Top Istanbul Private Sightseeing Tours

Songül, our guide was very efficient and well informed. She was able to tailor our tour to what we wanted to see and helped avoid some of the crazy long lines we experienced (though not all). Even though this tour was marked “skip the line” we were not actually able to skip any lines to enter, we just avoided the lines to purchase tickets. The line for the Hagia Sophia was so long, we actually ended up not going since it would entail waiting for more than half and hour in the rain and cold. Our guide was able to redeem those tickets for ones to the interesting but lesser known and less crowded Cistern of Theodisius instead. We also went to the Blue Mosque and the Topkaki Palace, the latter of which was essential to get a guide for since the complex is overwhelming without one. Songül found a great place for us to have lunch (you end up paying for the guide’s meal which we were not aware of) and then took us to a ceramics store where we purchased some nice handmade pieces after being given a demonstration by the owner. This seems to be the thing in Istanbul - everyone is trying to sell you something and it’s hard to walk away, especially in the Grand Bazaar which we could barely stand to spend 15 minutes in, the crowds were so dense and the pressure from salespeople so intense. A good tour, but unfortunately bad weather and way too many other tourists made it difficult to fully enjoy.

Jack, our guide explained history, culture and other interesting things about the primary sights of historic Istanbul on this private tour with nine adult family members. We were picked up at the cruise port on time and returned there. We enjoyed the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, the Grand Bazaar, a Cistern which was smaller and cheaper than the big famous one. Be aware that Topcapi Palace is closed on Tuesday so we booked that the afternoon before. Jack was able to get us skip the line tickets for cash. We used Euros or credit card for our entrances. Jack was mindful of my mobility challenges and paced the tour for me. This is a walking tour once we arrived in the historic district.

Mert , i believe was his name, met us right outside port and went over or day with us. He took us to everyplace we wanted to see and knew the history WELL. He even shared with us some Greek mythology about the peacock. We had just seen a peacock. He took us to a wonderful place for lunch. Ate everything but the table. Plus , We had ample time to shop. He was always willing to let us rest a minute or two as we were to senior ladies. He shared his umbrella and walked us right back to the ship terminal. He was the best tour guide i have ever had on VIAtor. We were lucky to have him. Well worth the money.