Private Guided Tour: Discovering Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

8 hours (approx.)
Pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Overview

A great choice for first-timers or cruise visitors, this private morning or afternoon tour takes in the highlights of Istanbul’s UNESCO-listed historic quarter. Learn about Istanbul’s two great empires, as you stroll through the Byzantine Hippodrome and tour the opulent Ottoman palace of Topkapi. Keep your camera to hand as you visit the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, two of the city’s most magnificent works of architecture. Finally, soak up hundreds of years of history as you wander around the Grand Bazaar, with plenty of time for souvenir shopping.

Choice of morning or afternoon departure
Enjoy a day away from the hustle and bustle of the city
Private guide for a more personalized experience
Free port pickup and drop-off included
Free hotel pickup and drop-off included

What's Included

Pickup / drop off service is provided from/to hotels at European side of Istanbul
Professional art historian guide
Guaranteed to skip the long lines
Parking Fees
Private transportation

Food and drinks
Entrance fees to attraction

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Pickup details

Pickup / drop off service is provided from / to centrally located hotels at European side of Istanbul

Itinerary

Hippodrome

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Blue Mosque

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

TopkapI Palace

1 hour • Admission Ticket Not Included

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

1 hour • Admission Ticket Not Included

Grand Bazaar

2 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Infant seats available
Not wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed
Most travelers can participate
A minimum of 2 people per booking is required

Due to the COVID-19 Virus the itinerary may change as some attractions may be closed.
Dolmabahce is closed on Mondays.
Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.
Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays.
This is a walking tour.
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

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

4.6

based on 9 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Wonderful way to discover Istanbul.

Matthew_F, Aug 2025

We had a fabulous day with our guide Efe. What a wonderful city! Efe showed us all the sites, tailored the trip to our needs and made the day fantastic. A wonderful way to introduce yourself to Istambul. Thanks Efe!

Highly recommend, especially with limited days.

Janice_N, Aug 2025

Full day. Lots of good info. Sheref Aral was very professional and patient. We were on a private tour, just 2 of us with Sheref. Nice to bypass long lines with skip the lines access.

Short stay

Lasmaydha_S, Apr 2025

The tour was very disappointing. The tour guide (Shahnaz) did not provide much explanation; and most of the time was on her phone and left us wondering by ourselves.

Response from Host, May 2025

Thank you for reaching out and sharing your feedback. We are very sorry to hear about your disappointing experience; however, after reviewing our records, we would like to inform you that we do not have a tour guide named Shahnaz on our team, nor has she worked on any of our tours. It is possible that your booking may have been with a different operator, and we recommend double-checking the tour provider name listed in your Viator confirmation to ensure the feedback reaches the correct company. Nonetheless, we understand how frustrating a negative experience can be during travel, and we hope your upcoming adventures are much more enjoyable. If there’s anything else we can assist you with, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Our guide Sait was...

Brandon_C, Apr 2025

Our guide Sait was amazing - great personality, fantastic knowledge, fun, adaptable, and excellent English. We learned much, had lots of fun, and came home with a head full of new visions and memories.

Response from Host, Jun 2025

Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear that you had such a memorable experience with Sait. His knowledge, energy, and ability to adapt truly make him a standout guide, and we’re so happy he helped create such meaningful memories for you. It’s our greatest joy to know you returned home with not only new knowledge but also unforgettable moments. We hope to welcome you back to Turkey again soon! Warm regards, Melisa

Great value for independent tour with knowledgeable and friendly tour guide

Deborah_L, Aug 2024

Great value for independent tour with knowledgeable and friendly tour guide. We visited old town and bazaars.

Response from Host, Aug 2024

Dear Deborah, Thank you for your kind words! It was our pleasure to giving service to you We’re delighted that you enjoyed the tour and appreciate your recommendation. We would love to welcome you again in the future! Warmest Regards.

A great day out

JOHN_D, Jun 2024

Baris was excellent with 20 years tour guide experience, taking us on an informative easy paced tour around Istanbul.

Response from Host, Jun 2024

Hello Dear Jojn, We are profoundly grateful for your exquisite review. It brings us immense joy to know that Baris, with his illustrious 20 years of tour guiding expertise, was able to curate an enlightening and serenely paced exploration of Istanbul for you. Your generous words are deeply appreciated, and we are elated that your experience with us was memorable and enriching. Thank you ever so much for entrusting us with your journey. Warmest Regadrs.

Istanbul private tour

Omar_G, May 2023

Great value, well organized, flexible and reliable. Knowledgeable guide and cautious driver. A must if you have one day.

Response from Host, May 2023

Dear Omar, Thank you for taking the time to get in touch with us to share your recent experience with our company. It's a great pleasure for us to hear that you enjoyed your trip with Ada Vegas Travel. Your feedback always motivates us to serve you better. We are looking forward to welcoming you on your next trip in the very near future. Warm Regards