WONDERS of ISTANBUL: PRIVATE Full-Day Guided City Tour
Recommended by 100% of travelers
Istanbul, Turkey
- 5 to 7 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Why travelers loved this
·
Overview
What's Included
- Private Tour & Professional Guide
- Guide will meet you at central Istanbul Hotels, Airbnb Locations or ISTANBUL CRUISE PORT GALATAPORT
- Unique time to discover Turkish Handicrafts & Traditional Arts Gallery
- Fast Track Ticket Service Available
- Lunch
- GratuitiesRecommended
- Museums Entrance Fees
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Pickup details
Tour guide will Pick up you at Istanbul Hotels, Airbnb Locations or ISTANBUL CRUISE PORT (GALATAPORT- Sali Pazari). If you choose option with vehicle, you will be picked up by vehicle Tuesdays Topkapi Palace is closed. Sundays Grand baazar is closed.
Itinerary
1
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
2
Blue Mosque
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
3
Hippodrome
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
4
Basilica Cistern
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
5
TopkapI Palace
2 hours • Admission Ticket Not Included
6
Grand Bazaar
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infant seats available
- Most travelers can participate
- 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
5.0
based on 414 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Linda_D, Jul 2026
Fantastic experience with Samet! He was very knowledgeable, professional, considerate and kind. We learned so much from the experience. We visited all of the highlights in Istanbul. One day was not enough. Hope Viator will consider offering a 2-day full day tour of Istanbul in the future. Our guide was the best!
Meghan_A, Jul 2026
We had a wonderful tour! We learned so much about the history of the country as well as the Turkish culture! Fettah was such an amazing tour guide! He was so knowledgeable and spoke English perfectly! He was super personable and we never felt rushed during the tour! Also gave us tons of recommendations for things to do around the city!! Would recommend this tour and Fettah 100%!
Paul_R, Jul 2026
We had a great day with John. He was very knowledgeable and brought the city to life. We moved at the right pace, had a good lunch stop and skipped all the lines.
james_e, Jul 2026
If you’re visiting Istanbul, do yourself a favor and book a tour with Resul. He was, without question, one of the best tour guides we’ve ever had!.
His knowledge of Istanbul’s history, culture, and architecture is incredible. As we explored the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the palace park, and neighborhoods throughout the city, he didn’t just point out landmarks—he brought centuries of history to life through fascinating stories, context, and details that made us appreciate every stop so much more. You can tell he’s genuinely passionate about sharing his city.
What makes Resul truly exceptional, though, is his personality. He’s warm, funny, personable, and incredibly easy to talk to. He made everyone feel welcome, encouraged questions, and somehow managed to make the tour feel like we were spending the day with a longtime friend who just happened to know everything about Istanbul.
One of the absolute highlights was when he took us to a local restaurant for authentic Turkish food and drinks. It wasn’t a tourist trap—it was the kind of place only a local would know about, and it ended up being one of our favorite meals of the trip. Experiences like that are what separate a good tour from an unforgettable one.
Resul went above and beyond in every way, and because of him, we left Istanbul with a much deeper appreciation for its history, culture, and people. If you’re considering a tour, stop looking and book with Resul—you won’t regret it. He turned a great day into one of the absolute highlights of our entire trip.
Bethany_P, Jul 2026
Very knowledgeable and punctual. Saw many different sights and had a great lunch. Would recommend for any travelers
Edyta_G, Jul 2026
The family of four had a great time with our tour guide Anil. Pick up from the hotel was worth it, as we did not have to navigate the tram system jet lagged. Anil brought so much positive energy, historical knowledge and pointed out lots of interesting details along the tour. We customized our experience as we went along, and allowed for delicious food breaks and shopping. Plus we finally got some family pictures with everyone together in the pic. 10 out of 10. Would highly recommend it.
Tyler_D, Jul 2026
The perfect introduction to all the essential historic sites in Istanbul. Our guide Fettah was extremely accommodating and flexible with our timing and our interests in what we wanted to cover. Fettah made sure to give us enough history and personal space to enjoy certain areas together. I highly recommend this experience, it’s a must!
Rajpal_S, Jul 2026
Had a lovely day! Our guide Mustafa was excellent and he also made the day very fun! I highly recommend booking this tour and asking for Mustafa as your guide!
