Full Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour
22 Reviews
4.50 out of 5 stars Based on 22 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor
|
Recommended by 91% of reviewers
|
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Istanbul, Turkey
7 to 8 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Overview
Let's wander in Constantinople, the capital of Great Eastern Roman and Byzantine Empires, which has been the center of multicultural life, deep history, splendid architecture, delicious cuisine and global trade hub with the meeting point of Asia and Europe.
My Guide Turkey offers you qualified private tour guide services. You are engaging someone who knows Istanbul better than anyone. Our well experienced, knowledgeable and professional guides are ready to meet you.
Recomended daily tours itineraries :
Option 1 (Old City) :
Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome of Constantinople, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar.
Option 2 :
Dolmabahce Palace, Taksim Square, Istiklal Street, Galata Tower, Bosphorus Cruise, Spice Market.
Option 3 :
Fener and Balat Districts, St. Stephen Church, The Patriarchal Cathedral Church of St. George, Pierre Loti Panoramic Hill by Cable Car, Spice Market.
OR
Customize the itinerary according to your requests.
What's Included
- Private Tour
- Private Expert Local Tour Guide
- Skip the ticket line with the official tour guide
- Pick-up by guide from central hotels or port on foot
- Admission fees of museums.
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Transportation
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup point
Show on Google Maps
Pickup details
If your hotel is centrally located your tour guide will meet with you at the hotel on foot.If your hotel is not within the distance to the city center pick up might be extra charged.If there is a chance to use public transportation that will be paid by travellers.If you book a tour guide from a cruise ship, your tour guide will meet with you at the gate of the port on foot.
OR
Meeting point
End point
Binbirdirek
At Meydanı Caddesi, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
What To Expect
Sultanahmet District
The old part of Istanbul where we can visit many attractions such as Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern and Blue Mosque.
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Topkapi Palace
Topkapı Palace was an administrational base of the empire and the home of the Royal Family (Harem) and educational center (Enderun) of the Ottoman Empire for about 400 years. The palace is a great open-air museum within four courtyards, has been the home of Sultan Mehmet II and other sultans who came after him until Sultan Abdulmecid.
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Hagia Sophia Mosque
Hagia Sophia is and should be on every traveler’s itinerary in Istanbul. It was built 3 times in history at the same location and served as a Greek Orthodox cathedral until the end of the Byzantine Empire.
As can be understood from the minarets, it also served as an important place of Muslim worship. That was after Sultan II. Mehmed designated the building as a mosque following the conquest of Constantinople in 1453.
This is an exceptional monument with its mosaics from the Byzantine period, its huge dome, decorative and functional elements added during the Ottoman period, and its endless mysteries after many years serving as a museum,now you can visit it as a mosque.
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Blue Mosque
Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii) was built by Architect Sedefkar Mehmet Aga for Sultan Ahmet l in 1617. It is world-famous with its beautiful 22.000 floral-shaped handmade blue İznik tiles,therefore foreigners call it a blue mosque and attractive 6 minarets around the main building.
Located directly across from the great Hagia Sophia.
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Hippodrome
The Hippodrome covers 3 important monuments in its central area to see:1-The Egyptian Obelisk
Built in the 16th century BC by the Pharaoh Tuthmosis in Egypt. It was brought to Istanbul by boat in the 4th century AD.
2-The Serpentine’s Column
Originally erected in the Temple of Delphi in Greece, but taken to Istanbul. Until the 17th century there were three bronze snake heads projecting from the column, but they have since been lost. One can be seen in the archaeological museum.3-The Column of Constantine
Although it is believed that this dates from the 10th century, evidence shows that it was built earlier than that. Until 1204, it was covered by bronze and silver. When the Crusaders came to the area, they pulled off the bronze and silver, melted them down and made coins out of them.
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Basilica Cistern
There is another mysterious world under the houses and structures we see especially in the Historic Peninsula. Only a few of the underground water cisterns are open to visitors today and the Basilica Cistern is the largest and best excavated.
