0(127)Istanbul1 hour
VIATOR5.0(8)TRIPADVISOR5.0(119)

Description

We treat our guests like cherished friends, ensuring an unforgettable experience. With our certified, professional guide boasting 20 years of expertise, you'll uncover fascinating insights that make your visit truly unique. Delight in authentic local cuisine, thoughtfully recommended by your guide. Maximize your time and bypass long lines with our exclusive admission tickets. Stroll through the enchanting old city of Istanbul and immerse yourself in its magical ambiance. As an option you may book for a small private group tour as well.

Tour Options

Best Istanbul tour with private guide by skipping ticket line
Guía privado Español-Portugués

Itinerary

Admission not included60 min

The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque stands as a testament to architectural brilliance, originally built by Constantine the Great in the 4th century and magnificently reconstructed by Justinian in the 6th century. This historic masterpiece is truly a marvel worth experiencing. Please note that visits are not possible on Fridays until 3:00 PM due to prayers. To ensure a respectful atmosphere, a dress code is in place: women are required to wear scarves to cover their head and shoulders, while both men and women should don long pants. Embrace the beauty while upholding tradition! Hagia Sophia admission fee per person 25 Euro is not included

60 min

The Blue Mosque, or Sultanahmet Camii, stands as Istanbul's most iconic mosque, renowned for its stunning blue Iznik tiles. Please note, visits are not permitted on Fridays until after 3:00 PM due to the Friday Prayer. To ensure a respectful experience, a dress code is required. Ladies should bring scarves to cover their head and shoulders, while both men and women should wear long pants.

30 min

The Hippodrome stands as the vibrant heart of sports activities, showcasing four remarkable monuments: the striking German Fountain gifted by Wilhelm II, the majestic Egyptian Obelisk, the intricate Serpentine Column, and the historical Walled Obelisk. Each monument adds a unique character, making this location a must-visit for sports enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Admission not included120 min

Discover the enchanting Topkapi Palace, the majestic residence of the Ottoman Sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries. This stunning palace showcases an extraordinary collection of precious gems, intricate jewelry, and the magnificent thrones of the sultans. Explore the royal costumes, captivating miniatures, and the revered Holy Mantle housed in the Chamber of Sacred Relics. Please note that a dress code is in effect: ladies must wear scarves to cover their heads and shoulders, while both men and women should dress in long pants for respectfulness. Remember, Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays, so plan your visit to instead explore the fascinating Turkish Islamic Art Museum! Topkapı palace fee 2750 TL per person not included

Admission not included30 min

The Hagia Irene Church was constructed in the 4th century, contemporaneously with its renowned neighbor, Hagia Sophia. Following the conquest of Istanbul, it became part of the Topkapı Palace complex and, like many other churches, was transformed into a mosque. Remarkably, this conversion did not lead to significant alterations in the church's original structure. (Please note that Hagia Irene Church is closed on Tuesdays.) Admission included on the visit of topkapı palace ticket

120 min

**Explore the Enchanting Grand Covered Bazaar!** Get ready to immerse yourself in a dazzling maze of over 4,000 shops, each brimming with unique treasures waiting to be discovered! Wander down the vibrant streets lined with goldsmiths, where you’ll find shimmering jewelry that catches the eye. Browse through exquisite carpets that tell stories in every weave, and be captivated by the stunning array of Turkish arts and crafts. Marvel at the beautifully hand-painted ceramic plates, meticulously crafted copperware, and elegant brassware that will take your breath away. Don’t miss the enchanting onyxware and the intricately designed meerschaum pipes that showcase remarkable artistry. For an extraordinary shopping adventure, be sure to visit the recommended stores! (Just a heads-up: The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays, but don’t fret—the delightful Arasta Bazaar is ready to welcome you!)

Highlights

Bottled water
Professional licensed personal private tour guide
Priority passes in museums as much as possible.
Coffee and/or Tea
Flexible walking tour programme

What's included

Included
Bottled water
Professional licensed personal private tour guide
Priority passes in museums as much as possible.
Coffee and/or Tea
Flexible walking tour programme
Not included
Gratuities
Lunch
Entry Fees
Pickup transportation fees

Pickup Locations & Times

We can meet at hotel if the hotel is located in the area Sultanahmet or Taksim. If you are staying in the hotel which is very far from the old city Sultanahmet, we can give you a convintent central meeting point. Pick up Transportation fees are not included. Airport pick up are 90 munites before tour starting in advance 50 euro 1 way.

