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Perfect way to spend a day in Istanbul
A private guided tour of the old town with Sima was just perfect. We got a complete overview of everything we wanted to see plus some other special places Sima took us to off the tourist map - perfect 👌
1,2 or 3 DAY: Private Guided Istanbul Tour from CRUISE SHIP or HOTEL
+29 photos
At a glance
- Duration
- 7 hours
- Price from
- $130 / person
- Rating
- 4.8 / 5 · 10 reviews
- Languages
- AR, RU, EN, IT
- Group
- Private
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation
- Meeting point
- The guide will contact you by phone or WhatsApp and she will reach you.
- Confirmation
- Instant
Prices checked on Sep 12, 2026Things to do in Istanbul
Description
Experience the very best of historic Istanbul with a private, 6-hour tour of the city’s most important sites and landmarks. Enjoy the flexibility of a private tour to set your own pace, with plenty of time to see the places that interest you most. With our team of cruise tour professionals, we cater to hundreds of guests annually at Galataport(ıstanbul cruise port). - Private guided tour -Shopping in Grand Bazaar -English, Russian or Spanish speaking guide -Pick-up and Drop-off -Covered by Viator’s worry-free policy: guaranteed on time return to your ship
Tour Options
Itinerary
The former imperial residence from which the Great Ottoman Empire was ruled for nearly 400 years. Today a spectacular museum, it is famous for its collections of treasury of the Ottoman Royal Family. You will chase the memories of the sultans and the Ottoman Empire through 400 years of the most glorious victories, happiest moments, and mournful days.
It is one of most visited mosque in Turkey and brand mark of Istanbul. It has more than 20 thousands beautiful blue tiles inside.
Hagia Sophia is a 6th century church, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, welcomes you with its legends and mosaics. You will have a chance to touch the history of this church, a main attraction of the city since its construction.
Open Air Museum; Ancient Hippodrome, the scene of chariot races, with the three monuments
Might be replaced with Museum of Great Palace Mosaics. Visit Basilica Cistern — Istanbul’s ‘sunken palace’ — a site that famously featured in the James Bond movie From Russia with Love. The site is one of the largest of the city's ancient cisterns that lie beneath the ground.
Grand Bazaar in this labyrinth of streets and passages are more than 4,000 shops with each trade having its own area: the goldsmiths' street, the carpet sellers, Turkish arts and crafts, such as hand-painted ceramic plates, hand-honed copperware, brassware, and trays, water ewers, onyx-ware and meerschaum pipes.
Spice Market / Mısır Çarşısı Egyptian Bazaar is a colorful indoor bazaar and has lots of shops offering a variety of spices, purses, flavored teas, Turkish delight, nuts, as well as ceramics, and small souvenirs. Spice Bazaar is located in Eminonu Square which is the connection point of Bosphorus and Golden Horn.(optional)
Highlights
Air-contioned Van ( ıf van&guide option selected)
Local Taxes
Private Tour
Professional Tour Guide
What's included
Included
Air-contioned Van ( ıf van&guide option selected)
Local Taxes
Private Tour
Professional Tour Guide
Not included
Museum Tickets
Public Transport Fees ( if van&guide option isn't selected)
Food and drinks
Pickup Locations & Times
Traveler pickup is offered If you like to join this private tour from the Galata Port (Istanbul's only Cruise Port) Please follow these instructions: After you board the cruise ship please follow the City Center sign and you will see your private guide holding a sign with your name on it at the city center sign exit. If you use the lift please press the ''G'' level, which will take you to the City Center Exit. If you don't select options " with Van" There won't be any vehicle your tour guide will meet you at your hotel or the cruise port and you take a taxi with your tour guide at your own cost to get to the old city. You can select or write your address or hotel name.
Traveller Ratings
4.8
10 reviews
Important Information
- 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
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays can be replaced with Spice Market
- Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia closed until 2pm on Fridays, will be visited in the afternoon.
- For multiple day booking, private van service will be advised according to your hotel location and size of your group.
- Dolmabahce Palace is closed on Mondays. Due to museum regulations, live guide service is not available at Dolmabahce Palace.
- Galata Tower will be visited from outside unless you would like to pay entrance fee there.
- When booking the tour with van, if your hotel is located in Sultanahmet you will be steps away from the museums, so the van will not be used as much.
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infant seats available
- Most travelers can participate
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
- *** WE ALSO DO PRIVATE EPHESUS SHORE EXCURSION. IF YOU BOOK YOUR PRIVATE EPHESUS SHORE EXCURSION WITH US AS WELL YOU WILL GET A SPECIAL PRICE FOR PRIVATE EPHESUS TOUR. SO PLEASE MENTION IN THE NOTES IF YOU ARE ALSO INTERESTED IN PRIVATE EPHESUS SHORE EXCURSION.
- ***** WE ACCOMMODATE MORE THAN 14 PEOPLE. If there are more than 14 people in your group, you can book it as 14 people then we can update the number of travelers by messages on viator.
