Skip to main content

Private Istanbul Full Day 7 to 8 hours Guided Tours / Group opt.

Recommended by 100% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Istanbul, Turkey
  • 8 hours (approx.)
  • Pickup offered
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Overview

Experience the best of Istanbul on a private full-day sightseeing tour. Travelers will discover the city's five most iconic landmarks, including the Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sophia, and the Grand Bazaar, while their guide shares fascinating stories spanning thousands of years of history and culture. With private transportation and skip-the-line access to top attractions, this tour ensures a seamless and stress-free experience.
  • Enjoy the personalized experience of a private tour in Istanbul
  • Make the most of your limited vacation time in Turkey
  • Customize the sightseeing itinerary to suit your interests
  • Choose a start time that works for your schedule

What's Included

  • Private tour for your family and Friends with small group option
  • Professional Licenced English speaking tour guide
  • Transportation with brand new air-conditioned minivan/minibus.
  • Local taxes
  • GUARANTEED On Time Return to PORT
  • Lunch and Drinks
  • Entrance Fees (Our guide will have pre-paid tickets that you can pay to our guide during the tour )
  • Gratuities

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point

  • Galataport Istanbul
    Kılıçali Paşa, Meclis-i Mebusan Cd. No: 8 İç Kapı No: 102, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye

Pickup details

Pick up from Istanbul cruise port. Suggested pick up time will be given during confirmation • Private Tour for your family and friends • You will decide on departure time • Our tour guide will meet you at the Port/Hotel with your name sign, • Our professional tour guide will be with you from arrival till departure, • You will have flexibilty to spend how much time you want in each site and customize the itinerary, • You do not have to wait for other group members • You may stop to have pictures during your tour. • You may stop for lunch in a local restaurant to taste famous Turkish Kebaps

Itinerary

1

Galataport

30 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

2

Hippodrome

40 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

3

Blue Mosque

1 hour Admission Ticket Free

4

TopkapI Palace

2 hours Admission Ticket Not Included

5

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

1 hour Admission Ticket Not Included

6

Grand Bazaar

1 hour 30 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

7

Galataport

30 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • 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
  • 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 and Spice Market are closed during Religious Holidays will be replaced by Arasta Bazaar. On Fridays: Blue Mosque is open from 14.30 to 16.30 Blue Mosque is open from 14.30 to 16.30 on Fridays
  • Blue Mosque is open from 14.30 to 16.30 on Fridays
  • Visit to holy places of worship such as churches, monasteries, mosques, synagogues bare shoulders are not permitted, nor shoes in mosques.
  • This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

4.8
based on 20 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Very good tour

Madeleine_F, May 2025
We visited the blue mosque, Hagia Sofia, Topkapi palace and the Grand Bazaar all in one long afternoon which, unfortunately, was all the time we had. Our guide had entrance tickets where needed which saved a little waiting time. Lines were long but manageable (mid May). We did 19,000+ steps in the afternoon so people with limited mobility could find it hard (not many stairs but some long ramps). Our guide was very knowledgeable, friendly and accommodating.

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Hello, 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. We would be delighted to see you in our wonderfull country again. Curio Travel Team

Excellent tour, informative

KiritkumarM_P, Mar 2025
Tour guide Leyla was an exceptionl kind,competent guide, so helpful, very knoledgeable, took care of us personally.

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Hello, Thank you so much for sharing your experience and giving us such a good note! We hope to have the occasion to welcome you back soon. Thank you for taking the time to share such a lovely review. 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

Fabulous and VERY informative tour including the history of Istanbul to present day. Buket was a wonderful & friendly!

Pamela_H, Nov 2023
Our favorite was the Hagla Sophia and the history of it as well as the overwhelming excitement and shopping of the Grand Barzzar.

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Dear Pamela, 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. We would be delighted to see you in our wonderfull country again. Curio Travel Team

Magical

Bruce_B, Oct 2023
Guide was amazing. Istanbul is a very busy place. We were navigated through it as best as possible. A mix of history and modern

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Dear Bruce, Thank you so much for sharing your experience and giving us such a good note! We hope to have the occasion to welcome you back soon. Thank you for taking the time to share such a lovely review. 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

Beyond all expectations.