Traveller Ratings

5.0
127 reviews
5
123
4
4
3
0
2
0
1
0

Important Information

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Skip the lines as possible

Reviews(127)

C
Cri5h8
June 24, 2026
Wonderful day with my guide

My guide Eytan was ponctual, well versed, nice and devoted. I had the opportunity to visit all the main sites that I wanted to do in the old town, with skipping the lines. Nice restaurant and good tips for shopping. Don't hesitate

1 people found this helpful
Operator response

Thanks for sharing your feelings with us on your travel experience. We hope to see you and your beloved once again. Best wishes and regards from istanbul

N
N519CHevelynt
June 4, 2026
a delight!

Serkan was a phenomenal guide and the epitome of Turkish hospitality! He was so thoughtful and kind and truly was the highlight of our very short stay in Istanbul. He helped us make the most of our experience and thanks to him, we were exposed to unique, cultural experiences, and learned a lot. I would recommend him to anyone that visits Istanbul, he’s truly a delight!

1 people found this helpful
Operator response

Thanks for sharing your feelings with us. We hope to serve you and your beloved ones again soon. Best wishes and regards from istanbul

K
kimchiphile368
May 31, 2026
5 Star Experience. Totally recommended.

We booked a full day private tour of the Sultanmet with Serkan for my family of 4. He hit all of the Istanbul Big 5 as we asked, the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Topika Palace with Harem add-on, and Grand Bazaar. What surprised us was his efficiency. He got us the tickets without having to join the long cues, and headed straight for the best spots in each location for pictures. My kids were super impressed with his phone camera skills, he's got some neat skills. Didn't make us waste time shopping when we weren't interested. He's one of the best guides we've had travelling around the world.

1 people found this helpful
Operator response

Dear Guest Marc, Thanks for choosing us on your visit of istanbul and sharing your feelings with us We hope to see you and your beloved ones again. Best wishes and regards from istanbul Türkiye.

D
Duaa_M
May 31, 2026
Highly recommend

Our guid ILker was absolutely amazing! Very knowledgeable and we had a very well paced tour seeing all the sights and getting to know the history. Definitely recommend him and this tour!

Operator response

Thanks for sharing nice comments. We wish to see you and your beloved once again . Best wishes and regards from all of us . Serkan Keçeci

D
duaam201
May 31, 2026
Amazing tour

We had the best tour ever! ILker was so knowledgeable and showed us around everywhere at a very relaxed pace. He told us all the stories about the history of the structure and we had the best time ever! I highly recommend him as a guide and the tour. It is absolutely worth it!

1 people found this helpful
Operator response

Thanks for sharing nice comments. We wish to see you and your beloved once again . Best wishes and regards from istanbul. Serkan Kececi

L
Lisa_D
May 16, 2026
Get the real behind the scenes with Serkan!

Best ever. For solo women, I want to give a shout out to Serkan. He knew the best places for photos, we beat the crowds, and he had great tidbits of history that I didn't know! He's well known to staff and a the clerics (mullah) greet him as a friend. We stopped at the Pudding House (lots of history there - 1970s hippie trail) and while I am here in Istanbul for a medical issue, I knew I couldn't resist the call of the mosques. For the price, cannot be beat, and I had to give up early due to knee pain, but my guide, Serkan made sure I had a honest cab driver back to hotel. He takes great photos too!

Operator response

Thanks for sharing your feelings with us. We wish you pleasant stay in Türkiye. Best wishes and regards from istanbul

Z
Z4187QFrickya
May 15, 2026
Best experience istanbul

Good experience, humble person with Serkan trip advisor when you go to trip Istanbul ...

1 people found this helpful
Operator response

Thanks for sharing your feelings with us. We hope to see you again. Best wishes and regards from istanbul Türkiye

M
maureenlF4047JO
May 15, 2026
Great customizable tour, knowledgeable guide

Great customizable tour, knowledgeable guide

1 people found this helpful
Operator response

Thank you for sharing your feelings with us . We hope to serve you and your beloved ones again in istanbul. Best wishes and regards from istanbul. Türkiye.

C
charlinm2026
May 15, 2026
Good

we have a good experience and the tour guide explain very detail about the history of the place that we visited.

1 people found this helpful
Operator response

Thank you for sharing your feelings with us . We hope to serve you and your beloved ones again in istanbul. Best wishes and regards from istanbul. Türkiye.

D
Daydream25113439729
May 13, 2026
Istanbul visit

Amazing time with Serkan visiting all the sites Istanbul has to offer visitors . He spent an incredible amount of time with providing history and special places for incredible shopping experiences with us . He negotiated with manager of Istanbul’s government recommended stores where guarantees are in place for authentic insured and guaranteed luxuries at awesome prices . Thank you again Serkan and we will be back to visit again .

1 people found this helpful
Operator response

Thanks for sharing your feelings with us. We hope to see you again soon. Best wishes and regards from istanbul

You might also like...