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Follow a licensed private guide across the historic center of Istanbul on this full-day, 8-hour tour. It runs daily, departing at 9:00 am with pickup from your hotel or the port, and returns around 5:00 pm. You travel by private air-conditioned vehicle past the old city walls and the Roman aqueduct on the way to the main sights.
The route covers the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Basilica Cistern, and the Grand Bazaar, with free time for a Turkish lunch. Entrance fees and the meal are paid separately. On Tuesdays, the Chora Museum replaces Topkapi Palace.
Around 9 AM, your private guide and driver pick you up from your hotel. Times can flex a little if you need a slower start. You'll ride past the old land walls and under the Valens Aqueduct, a Roman water bridge finished around 375 AD. First stop is the Byzantine Hippodrome, once a chariot track for tens of thousands of spectators.
You'll see the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpent Column from Delphi, and the German Fountain from 1900. Then you'll step into the Blue Mosque, named for the Iznik tiles lining the walls. It's an active mosque, so it closes to visitors during the five daily prayers. Cover your shoulders and knees, bring socks, and expect to remove your shoes.
Next you'll walk to Topkapi Palace, home to Ottoman sultans from the 1460s. You'll walk through the courtyards, the kitchens, and the treasury (the Harem is an extra ticket if you want it). Plan on roughly two hours here, most of it on your feet across cobblestones.
Around 1 PM you'll break for lunch (not included). Your guide can point you to a spot for a döner or a testi kebab. Afterward you'll visit Hagia Sophia, built in 537 AD as a church and later a mosque. Then it's the Basilica Cistern underground, with its two Medusa-head column bases from the 6th century.
You'll finish at the Grand Bazaar, with more than 4,000 shops selling carpets, jewelry, and lamps. Bargaining is expected, so take your time. You'll be back at your hotel or the pier by about 5 PM. Wear comfortable shoes, you'll cover a lot of ground today. END OF OUR SERVICE AND TOURS.
You can reserve online or by contacting us directly. We confirm your date, then collect payment or a deposit to lock in your private guide and vehicle.
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations inside 24 hours are non-refundable.
Yes. It's just you and your own party with a private licensed guide and driver. Nobody else joins your group.
No. Tickets for Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and the Basilica Cistern are paid on the day. Your guide helps you buy them and skip some of the ticket lines.
Lunch isn't included, which keeps you free to choose. Your guide can recommend a good local spot for kebabs or fresh fish nearby.
On Tuesdays, Topkapi is closed, so we visit the Chora Museum instead. On Sundays the Grand Bazaar is closed, and your guide adjusts the walk accordingly.
Quite a bit. You'll cover the old city on foot over cobblestones and some stairs, so comfortable shoes make a big difference.
Cover your shoulders and knees. Women should carry a scarf for the head, and everyone removes shoes inside, so bring socks.
Yes. We pick up from your hotel or the cruise pier in Istanbul and drop you back at the same place at the end of the day.
The route involves a lot of walking and some steps, and the Blue Mosque and parts of Topkapi aren't wheelchair accessible. Let us know your needs and we'll advise on what's workable.
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I really enjoyed the full-day Istanbul private tour. Our guide Murat was very friendly, and professional and took good care of us. I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone visiting Istanbul.