Kristoffer_O, Jul 2026
Great highlights tour of Istanbul. Zel was incredibly knowledgeable and thorough and provided a wonderful overview of everything to see in Istanbul
Christine_T, Jul 2026
Our guide Savaş was the best, super knowledgeable and great at think through the best itinerary to match our schedule. We learned so much about the key sites that we would have totally missed without him. He also gallantly leant us his umbrella in the rain. His food suggestions were all excellent and not super touristy. We'd definitely recommend getting him as a guide and a private tour of the sites was definitely a way to go on first day of our arrival.
alexander_r, Jul 2026
Great experience with great tour guide who really went above and beyond to make it a great tour experience. Highly recommended
Kamel_S, Jul 2026
Berke Can was an exceptional guide! He was knowledgeable, professional, and genuinely friendly. He made the tour informative, enjoyable, and well organized, and was always happy to answer questions. We had a wonderful experience and highly recommend him!
Gloria_L, Jun 2026
Ege is a good guide recommended him a hundred percent. His English is good his pronunciation is good I liked his humour of sense and knowledge
MICHELE_M, Jun 2026
It was very informative. The guide was very friendly and knowledgeable. It was a great experience and we would recommend it to everyone.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful review! We are truly delighted to hear that you had such an informative and enjoyable Private Istanbul Tour. It means a great deal to our team to know that your experience was memorable and that you would recommend our tour to other travelers visiting Istanbul.
We are especially pleased that your guide’s friendliness, professionalism, and extensive knowledge helped bring the city’s remarkable history to life. Exploring Old City Istanbul (Sultanahmet) with a licensed local guide allows visitors to discover much more than the famous monuments. We are delighted that you enjoyed learning about the fascinating history of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires while visiting world-renowned landmarks such as Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, the Hippodrome, and the Grand Bazaar. Each of these historic sites has its own unique story, and sharing those stories is one of our greatest passions.
At Istanbul Signature Tours, we believe that every Private Istanbul Walking Tour should be informative, engaging, and completely personalized. Through customized itineraries, authentic local insights, and skip-the-line opportunities where available, we aim to help every guest experience the very best of Istanbul at a comfortable pace. Beyond the city’s iconic attractions, we also love introducing our guests to authentic Turkish cuisine, local traditions, vibrant neighborhoods, and hidden gems that make Istanbul one of the world’s most fascinating destinations.
Whether it is your first visit to Istanbul or you are returning to discover more, our mission is to provide one of the highest-rated private guided tours in Istanbul, combining history, architecture, culture, personalized service, and unforgettable local experiences. Every tour is designed to help our guests create lasting memories while gaining a deeper appreciation for this extraordinary city.
Thank you once again for your kind recommendation and for choosing Istanbul Signature Tours. We sincerely look forward to welcoming you back for another unforgettable Private Istanbul Tour, where you can continue exploring the beauty of Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, the Grand Bazaar, the Spice Bazaar, the magnificent Bosphorus, Dolmabahçe Palace, and many more hidden treasures that make Istanbul and Turkey truly unforgettable.
George_T, Jun 2026
Great day out in Istanbul on this walking tour. Our guide Ege spoke excellent English, was very knowledgeable with a sense of humour and is highly recommended. Saw everything we needed to see in this historic City. This walking tour is recommended to anyone wanting the see the main historic sites of Instanbul
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you so much for your fantastic review! We are delighted that you enjoyed discovering the best of Istanbul with Ege on your Private Istanbul Tour.
It is wonderful to hear that Ege’s excellent English, extensive historical knowledge, and great sense of humor made your day both educational and enjoyable. Exploring the magnificent Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, Hippodrome, and Grand Bazaar with a licensed local guide is one of the best ways to experience the rich heritage of Old City Istanbul (Sultanahmet). We are delighted that you were able to discover the remarkable legacy of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires while enjoying a relaxed and personalized experience.
At Istanbul Signature Tours, we believe every Private Istanbul Walking Tour should be tailored to our guests’ interests through a customized itinerary, authentic local insights, and skip-the-line opportunities where available. Our goal is to create one of the best private tours in Istanbul, allowing visitors to experience not only the city’s world-famous landmarks but also its vibrant culture, authentic Turkish cuisine, and hidden gems.
Thank you for recommending Ege and Istanbul Signature Tours. We look forward to welcoming you back for another unforgettable Private Guided Tour in Istanbul, where you can continue exploring the beauty of Istanbul and Turkey with our passionate local guides.
Bobby_A, Jun 2026
The experience was informative and pleasant. Out guide (Zell) began by giving us a presentation of the deep and rich history of of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires highlighting the areas and the events that we were about to see and visit. Then we did just that. At all times she made sure that we were comfortable and answered every question which I posed to her.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are truly delighted that you enjoyed your Private Istanbul Tour with Zell and that your experience was both informative and enjoyable.
