Best of Istanbul in One Day: Private Tour with Licensed Guide





Description
Experience the best of Istanbul on a private tour that takes you to the city's most iconic landmarks. Your tour will start with a pre-arranged location (Hagia Sophia). Throughout the tour, you'll benefit from the expertise of your private guide, who will share insights into the history, culture, and architecture of Istanbul. At the end of the tour, you'll be dropped off at pre-arranged location (Hagia Sophia). Traditional Shopping Experience: Visit authentic Turkish workshops showcasing handwoven carpets, fine leather goods, ceramics, jewelry, and local handicrafts. Learn about traditional craftsmanship while enjoying a relaxed, no-pressure cultural shopping experience.
Tour Options
Itinerary
First visit is Hippodrome. It was the center of sport activities of Constantinople. Famous with 4 monuments, The German Fountain of Wilhelm II, Egyptian Obelisk, Serpentine Column, Column of Constantine.
You'll also visit the Hagia Sophia, a stunning architectural masterpiece that has served as a church, mosque, and museum over the centuries.
Next, you'll head to the Blue Mosque, an impressive mosque named for its blue tiles and distinctive architecture. Your guide will provide insights into the mosque's history and significance as a religious site.
Furthermore, Topkapi Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans and one of Istanbul's most popular attractions. You'll also visit the Hagia Sophia, a stunning architectural masterpiece that has served as a church, mosque, and museum over the centuries.
Afterward, you'll explore the Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets, with over 4,000 shops selling everything from spices and textiles to jewelry and souvenirs. Finally, you'll visit the Hippodrome, a former chariot racing arena that now serves as a public square.
Visit a traditional carpet weaving village to discover the art of handmade Turkish carpets, watch local artisans at work, and learn about centuries-old weaving techniques and natural dyes. Afterwards, enjoy a delicious traditional Turkish lunch prepared with fresh local ingredients in a peaceful village setting, offering an authentic taste of Turkish hospitality and cuisine.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Topkapi Palace Entrance Fee is 2750 TRY. You can pay to guide for SKIP-THE-LINE tickets.
- The pick-up service available only from centrally located hotels on foot. Otherwise, you will meet with the guide in front of Hagia Sophia.
- Hagia Sophia Entrance Fee is 25 €. You can pay to guide for SKIP-THE-LINE tickets.
Reviews(56)
I only had a brief window in Istanbul and needed a guide who could help me make the most of my time. Kadir Can met that need and more. I had expected to walk to a meeting point but Kadir picked me up at my hotel himself. Kadir not only gave me historical notes on the sites we visited but also gave me insight into the culture surrounding the area. Kadir graciously took me to a location that was on my wish list but not on the published agenda. He also took me to a couple of spots that are not on the list of top destinations but that gave me a more nuanced feel for the local culture. I had thought of making my own way but am very glad that I found Kadir to guide me!
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We're happy to hear you enjoyed your time with us. Your feedback keeps us motivated to continually improve our service to you. We look forward to serving you again in the future. Kind regards, TURKEY TOURS COMPANY
Our Private Tour of Istanbul from cruise port with kids was great! Our guide Mert was very informative and a great host for the city of Istanbul! I would highly recommend for any cruise passengers and those with children as well.
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We're happy to hear you enjoyed your time with us. Your feedback keeps us motivated to continually improve our service to you. We look forward to serving you again in the future. Kind regards, TURKEY TOURS COMPANY
We had three really action packed days in Istanbul. Kadir Can Agir (aka) John was our guide. We are so blessed to have had him for the 3 days. He was so informative, knowledgeable and had a great sense of humor. We went to all the touristy places but having a guide is the best thing as he gives you the history around everything. We are currently in Kusadasi and the off to Antalya, the Cappadocia. Watch the space for the next reviews.
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We're happy to hear you enjoyed your time with us. Your feedback keeps us motivated to continually improve our service to you. We look forward to serving you again in the future. Kind regards, TURKEY TOURS COMPANY
We booked IstanbulTourMatt months ago and he called the evening before our tour to rudely cancel our group of 10. This company responded immediately, the guide Aisha reached out to us shortly after and we were quickly reassured we would have a wonderful experience. Aisha arrived on time in a beautiful car to collect us all, and impressed us with her professionalism, knowledge of the city, warmth and flexibility. It was especially helpful having access to the skip the lines which meant we weren’t standing in the hot sun queuing. Highly recommend Aisha and this company reliable, professional service.
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We're happy to hear you enjoyed your time with us. Your feedback keeps us motivated to continually improve our service to you. We look forward to serving you again in the future. Kind regards, TURKEY TOURS COMPANY
The experience was great and had no issue travelling with our newborn. The guide was great and accommodated all of our request. I would recommend them to others who want to experience beautiful Istanbul attractions.
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We're happy to hear you enjoyed your time with us. Your feedback keeps us motivated to continually improve our service to you. We look forward to serving you again in the future. Kind regards, TURKEY TOURS COMPANY
Great experience, tour guide are very friendly and knowledgeable.
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We're happy to hear you enjoyed your time with us. Your feedback keeps us motivated to continually improve our service to you. We look forward to serving you again in the future. Kind regards, TURKEY TOURS COMPANY
We had an amazing experience with our tour guide in Turkey. He was extremely professional, knowledgeable, and always attentive to our needs. His explanations of the history, culture, and local stories made every place come alive, especially in Istanbul . The itinerary was well organized, timing was perfect, and everything ran smoothly throughout the trip. He was also very patient, friendly, and happy to answer all our questions. We truly felt well taken care of from start to finish. I would highly recommend him to anyone visiting Turkey and looking for a memorable and stress-free travel experience.
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We're happy to hear you enjoyed your time with us. Your feedback keeps us motivated to continually improve our service to you. We look forward to serving you again in the future. Kind regards, TURKEY TOURS COMPANY
Kadir Can Agir is my private tour guide in Istanbul. He is the best tour guide I have ever had. He is very knowledgeable and detailed in the introduction of scenic spots. He is punctual and flexible. If you ever have the opportunity to travel to Turkey or Morocco, you can ask for him as your tour guide. I highly recommend him.
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We're happy to hear you enjoyed your time with us. Your feedback keeps us motivated to continually improve our service to you. We look forward to serving you again in the future. Kind regards, TURKEY TOURS COMPANY
Mert met us at our hotel and provided a tour of Istanbul on foot. He is bright and highly knowledgeable. He provided a thorough overview of the history behind all of the top sights in Istanbul near the Hippodrome. If you are looking for a tour guide that provides an excellent historical overview, Mert is the best. But most importantly Mert is very respectful and a great person to spend a day with. Thank you Mert!
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We're happy to hear you enjoyed your time with us. Your feedback keeps us motivated to continually improve our service to you. We look forward to serving you again in the future. Kind regards, TURKEY TOURS COMPANY
Mert was very informative and engaging - covered all the main sights well - and took us to a fantastic Ottoman restaurant for lunch
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We're happy to hear you enjoyed your time with us. Your feedback keeps us motivated to continually improve our service to you. We look forward to serving you again in the future. Kind regards, TURKEY TOURS COMPANY



