Private Istanbul Unforgettable Tour Just For Your Group
New To The Site!
Istanbul, Turkey
8 to 9 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Overview
Your Private Istanbul Journey: More than a tour, it's a soul-stirring exploration, exclusively for your family/friends.
Escape the crowds and truly connect with Istanbul. The licensed private guides unlock history's secrets at iconic sites like Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, transforming ancient stones into captivating stories just for you.
Experience the heart of Istanbul on a Bosphorus ferry journey, where breathtaking views unfold. For an elevated experience, a private yacht option is available upon request.
This isn't just sightseeing; it's a tailor-made immersion where every moment is crafted for wonder. Create lifelong memories as Istanbul’s vibrant pulse resonates with your spirit.
Book your exclusive escape and transform your Istanbul dreams into an unforgettable reality.
What's Included
- Professional guidance service in English
- Lunch
- Museum entrance fees are not included in the tour price.
- Gratuities
What To Expect
The Blue Mosque
The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, famously known as the Blue Mosque, is an iconic historical mosque located in Istanbul, Turkey. Commissioned by Sultan Ahmed I, it was constructed between 1609 and 1616 by the architect Sedefkâr Mehmed Ağa. Its popular name, "Blue Mosque," comes from the thousands of handmade blue Iznik tiles that adorn its interior, creating a mesmerizing blue hue, especially when lit. Unique for having six minarets, the mosque is a magnificent example of classical Ottoman architecture and continues to function as an active house of worship today, while also being one of Istanbul's most prominent tourist attractions.
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Hippodrome
The Hippodrome of Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) was once the vibrant heart of the city's public life, serving as a grand arena for chariot races, gladiatorial games, and public ceremonies during the Roman and Byzantine Empires. Constructed in the 3rd century AD and expanded significantly by Emperor Constantine the Great in the 4th century, it was designed in the shape of a U with tiered seating, capable of holding tens of thousands of spectators.
Though most of its original structure is gone, the modern-day Sultanahmet Square largely occupies its former site and still features several significant ancient monuments that once adorned its spina (middle barrier). These include the Egyptian Obelisk of Thutmose III, the Serpent Column (from Delphi), and the Walled Obelisk. Today, it stands as an open public space, allowing visitors to walk upon the ground where emperors once watched thrilling spectacles.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
The Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya in Turkish) is a monumental architectural masterpiece in Istanbul, reflecting centuries of shifting empires and faiths. Originally consecrated as a Christian cathedral in 537 AD under the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, it was renowned for its massive dome and intricate mosaics, becoming the largest interior space in the world at the time and a symbol of Byzantine architectural genius.
Following the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453, Sultan Mehmed II converted it into a mosque, adding minarets, a mihrab, and a minbar while preserving many of its Christian elements. In 1935, under the secular Republic of Turkey, it was transformed into a museum, symbolizing a bridge between cultures. However, in 2020, it was once again reclassified and opened as a mosque. Today, the Hagia Sophia stands as a breathtaking blend of Byzantine and Ottoman artistry, continuing to awe visitors with its rich history and architectural grandeur.
40 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı in Turkish) is the largest and one of the most magnificent ancient underground cisterns in Istanbul. Built in the 6th century during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, its primary purpose was to supply water to the Great Palace and other imperial buildings nearby.
Nicknamed the "Sunken Palace" due to its grand scale and numerous columns, the cistern measures approximately 140 meters by 70 meters and can hold up to 80,000 cubic meters of water. It features 336 marble columns, each about 9 meters high, arranged in 12 rows. Among its most intriguing features are two columns whose bases are carved into inverted Medusa heads, their origin and exact purpose still subjects of speculation.
40 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
TopkapI Palace
The Topkapi Palace (Topkapı Sarayı) served as the grand primary residence and administrative headquarters of the Ottoman Sultans for nearly 400 years, from the mid-15th to the mid-19th century. Commissioned by Sultan Mehmed II after the conquest of Constantinople in 1453, it evolved over centuries with additions and renovations by successive sultans.
