Private: Topkapi Palace, St. Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, Hipodromme
Recommended by 95% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Istanbul, Turkey
- 8 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Escape the crush of the tour groups with a full-day private sightseeing tour of Istanbul, including visits to the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace. Enjoy the undivided attention of your guide and tailor your tour to suit your interests—perhaps learn about the city’s fascinating history with a stroll through Hippodrome Square or spend time shopping at the Grand Bazaar.
- Explore Istanbul's highlights without getting lost with a guide
- Customize your itinerary to your own preferences
- Private tour is operated with just your party and a guide/driver
- Travel between attractions with ease in an air-conditioned coach
What's Included
- Professional Private tour guide
- Private tour
- Transport by private air-conditioned minivan.
- Worry-Free Shore Excursion Guarantee
- Local tax
- GUARANTEED On Time Return to PORT
- Lunch and Drinks
- Gratuities
- Entrance Fees (Our guide will have pre-paid tickets to skip lines)
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Pickup details
Pick up Places Hotel Guests : Your Hotel's Lobby in selected hotels only Cruise guests : Istanbul Cruise Terminal Suggested pick up time will be given on your confirmation message.
Arranged start time
Confirm time with the local provider in advance of your experience.
Select your preferred tour option to see hours.
Itinerary
1
Hippodrome
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
Blue Mosque
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
3
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
4
TopkapI Palace
2 hours • Admission Ticket Not Included
5
Grand Bazaar
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Infant seats available
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- At time of booking, Hotels guests must provide hotel name
- At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
- Visit to holy places of worship such as churches, monasteries, mosques, synagogues bare shoulders are not permitted, nor shoes in mosques.
- In the event of any museum closures, an alternative similar museum will be visited. On Tuesdays : Topkapi Palace replaced by Underground Cistern, On Sundays : Grand Bazaar will be replaced by Spice Market. Grand Bazaar will be closed on Public holidays, it will be replaced by Arasta Bazaar. Because, Spice Market will also be closed.
- Blue Mosque is open from 14.30 to 16.30 on Fridays
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.8
based on 40 reviews
Denise_S, Jan 2026
Tour guide Elgi chatted with driver during our "custom, private tour" (did not point out sites or provide any history). She became increasingly disinterested when we informed her that we were more interested in sites/learning about her beautiful country's history than being brought to stores she clearly had arrangements with to shop. The owner of one of the shops made an antisemitic comment.
Vikas_G, Dec 2025
Day well spent. Though it rained the entire day. We did end up seeing all sites. Tour guide was quite knowledgable and knew the history well…
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Hello,
We don't know how to thank you enough for your comment. Your feedback is precious and has been proudly share with the entire team.
Our colleagues' dedication to our guests is fully rewarded when we received such wonderful comments. We will share your kind message and opinions with your guide. Thank you on behalf of her/him.
We would be delighted to see you in our wonderful country again.
Curio Travel Team
Amy_H, Oct 2025
Private guide to see the Istanbul major attractions is the way to go. We skipped long lines and many crowds. All of the sights were amazing; so glad we saw them this way. Our guide, Onur, was very good!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Dear Amy,
Your kind words will be shared with our entire team, who will be thrilled to know they helped create this memorable experience. We will share your kind message and opinions with your guide. Thank you on behalf of him.
We would be delighted to see you in our wonderful country again.
Curio Travel Team
Steve_B, Oct 2025
First class service very attentive and caring guide who was di knowledgeable about the city
Fantastic tour
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Dear Steve,
Thank you again for your loyalty and thoughtful insights. We look forward to welcoming you back on your next trip to Ephesus and will do everything we can to ensure another wonderful travel. We will share your kind message and opinions with your guide. Thank you on behalf of her/him.
We would be delighted to see you in our wonderful country again.
Curio Travel Team
kim_c, Aug 2025
Very experienced guide, well looked after. Very knowledgeable and helpful. Enjoyable day. Took into account what we all wanted to see, 6 in our group.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Dear Kim,
Your kind words will be shared with our entire team, who will be thrilled to know they helped create this memorable experience. We will share your kind message and opinions with your guide. Thank you on behalf of her/him.
We would be delighted to see you in our wonderful country again.
Curio Travel Team
Tomas_C, Jul 2025
Our private guide is very knowledgeable. He did his best to accomodate our needs, very flexible, and skip the lines. Highly revommended
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Dear Tomas,
Once again, we deeply appreciate your long-standing loyalty and the detailed feedback you’ve provided. We look forward to welcoming you back soon. We will share your kind message and opinions with your guide. Thank you on behalf of him.