Located to the west of Hagia Sophia, the cistern had a capacity of holding 80.000 cubic meters of water. The Basilica Cistern was the scene of several international movies. Among others, scenes from James Bond’s “From Russia with Love” with Sean Connery and Dan Brown’s “Inferno” with Tom Hanks.
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Kapali Carsi
Grand Bazaar was built as the first covered market in 1461 after the conquest of Istanbul by Sultan Mehmet II. Experience the old Ottoman atmosphere in the Grand Bazaar, a huge building that has preserved its authentic identity, unlike today’s modern shopping malls.
Each quarter is specialized in a particular kind of merchandise in Grand Bazaar. This is the reason why each street has the name of a particular type of merchandise.
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Misir Carsisi (Spice Market)
Spice Market or Egyptian Bazaar is standing right behind the New Mosque in Eminonu square. It was indeed built as part of this mosque complex in 1660 by Hatice Turhan Sultan.
The name of the Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar) is based on the goods, especially the spices that came from Egypt and were sold here. Also, the building was originally funded with taxes on imported Egyptian goods. A large part of the around 100 shops consist of traditional spice merchants.
25 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Dolmabahce Palace
Dolmabahce Palace is lying on the southern shore by the Bosphorus in Besiktas district. It was built in the mid 19th century and had been the residence of the last 6 Ottoman Sultans for varying amounts of time. The form of the palace was highly influenced by European architectural styles such as Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical.Dolmabahçe Palace was renovated and converted into a museum in 1984.
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
Galata Tower
Galata Tower is the most important building that remained from the Genoese colony in Istanbul, first built in the 14th century.
The tower rises at the top of the Galata Walls, at the entrance of the Golden Horn. It has been restored many times and used for different purposes. Its location overlooking the Golden Horn makes it visible and memorable for centuries, perfectly in harmony with the fabric of the city.
One can feel the European atmosphere in this part of the city, when approaching the iconic tower on the small streets with brick road, small boutiques and cafes.
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Bosphorus Bridge
Bosphorus Cruise is definitely a must-do experience for every traveler in Istanbul.
Discover the most magnificent landmarks , nostalgic mansions, imperial palaces and many other fancy buildings, both in the Asian and the European sides of Istanbul with a nostalgic journey on a boat cruise.
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Taksim Square
The Taksim area is one of the most important tourist areas in Istanbul, and it has a great position for everyone, as it was in the past a region to distribute water to the neighborhoods and regions of Istanbul. Therefore, the area was named (Taksim) due to the distribution and division of water among the city’s regions. The Taksim area , which is located in the heart of Istanbul, contains historical places in Istanbul, with modern touches that give an air of beauty to the monuments. Besides, the commercial markets that increase movement in Taksim Square and Istiklal Street like a flowing river that does not stop from tourists, shoppers, and visitors.
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Istiklal Caddesi
Istiklal Street extends from Taksim Square to the Karakoy area, which is one of the most famous streets of Istanbul, and one of the oldest trams in the city breaks through it and goes back for about a hundred years.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Fener & Balat
The districts of Fener and Balat are surely the ones that have the richest history in Istanbul. They are also on the list of the UNESCO heritage sites.
Organized like small villages, the tangle of cobblestone alleys that go up and down gives the impression of being in a labyrinth filled with treasures. The colorful Ottoman houses, some of which are perfectly restored, the religious buildings, the small craftsmen, the merchants, the children playing in the street and the linen hanging from the windows give this area a unique charm, out of time that will allow you to discover a new side of Istanbul.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Balat
The neighborhood of Balat, which is adjacent to Fener, also fascinates visitors like Fener with its colorful cafes and restaurants, antique and vintage shops, traces of Jewish heritage, various synagogues and churches. Balat has been home to Greek-speaking Jews since the Byzantines. However, in the 15th century, the Sephardics who were exiled from Spain settled in Balat.