Far from being a single building, Topkapi is a vast complex of courtyards, gardens, pavilions, and diverse structures, meticulously designed to house the entire imperial court. It notably contains the Imperial Treasury, displaying an astonishing collection of jewels and artifacts, including the Spoonmaker's Diamond and the Topkapi Dagger. In 1924, following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, it was transformed into a museum, offering a remarkable glimpse into the opulent daily life, intricate governance, and rich artistic traditions of one of history's most powerful empires.
2 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı in Turkish) in Istanbul is one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets, an iconic landmark that has been a bustling center of trade since its establishment shortly after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in the mid-15th century. Spanning over 61 covered streets and housing more than 4,000 shops, it's a labyrinthine masterpiece designed to cater to every imaginable need.
Originally built as a center for textile trading, its offerings expanded over centuries to include jewelry, ceramics, spices, carpets, leather goods, antiques, and much more. Beyond its vast array of goods, the Grand Bazaar is an architectural marvel, with painted ceilings, intricate arches, and a vibrant atmosphere that immerses visitors in a sensory experience of colors, sounds, and aromas. It remains a magnet for millions of visitors annually, embodying centuries of Turkish commercial history and culture.
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
Bosphorus Strait
A Bosphorus boat trip offers an unforgettable way to experience Istanbul, providing a unique vantage point of the city where two continents meet. The Bosphorus Strait itself is a natural waterway connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara, effectively dividing Istanbul into its European and Asian sides.
These popular cruises allow passengers to glide past an incredible array of historical and modern landmarks lining both shores. You'll see magnificent Ottoman palaces like Dolmabahçe and Beylerbeyi, grand mosques, historic fortresses like Rumeli Hisarı, charming wooden Ottoman mansions (yalı), and modern bridges connecting the continents. The trip offers breathtaking panoramic views, showcasing Istanbul's diverse architecture, lush hillsides, and the vibrant maritime traffic that constantly traverses this strategic waterway, providing a serene yet dynamic perspective on the city's timeless beauty and rich history.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Dolmabahce Palace (Pass By)
As Topkapı Palace is closed on Tuesdays, we instead visit Dolmabahçe Palace, a dazzling 19th-century marvel and the former administrative heart of the late Ottoman Empire. This glamorous palace was home to the last Ottoman Sultans.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- 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
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Frequently Asked Questions
(7)Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Private Istanbul Unforgettable Tour Just For Your Group?
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-328634P3
Additional Info
Similar Tours & Activities
Private Istanbul Tour with Official Guide -SKIP THE TICKET LINE
5 to 6 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation Instant Confirmation
from
$179
$179
Istanbul Camlica Tower: Private Entry, Transfer & Dine Choices
4 to 5 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation Instant Confirmation
from
$38.24
$38.24
Basilica Cistern Guided Walking Tour with Skip the Lines entry
1 hour 30 minutes Free Cancellation Instant Confirmation
from
$219.14
$219.14
Day Trip to Pamukkale from Istanbul by Plane
New To The Site!
5 to 6 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation Instant Confirmation
from
$510
$510
Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
2 Hours Bosphorus Cruise Boat Tour in Istanbul
2 hours Free Cancellation Instant Confirmation
from
$9.49
$9.49
Short Bosphorus Cruise Tour With Hotel Pickup And Audio Guide
2 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation Instant Confirmation
from
$23.73
$23.73
Istanbul Highlights Private Tour: Hotel Pick-Up & Drop-Off
4 to 7 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation Instant Confirmation
from
$87.63
$87.63
Istanbul Highlights Small-Group Walking Guided Tour
8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation Instant Confirmation
from
$155
$155
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 Private Istanbul Unforgettable Tour Just For Your Group?
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).
Q:
What's included in the price?
A:
Apr 2025
The following is included:
- Professional guidance service in English.
The following is NOT included:
- Lunch.
- Museum entrance fees are not included in the tour price.
- Gratuities.
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:
There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
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 Private Istanbul Unforgettable Tour Just For Your Group is as follows:
- 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
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Q:
Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Private Istanbul Unforgettable Tour Just For Your Group 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
- Professional guidance service in English
- Lunch
- Museum entrance fees are not included in the tour price.
- Gratuities
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- 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
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
