My wife and I had an excellent tour of the city's main sites with our private guide Sema. She was fantastic, organized and knowledgeable spending 10 hrs guiding us (830am to 630pm) to all the sites we wanted to see: the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, the Hagia Sofia, Topkapi Palace, the Cistern and the Grand Bazaar. Additionally she took us to lunch at a local restaurant and a carpet shop where we learned about Turkish rugs, weaving, styles etc. I would highly recommend Sema as your tour guide.
L
Liina_H
April 24, 2026 · via Viator
We had an absolutely...
We had an absolutely fantastic experience on this private tour in Istanbul. From start to finish, everything exceeded our expectations. Our guide was not only incredibly knowledgeable, but also warm, engaging, and genuinely passionate about sharing the local culture and history.
We visited some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque, and explored the vibrant Grand Bazaar. What made the tour truly special, however, were the “hidden gems” we would never have discovered on our own. Seeing how traditional handmade carpets are created was a highlight, such a unique and memorable experience.
The pace of the tour was perfect, and having a private guide allowed us to ask questions, dive deeper into topics, and truly connect with the city. It felt less like a tour and more like spending the day with a very knowledgeable local friend.
We highly recommend booking a private guided tour like this, especially at the beginning of your trip as it gives you a deeper understanding of the city and helps you appreciate everything even more for the rest of your stay.
Thank you for such an unforgettable day, we hope many more travelers get to experience Istanbul with you!☺️
A
AngusWzzzz
October 8, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Fantastic Guide
Sema is a fantastic guide. Very knowledgeable about both historical and contemporary Istanbul, and super accommodating and helpful. Highly recommended. Thank you Sema!
7
732czarinaa
June 10, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
A Warm Welcome to Istanbul with Sema!
Meeting Sema as my tour guide was truly one of the highlights of my short but unforgettable trip to Istanbul. Her deep knowledge of every place we visited brought each location to life, and she even captured some amazing photos along the way! What stood out most was her warm and welcoming spirit—she instantly made me feel at home. I’m already looking forward to coming back and seeing her again. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Istanbul!
B
benjamindJ1556RF
May 6, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Great walking tour. Spectacular way to see the heart of Istanbul.
Such a great walking tour! Can’t think of a better way to see the sights and get the history. Sema was essential to navigating the crowds and always getting the easiest access. Top recommend!
J
JanMichelle_O
November 5, 2024 · via Viator
Absolutely great private tour
Booked this private tour because I wanted to be flexible on what time I start my tour. Sema didn't disappoint. Knows all the history about Istanbul. Very friendly, very informative and very nice.
Thank you so much!!
W
woodhousetim
August 14, 2024 · via Tripadvisor
Sema is simply amazing
I've travelled a lot and met many tour guides, but none of them impressed me as much as Sema. Her knowledge and energy are endless. What a fabulous 8 hours we spent
F
FabioB157
July 12, 2024 · via Tripadvisor
Availability, courtesy and knowledge
For the second time I have asked Mrs Sema to house us around the city and we enjoy a lot all the insights she has been able to provide. Great knowledge of the city and of the complex historical background but also of the huge gastronomical that the city can offer. A dynamic approach to all matters and an infaticabile energy to move around and chat of culture and ottoman tradition. Definitely she one of the best overall guide I have encountered. Congratulations
1人が参考になったと回答
8
873jayminp
June 25, 2024 · via Tripadvisor
Amazing Experience!!!
Sema and her parter were amazing tour guides. We had booked the tour for 2 days and we had a lot of fun. Kids loved the private boat tour.
E
Erin_J
June 19, 2024 · via Viator
Great day in Istanbul
This tour was fantastic. We visited on a cruise ship and Sema met us at the port to take us to Sultanahmet Square where the hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern are located. Communication before the tour was great; we knew exactly where to meet. It was busy the day we came because there were two cruise ships in port and it was a national holiday, but we waited in line half the time as others because Sema knew where to go and could anticipate which sites would be most crowded when. She knows so much about Turkish history and clearly enjoys what she does. Sema also gave us recommendations on the best place to get Turkish baklava which was a treat! I highly recommend this tour.
