Istanbul Private Guided Tour

Duration
  • 8 Hours
Tour Type
  • Private Guided
Activity Level
  • Medium
Season
  • All Year Round
Tour Theme
  • Cultural
  • ·
  • Historical
Perfect for
  • Family
  • ·
  • Friends
  • ·
  • Groups

Tour Description

Istanbul is a must-visit destination in Turkey, with its rich history and cultural charm attracting millions of tourists annually. To fully immerse yourself in the city’s past, consider taking a walking tour. Our Istanbul Guided Tour is highly recommended, as it offers a comprehensive and educational experience that covers all the major landmarks and attractions in the city. This tour allows you to truly feel the authentic atmosphere of Istanbul as you stroll through its streets.

Full-Day Private Istanbul Tour

On this walking tour, you will be picked up from your hotel in the morning and transported to the meeting point by a comfortable car. There, you will meet the professional tour guide who will lead you on a journey through the Sultan Ahmet Centre, providing interesting and informative commentary along the way. As you walk through this historical area, you will visit a variety of major landmarks and points of interest. This tour allows you to experience the rich culture and history of Istanbul in an immersive and interactive way.

The first stop on the tour is the Hippodrome, an ancient sporting arena that was used during the Byzantine period. Here, you can see several historical monuments, including the German Fountain of Wilhelm II, the Column of Constantine, the Serpentine Column, and the Egyptian Obelisk. Next, the tour continues to the Blue Mosque, a stunning and iconic place of worship that is known for its beautiful blue-tiled interior. Please note that the Blue Mosque is an active place of worship and is therefore not open to visitors on Fridays. This tour offers a unique opportunity to explore some of Istanbul’s most iconic and historically significant sites.

Located next to the Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sophia is another important historical monument in Istanbul. This massive church was built by Constantine the Great during the Byzantine era and is now a museum that attracts millions of visitors each year due to its rich history and stunning architectural design. Please note that the Hagia Sophia is closed on Mondays, so on that day, tour participants will visit the Underground Cistern instead. This underground structure is a fascinating and unique attraction that offers a glimpse into the city’s past.

Istanbul Guided Tour

After exploring the city center’s major landmarks, the tour continues with a visit to the Grand Bazaar, a bustling and vibrant marketplace that is known for its size and variety of offerings. With over 4,000 small shops, the bazaar is a treasure trove of unique handicrafts, spices, clothing, and souvenirs. This is the perfect place to hone your bargaining skills and take home a piece of Istanbul’s rich culture and history. The Grand Bazaar is a must-see attraction on any visit to the city.

After exploring the Grand Bazaar, you will take a break for lunch at a local restaurant near the marketplace. This is a great opportunity to relax and take in the lively atmosphere of the city center. Recharged and refreshed, you will then walk to the Sultans’ Tombs, a series of five tombs that contain the remains of Ottoman Sultans. These tombs are known for their beautiful 16th century ceramic panels, which feature intricate flower motifs and a range of colors. As you walk through the tombs, you can also observe the other interesting covers that are placed on the sarcophagi. This tour offers a unique and educational experience that allows you to learn about Istanbul’s rich history and cultural traditions.

The final stop on this guided walking tour is the Topkapi Palace, a former residence of the Ottoman sultans that now serves as a museum. At the palace, you can explore a collection of precious gems and jewelry, sultans’ costumes, and other important artifacts from the 15th to the 19th century. This tour offers a unique opportunity to learn about the history and culture of Istanbul and the Ottoman Empire through its rich and fascinating collections.

After completing the tour of the Topkapi Palace, you will return to your hotel by a comfortable and modern bus. The estimated arrival time at the hotel is in the afternoon. This exciting and educational walking tour is a must-do activity during your vacation in Istanbul and will surely be an unforgettable experience.

Experience the authentic atmosphere of Istanbul’s city center on an exceptional walking tour. The Byzantine & Ottoman Relics Tour is the perfect choice for those who want to learn about the city’s rich history and culture. This full-day excursion is designed to provide interesting and informative insights into the city’s past and is sure to leave you with lasting memories. Join this tour and discover some of Istanbul’s most iconic monuments while immersing yourself in the vibrant and dynamic culture of the city.

Istanbul Guided Tour is designed for you and your friends or family. The displayed price is per person for a group of 4, but rates may vary for smaller or larger groups. Contact us for more information and to customize your tour. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience the unique and captivating history on a private tour.


