Private Istanbul Tour: Explore the City's Classics with a Guide
Description
Embark on a journey through time as you visit Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks! Start with the breathtaking architecture of Hagia Sophia, then explore the magnificent Blue Mosque with its stunning domes and minarets. Dive into the mystical atmosphere of the ancient Basilica Cistern and step into the grandeur of the Topkapi Palace, once home to Ottoman sultans. End your day at the vibrant Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets, for a colorful and lively shopping experience. Book now to enjoy an unforgettable day filled with history and culture!
Tour Options
Itinerary
Blue Mosque, built in the 17th century, is one of the most beautiful mosques in the city.
Hagia Sophia was first built as a church in the 6th century and is now a mosque.
Hippodrome, where the horse races organized by the Roman emperors and monuments brought from different regions.
Topkapi Palace is a place where 26 of the 36 sultans spent nearly 400 years with their wives, children and concubines
Step into one of Istanbul’s most mysterious and impressive landmarks, the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı). Built in the 6th century during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, this underground masterpiece once supplied water to the Great Palace and surrounding buildings.
Grand Bazaar was built by Sultan Mehmet right after the conquest and is the heart of Istanbul, with approximately 4 thousand shops today.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Travel time is included on the total tour duration
- Guides can meet you in central hotels.
- Grand Bazaar is closed on Sunday, Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesday
Reviews(44)
We had an enjoyable and very informative tour with Ufku. He was well spoken, very polite and extremely helpful. I would highly recommend Ufku
The sites were amazing. Hagia Sophia, Basilica cistern, Topkapi palace were amazing sites . Our guide, Mr. Horizon provides great information at an optimum pace without overloading us with information. Good job done.
A visit to the historical part of Istanbul as well as to local artisans
Had a great tour with Ufuk who is a history buff. Saw all the main attractions with plenty of history and culture information shared. Great communication the day before so I knew exactly when and where to meet. If you are interested in shopping for geniune products he has great contacts.
Our guide Ufku, is very friendly with perfect knowledge of the city of Istanbul. Very concerned about the well-being and requests of the tourist, it is a magic formula for a city center visit. Recommended 🙏👍
My guide was Ufku, he picked me up at my hotel and together we explored the historical İstanbul : Sultanhamet. İt was a wonderful day, the guide spoke perfectly French and was able to answer all of my questions upon the past or present Turkey. Discovering the greatest monuments in Istanbul is doable alone, but with Ufku it was so much more vibrant and interesting. İ was able to understand what was surounding me. İt was a special day for me. And since then İ came back 3 times...
Very nice discovery of Istanbul thanks to Ufuk, thanks to his passion for Istanbul that he knows so well, thanks to its historical culture. He showed us his authentic addresses. Thank you again.
We had a great guide with Aische. On our tour, she taught us an incredible amount in German. Not only about the visited highlights, cistern basilica, hagia Sofia, blue mosque, hippodrome etc. Also about everyday has.she una super informed
Ufku is a passionate French speaking guide who is polite, attentive, friendly and extremely knowledgeable of not only Turkish culture but also those cultures that influenced, or were influenced by it. As we followed his lead from monuments to shops to less touristy locations, we felt at ease to explore and purchase locally produced craftsmanship without getting totally ripped off. We very much enjoyed our day in Ufku’s company and would highly recommend him for anyone who wishes a relaxed yet deeply instructive introduction to the fabulous city of Istanbul.
The best local guide you could ask for. A true expert with excellent taste! Thanks to Horizon, we discovered authentic restaurants, off-the-beaten-path boutiques, and captivating monuments. He always shares his favorite spots with generosity and passion. He also gives excellent advice. Thank you for these wonderful discoveries that made our stay unforgettable. A wonderful encounter and precious memories. We highly recommend him.