David_L, Jul 2023
Semic is by far the best tour guide we've ever come across in our travels around the world. A true professional in every sense of the word, his in-depth knowledge in the history and cultural heritage of his amazing city, unique insights and perspectives, and intelligent, thoughtful, engaging conversation exceeded all our expectations.

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Dear David, 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 him. We would be delighted to see you in our wonderfull country again. Curio Travel Team

Great Tour!

Stephanie_S, Jul 2023
Our family enjoyed our tour! Our tour guide was so knowledgeable. He showed us a lot of great historical sites and provided a wealth of information for each site.

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Hello, 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

Istanbul, Great Experience for Group of 19!

Lawrence_L, Jun 2023
We were a group of 19, all of us had an amazing time on the tour. Our tour guide, Volkan picked us up outside the Galataport cruise terminal and boarded a minibus to take us to Sultanahmet Square where we walked through the Hippodrome to visit the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia Mosque, and Basilica Cistern. Volkan took us to Deraliye Restaurant (2023 Michelin Star Restaurant) for lunch in the Sultanhmet historical district. Once we were seated we were introduced to Master Chef Necati Yılmaz where we had group pictures with him. The cuisine served was straight out of the Ottoman Empire - all our dishes were delicious. After our wonderful lunch, we headed to the Grand Bazaar to do some shopping. Everyone in our group loved the tour with Volkan who was knowlegable in its history. Overall, the tour was a great value compared to what our cruise line offered for a similar experience. I would recommend this tour for anyone visiting Istanbul for the first time or as a refresher for one who visited years ago.

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Dear Lawrence, Thank you so much for sharing your experience and giving us such a good note! We hope to have the occasion to welcome you back soon. Thank you for taking the time to share such a lovely review. 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

A Dervish of a Time

Stacy_S, Apr 2023
Today was a feast for the senses! Ozge is exceptionally knowledgeable and passionate about sharing the beauty, history and culture of Istanbul. Even with all we saw and did, can’t wait to rey turn!

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Dear Stacy, 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

Superb Tour

Sheryl_M, Apr 2023
Istanbul is a city with a rich and storied history, stunning sights, and a dynamic vibe. Our tour guide, Ceren, was friendly, knowledgeable, professional and thoroughly engaging. We couldn't have asked for a better experience!

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Dear Sheryl, 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

A GRAT TRIP AND TOUR GUIDE ISO

Glenn_D, Mar 2023
spending the day with Leya was great. she really knew her history. I had a problem walking and she made the tour very easy. make sure you know that it is a waking tour.

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Dear Glenn, 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

Istanbul Private tour

Elaine_F, Nov 2022
We were transported in a comfortable van to visit the Haga Sophia and the Spice Bazaar. Our guide was very knowledgeable and also directed us to an excellent kabab restaurant.

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Dear Elaine, I 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. We would be delighted to see you in our wonderfull country again. Curio Travel Team

Wonderful Istanbul

Jose_V, Mar 2022
This was a private tour. Excellent tour guide. She provided very good explanation and background on all the monuments visited.

Response from Host, Aug 2022

Dear Jose_V, 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

Excellent visite

Sengsavang_V, Aug 2022
Notre guide Leyla Yasar a été très professionnelle, elle nous a expliqué très claire l'histoire du palace, du mosquée, citerne basilique.

Response from Host, Aug 2022

Dear Sengsa, 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
Likely to Sell Out

From $99.00

per person

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

Book ahead!
On average, this is booked 82 days in advance.

Compare Similar Experiences

1 / 3
Current
Likely to Sell Out
Private Istanbul Full Day 7 to 8 hours Guided Tours / Group opt.


8 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$99.00
Istanbul City and Hidden Gem Private Guided Tour 1, 2, 3 Day opt.


6 to 18 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$250.00