The Balat area is also very rich with Byzantine heritage. Being an old Jewish quarter, it always has been a poorer one than Fener. There is a large Jewish population in Balat, so that you may find many synagogues and Jewish establishments, as well as some churches and mosques.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Fener Rum Patrikhanesi
The Fener Greek Patriarchate and the Patriarchal Church of St. George is located in the Fener neighborhood on the banks of the Golden Horn and share the same courtyard. The Patriarchate is still the mother-church for 300 million people worldwide. And it has retained its center in Istanbul for over seventeen centuries.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
St. George
The church of St. George (the Great Martyr and Trophy-Bearer) is the 5th church housing the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate since the 15th century. It was once a convent for Orthodox nuns and was converted to the patriarchal offices in between the years 1598 and 1601.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Bulgarian Orthodox Church
Church of Saint Stephen is a place of worship built for the Bulgarian community in the last years of the Ottoman Empire. Built of iron and steel, this church is known locally as the “Iron Church”.
The Church of Saint Stephen has been recently restored and is in very good condition. It fascinates its visitors with its interior decoration and icon wall.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Pierre Loti Tepesi
Pierre Loti is one of the best places to visit in Istanbul. Located in Eyüp, one of the most eye-catching districts of Istanbul, the hill is named after a French writer, Julien Viaud. The writer settled in Istanbul in 1876 and used to come to a coffee house and write his novels here. Later this hill began to be called after him.This place will fascinate you with its romantic and unique atmosphere.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Halic
Golden Horn was an old trading harbor and a popular residential area during the Byzantine period. Its entrance was blocked by a huge chain to stop unwanted ships to enter. During the Ottoman period it was largely inhabited by Jewish immigrants from Spain. The mixtures of Armenians, Greeks, Gypsies and Turks living along its shores reflected the city's colorful ethnic mosaic.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Dolmabahce Palace is closed on Mondays. Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays. Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.
- Tour guides doesn't have skip the line priority in Hagia Sophia. You may need to wait in the ticket and security line.
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
- If there is a chance to use public transportation that will be paid by travellers.
- This is a walking tour.
- At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time.
- While visiting a mosque, women need to cover their heads, shoulders, knees. You can carry your own scarf to cover your head but please note scarves are provided at the entrance of every mosque (available at a charge). If you are wearing leggings, tights or skirts, wraps will be provided at the entrance (available at a charge).
- Men also need to cover the knees if the shorts or bermudas are over the knees.
Frequently Asked Questions
(7)Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Full Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour?
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-296808P1
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.50
22 reviews
Average 4.50 out of 5 stars based on 22 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
5 stars
17
4 stars
3
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
2
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Boat Tours customers.
Filter by:
Q:
What is the cancellation policy for the Full Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour?
A:Apr 2025
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (+03).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Q:
What's included in the price?
A:
Apr 2025
The following is included:
- Private Tour.
- Private Expert Local Tour Guide.
- Skip the ticket line with the official tour guide.
- Pick-up by guide from central hotels or port on foot.
The following is NOT included:
- Admission fees of museums.
- Food and drinks.
- Gratuities.
- Transportation.
Q:
What is the weather cancellation policy?
A:
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025
Q:
What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:
The minimum age to participate is 6..
Apr 2025
Q:
My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:
If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025
Q:
Is this an accessible tour?
A:Apr 2025
Accessibility information for the Full Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Q:
Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Full Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour will be included in your confirmation email from City Boat Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024What's Included
- Private Tour
- Private Expert Local Tour Guide
- Skip the ticket line with the official tour guide
- Pick-up by guide from central hotels or port on foot
- Admission fees of museums.
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Transportation
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Dolmabahce Palace is closed on Mondays. Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays. Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.
- Tour guides doesn't have skip the line priority in Hagia Sophia. You may need to wait in the ticket and security line.
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
- If there is a chance to use public transportation that will be paid by travellers.
- This is a walking tour.
- At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time.
- While visiting a mosque, women need to cover their heads, shoulders, knees. You can carry your own scarf to cover your head but please note scarves are provided at the entrance of every mosque (available at a charge). If you are wearing leggings, tights or skirts, wraps will be provided at the entrance (available at a charge).
- Men also need to cover the knees if the shorts or bermudas are over the knees.
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