We would be delighted to see you in our wonderful country again.
Curio Travel Team
Mark_M, May 2025
Im afraid I cant say enough good things in a short review. Our guide was exceptional with a vast knowledge of the area and history. He was very accomodating to the group's different interests and worked hard to touch on evry area.
Simply put, I'd recommend his tour to everyone!
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Dear Mark,
Your kind words will be shared with our entire team, who will be thrilled to know they helped create this memorable experience. We will share your kind message and opinions with your guide. Thank you on behalf of him.
We would be delighted to see you in our wonderfull country again.
Curio Travel Team
Kathy_M, May 2025
Connecting with our tour guide was easy. He was waiting with a sign just as we exited. Unfortunately our group of 10 decided to skip entering the 3 sites due to the huge lines. 3 cruise ships were docked. The information given about the sights was informative and easy to understand. Our tour guide Jack always had us laughing.
hattie, May 2025
Our tour guide Emel was SPECTACULAR! She ordered our tour to accommodate OUR interests and schedule. She was very helpful and enthusiastic about all the sites we visited. Emel was very knowledgeable and shared so much information about the sites in a fun but accurate way! She went above and beyond our expectations! It’s an AWESOME tour made exceptionally worthwhile because of Emel!!!!
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Hello,
Once again, we deeply appreciate your long-standing loyalty and the detailed feedback you’ve provided. We look forward to welcoming you back soon. We will share your kind message and opinions with your guide. Thank you on behalf of her.
We would be delighted to see you in our wonderfull country again.
Curio Travel Team
Sheryll_T, Apr 2025
We had a great time with our tour and Ozge is the best. She’s so nice and very flexible with what you want to do. I highly recommend her.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Dear Sheryll,
Thank you again for your loyalty and thoughtful insights. We look forward to welcoming you back on your next trip to Ephesus and will do everything we can to ensure another wonderful travel. We will share your kind message and opinions with your guide. Thank you on behalf of her.
We would be delighted to see you in our wonderfull country again.
Curio Travel Team
Mark_S, Feb 2025
Amazing! Leyla definitely knows her material, what an informative and enlightening tour! I learned so much in the few short six hours we were together, and we say the beauty of Istanbul and its rich history. Leyla was very accommodating and adjusted to our schedule. Definitely seek out Leyla if you want to to get the full tour of this rich historical area!
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Dear Mark,
Thank you very much for taking the time to share your kind words. We are delighted to hear that your experience with us exceeded your expectations, and your compliments have been shared with our team with great pleasure. We will share your kind message and opinions with your guide. Thank you on behalf of her.
We would be delighted to see you in our wonderfull country again.
Curio Travel Team
Alan_N, Feb 2025
The guide Leyla was truly excellent, highly knowledgeable but delightful with it. We were picked up from our hotel and as this was a private tour it was tailor made to our specific requirements. I had a skiing accident recently and was walking with a stick and she ensured everything was manageable and we really got the best out of our day. The driver was great too negotiating the terrible Istanbul traffic and very attentive👍.Everything worked superbly. Highly recommended.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Dear Alan,
Please rest assured that your kind words have been passed on to the entire Team. We look forward to welcoming you back for more memorable moments. We will share your kind message and opinions with your guide. Thank you on behalf of her.
We would be delighted to see you in our wonderfull country again.
Curio Travel Team
LISA_S, Mar 2024
It was a wonderful tour. We enjoyed the individual attention and information that was provided- thanks!
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Dear Lisa,
Please rest assured that your kind words have been passed on to the entire Team. We look forward to welcoming you back for more memorable moments. We will share your kind message and opinions with your guide.
We would be delighted to see you in our wonderfull country again.
Curio Travel Team
Keith_M, May 2023
Our guide Selen was the perfect guide for our tour. She had to make adjustments as we visited on a Friday and could not enter the Blue Mosque due to it being a holy day and we did not have the time to visit after 2:30 pm. She added a quick visit to a nice museum and after making some phone calls found a nice mosque that we could visit. Also when it became apparent that we would may not be able to visit Hagia Sophia either, she was able to get an exception for us to enter.
Given the restrictions that we had, she did an excellent job and was very knowledgeable about the history of all the main landmarks and Istanbul in general. I would definitely recommend this tour and Selen.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Dear Keith,
Your kind words will be shared with our entire team, who will be thrilled to know they helped create this memorable experience. We will share your kind message and opinions with your guide. Thank you on behalf of her.