It is especially rewarding to hear that Zell’s detailed introduction to the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires provided the perfect foundation for exploring Old City Istanbul (Sultanahmet). Understanding the remarkable history behind the city’s iconic landmarks transforms every visit into a much richer experience, and we are delighted that her engaging presentation helped bring centuries of history to life before you explored Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, the Hippodrome, the Grand Bazaar, and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Historic Areas of Istanbul.
We are equally pleased that Zell’s professionalism, knowledge, patience, and friendly approach made your Private Istanbul Walking Tour comfortable from beginning to end. We believe that the best Istanbul tours are interactive and personalized, giving guests the opportunity to ask unlimited questions, explore at a relaxed pace, and gain a deeper appreciation of Istanbul’s remarkable history, architecture, culture, and traditions. It is wonderful to know that Zell ensured you felt comfortable throughout the day and enthusiastically answered every question.
At Istanbul Signature Tours, we are proud to offer one of the highest-rated private guided tours in Istanbul, featuring licensed local guides, customized itineraries, authentic cultural experiences, and skip-the-line opportunities where available. Whether it is your first visit or a return trip, our mission is to create unforgettable Private Istanbul Tours that combine history, architecture, authentic Turkish cuisine, local culture, and hidden gems with personalized service.
Thank you once again for your kind recommendation of Zell and Istanbul Signature Tours. We sincerely look forward to welcoming you back for another unforgettable Istanbul City Tour, where you can continue discovering Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, the Grand Bazaar, the Spice Bazaar, the magnificent Bosphorus, and many more incredible treasures that make Istanbul and Turkey one of the world’s most extraordinary destinations.
Seth_S, Jun 2026
It’s a very comprehensive visit to the most popular attractions in Istanbul! Our guide Umutcan was knowledgeable, patient and perceptive.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for your wonderful review! We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your comprehensive tour of Istanbul’s most iconic attractions.
Your kind words about Umutcan mean a lot to us. We are pleased to know that his knowledge, patience, and attentiveness helped make your experience both enjoyable and memorable.
Thank you for choosing us for your Istanbul sightseeing tour. We hope to welcome you back soon for another unforgettable journey through the history and culture of Istanbul!
Danny_S, Jun 2026
Guide Mehmet was extremely knowledgeable. He gave us detailed information about the historical significance of Istanbul. We tried local food and traditional vendors under mehmet’s wings. We highly recommend mehmet for your tours in istanbul. Safety, satisfactional and clear.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are delighted to hear that you had such a memorable experience with Mehmet.
As a former lieutenant and civil engineer with a deep passion for history, Mehmet enjoys sharing the rich history and cultural heritage of Istanbul in an engaging and informative way. We are thrilled that his detailed explanations, local insights, and guidance helped make your visit even more meaningful. It is also wonderful to know that you enjoyed authentic local food and traditional vendors during your tour.
Your recommendation means the world to us. Thank you for your kind words about Mehmet’s professionalism, knowledge, and the safe and enjoyable experience he provided. We look forward to welcoming you back to Istanbul for another unforgettable tour!
Tina_B, Jun 2026
Umutcan was an incredible guide! Extremely knowledgeable about Istanbul/Turkey history, sites, customs, culture, really everything. He is a friendly, well-spoken and personable young man. There were six of us and he answered all of our many questions. We all highly recommend taking this tour of Istanbul with Umutcan. He even got back to us after the tour with some additional ideas on what to do in Istanbul.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you so much for your fantastic review! We are delighted to hear that you had such a memorable experience exploring Istanbul with Umutcan.
Your kind words about his knowledge of Istanbul’s history, culture, customs, and local life truly mean a lot to us. Umutcan is passionate about creating engaging and personalized experiences, and we’re happy to know he answered all of your group’s questions with patience and enthusiasm. It is especially wonderful to hear that his support continued even after the tour by sharing additional recommendations to help you enjoy more of Istanbul.
Thank you for highly recommending our Istanbul private tour and Umutcan. We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back for another unforgettable journey through the rich history and culture of Turkey!
susan_b, Jun 2026
Our guide was lovely very knowledgeable.
It would help if Viator could put the cost of entry to Hagi Sophia /Bascilla / Topkapi Palace. As we were not aware, the extra would have amounted around £130. We choose the Bascilla which was great.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for your kind review. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the tour and found our guide knowledgeable and informative.
