1-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour (Old City Tour)

Sultanahmet District - Sultanahmet District

German Fountain - German Fountain / Alman Çeşmesi

Hippodrome - Hippodrome Square / Atmeydanı Hippodrome; a historic site where chariot races took place during the Roman Empire. The Egyptian Column from the Byzantine era and the German Fountain are key landmarks in this Ottoman Empire square.

Hagia Sophia Mosque - Hagia Sophia Museum / Ayasofya / Santa Sofia Constructed in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian, it has been pivotal in both the Christian and Islamic worlds. Following the Ottoman conquest, the bells, altar, iconoclastic, and sacrificial vessels were removed, and many mosaics were plastered over to transform the church into a mosque, then a museum, and now a mosque once more. This is a must-see on any Istanbul tour in Old City Istanbul / Constantinople. Please note that as it is no longer a museum, tour guides do not have skip-the-line privileges. To avoid long waits, it is recommended to start the tour at 8:30 am or 9:00 am.

Blue Mosque - Constructed between 1609-1616 for Sultan Ahmet I of the Ottoman Empire, this magnificent mosque features six minarets. It is called the “Blue Mosque” for two reasons: the first is that its interior is adorned with Blue İznik tiles, and the second is that ancient sailors saw the blue hues of the sea reflected on the mosque as they sailed by on the Marmara Sea.

Basilica Cistern - The Basilica Cistern is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns beneath the city, providing a water filtration system for nearby buildings. This underground chamber measures approximately 138 meters (453 ft) by 64.6 meters (212 ft) and can hold 80,000 cubic meters (2,800,000 cu ft) of water. The ceiling is supported by 336 marble columns.

Topkapi Palace - The expansive Topkapi Palace Museum / Topkapı Sarayı served not only as the Imperial Residence of Ottoman Sultans but also as the seat of the Supreme Executive and Judiciary Council for nearly 400 years. Topkapi Palace is a remarkable example of Oriental architecture, symbolizing the power of the Ottoman Empire.

Grand Bazaar - The final stop is the world-renowned Grand Bazaar, the largest covered bazaar globally. This vibrant, unique market with over 4000 shops offers traditional textiles, tiles, handmade products, jewelry, and more, attracting both locals and tourists worldwide.

2-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour – (Bosphorus Region Tour)

Bosphorus Strait - Bosphorus Cruise by Public Ferry or Private Cruise (if selected) offers a chance to see both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul, including Galata Tower, Dolmabahce Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, the Rumeli Fortress, old Ottoman villas, Bosphorus bridges, and mosques. The Bosphorus is sure to be a highlight of your Istanbul tour.

Dolmabahce Palace - Constructed in the mid-1800s to replace an earlier wooden structure, this palace includes sixteen separate buildings, featuring stables, a flour mill, and a clock tower.

Taksim Square - Taksim Square / Taksim Meydanı is a significant location in modern Turkey, having witnessed many historical events. It is close to Istiklal Street (Istiklal Caddesi) and Galata Tower, along with European embassies in Taxim. Cicek Passage offers excellent dining options, cafes, shops, bars, and nightclubs around Taksim.

Istiklal Caddesi - Istiklal Street represents the modern and vibrant side of Turkey, with churches, modern art galleries, embassies, pubs, cafes, and shops selling a variety of products.

Galata Tower - Cicek Passage / Flower Passage, originally named Cite de Pera, showcases a blend of traditional and modern construction methods and architectural styles from the Ottoman Empire. Today, it features small shops and cafes. The tower will be viewed from the outside, as tour guides do not have skip-the-line privileges, leading to long wait times. Your guide will provide information about the tower.

Misir Carsisi (Spice Market) - Spice Market / Mısır Çarşısı, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, is a vibrant indoor market with numerous shops offering a wide range of spices, purses, flavored teas, Turkish delight, nuts, ceramics, and small souvenirs. The Spice Bazaar is located in Eminonu Square, the connection point of the Bosphorus and Golden Horn.

3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour (Golden Horn Tour)

Historic Areas of Istanbul - Historic Areas of Istanbul

Suleymaniye Mosque - Designed by the renowned architect Sinan for one of the greatest Ottoman rulers, this majestic mosque, though less ornate, shares many similarities with the Hagia Sophia, as the same architect was responsible for both.

Balat - Fener-Balat Neighborhood backstreet walk continues the exploration of Istanbul’s rich religious history with a visit to the Church of St. George. Since the 1600s, the church has been the site of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, recognized as the spiritual leader of the Eastern Orthodox Religion. In the Balat District, lines of drying laundry stretch across steep, winding streets. Century-old Ottoman houses lean against each other in a mix of reds, blues, and greens, while art galleries and design shops dot the area along the water.

Fener Rum Patrikhanesi - Orthodox Patriarch

Bulgarian Orthodox Church - St. Stephen Church, located on the shore of the Golden Horn, is also known as the Iron Church because it is made entirely of prefabricated cast iron from the 19th century.

Pierre Loti Tepesi - Pierre Loti Hill and Cable Car are popular attractions offering stunning views. Take the cable car to the top and enjoy the beautiful scenery while sipping Turkish coffee or tea.

Rahmi M. Koc Museum - The Rahmi M. Koç Museum is Turkey’s first major museum dedicated to the history of Transport, Industry, and Communications. Situated in magnificent buildings on the historic Golden Horn shore, the collection includes thousands of items, from gramophone needles to full-size ships and aircraft.

Halic - The Golden Horn region is one of the oldest settlements in the city of Constantinople.

• Professional local guide
• Private tour
• Guide meets you at central hotels

• Transportation (from/back to hotel, between sites (unless option selected)
• Museum/Ferry/Cable Car Tickets
• Lunch

Prepare to be awed by Istanbul’s magnificent architecture, rich history, and eclectic bazaars as you discover the unmissable highlights of the Old City on this 1-, 2-, or 3-day private tour.
Take the time to explore Istanbul’s most magnificent sites at your own pace with a full-day, guided tour of the city’s historic places and landmarks. Follow in the footsteps of charioteers and Roman soldiers at the Hippodrome
Marvel over the glorious Hagia Sophia, learn how the Blue Mosque earned its famous nickname, and see the ancient Basilica Cistern. Tour Topkapi Palace to gain an insight into the lavish lifestyles of the Ottoman sultans and their harem, and browse the legendary Grand Bazaar, where you find everything from carpets to Turkish delight.
•Exclusive Istanbul tour led by a private guide
•Comprehensive tour of the city over one, two, or three days
•Explore the local streets on a walking tour of the city
•Customize the itinerary according to your schedule

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.