Best Highlights of Istanbul
Recommended by 100% of travelers
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Istanbul, Turkey
- 5 to 7 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Discover the incredible monuments, history and culture of Istanbul with this full day tour of the old city. Led by a professional guide, explore hidden gems and iconic sites alike on this comprehensive experience. Visit the incredible ottoman era Topkapi Palace and the famous Hagia Sophia Mosque that dates back to the sixth century. Learn about the influence of the Romans at the Hippodrome, before finishing at the Grand Bazaar.
- This experience is offered in English and Spanish
- Meet your guide at your hotel near the Old City or a central meeting point
- Visit the incredible Basilica Cistern historical show
- Enjoy a private tour restricted to your own group
What's Included
- Private tour
- Professional local guide
- Guide meets you at central hotels
- Bottled water
- Museum tickets and entrance fees
- Gratuities
- Private transportation
- Lunch
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup
Operating hours.9:30 am
Itinerary
1
Blue Mosque
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
Hippodrome
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
3
Basilica Cistern
1 hour • Admission Ticket Not Included
4
TopkapI Palace
2 hours • Admission Ticket Not Included
5
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
1 hour • Admission Ticket Not Included
6
Grand Bazaar
2 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Near public transportation
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Most travelers can participate
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos





Reviews
5.0
based on 44 reviews
Liina_H, Apr 2026
We had an absolutely fantastic experience on this private tour in Istanbul. From start to finish, everything exceeded our expectations. Our guide was not only incredibly knowledgeable, but also warm, engaging, and genuinely passionate about sharing the local culture and history.
We visited some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque, and explored the vibrant Grand Bazaar. What made the tour truly special, however, were the “hidden gems” we would never have discovered on our own. Seeing how traditional handmade carpets are created was a highlight, such a unique and memorable experience.
The pace of the tour was perfect, and having a private guide allowed us to ask questions, dive deeper into topics, and truly connect with the city. It felt less like a tour and more like spending the day with a very knowledgeable local friend.
We highly recommend booking a private guided tour like this, especially at the beginning of your trip as it gives you a deeper understanding of the city and helps you appreciate everything even more for the rest of your stay.
Thank you for such an unforgettable day, we hope many more travelers get to experience Istanbul with you!☺️
JanMichelle_O, Nov 2024
Booked this private tour because I wanted to be flexible on what time I start my tour. Sema didn't disappoint. Knows all the history about Istanbul. Very friendly, very informative and very nice.
Thank you so much!!
Erin_J, Jun 2024
This tour was fantastic. We visited on a cruise ship and Sema met us at the port to take us to Sultanahmet Square where the hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern are located. Communication before the tour was great; we knew exactly where to meet. It was busy the day we came because there were two cruise ships in port and it was a national holiday, but we waited in line half the time as others because Sema knew where to go and could anticipate which sites would be most crowded when. She knows so much about Turkish history and clearly enjoys what she does. Sema also gave us recommendations on the best place to get Turkish baklava which was a treat! I highly recommend this tour.
From $200.00
per group (up to 8)up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Best Highlights of Istanbul
44
7 hours
Free Cancellation
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$200.00
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