We would be delighted to see you in our wonderfull country again.
Curio Travel Team
Dahnielle_W, Jun 2016
Gulay was the best tour guide we had on our vacation. She was very knowledgeable about the history, culture and architecture of the sites we saw. Her appreciation for her subject matter was infectious. Her assistance with haggling at the bazaar saved us . A must do tour.
Response from Host, Aug 2022
Dear Dahniel,
Thank you very much for your review,
We are glad to know that you had a great time with us.
I would be delighted to share your review with your tour guide and driver.
Our goal is to provide excellent services for our clients, it is rewarding to see our efforts recognized in your review.
It was our pleasure to welcome you in our wonderfull country.
We would be delighted to see you in our wonderfull country again with your family and with your friends.
With our warmest love and greetings,
Fevzi Turhan on behalf of Curio Travel Team
Debabrata G, May 2016
We had a wonderful tour guide in Gissam?. She was extremely knowledgeable history major who was enthusiastic and loved the job she was doing which showed. Right from when she picked us up at the cruise terminal, she was giving us historical perspective and details of the sites she took us to. She was very friendly, helpful and cheerful person. We thoroughly enjoyed our tour of Istanbul.
Response from Host, Aug 2022
Dear Debabr,
Thank you very much for your review,
We are glad to know that you had a great time with us.
I would be delighted to share your review with your tour guide and driver.
Our goal is to provide excellent services for our clients, it is rewarding to see our efforts recognized in your review.
It was our pleasure to welcome you in our wonderfull country.
We would be delighted to see you in our wonderfull country again with your family and with your friends.
With our warmest love and greetings,
Fevzi Turhan on behalf of Curio Travel Team
Catherine H, Jan 2016
Hulya was very knowledgeable about her beautiful, exciting city. She knew the best times to arrive at each site to avoid the crowds. She went at our pace without hurrying us. When I expressed an interest in a certain type of souvenir, she took us right to the best shop in town for what I wanted. We really enjoyed our full day with her.
Response from Host, Aug 2022
Dear Catheri,
Thank you very much for your review,
We are glad to know that you had a great time with us.
I would be delighted to share your review with your tour guide and driver.
Our goal is to provide excellent services for our clients, it is rewarding to see our efforts recognized in your review.
It was our pleasure to welcome you in our wonderfull country.
We would be delighted to see you in our wonderfull country again with your family and with your friends.
With our warmest love and greetings,
Fevzi Turhan on behalf of Curio Travel Team
Susie L, Oct 2015
The guide was informative and helpful! Glad to have her service!
Response from Host, Aug 2022
Dear Susie L,
Thank you very much for your review,
We are glad to know that you had a great time with us.
I would be delighted to share your review with your tour guide and driver.
Our goal is to provide excellent services for our clients, it is rewarding to see our efforts recognized in your review.
It was our pleasure to welcome you in our wonderfull country.
We would be delighted to see you in our wonderfull country again with your family and with your friends.
With our warmest love and greetings,
Fevzi Turhan on behalf of Curio Travel Team
Robert R, Sep 2015
The guide was knowledgeable and friendly but focused most attention on one member of our group who wanted to spend the time shopping while the four other members of the group waited. Rather than indicate that it was meant to be a sight seeing event she accommodated the one members obsession with jewelry
shops and actually suggested that we smile more while we we wasted our time.
Kristel_G, Aug 2025
Ezgi, our guide contacted us in advance via Whatsapp with a very clear description of the meeting place. In our case she was waiting for us at the visitor center in Galataport. She accompanied us to the spacious van. We visited successively Hippodrome square, the blue mosque, Haigha Sophia, Topkapi Palace and we were allowed to choose between visiting the Grand Bazaar or the Spice Bazaar. Ezgi gave a comprehensive and interesting explanation everywhere. She had an eye for our needs in terms of shade and moments of rest. She took our pace and interests into account. This tour and guide is definitely recommended! Thank you Ezgi for this very pleasant experience and meeting.
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Response from Host, Feb 2026
Dear Kristel,
Once again, we deeply appreciate your long-standing loyalty and the detailed feedback you’ve provided. We look forward to welcoming you back soon. We will share your kind message and opinions with your guide. Thank you on behalf of her.
We would be delighted to see you in our wonderful country again.
Curio Travel Team
From $99.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Private: Topkapi Palace, St. Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, Hipodromme
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