Best of Istanbul: 1-Day Private Guided Tour

Start Point: Your Istanbul Hotel or Galataport

Best of Istanbul: 1-Day Private Guided Tour

Discover the essence of Istanbul with a journey through its most captivating landmarks with a private tour of where the history and culture will meet you at every corner of the place. 

Connect with the legacy of the Ottoman Empire and step inside the Topkapi Palace and take in the exquisite halls and interiors that boast of abundance as well as impressive views of the Bosphorus Strait.

Gaze at the massive Hagia Sophia, a remarkable monument that reflects both Christian and Islamic heritage, and admire the impressive domes, minarets, and blue Iznik tiles of the Blue Mosque.

Continue to the Basilica Cistern, one of Istanbul’s most atmospheric Byzantine landmarks, before experiencing the colorful shops and lively atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar.

This tour is not simply about witnessing certain monuments. It is all about feeling the very essence of Istanbul, every step revealing a new tale, a new miracle, and a stronger bond to this fascinating city.

All you have at the final will be the unforgettable, unique memories of Istanbul!

Tour Info
  • Destinations: Istanbul
  • Duration: 6 - 8 Hours
  • Start Point:
  • End Point:
  • Inclusions: Private Tour, Licensed Tour Guide, Skip-the-Line Access to Buy Tickets
  • Exclusions: Transportation by Private Van (optional), Airport Transfers (optional), Museum Tickets & Attraction Fees, Meals & Drinks, Gratuity (Suggested)
  • Sight to See: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace Museum, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, Basilica Cistern, Hippodrome Square

Your private tour guide will meet you at the hotel lobby or cruise port at the scheduled time to start the Best of Istanbul Tour.

Highlights of Topkapi Palace Museum (Topkapi Sarayi): It was the seat of the Supreme Executive Council for almost 400 years. Topkapi Palace is a great monument of Oriental architecture that reflects the power of the Ottoman Empire.

Byzantine Hippodrome/Sultanahmet Square: The site of chariot races in Roman times. Its Egyptian Column dates back to the Byzantine Empire. Today, the German Fountain is the centerpiece of the square.

Hagia Sophia: Also known as Ayasofya or Santa Sofia, was constructed in the 6th century under the patronage of Emperor Justinian. It holds significant historical and religious prominence in both Christian and Islamic traditions. 

Blue Mosque: Constructed in the early 1600s for Sultan Ahmet I of the Ottoman Empire, stands as a remarkable architectural masterpiece. Despite its massive scale, the delicate proportions of this structure showcase exemplary craftsmanship and artistry.

Basilica Cistern: An atmospheric underground reservoir from Byzantine Constantinople, famous for its forest of marble columns, dim lighting, and haunting reflections in shallow water.

Grand Bazaar: Also known as Kapali Carsi, is the largest and oldest covered market in the world, boasting over 4,000 shops. Visitors can explore a wide variety of colorful products, including ceramics, leather goods, rugs, carpets, handicrafts, clothing, silver, and gold.

At the end of your private tour in Istanbul, your guide will accompany you back to your hotel or the Istanbul port. 

This is the end of our service. We sincerely hope to welcome you as our guest again!

  • Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays, so will be replaced with Turkish & Islamic Arts Museum.
  • Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays so will be replaced with Spice Market if your Istanbul tour is on that day.
  • Children aged 7 and under are free of charge. Please make sure that you have passport copies of children as we have to verify their ages at museums for free tickets.
  • On Fridays, Hagia Sophia entrance will be restricted between 12:00pm - 14:30pm and Blue Mosque will be restricted until 14:30pm.
Inclusions
  • Private Tour
  • Licensed Tour Guide
  • Skip-the-Line Access to Buy Tickets
Exclusions
  • Transportation by Private Van (optional)
  • Airport Transfers (optional)
  • Museum Tickets & Attraction Fees
  • Meals & Drinks
  • Gratuity (Suggested)
24 Hour - Free cancellation

You are eligible for a full refund if you cancel your booking at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time of the experience.

However, if you cancel within 24 hours of the start time, no refund will be issued, and we will not be able to accept any modification requests during this period.

Please note that all cancellation deadlines are based on local time.