- While visiting a mosque in Istanbul, 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.
- ******-FLEXIBLE TIME, YOU CAN SCHEDULE YOUR TIME AND YOU CAN RETURN TO YOUR SHIP AT ANY TIME YOU WANT.*****
Frequently asked questions
How long does this tour take?
1,2 or 3 DAY: Private Guided Istanbul Tour from CRUISE SHIP or HOTEL lasts about 7 hours. The itinerary has 7 stops.
How much does this tour cost?
Prices start at $130 per person for this Istanbul experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There are 7 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
Can I cancel this tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. Traveler pickup is offered If you like to join this private tour from the Galata Port (Istanbul's only Cruise Port) Please follow these instructions: After you board the cruise ship please follow the City Center sign and you will see your private guide holding a sign with your name on it at the city center sign exit. If you use the lift please press the ''G'' level, which will take you to the City Center Exit. If you don't select options " with Van" There won't be any vehicle your tour guide will meet you at your hotel or the cruise port and you take a taxi with your tour guide at your own cost to get to the old city. You can select or write your address or hotel name. Pickup points include MEET_AT_DEPARTURE_POINT, CONTACT_SUPPLIER_LATER, LOC-6eKJ+or5y8o99Qw0C8xWyEImGbFa+5CBKbpmTZC40Eg=.
What languages is this tour offered in?
The experience is available in AR, RU, EN, IT, FR, ES.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 15 travellers can book together.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap Stroller accessible Infant seats available
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Not wheelchair accessible Stroller accessible
Reviews(10)
F
Small tour and excellent!
Sima was great - very knowledgeable and helpful - the day ran smoothly and we were so glad we got a private tour - did what we wanted and no waiting for others- awesome! Driver was excellent and spacious vehicle.
D
History and culture
Istanbul is a wonderful city! a city full of history and culture! Our guide is very accommodating and knowledgeable, we enjoyed all the places we visited!!!! It will be worthwhile to spend more time to explore in this colorful city.
S
Excellent Vulcan Guides!!
We truly loved both of our guides Vulcan & Vulcan. Both very personable and very knowledgeable. Thank you both for an amazing 2 days!!
Operator response
We're delighted to know that you had such a wonderful time with Volkan guides. Our guides are passionate about sharing the beauty and history of Istanbul, and we're glad they were able to provide you with an unforgettable experience. Thank you for choosing us.
K
Great tour in a short amount of time
Selim is a very knowledgeable guide who is passionate on what he does. Volkan is also along keeping us on track and heading towards the right direction. The pair just work so well together that they make this 8+ hr tour very enjoyable.
Operator response
Thank you so much Dear Kinny, we hope to see you again in Türkiye Best regards
L
Good historical tour with a nice tour guide!
Great tour from a fun tour guide! Our guide, Aytac, was very personable and made it fun for the whole family! He was sure to pace the trip correctly through Istanbul making it fun for the whole family. We were picked up form the terminal by our guide and brought to a van which dropped us off at city center. We paid for the $100 upcharge for the van and felt this may not have been worth it (metro tickets are quick and cheap) but it was nice at the end of the day to not have to stand on the metro. Next we walked around the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia which we felt was the best order to experience it (worth the wait in line). Afterwards, we had lunch at a beautiful rooftop restaurant. We have a small complaint here (and why this review is 4 stars) is that it was never clarified that we would be eating with our guide and paying for his lunch (~35 euros). That said, he helped us pick nice traditional Turkish meals which we may not have been able to do on our own. Finally, we went to the Bazaar, which was nice to see. But I wish we had pushed to go to the palace instead. The Bazaar area that we went to was less cloth stalls, and more run-down strip mall. As someone who is interested in history/culture, I wish I had went to the palace instead. That gives us good reason to come back to Istanbul!
Operator response
Dear Lee, thank you for your feedback. We are glad to hear that you and your family had fun. I would like to clarify the situation regarding the lunch, normally guide asks you where you want to have lunch, since you wanted to go to Ottoman cuisine, our guide had to accompany you. Thank you for your understanding. Hope to see you again, glad to meet you
D
It was pretty good
I was very pleasure, service was perfect thanks for everybody who is working on zelatur. I suggest everybody!
Operator response
Hello Dear Deniz, thank you for your feedback. Hope to see you again.
L
Great service
Serkan was a very knowledgeable guide. Very accommodating and knew the best way to accomplish our goals for the day. We highly recommend him. Lynn and Louie
Operator response
Hello Dear Lynn, thank you for your feedback. Hope to see you again. Volkan
E
AMAZİNG EXPEREİNCE
We visited the historical touristic places of Istanbul (Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia, Grand Bazaar etc.). We had a guide who has an English license and he explained Istanbul very well to us. The tour picked us up from Galataport and they dropped us off on the way back. We would like to thank the tour agency for providing this opportunity to us. Thank you so much for everything. I can't wait for next time.
Operator response
Thank you so much Dear Emir, we are glad to satisfy you and hope to see you again!
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