Tour Details

Sights

  • Istanbul
  • ·
  • Turkey

Highlights

Hagia Sophia
Blue Mosque
Hippodrome
Sultans’ Tombs
Topkapi Palace
Grand Bazaar

Departure Location

Istanbul Hotels

Inclusions

Sightseeings in the Tour Program
Professional Official Tour Guidance
Entrance Fees
Transfers on a Private Basis
Lunch
Local Taxes

Exclusions

Beverages
Personal Expenses
Tips

Add-ons

Shared Bosphorus Cruise
Private Yacht Cruise on Bosphorus
Departure from Istanbul Airport
Departure from Sabiha Gokcen Airport

Tour Program

09:00 Pickup

On this walking tour, you will be picked up from your hotel in the morning by a comfortable vehicle and transported to the meeting point. There, you will meet your professional tour guide, who is an expert on the city’s history and culture. This experienced guide will lead you on a journey through some of Istanbul’s most important landmarks and points of interest, providing informative and engaging commentary along the way. This is a great opportunity to learn about the city’s rich history and culture in an immersive and interactive way.

09:30Hippodrome

The first stop on this walking tour is the Hippodrome, a historic sporting arena that was used during the Byzantine period. The surrounding area is home to four major monuments, including the Egyptian Obelisk, the Column of Constantine, the Serpentine Column, and the German Fountain of Wilhelm II. During your time at the Hippodrome, you will have the opportunity to admire these impressive structures and learn about their history and significance. This tour offers a unique and educational experience that allows you to explore some of Istanbul’s most iconic and historically significant sites.

10:00Blue Mosque

After visiting the Hippodrome, the tour will continue to the Blue Mosque, one of the most visited and important mosques in Turkey. As an active place of worship, the Blue Mosque is a true marvel of interior design, with its walls adorned with beautiful blue tiles. Your tour guide will provide interesting and informative commentary about the history and significance of this iconic place as you explore its interior. This tour offers a unique opportunity to learn about Istanbul’s rich cultural and religious traditions.

10:30Hagia Sophia

The tour continues with a visit to the Hagia Sophia, a massive and iconic monument that was built in the 4th century by Constantine the Great and reconstructed in the 6th century. Today, it is one of the most visited monuments in Turkey and a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Istanbul. The impressive size and rich history of the Hagia Sophia are sure to leave a lasting impression on all who visit. This tour offers a unique and educational experience that allows you to explore some of Istanbul’s most iconic and historically significant sites.

11:00Grand Bazaar

After visiting these iconic landmarks, the tour continues with a visit to the Grand Bazaar, a bustling and vibrant marketplace that is a must-see for anyone visiting Istanbul. With over 4,000 small shops located in narrow, labyrinthine paths, the Grand Bazaar is a treasure trove of unique clothing, handicrafts, street food, and souvenirs. This is the perfect place to exercise your bargaining skills and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the city. The Grand Bazaar is a must-see attraction that offers a unique and exciting experience for all who visit.

13:00Lunch

After exploring the Grand Bazaar, you will take a break for lunch at a local restaurant in the area. This is a great opportunity to relax and enjoy a tasty meal before continuing with the rest of the tour. Take the time to recharge your energy and get ready to experience more of Istanbul’s rich history and culture.

14:00Sultans’ Tombs

After the lunch break, the tour continues with a visit to the Sultans’ Tombs monument, where you will see five tombs from the 16th century. The intricate ceramic panels and decorative covers on the sarcophagi are among the highlights of this attraction. As you explore this historical site, your tour guide will provide interesting and informative commentary about the tombs and their significance. This tour offers a unique and educational experience that allows you to learn about Istanbul’s rich history and cultural traditions.

14:30Topkapi Palace

The final stop on this tour is the Topkapi Palace, a former residence of the Ottoman Sultans that is now a museum. Visitors can tour the palace and explore its various rooms, as well as a collection of Ottoman artifacts such as jewelry, precious stones, and costumes. The Topkapi Palace is a must-see attraction for anyone interested in the history and culture of Istanbul and the Ottoman Empire. This tour offers a unique and educational experience that allows you to learn about the city’s rich history and cultural traditions.

17:00 Return Back

After the final stop at the Topkapi Palace, you will return to your hotel by modern vehicle. This walking tour is a truly memorable and educational experience that allows you to explore some of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks and learn about the city’s rich history and culture. This excursion is sure to be an unforgettable journey through time.


Tour Map


Tour FAQ

How can I change the tour itinerary?

Customizable itineraries where you may choose sightseeings as per your taste & comfort. The tour program listed is representative and may completely change to suit your wishes. Feel free to say hello to us!

What is the difference between Private and Regular SIC Tours?

Private tours only include your group, your guide, and your driver. We offer the most personalized and intimate experience for you and your friends/family in a private tour! Regular SIC tours stand for Seat-in-Coach Basis Tours, which means you will share an air-conditioned coach or van with other tourists and you will have an English-speaking tour guide to take you to all the scenic spots listed in the itinerary that day. While the prices of private tours may vary according to the number of people, the prices of regular tours are fixed.

What languages are available for tours?

Our private tours are operated in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, and Japanese. Feel free to contact us for any other languages.

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