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Private Istanbul Day Tour – Car & English Driver

37 Reviews 4.81 out of 5 stars Based on 37 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 95% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Istanbul, Turkey

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On average, this is booked 20 (0) days in advance.

8 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation

Overview

Your Istanbul Daily Tour Package offers a unique and immersive exploration of Istanbul's rich tapestry of history, culture, and architecture it's a comprehensive itinerary that seamlessly blends the city's majestic historical sites with its vibrant cultural life.
From the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia to the bustling Grand Bazaar, each stop is carefully selected to provide a deep understanding and appreciation of Istanbul's multifaceted character.
This semi-private tour is tailored to provide an intimate and personal journey through Istanbul's centuries-old streets, giving your guests a genuine taste of the city's spirit beyond the typical tourist path.
Your commitment to offering a well-rounded and authentic experience makes this tour not just a sightseeing trip, but a journey into the heart of Istanbul.
Additionally, your tour is accompanied by an English speaking driver who provides basic information about the destinations, ensuring a smooth and straightforward experience.

What's Included

  • Snacks
  • Bottled water
  • WiFi on board
  • Museum Tickets
  • Guide
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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
Pickup details

You will be picked up from your hotel in the morning or from the specified pick-up point. Please provide us with advance information to confirm the pick-up time and location. If you are traveling as a group, please provide the name and contact information of your group leader. Be ready at the pick-up time to prevent any possible delays during the tour

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Meeting point
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

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

Begin your journey at Hagia Sophia, an awe-inspiring testament to both Byzantine and Ottoman heritage. This architectural marvel, originally built as a cathedral in 537 AD under Emperor Justinian I, later served as a mosque and now stands as a museum. Its massive dome, considered an engineering marvel of its time, soars over a space filled with stunning mosaics and relics that blend Christian and Islamic artistry. The Hagia Sophia is not just a structure; it's a storied monument echoing centuries of history, culture, and faith.It's important to note that while our driver is knowledgeable and speaks English, they are not a licensed guide and therefore cannot provide detailed historical narratives inside historical sites like Hagia Sophia. However, travelers will have the opportunity to explore this magnificent site, appreciating its architecture and history at their own pace.
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1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Sultanahmet Square

Our tour includes a visit to the historic Sultanahmet Square, where we spend about 45 minutes. This square is a rich tapestry of Istanbul's history, surrounded by some of the city's most famous landmarks, including the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. While our English-speaking driver can offer basic information about the area and its significance, please note that they are not a licensed guide and thus will not provide in-depth historical details or guided tours of the interior of these landmarks. This visit offers a fantastic opportunity for travelers to explore the square's vibrant atmosphere, admire its architectural beauty, and take memorable photographs. It's a chance to experience the heart of Istanbul's historical peninsula, absorbing the culture and the stories embedded in its ancient stones. Just a 5-minute walk from Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque impresses with its elegant Iznik tiles. An active place of worship, it offers a serene atmosphere to visitors.
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50 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Hippodrome

Next to the Blue Mosque lies the Hippodrome, once the epicenter of Byzantine public life and entertainment. Originally built for chariot racing, it was the sporting and social hub of Constantinople. Today, it serves as a public square, home to several significant monuments such as the Serpent Column, the Obelisk of Thutmose III, and the Walled Obelisk. Walking through the Hippodrome, visitors can imagine the roar of the ancient crowds and the chariots racing by, making it a fascinating portal into the city's vivid historical past
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

TopkapI Palace

The heart of the Ottoman Empire, Topkapı Palace boasts opulent courtyards and the Harem, offering views over Istanbul from its gardens. We will spend 1.5 hours here, exploring the magnificent rooms of the palace and delving into Ottoman history. Topkapı Palace Ticket Price: €45. Hagia Irene Ticket Price: €15. Harem (Separate section within Topkapı Palace) Ticket Price: €15. Our tour is facilitated by an English-speaking driver knowledgeable about Istanbul. Please note that while our driver is not a licensed guide and cannot provide detailed historical narratives inside historical sites, they will offer general information and practical tips.
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1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Basilica Cistern

Another key stop on our tour is the Basilica Cistern, where we allocate about 30 minutes for exploration. This ancient cistern, also known as the "Sunken Palace," is one of Istanbul's most fascinating historical sites. Constructed in the 6th century during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, it is known for its architectural beauty and historical significance as a major water reservoir for the city. The cistern's atmosphere is mysterious and mesmerizing, highlighted by its dimly lit walkways and the sound of dripping water. Visitors will have the opportunity to wander through the cistern at their leisure, observing the hundreds of ancient columns and the famous Medusa head bases. It's the perfect moment for travelers to immerse themselves in the serene, almost surreal environment of this underground marvel. Basilica Cistern Entrance Fee: €15. Duration: ~10 minutes walking + 30 minutes exploration.
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40 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Grand Bazaar

Immerse yourself in the vibrant colors and bustling commerce of the Grand Bazaar, one of the world's largest and oldest covered markets. Spanning a labyrinth of over 4,000 shops, this historical marketplace pulsates with life, offering an array of traditional Turkish textiles, ceramics, spices, and jewelry. Spend about 20 minutes walking to the bazaar, followed by an hour of exploration. It's a perfect chance to indulge in shopping, taste local delicacies, or simply soak up the unique ambiance of this iconic souk. During our visit, enjoy a leisurely 1-hour lunch break where you can savor the rich flavors of Turkish cuisine.
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2 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Galata Tower

Our tour includes a visit to the iconic Galata Tower, where we plan to spend about 30 minutes. This medieval stone tower, dominating Istanbul's skyline, offers some of the best panoramic views of the city. Originally built in the 14th century, the tower has served as an observation tower and now stands as a symbol of Istanbul's rich history. Visitors will have the opportunity to independently explore the tower, climb to its upper floors, and enjoy the breathtaking views of Istanbul's European and Asian sides, the Golden Horn, and the Bosphorus Strait. The visit to Galata Tower is a wonderful chance for travelers to experience a bird's eye view of the city and capture stunning photographs. Duration: ~10 minutes driving + 30 minutes exploration | Admission: €20.
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40 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Taksim Square

The heart of modern Istanbul, Taksim is alive with bustling streets and diverse dining options, reflecting the city's dynamic spirit.Conclude your day at the modern face of Istanbul, Taksim Square. Duration: ~10-20 minutes driving + 30minutes exploration.Our tour is facilitated by an English-speaking driver knowledgeable about Istanbul. Please note that while our driver is not a licensed guide and cannot provide detailed historical narratives inside historical sites, they will offer general information and practical tips.
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50 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Private Istanbul Day Tour – Car & English Driver?

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

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-305031P4

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Reviews

4.81
37 reviews

Average 4.81 out of 5 stars based on 37 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
35
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
1
1 star
1

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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 20 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Snacks
  • Bottled water
  • WiFi on board
  • Speaking English Driver
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Museum Tickets
  • Guide

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Remaining time will be allotted for transport duration

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Free Cancellation

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100% refund
No refund

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).

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