See the Ottoman, Byzantine and everyday sights of Istanbul with a private guide for 1-3 days, in your own language. Discover Ottoman palaces and Byzantine ruins, go to the Blue Mosque and Basilica Cistern, or explore the Spice Market at your own pace.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
- COVID-19 precautions
- Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
- Mobile ticketing
- Use your phone or print your voucher
- Duration 7 hours - 3 days
- Starting times 9:00 AM, 9:30 AM, 10:00 AM
- Skip the ticket line
- Instant confirmation
- Live tour guide
- English, French, German, Arabic
- Pickup included
- Pick-up from your hotel in Istanbul, or from the sea port. Please provide details on booking
- Private group
Experience
Highlights
- Explore the sights of Istanbul according to your own schedule
- Book a private guide, with or without transport, for 1-3 days
- Marvel at the exqusite Ottoman palaces of Dolmabahce Palace and Topkapi Palace
- Get lost in the maze and aromas of the Spice Market and Grand Bazaar
- Choose what you want to see and for how long
- Discover old Ottoman houses made of wood on the shores of the Bosphorus
- Admire Byzantine frescoes in the Chora Museum
- Wander the Karaköy quarter and see the Medieval Galata Tower
- Enter the mysterious subterranean Basilica Cistern
Full description
Discover the extraordinary sights of Istanbul according to your own itinerary with a private guide for 1-3 days.
Straddling 2 continents on the Bosphorus Straits, Istanbul was the capital of the Roman Empire and later Ottoman Empire. Today it’s the largest city in Turkey, and one of the most populous cities in the world with about 15 million inhabitants.
Choose the attractions you want to see according to your own schedule, and avoid getting lost in the crowd. Guides can be booked for 1, 2 or 3 days, with the option to add on private transportation to transfer you from location to location at speed.
Must-see monuments include the iconic Blue Mosque, former mosque of the Hagia Sophia, and stunning subterranean Basilica Cistern. Soak up the exciting atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar, and the enticing aromas of the Spice Market. Learn the history of Istanbul at Ottoman palaces, such as Dolmabahce Palace, and the former residence of the sultans at Topkapi Palace.
Go to the imperial Suleymaniye Mosque, or admire the 17th-century Yeni Cami (New Mosque). See the Medieval Galata Tower in the Karaköy quarter, or the Byzantine frescoes of the Chora Museum. Explore some of Istanbul’s fabled neighborhoods, such as Taksim, and wander down busy Istiklal Street. Enjoy picturesque views from Pierre Lottie Hill. Discover the remains of the old city walls, or go to the Archaeology Museum to see ancient Islamic art and Roman artifacts.
These are just a few of the things you can do on your tour. A guide will be provided in the language of your choice. By request the guide can assist with pre-booking tickets to the most popular attractions.
Includes
- Private guide for 1, 2 or 3 days (depending on option booked)
- Private driver (if option booked)
- Pre-reserved entrance tickets
- Transportation (if private vehicle not booked)
- Museum entrance fees
- Lunches
- Tips and personal expenses
COVID-19 precautions
Traveler requirements
- Customers are required to bring and wear masks
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Prepare for the activity
Important information
Know before you go
- The Blue Mosque is being renovated until end of 2020 so some parts of the ceiling might be temporarily covered
