All Turkey Tours & Excursions in 2026

Our guide Eren took our small group of 4 through the archaeological site of Ephesus. It was wonderful to be in a small group and to have such a knowledgeable guide. Eren described what had been there long ago and told us interesting stories about the major sites, including the Terrace Houses of the wealthy. We thoroughly enjoyed our tour and highly recommend Eren.

This was better than the first time I went to Ephesus and it’s all because of our guide Eufrates aka Freddy! He was so awesome and very knowledgable. We were met right at the cruise port, on time with a beautiful vehicle awaiting outside. We then drove to the House of the Virgin Mary, then Ephesus, then saw the Pillar of Artemis and finally a fantastic Turkish lunch at a carpet and jewelry factory. The food was delicious and there was no pressure when we said no to the carpets. Now the jewelry also no pressure but it was so beautiful and well priced that yes we each got something to remember our trip by. It was an awesome day!

We had a wonderful experience with our guide Sabit! The Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Cisterns and market were amazing. We bought beautiful rugs and had lunch in a local restaurant which was delish. Sabit was a wealth of knowledge, sharing the history of Istanbul along with the current demographics, etc. A wonderful day. Highly recommend this tour and Sabit!!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Two days in Istanbul that felt like having a trusted local friend My wife and I booked the “Best of Istanbul” private tour through Viator with Guided Istanbul Tours, and spent two exceptional days exploring the city with our guide, Şebnem Gürer. Day 1 – Imperial Istanbul We began on Saturday, May 2, 2026, staying at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Istanbul Levent in the modern business district. To start the day, we walked about five minutes to the metro and took the M2 line toward Yenikapı, exiting at Vezneciler–Istanbul University - about a 20-minute ride. We had specifically requested using public transportation rather than a private vehicle, and doing this with Şebnem gave us immediate confidence navigating Istanbul on our own. The weather was ideal - comfortable with light layers (a sweater and light jacket), mostly sunny with some clouds. Because it was part of a holiday weekend, the major sites were more crowded than expected for the season, which made having an experienced guide even more valuable. From the start, the experience felt less like a formal tour and more like being shown around the city by a knowledgeable friend. Şebnem’s English is flawless, and her nearly 8 years as a licensed guide showed in how seamlessly she managed timing, crowds, and logistics. A highlight was the Basilica Cistern - an extraordinary underground Roman water system that became far more meaningful with her explanation. The same was true at the Blue Mosque, where her insights made the scale and craftsmanship even more impressive - it’s hard to imagine how it was built without that context. We chose to experience Hagia Sophia from the outside only, saving the interior for a future visit. Later, we explored both the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar. While we only saw a small portion of the Grand Bazaar’s 4,000+ shops, the scale alone is impressive. The Spice Bazaar is where having the right guide truly matters. Şebnem took us to a trusted merchant - Ayfer Kaur (No. 7) - where the experience was relaxed, welcoming, and completely free of pressure. We sampled spices, Turkish delight, and traditional herbal remedies, including menthol crystals for my sinuses, which worked immediately and made a noticeable difference. Without her guidance, we would not have known which shops were reputable or whether pricing was fair. It would have been very easy to overspend. Instead, we left confident in what we purchased, arranged shipping for nearly everything, and even received a few additional items at no charge - a thoughtful and memorable touch. We invited our guide to join us for lunch, and she chose Deraliye Restaurant - an excellent recommendation. Beyond the food itself, having her guide us through what to order and explain the dishes made the experience far more meaningful. Day 2 – Neighborhoods, culture, and crossing continents The second day shifted from monuments to the lived-in texture of Istanbul - and this is where the city really came alive for us. Despite light rain at times, the day remained comfortable and added a certain atmosphere to the neighborhoods we explored. We visited the Suleymaniye Mosque, the second-largest mosque in Istanbul, which offers stunning views over the Golden Horn and a more relaxed atmosphere than the Blue Mosque. From there, we explored the Balat and Fener neighborhoods - colorful, historic areas shaped by Jewish and Greek communities over centuries. Walking these streets felt completely different from the Old City: quieter, more residential, and highly photogenic. We stopped for coffee at Cumbalı Kahve, a charming local spot across from an historic synagogue area. It was a perfect pause - relaxed, authentic, and exactly the kind of place we would not have discovered on our own. Along the way, we also saw portions of the ancient city walls, originally built by the Byzantine (Roman) Empire - a powerful reminder of how layered Istanbul’s history is. One of the highlights of the entire experience was taking a public ferry across the Bosphorus from Eminönü to Kadıköy on the Asian side. From the water, you can take in the skyline - mosques rising across the hills - and truly appreciate Istanbul’s geography. Crossing continents by ferry is something we will always remember. Kadıköy itself has a completely different energy - lively, local, and full of great food, shops, and everyday life. We had lunch at Ciya Kebap, an excellent choice, and spent time walking the neighborhood, including along Muhurdar Street, where we picked up locally made chocolates. Final thoughts We found that everything about Istanbul became easier, richer, and more meaningful with our guide. She didn’t just show us the major sites - she helped us understand how the city works, how to move through it, and how to experience it with confidence. Bottom line We came away feeling like we didn’t just see Istanbul - we actually experienced it, and that made all the difference. Thank you, Şebnem. Teşekkür ederiz.

Great food, service and entertainment. Had a great time. The show and food kept us engaged and sightseeing views were epic. Overall a wonderful experience, my 20 years old son enjoyed thoroughly. The entertainers made us dance too .. created some great memories

Defne was fantastic - incredibly knowledgeable, very engaging and friendly. The tour group consisted of only 4 of us for the Hagia Sofia and Blue Mosque, and only 2 of us for the Basilica Cistern, so it was very personal. Would recommend - worth the price.

Melissa was our guide and her love for Istanbul's history is palpable. She radiates joy as she speaks about the Agia Sophia especially. It was infectious. The tour leaving at 9am was perfect to avoid some of the bigger crowds and we never felt rushed like some of the other tours seeems to be. Melissa showed such care in explaining the history, architecture and purpose of the buildings. We took our time and were shown the minute details which male each place special. A truly wonderful experience.

The Cappadocia hot air balloon ride was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Floating over the fairy chimneys at sunrise was absolutely breathtaking. Our pilot was professional and made us feel completely safe the entire time. Such a beautiful, unforgettable morning! 🎈