Best Of Istanbul 1, 2, Or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour Overview

Get ready to be amazed by the magnificent architecture, rich history, and eclectic bazaars of Istanbul as you discover the unmissable beauties of the Old City on this 1, 2, or 3-day private tour. Marvel at the grandeur of the Hagia Sophia, learn the famous nickname of the Blue Mosque, and explore the ancient Basilica Cistern. Visit the Topkapi Palace to get an insight into the lavish lifestyle of the Ottoman sultans and their harems, and take a glimpse of everything from carpets to Turkish delights at the legendary Grand Bazaar. Flexible daily itineraries:

Day 1

Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome Square, German Fountain, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar.

Day 2

Bosphorus Cruise by Ferry, Dolmabahçe Palace, Taksim Square, Istiklal Avenue, Çiçek Pasajı (Flower Passage), Galata Tower (external visit), Spice Bazaar.

Day 3

Süleymaniye Mosque.

• Private guided tour of Istanbul

• Comprehensive city tour for one, two, or three days

• Explore the local streets on a walking tour of the city

• Customize the travel plan according to your preferences

What’s Included

• Private tour

• Professional local guide

• Guide meets you at central hotels

What’s Not Included

• Transportation (to/from hotel, between sites if not specified as an option)

• Museum tickets

• Lunch

• Gratitude (recommended)

*For LAST-MINUTE BOOKINGS AND LATE STARTS, alternative sightseeing spots will be recommended by the tour guide during the tour as some museums and places may close around 5:30 PM. *Your tour guide will meet you at central hotels or Galata Port. If your hotel is not in a central location, the meeting point will be in front of the German Fountain. If the minibus service is not selected, your guide will pick you up on foot from centrally located hotels. Please note that an additional fee will be charged if you have reserved private minibus service and your hotel is located outside the city center or on the Asian side.

