It is bittersweet for me to write this review, because the tour was fine and Emir takes great care for his groups. However, my friend and I hired a 10-day tour, with stops, hotels and activities defined and included. But when we arrived in Turkey we saw that we were on a private tour with a group more interested in visiting ruins and archaeological sites, which was not what we wanted or agreed. We lost a lot of time on the road, a lot of time in factories of all kinds, and what hurt me the most: not being able to meet Bursa because you had to go to Troy (the pictures I attach are of that set of stones). In addition, we were charged extra for activities that were supposedly already included in our package, such as the visit to Topkapi Palace and the Turkish show in Cappadocia, which we were charged in cash. There was also theme with hotels. Turkey is not around the corner, it is a pity to go there to be disappointed by the poor logistics and unreported changes, and above all by the feeling that the improvisation cost us money that we should not have been charged. Do not let my review discourage you but proceed cautiously, confirm everything in writing, and demand seriousness and respect for the contract.
Private Istanbul Tour
+3 photos
At a glance
- Duration
- 5h 30min
- Price from
- $160 / person
- Location
- Istanbul, Türkiye
- Rating
- 4.9 / 5 · 16 reviews
- Languages
- EN, ES
- Group
- Private
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Confirmation
- Instant
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operator
- Viva Turquia Travel
- Meeting point
- Tophane Clock Tower
Description
Our private tour of the historic city of Istanbul is not just a tour, it is a gateway to a bygone era, a journey that allows you to live and breathe the rich history and culture of one of the most fascinating cities in the world. What makes our tour unique is the personal and exclusive approach that we offer. Unlike mass group tours, our private experience guarantees you full attention and the chance to explore Istanbul at your own pace, with the flexibility to focus on your particular interests. In addition, you will be in the hands of our experienced guide, whose command of Spanish is at a native level. His in-depth knowledge of Istanbul, its history, culture, and the city's best-kept secrets, will provide you with a full immersion into the life of this magnificent metropolis. Our mission is to make you discover Istanbul not as a tourist, but as a true local, taking you on a journey through time and history.
Schedule & prices
- Runs
- Every day
- Next available
- Thu, Oct 8
- Adult (ages 15+)
- $160
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 7.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
Prepare to be amazed by this architectural marvel that has played the roles of both church and mosque over the centuries. With its majestic dome and impressive mosaics, this stop is sure to take your breath away. (entrance 25 euros per person)
Hippodrome
Next, we'll head to the Hippodrome, the social center of ancient Constantinople. Here, visitors can imagine the exciting chariot racing events that once took place, while learning about its intriguing history. (free admission)
Blue Mosque
Afterwards, we will visit the Sultanahmet Cami, also known as the Blue Mosque, famous for its six minarets and impressive blue mosaics. It is a place of incredible beauty and tranquility. (free admission)
TopkapI Palace
We will visit Topkapi Palace, the former residence of the Ottoman sultans. Here, you can immerse yourself in royal luxury and discover the intriguing secrets of the Ottoman court. (Entry to Topkapı Palace is worth (47 usd).
Grand Bazaar
As part of our tour, we will also visit the bustling Grand Bazaar. With its thousands of shops, it's a shopper's paradise and a fantastic opportunity to shop for gifts and souvenirs. (free admission)
What's included
Included
Bottled water
Coffee and/or Tea
Not included
Lunch
Gratuities
TopkapI Palace
Ayasofya Camii
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
4.9
16 reviews
How it compares in Istanbul
- Starting price $160 is 40% above the typical $114 for tours of similar length in Istanbul
Excurgo comparison of 3,624 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Private Istanbul Tour take?
Private Istanbul Tour lasts about 5h 30min. The itinerary has 5 stops.
How much does Private Istanbul Tour cost?
Prices start at $160 per person for this Istanbul experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Private Istanbul Tour run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day.
Can I cancel Private Istanbul Tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is Tophane Clock Tower. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is Private Istanbul Tour offered in?
The experience is available in EN, 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.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Private Istanbul Tour worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.9 out of 5 across 16 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Viva Turquia Travel.
Reviews(16)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
8
A lot of improvisation and very disappointing
S
Great experience
Ansar was great. Helpful, knowledgeable and arranged our schedule for max benefit. We had lunch at a restaurant full of locals. We were the only tourists there. Highly recommend.
J
İstanbul 😍
We had a half day tour with Cem and it was great. He is full of knowledge about İstanbul. He also helped us to change money and we tried some local food together. Amazing. Ask for Cem!
G
Emir Sagir - Excellent tour guide
Emir Sagir gave us the most amazing tour - it was interesting and comprehensive. He is a very engaging and thoughtful person with interesting perspectives. The pace was just right. I would definitely recommend him as a tour guide and would definitely use his services for future visits.
H
We visited so many remarkable Mosques and Palaces. We visited the underground Waterway. .
Emir Sagir of the tour group Viva Turquia Travel was an awesome tour guide, for two days. He was a lovely person, very informative, and sensitive to our needs. Having the tour with Emir Sagir contributed greatly to my wonderful trip to Istanbul. He deserves the highest praise and thanks. Judy Glantzman, Chatham, New York
E
The best guide to Istanbul
It has been an incredible trip and an unforgettable experience. Our guide, Emir, was the best. He took us to the best places in Istanbul where we enjoyed both its culture and its gastronomy. Totally recommended!
S
Gorgeous
A great memory Everything, really everything, was perfect. Thank you Emir for all these experiences, discoveries and stories.
L
The best guide to Istanbul
It was a great experience. Emir took us to the best places in Istanbul. Everything is really fantastic!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
W
Totally recommended
The work of the guide Emir is really excellent, the organization without setbacks and the organization and the incredible places. Excellent
6
They speak Spanish perfectly
A recommendable trip, the guides are people with great knowledge of Turkish culture, friendly, polite and speak perfect Spanish, we had no setbacks, 100% recommended
Compare similar tours in Istanbul
- Lowest price: İstanbul Mega Lüfer Dinner Cruise Bosphorus and Show - Pvt. Table — $32
- Best rated: Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour — 5.0 (10,371 reviews)
- Shortest: Istanbul Sunset Luxury Yacht Cruise Experience with Local Guide — 2 hours
| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private Istanbul Tour | 5h 30min | 4.9 (16) | $160 | |
 Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour | 7–21 hours | 5.0 (10,371) | $90 | View |
 Istanbul Bosphorus Sunset Cruise Experience on Luxury Yacht | 2h 15min | 4.9 (5,571) | $34 | View |
 Istanbul Taste of Two Continents Food Tour - Spice Market & Ferry | 5h 30min | 5.0 (3,690) | $135 | View |
 İstanbul Mega Lüfer Dinner Cruise Bosphorus and Show - Pvt. Table | 3 hours | 4.6 (3,238) | $32 | View |
 Istanbul Sunset Luxury Yacht Cruise Experience with Local Guide | 2 hours | 4.9 (2,548) | $34 | View |
 Istanbul Bosphorus Sunset Luxury Yacht Cruise with Snacks | 2h 30min | 4.9 (2,409) | $46 | View |
from$160
4.9(16) Free cancellation