We also appreciate your feedback regarding the entrance fees. Please note that admission tickets are not included in the tour price, and this information is clearly stated in the tour description before booking. As entrance fees are set by the local authorities and may change over time, we are unable to include them in the tour price.
We are glad that you chose to visit the Basilica Cistern and that you enjoyed the experience. Thank you again for your feedback, and we hope to welcome you back to Istanbul in the future.
Dionne_M, Jun 2026
Female was a wonderful tour guide. We were visiting overnight and he took great care of us making sure we visited all of the sites in the city. He was a great historian, able to answer all of our questions and was a great photographer too. Thank you for making our time in Istanbul great.
Edward_S, Jun 2026
Our tour was with Mustafa Kemal Baştürk. He was so enthusiastic and joyful, which was really great for the kids. The kids were resistant about a whole day of walking, but ended up really enjoying it, and learning a lot. Mustafa was accommodating and patient, and an overall great tour guide.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are truly delighted to hear that your family had such an enjoyable Private Istanbul Tour with Mustafa Kemal Baştürk.
It is especially rewarding to know that Mustafa’s enthusiasm, positive energy, and friendly approach made the experience fun and engaging for your children. We are delighted that what started as a day of walking became an unforgettable journey through Old City Istanbul (Sultanahmet), where your family could discover iconic landmarks such as Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, the Hippodrome, and the Grand Bazaar while learning about Istanbul’s fascinating history and culture with a licensed local guide.
At Istanbul Signature Tours, we are committed to providing one of the highest-rated private tours in Istanbul with customized itineraries for families, couples, and small groups. Thank you for your kind words about Mustafa’s patience and professionalism. We look forward to welcoming you back for another unforgettable Private Istanbul Walking Tour, where you can continue exploring Turkey’s rich history, vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and hidden gems together.
Sophia_L, Jun 2026
We had a great experience with Resul. We are a family of 4 adults visiting Istanbul for the first time. Resul was very knowledgeable regarding history and politics of the region. He also took into consideration our preferences and discussed with us the must dos and the nice-to-do-if-time-allows based on our wants/needs. One of our highlights was that Resul took us to a local restaurant for lunch — this was a best meal we had in Istanbul by far!
Gordon_S, Jun 2026
This was a great tour that I would highly recommend for anyone who wants to check off the "major" historic Istanbul attractions! Our tour guide, Sabit, was extremely knowledgeable and personable. We were not able to see the Grand Bazaar or Spice Bazaar as they were closed for the holiday. Other than that, we were able to tour everything we wanted and had a lovely day. Sabit was able to navigate us through the long lines to see the Hagia Sophia and the Basilica Cistern, and once inside knew where to take us, what would be of specific interest to our group, and where to avoid major areas of congestion and tourist traps. We really enjoyed our day and have nothing but good things to say about the experience!
Sejal_M, Jun 2026
We had a great day with Atakan! Thank you so much for the great tour. We enjoyed learning about the history of Turkey, as well as visiting the historic sites. We also appreciated the hotel pick up very much.
Elaine_K, Jun 2026
We had an amazing day on the walking tour with our guide, Umutcan. His knowledge and expertise made the day both enjoyable and efficient. Highly recommend!
Karina_K, Jun 2026
Outstanding day in Istanbul with our most wonderful guide Sabit Kara!!!! An excellent storyteller, so well informed, fun and kind. The visits to the Sultanahmed Mosque and Hagia Sofia were extraordinary, and then the shopping in the “IYKYK” places he took us to so fabulous! He is most definitely “a tour guide, NOT touristy”! Sabit is ultra super recommended and we can’t wait to visit again soon. Thank you!
Rosanne_S, Jun 2026
Our tour guide Erkan was awesome!! He showed us absolutely everything we wanted to see. It was an all day private tour and we enjoyed him so much.
Colin_D, May 2026
Just finished an absolutely inspiring tour with Emel. She is a wealth of knowledge and her passion for her country was inspiring.
The time went much too quickly and I can’t wait to see more of this amazing city with her.
mheidenrlake, May 2026
This tour was amazing! Mustafa met us at the port and shared so much history with us. He tailored the tour to our wants and made it a special day! We would not have known what to do in this extremely large city! He knew the routes and sites and his suggestions were perfect! I highly recommend this tour. Using the local transportation and walking was the way to go to see everything we wanted to see. Or stop at a rooftop restaurant was a highlight.
From $75.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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