Viator · Private tour

Private 7/8 hours Istanbul Guided Highlights Tour with Bazaars

5.0(5)Istanbul1 hour
VIATOR5.0(1)TRIPADVISOR5.0(4)

Description

Welcome to Istanbul, where Europe and Asia meets. Your private guide will be ready at the port with a sign that will have your name written on it. Visit highlights of Istanbul with your private guide including: Hippodrome Square, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar. • Private Tour for your family and friends • You will decide on departure time • Our tour guide will meet you at the Port/Hotel with your name sign, • Our professional tour guide will be with you from arrival till departure, • You will have flexibilty to spend how much time you want in each site and customize the itinerary, • You do not have to wait for other group members • You may stop to have pictures during your tour. • You may stop for lunch in a local restaurant to taste famous Turkish Kebaps.

Tour Options

Private Sightseeing Tour
  • Pickup included

Itinerary

30 min

Your tour guide will be ready at Istanbul port with your name sign . Meeting time will be given during your confirmation

30 min

Our first stop is Hippodrome Square which was the former center of sprotive and political activities of Constantinople. You will be able to see the Obelisk from Egypt, Serpentine Column from Delphi and fountain of Willhelm II.

60 min

(No interior visit) We are going to visit Blue Mosque which is the one of the biggest mosques of Istanbul from 17th century architecture is one of the principal adornments on the skyline of Istanbul. Also famous for its blue tiles and 6 minarest.

30 min

(No interior visit) We will continue walking to Topkapi Palace, was not only the residence of the Ottoman sultans, but also the administrative and educational center of the state. It was constructed between 1460 and 1478 by Sultan Mehmed II, the conqueror of Constantinople. We will visit the Topkapi Palace including weapons section.

30 min

(No interior visit) After Topkapi Palace, we are going to visit Hagia Sophia which is The magnificent Byzantine Church of all times; one of the finest and largest architectural works of art in the world. Update for St. Sophia interior visit : Live guiding is not allowed in St. Sophia after the 15th January 2024. Guests have to have their smart phones and headphones during their visit. If guests do not have a headphone, they can buy at the entrance at the cost of 3,5-USD The system is similar to audio guide system. Guests who does not have smart phones will follow the signs and the given informations on the signs .

60 min

(No interior visit) We will continue with Underground Cistern which was the largest covered water reservoir in Istanbul, built by Justinian I.

90 min

After the visit to the cistern we will continue with Grand Bazaar. In addition to its historical importance, it’s a bazaar that will tempt even the nonshoppers with its rich collection of precious handmade carpets, jewellery, leather and souvenirs.

90 min

As our last stop,you will have free time in Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar): The air here is filled with the enticing aromas of cinnamon, caraway, saffron, mint, thyme and every other conceivable herb and spice. After Spice Market back to our hotel. The end of our services.

Highlights

GUARANTEED On Time Return to PORT
Transportation with brand new air-conditioned minivan/minibus
Local taxes
Professional tour guide

What's included

Included
GUARANTEED On Time Return to PORT
Transportation with brand new air-conditioned minivan/minibus
Local taxes
Professional tour guide
Not included
Gratuities
Food and drinks
Entrance Fees ( no interior visits to Topkapı Palace, St. Sophia, Underground Cistern, Blue Mosque )

Pickup Locations & Times

Pick up from Your Hotel in Istanbul Europen Side and Istanbul Cruise Terminal for cruise guests. Suggested pick up time will be given on your confirmation message.

Traveller Ratings

5.0
5 reviews
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Important Information

  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Bare shoulders are not permitted in holy places of worship such as churches, monasteries, mosques and synagogues.
  • Shoes are not permitted in mosques
  • In the event of any museum closures, an alternative similar museum will be visited
  • Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays, Spice market will be visited instead
  • During religious holidays the Spice market and Grand Bazaar will be closed. Arasta bazaar will be visited instead
  • Not recommended for participants with walking difficulties

Reviews(5)

K
Kashmira_d
May 17, 2026
Exceptionally Brilliant tour and guide

Ethan was brilliant and informative Very patient as my daughter is special needs and takes long to walk We were walking at her speed and very brilliant guy

R
rickarde400
October 9, 2025
Lovely historical tour in Istanbul

Did a full day private tour with Abdulkadir Tukur in Istanbul. We thought he was a fantastic tour guide and very knowledgeable within history and archaeology.

Operator response

Dear Rick, We don't know how to thank you enough for your comment. Your feedback is precious and has been proudly share with the entire team. Our colleagues' dedication to our guests is fully rewarded when we received such wonderful comments. We will share your kind message and opinions with your guide. Thank you on behalf of him. We would be delighted to see you in our wonderful country again. Curio Travel Team

P
Patriaquerida80
August 1, 2025
Highly Recommend

Mustafa was funny and knowledgeable tour guide that was able to make a long and hot walking tour a lot more enjoyable. I would suggest making a disclaimer that it is a walking tour with an initial and end movements via vehicle.

Operator response

Hello, Thank you so much for sharing your experience and giving us such a good note! We hope to have the occasion to welcome you back soon. Thank you for taking the time to share such a lovely review. We will share your kind message and opinions with your guide. Thank you on behalf of him. We would be delighted to see you in our wonderful country again. Curio Travel Team

G
G3393QKpaulh
July 31, 2025
Wonderful old Istanbul

Wonderful afternoon and evening with our fabulous tour guide Eda who was knowledgeable, informative, friendly and spoke excellent English. Highlights were Blue Mosque and Haga Sofia which were awe inspiring and scale. Istanbul really feels like the gateway to the East and is such an interesting city. Thank you Eda and Curio Travel!

Operator response

Dear Paul, Thank you very much for taking the time to share your kind words. We are delighted to hear that your experience with us exceeded your expectations, and your compliments have been shared with our team with great pleasure. We will share your kind message and opinions with your guide. Thank you on behalf of her. We would be delighted to see you in our wonderful country again. Curio Travel Team

9
932patip
July 3, 2025
Great experience in Istambul

We had the best experience in Istambul today. Our guide Buse was great: amicable and courteous and always helpful. But specially her knowledge of Turkish history was impressive. We highly recommend this company and specially Buse.

Operator response

Hello, Please rest assured that your kind words have been passed on to the entire Team. We look forward to welcoming you back for more memorable moments. We will share your kind message and opinions with your guide. Thank you on behalf of her. We would be delighted to see you in our wonderful country again. Curio Travel Team