•  Sultanahmet Area: Sultanahmet Area 15 minutes • Free Admission Ticket
• Hippodrome: Hippodrome Square / At meydanı The Hippodrome; the place where chariot races were held during the Roman Empire, and in the Byzantine Empire period, it served as the main corner of the Ottoman Empire square, with the Egyptian Obelisk and today the German Fountain. 15 minutes • Free Admission Ticket
• German Fountain: German Fountain 15 minutes • Free Admission Ticket
• Sultanahmet Square: Sultanahmet Square 15 minutes • Free Admission Ticket
• Hagia Sophia Mosque: Hagia Sophia Museum / Hagia Sophia / Santa Sofia Constructed in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian, it has played a crucial role in both the Christian and Islamic worlds. After the Ottoman conquest, the bells, altars, iconoclastic and sacrifice vessels were removed, and most of the mosaics were eventually plastered to transform the church into a mosque and later into a museum, now converted back into a mosque for the second time. Operated as one of the most important stops of an Istanbul tour in the Old City Istanbul/Constantinople. *Please note that tour guides no longer have fast-track entry privileges since it is no longer a museum. To avoid the queues, we recommend leaving at 8:30 or 9:00 in the morning, and you may need to wait during security check. 1 hour • Free Admission Ticket
• Sultan Ahmed Mosque: Sultan Ahmed Mosque / Blue Mosque (TEMPORARILY CLOSED BETWEEN JANUARY 1 – APRIL 1, 2023) An architectural masterpiece from the early 1600s, featuring massive proportions. 1 hour • Free Admission Ticket
• Basilica Cistern: Basilica Cistern; a water reservoir that supplied clean drinking water to the inhabitants, especially during the sieges of the Byzantine Empire. The Basilica Cistern and Şerefiye Cistern are optional visits that can be discussed with your guide on the tour day. *Please note that the Basilica Cistern is under restoration until the end of 2022 and not open for visits. 1 hour • Admission Ticket Not Included
• Topkapi Palace: Topkapi Palace Museum / Topkapi Palace Beyond being the residence of Ottoman sultans, it also served as the seat of the High Executive and Judicial Councils for about 400 years. Topkapi Palace is a grand monument of Eastern architecture symbolizing the power of the Ottoman Empire. 2 hours • Admission Ticket Not Included
• Grand Bazaar: Grand Bazaar One of the world’s largest and oldest covered markets with over 4,000 shops selling ceramics, leather goods, kilims, carpets, handicrafts, clothing, silver, and colorful items made of gold. 1 hour • Free Admission Ticket
• Istanbul Bosphorus: Public Ferry or Private Boat Cruise (if option selected) Hop on a public ferry for a Bosphorus Cruise to see both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul, the Galata Tower, Dolmabahçe Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, Rumeli Fortress, old Ottoman villas, and the Bosphorus bridges. The best memories of an Istanbul tour will undoubtedly include the Bosphorus. 2 hours • Admission Ticket Not Included
• Dolmabahçe Palace: Dolmabahçe Palace / Dolmabahçe Palace With its luxurious decoration, chandeliers, carpets, crystals, and ceramic fireplaces, it exudes elegance and beauty. A magnificent palace located right on the Bosphorus, with stunning furniture, paintings, and porcelain exclusive to Dolmabahçe. 1 hour • Admission Ticket Not Included
• Taksim Square: Taksim Square / Taksim Square A wonderful place that witnesses significant historical moments and defines modern Turkey. Located near İstiklal Avenue (İstiklal Caddesi) and the Galata Tower, close to the embassies of European countries. It has excellent restaurants, cafes, shops, bars, and nightclubs in the vicinity. 1 hour • Free Admission Ticket
• Istiklal Avenue: Istiklal Avenue With its churches, modern art galleries, embassies, bars, cafes, and shops selling various products, Istiklal Avenue represents the modern and colorful face of Turkey. 45 minutes • Free Admission Ticket
• Çiçek Pasajı: Çiçek Pasajı / Çiçek Pasajı Originally called Cite de Pera, it reflects the fusion of traditional and modern construction methods with the architectural style of the Ottoman Empire. Today, you can find small shops and cafes here. 10 minutes • Free Admission Ticket
• Galata Tower: We will see the tower from the OUTSIDE. Unfortunately, tour guides do not have priority for skipping the line here, so waiting in line can take a long time. Your tour guide will provide explanations about the tower. 10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
• Spice Bazaar: Spice Bazaar / Egyptian Bazaar The Spice Bazaar is a colorful covered market with numerous shops selling various spices, bags, flavored tea, Turkish delight, nuts, ceramics, and small souvenirs. The Spice Bazaar is located in Eminönü Square, the junction of the Istanbul Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. 45 minutes • Free Admission Ticket
• Historical Areas of Istanbul: Historical Areas of Istanbul 10 minutes • Free Admission Ticket
• Süleymaniye Mosque: Süleymaniye Mosque is the largest mosque in Istanbul and is equally impressive inside and out. The Süleymaniye terrace located in the mosque’s backyard offers beautiful views of the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus. 1 hour • Free Admission Ticket
• Balat Fener:Balat Neighborhood Backstreet Walk Explore Istanbul’s rich religious history by stopping at St. George’s Church. The church has been the location of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople since the 1600s and is considered the spiritual leader of the Eastern Orthodox Church. The Balat District extends along winding streets lined with rows of hanging laundry. The centuries-old Ottoman houses are nestled against each other, adorned with a combination of red, blue, and green colors. Art galleries and design stores mark the area along the water. 2 hours • Free Admission Ticket
• Fener Greek Patriarchate: Orthodox Patriarchate 45 minutes • Free Admission Ticket
• Bulgarian Orthodox Church: St. Stephen Church; located on the shores of the Golden Horn, the church is also known as the Iron Church because it was entirely made of prefabricated cast iron in the 19th century. 45 minutes • Free Admission Ticket
• Pierre Loti Hill: Pierre Loti Hill and Cable Car are some of the must-visit popular places that offer stunning views to visitors. Hop on the cable car to reach the summit and enjoy the beautiful scenery while sipping Turkish coffee or tea. 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
• Rahmi M. Koç Museum: Rahmi Koç Museum Located north of the Golden Horn, we will visit the industrial and cultural museum built by the famous Koç family, who have been pioneers in the industrial field of the Republic of Turkey since the early 20th century. 1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
• We are visiting the industrial and cultural museum built by the famous Koç family. 1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included.
• Golden Horn: The Golden Horn region is one of the oldest settlements in Istanbul. 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included.

Additional Information:

• Confirmation will be received during the reservation.

• The tour start time can be flexible for last-minute bookings.

• The Grand Bazaar, closed on Sundays, can be replaced with the Spice Bazaar.

• Topkapı Palace, closed on Tuesdays, can be replaced with alternative options.

• Sultanahmet Mosque and Hagia Sophia, closed until 2:00 PM on Fridays, will be visited in the afternoon.

• For reservations spanning multiple days, a private minibus service will be recommended based on your hotel location and group size.

• Dolmabahçe Palace is closed on Mondays. Live guide service is not available at

• Dolmabahçe Palace due to museum regulations.

• Galata Tower will be visited from the outside unless you want to pay the entrance fee.

• When making a tour reservation with a minibus, if your hotel is located in Sultanahmet, you will be within a few steps from the museums, so the minibus will not be used extensively.

• *Since Hagia Sophia is no longer a museum, tour guides do not have fast-track priority there. To avoid waiting in line, it is recommended to leave at 8:30 or 9:00 AM and be prepared to wait during security checks.

• Not wheelchair accessible.

• Accessible with a stroller.

• Close to public transportation.

• Baby seats available.

• Most travelers can participate.

• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate.

Cancellation Policy:

• To receive a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the experience start time.

• If you cancel within 24 hours of the experience start time, the amount paid will not be refunded.

• Changes made within 24 hours of the experience start time will not be accepted.

• Deductible hours are based on the local time of the experience.