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Istanbul Highlights: Guided City Exploration
5.0
11 Ratings
Fatih
Explore Istanbul’s Old City with a private guide. Discover hidden gems, rich history, and perfect photo spots. Experience the city like never before.
Explore Istanbul’s Old City with a private guide. Discover hidden gems, rich history, and perfect photo spots. Experience the city like never before.
Duration:
8 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Hippodrome - The Hippodrome was the venue for chariot races during Roman times. Information about the city’s history will be shared. Visitors will see some obelisks and can photograph the city’s oldest monument, the Egyptian Obelisk.
- Blue Mosque - A visit to one of the most significant Ottoman mosques is planned. Information about Islam and…
- Hippodrome - The Hippodrome was the venue for chariot races during Roman times. Information about the city’s history will be shared. Visitors will see some obelisks and can photograph the city’s oldest monument, the Egyptian Obelisk.
- Blue Mosque - A visit to one of the most significant Ottoman mosques is planned. Information about Islam and the mosque’s architecture will be provided, explaining why it is called the Blue Mosque. A dress code is in place: ladies must cover their heads with headscarves and wear longer dresses, while men can wear shorts that are knee-length or longer.
- Hagia Sophia Mosque - This visit includes one of the world’s most important places of worship. Hagia Sophia, a 1500-year-old structure, represents a blend of religions and cultures. A dress code applies: ladies must cover their heads with headscarves and wear longer dresses, while men can wear shorts that are knee-length or longer.
- Topkapi Palace - The tour includes a visit to an Ottoman palace. Topkapi Palace served as the royal family’s private residence and was the administrative and educational center of the Ottoman state. It resembles an open-air museum, and visitors will explore the rooms and enjoy one of Istanbul’s best views from the last courtyard. Note that Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays.
- Basilica Cistern - A visit to a Roman-era cistern is included. It is the largest water storage area from Roman times and is famous for its two Medusa Head sculptures.
- Grand Bazaar - The tour includes a visit to the world’s first shopping mall, which also serves as a cultural center. Visitors can experience Turkish culture and purchase souvenirs as memorable keepsakes from Istanbul.
What's Included
- Guidance Fee
- Guidance Fee
What's Not Included
- Private transportation
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Lunch
- All expenses
- Gratuities
- Entrance fees
- Entrance fees
- Entrance fees
- Private transportation
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Lunch
- All expenses
- Gratuities
- Entrance fees
- Entrance fees
- Entrance fees
Additional Information
Discover the beauty of Istanbul by exploring its most significant highlights with a licensed professional tour guide. The guide will share historical insights, stories, and information about Turkish culture, religion, and architecture, as well as aspects of daily life in Turkey. Additionally, the guide will provide unique insights not found in books….
Discover the beauty of Istanbul by exploring its most significant highlights with a licensed professional tour guide. The guide will share historical insights, stories, and information about Turkish culture, religion, and architecture, as well as aspects of daily life in Turkey. Additionally, the guide will provide unique insights not found in books. They will assist with any requests and strive to answer all questions. The guide will also point out the best spots for photography, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable tour. Experience the city’s charm through the guide’s expertise.
- Walking distances, taking pictures and waitings on the queues takes approximately 1 hour during the tour.
- You will have 1 hour free time for your lunch.
- If you would like me to arrange the TICKETS in advance, please contact me.
- If you would like me to arrange a TRANSFER or a vehicle for you, please contact me.
- If you would like me to organise anything else for you, please don’t hesitate to contact me
- Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays.
- Blue Mosque is closed till 2:30pm on Fridays.
- Hagia Sophia is closed between 12:00 - 2:30pm on Fridays.
Location
German Fountain
At Meydanı Caddesi
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(11 Ratings)
5 stars
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1 star
Michele_k
Jan 28, 2026
Omer is a great guide. ... - Omer is a great guide. This tour went to all of the "must sees" of Istanbul if you don't have much time in the city. Having Omer there to tell us the history and get us around was well worth the money.
Review provided by Viator
719jonathano
Dec 17, 2025
Super tour from super guide - Omer was an awesome guide for us in
Istanbul. He was a great communicator, showed up early, was patient and flexible.
We were able to travel at our own pace, he knows the city well and was a great companion for our first day in Istanbul.
If you’re looking for a great guide, look no further, Omer is your man!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sarahbracco
Sep 27, 2025
5 Stars to Omer! - The tour we took with Omer Sanal was wonderful! Omer is knowledgeable, personable and thoughtful, sharing history of Istanbul and his culture. Our walking tour included the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, the Grand Bazaar (including a weaving demonstration) and the Basilica Cistern. Although it was a lot to cover in one day, we never felt rushed. We highly recommend Omer…. It was a perfect day. Thank you!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
881juliusa
Apr 23, 2025
Great day in Istanbul - Omer was an amazing guide! Very knowledgeable and really knows his way around. He made it very informative and enjoyable.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
R695rkkeithb
Apr 8, 2025
Guided tour old town, Istanbul - Omer to say the least was an amazing guide, we learned so much from Omar visiting the Blue Mosque , Grand Bazaar, Hagia Sophia Moschee, took a boat ride on the Bosporus Strait, used all the public forms of transportation, and pretty much walked all thru Istanbul. The entire time we felt like we were in excellent hands. We have already recommended Omer to all our friends and family.Omer From Keith and Susan thanks for making our trip so special.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
T2227dgadams
Jan 2, 2025
Omer is the best! - Omer is an amazing guide with over a decade of experience in guiding in Istanbul. He knows the spots to discover and has lot of info on the main sites. I was there with my mom. We visited the haugia Sophia, Topkapi palace, the cistern and grand Bazaar. He helped us with crowds and personal safety. And he helped us find very specific souvenirs like antique items in the bazaar.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Aprill796
Jan 1, 2025
Omer is worth every penny! - Omer made us feel safe and comfortable in a busy and exotic city. As two women traveling, Omer made our 6 hour tour to: Hagia Sophia, The Blue Mosque, and Basilica Cistern seamless and easy. He is a native Turk, professional and a comfortable person to be around. He gave us practical and historical information that enhanced our entire experience. He is not pushy and for example we stopped and had coffee when we needed to rest. He also guided us to, and came along with us onto the tram to make it on time to our Bosphorus sunset cruise, which would have been very complicated to maneuver without him. I had been told by others that hiring a private and professional guide was “worth it” and now I understand why.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Helene
Oct 16, 2024
A memorable day in Istanbul with Omer. - With Omer you will make the most of your day visiting Istanbul. It will take you to the right place at the right time to avoid long queues. It can also cut the line in several places. You will not waste time and you will make the most of your day. Omer picked us up at Galata port and we took public transport to the historic part of Istanbul. We spent the day with him and we made the right choice. A memorable day. Of note, Omer is English-speaking.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lv2trvlevrywer
Sep 14, 2024
Friendly and personable local guide, you can't go wrong! - Highly recommend Omer for a Private Guided Tour in the Old City of Istanbul. He is very responsive via WhatsApp and very knowledgeable of the Old City. He will tailor the tour to your needs. He can also get into special ticket lines for the Basilica Cistern and Topkapi Palace so you do not have to go through long queues to purchase tickets. If there is something particular you are interested in Omer will gladly recommend. We had a lunch at a delicious kebab restaurant that Omer highly recommended and we were not disappointed. Hire Omer!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rohan
Jun 5, 2024
Guided tour - Istanbul - Enjoyed our guided walk tour through the Blue Mosque and Topkapi palace with Mr Omer. He is knowledgeable, enthusiastic, always smiling and was very patient to adjust with the young and old within our group. Highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor