Istanbul City and Hidden Gem Private Guided Tour 1, 2, 3 Day opt.
Description
Whether you are interested in history, architecture, culture or cuisine while exploring highlights or hidden gems of Istanbul our very well-made itinerary for 1,2 or 3 days private guided walking tour has you covered ! Istanbul: no other city on earth straddles two continents -Europe and Asia- and has been home to three great empires (Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman). We will discover Hagia Sophia, visit Topkapi Palace, stroll through Grand Bazaar and enjoy the beauty of Blue Mosque. In a city like this, it's important to have an experienced local guide who can help you to navigate, all the while ensuring you the most personal experience possible. We will sometimes use a ferry, subway or tram to navigate through the city. Don't forget that the best way of exploring a new city is to use public transport or walking. • Skip-the-Line Access to the Museums • Well-Made Itinerary for 1,2 or 3 Days Private Guided Walking Tour • Customize the itinerary according to your interest • Taste Local Food
Tour Options
Itinerary
TOPKAPI PALACE (Highlights), 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.
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.
BLUE MOSQUE, also known as the Sultanahment Mosque is one of the biggest mosques and principal adornments of the Istanbul skyline. It was built in the 17th century. Once inside the mosque, blue Iznik tiles and stained glass will surround you.
HIPODROME: The former center of sportive and political activities of Constantinople. You will be able to see the Obelisk from Egypt, Serpentine Column from Delphi and fountain of Willhelm II.
GRAND BAZAAR is both the oldest and the biggest covered bazaar in the world. Your guide will provide the history of the Bazaar as well as some helpful tips on navigating its more than 4000 shops.
This palace, constructed between 1843 and 1858 by Sultan I Abdulmecit, contains eclectic elements from the Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical styles, blended with traditional Ottoman architecture to create a new synthesis.
Bosphorus Cruise. Bosphorus is a unique natural water strait both sides of which filled in Palaces, Yalis ( old Ottoman Houses), historical mosques and many other buildings and many neighbourhoods with their own unique cultures.
Kadikoy is probably the most vibrant and local district of Istanbul.
Rustem Pasha is famous for the most beautiful examples of Ottoman Tile art pieces adorning it’s walls on the inside.
This market is famous for Turkish delights and spices.
The largest underground water reservoir from the Byzantine time. This 6th century underground cistern became famous with the Medusa heads located in one corner of the cistern.
This mosque, constructed by the great Ottoman architect Sinan in 1557, is regarded as the most beautiful of all imperial mosques.
Chora monastery, represents one of the oldest and most important religious foundations of Byzantine Constantinople. Second in renown only to Justinian’s Great Church, the Kariye is an increasingly popular tourist destination, known primarily for its splendid mosaic and fresco decoration.
BALAT is where you will enjoy the most authentic houses of Istanbul.
This is a unique church which is fully made of iron.
This is the Petriarchate of the Orthodox.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
* This is a walking tour and whenever necessary you will use public transport. If your hotel is centrally located your tour guide will meet you at the hotel/port/apartment on foot. Otherwise meeting point will be in front of Adamar Hotel. * If your hotel is located in/around old city (Sultanahmet Area) private van is unnecessary. All the highlights on the one day itinerary are located in one pedestrian area and walking tour is the only option to visit the sites. * If you still would like to request a private van please get in touch with us.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays. Basilica Cistern will be visited instead.
- Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays. Spice Market will be visited instead.
- Grand Bazaar and Spice Market will be closed in 2026 in the following dates; March 20/21/22-Ramadan Celebrations. May 27/28/29/30-Eid Celebrations. October 29-Republic Day.
- We have Kid-Friendly Tour Guides in our team.
- For the cruise passengers public transportation (tram) is strongly recommended due to heavy traffic in/around the old city. By the tram the old city takes only 10 minutes. Please book the tour accordingly
- If you book the tour with a private van, please beware that extra charges may apply if your hotel/apartment is located in the Asian Side or far from the city center.