Full Day Private Tour of Istanbul

New To The Site! Istanbul, Turkey

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8 hours (approx.)

Hotel pickup offered

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Overview

Welcome to the fascinating city of Constantinopolis, a place with a rich history that spans millennia. It all began in the 7th Century BC when the Megaran king Byzas laid the foundation for Byzantion, a city that would eventually become a pivotal hub in world history.

In this tour, we will discover how the city has functioned throughout the centuries: Hippodrome (centre of entertainment), Hagia Sophia/Blue Mosque (centres of faith), Topkapı Palace (centre of politics), Grand Bazaar (centre of commerce).

The sights are in walking distance to each other. As we walk from one sight to the other, you will travel through the history of Constantinopolis!

We are travellers ourselves, and we know what to look for when visiting a city for a short time. With this purpose in mind, we tried to curate the tour in a relaxed and entertaining way. With us, you can experience a one-of-a-kind journey with our exceptional tour that stands out in the following ways:

What's Included

Cultural Experiences: Visits to the local workshops to see traditional Turkish art.
Professional Tour Guidance in English
Shopping tips
Tips from locals
Professional Tour Guide Headset System

Lunch
Entrance tickets to Topkapı Museum (35$) and Basilica Cistern (18$)
Private transportation

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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point

Pickup details

We can pick you up from the hotels situated in the Sultanahmet area (Old City-walking), or from Galataport (Cruise port of the city-via public transport)

Meeting point

Binbirdirek
At Meydanı Caddesi, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

What To Expect

German Fountain

The German Fountain, also known as the "Deutscher Brunnen," is a historic monument located in Istanbul, Turkey. This ornate and intricate fountain was a gift from the German Emperor Wilhelm II to the Ottoman Sultan Abdulhamid II in the late 19th century, commemorating the close ties between the two nations. The fountain is an exquisite example of Neo-Byzantine architecture and features a central dome surrounded by columns and arches, adorned with intricate decorative details. The fountain is situated in Sultanahmet Square, near the famous Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, making it a prominent and beautiful landmark in Istanbul, drawing both locals and tourists to admire its impressive design and historical significance.We will talk about the 19th century in the Ottoman Empire's history in front of this fountain.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

TopkapI Palace

Topkapı Palace, also spelled as Topkapi Palace, is a grand and historic palace complex located in Istanbul, Turkey. It served as the primary residence of the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years, from the 15th to the 19th century, making it a symbol of the Ottoman Empire's opulence and power. The palace is situated on a promontory overlooking the Bosphorus Strait, the Golden Horn, and the Sea of Marmara, providing breathtaking views of Istanbul.IMPORTANT NOTE: Entry tickets to the palace cost 950TL (approximately 34$) per person. Entrance into the palace complex is up to the guests.We will enter the Topkapı Palace, after using our express entry, without having to wait in the line for tickets. After visiting the Harem section, we will discover the other remaining sections of the palace and see how the Ottoman Sultans lived and ruled their empire! It is a fairly big complex, so it might take 2-2.5 hours to walk through the palace.

2 hours 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

Hagia Sophia, a mesmerizing architectural masterpiece in Istanbul, has gracefully witnessed the ebb and flow of history for over a millennium. Originally an awe-inspiring Byzantine cathedral, this iconic edifice, designed by the genius architects Anthemius and Isidore, boasts a breathtaking dome that was an engineering marvel of its era. With its captivating blend of Byzantine and Roman elements, Hagia Sophia has been a symbol of faith and an emblem of architectural splendor, transforming from cathedral to mosque to museum. Its enduring allure continues to draw visitors from around the world, leaving them enchanted by its resplendent history and timeless charm.The mighty sanctuary is open to visits between the prayer times. We will visit the building and see what make this building unique in the history of Roman Empire and the city of Constantinople.

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Hurrem Sultan HamamI (Pass By)

The Hürrem Sultan Bath is a historic and beautifully preserved Turkish bath (hamam) located in Istanbul, Turkey. Named after the legendary Hürrem Sultan, the wife of the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, this hammam is a testament to the opulence and architectural grandeur of the Ottoman Empire.

Hippodrome

The Ancient Hippodrome of Istanbul, also known as the Sultanahmet Square, is a historic site in Istanbul, Turkey, once a bustling center of chariot races, games, and political gatherings during the Roman and Byzantine eras. Constructed in the early 3rd century AD by the Roman Emperor Septimius Severus, it served as a prominent social and entertainment arena for centuries. Today, it forms part of Sultanahmet Square and features a few notable relics, including the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpent Column, and the Constantine Obelisk. These remnants of the past provide a glimpse into the rich history of Istanbul and its role as a thriving ancient metropolis.We will walk through the Hippodrome and talk about the remnants situated there. We will travel over three millennia in the history.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar, or Kapalıçarşı in Turkish, is one of the world's oldest and most renowned covered markets, located in the heart of Istanbul, Turkey. Dating back to the 15th century, this sprawling labyrinth of over 4,000 shops and stalls is a bustling hub of commerce, culture, and history. Visitors to the Grand Bazaar can explore a treasure trove of goods, from exquisite textiles and jewelry to spices, ceramics, and handcrafted items, all while immersing themselves in the enchanting atmosphere of a place steeped in tradition and centuries of trade. It remains a must-visit destination for those seeking a captivating blend of shopping and cultural experience in Istanbul.Here, we will discover the history and how the Grand Bazaar came to be the Bazaar that we know of today. We will also visit the non-touristic hidden parts that only the locals and residents of the Bazaar know of!After our tour, we will visit the selected stores to see what items do the Bazaar offer!

2 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Basilica Cistern

(Optional) At the end of the tour, we may also visit the Basilica Cistern, a magical subterranean wonder in Istanbul, is an ancient underground water reservoir that dates back to the 6th century.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Blue Mosque

Known to tourists as Blue Mosque, this sanctuary is famous for its blue tiles. It greets us from the year 1617.

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Specialized infant seats are available

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Full Day Private Tour of Istanbul?

A: 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). Read more Apr 2025