Explore the vibrant city of Istanbul on a private tour and choose which landmarks, museums and neighborhoods you want to visit. Your private guide will accompany you for 8 hours.
Private Tour of Istanbul
On this tour, the itinerary is entirely up to you! At whatever time you prefer, we'll pick you up wherever suits you best: your hotel, cruise port, or any other central location. For 8 hours, an English-speaking guide will be by your side as you take in the must-see sights of Istanbul.
If you're not sure where to start, we recommend kicking off the day at the majestic Topkapi Palace, the former residence of the Ottoman sultans, where we'll spend approximately 2.5 hours exploring its courtyards, imperial halls, and treasures. On Tuesdays, when it's closed, we'll swap it for the elegant Dolmabahçe Palace, which takes around 1.5 hours to visit.
From there, we can dive into the city's millennia of history with a visit to Hagia Sophia, one of the most iconic architectural works in the world. We'll continue to the Hippodrome of Constantinople, the former hub of social life in Roman times, and then on to the iconic Blue Mosque, famous for its tilework and graceful silhouette.
We'll take a break at lunchtime so you can refuel at your own expense. And if you'd rather change the order or add stops like the Grand Bazaar or some of the city's lesser-known corners, your guide will be happy to tailor the route to your interests. Your wish is their command!
Tour Options
You can book this tour with a private vehicle included or just a tour guide. If you prefer to book the tour without a car, which is the cheapest option, the tour is carried out on foot and by public transport. If you prefer to get around by private car, the tour includes a car and a professional chauffeur for 8 hours.
If you only want to tour the Sultanahmet district to see the historical part of the city and you are staying near this area, we recommend booking the option without a vehicle.
Pickup Info
The tour includes pickup from the following areas in central Istanbul: Bayrampaşa, Beşiktaş, Beyoğlu, Eminönü, Eyüp, Fatih, Kağıthane, Şişli, and Zeytinburnu. If you are staying outside the above-mentioned areas, you will have to go to the meeting point located at The Marmara Taksim Hotel.
If you choose the tour with only the guide, please note that, depending on availability, you may have to go to the Obelisk of Theodosius in Sultanahmet Square.
