Best of Istanbul: 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour
5
Best of Istanbul: 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour
By Guided Istanbul Tours
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
About
The bridge between east and west, Istanbul is a vibrant city with magnificent architecture and a rich history as the former capital of the Ottoman empire. Cover top sites like the Blue Mosque and the Spice Market on this action-packed guided trip, which offers 1-, 2-, or 3-day itineraries to best suit your schedule. Because it’s a private tour, you have plenty of time for questions along the way.
Here you can see the flexible daily tour itineraries below (7 hours per day):
Day 1 - Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome Square, German Fountain, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar.
Day 2 - Bosphorus Cruise by Public Ferry, Dolmabahce Palace, Taksim Square, Istiklal Street, Cicek Passage, Galata Tower (from outside), Spice Market.
Day 3 - Suleymaniye Mosque, Fener and Balat Districts, St. Stephen Church (Iron Church), Pierre Lotti Panoramic Hill by Cable Car, Kadıkoy Market (or alternative sites).
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-99
Duration: 7–21 hours
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: German, English, French, Spanish
More
Highlights
- A comprehensive tour of Istanbul, with 1-, 2-, and 3-day options
- Marvel at Ottoman sites like Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque
- Shop like a local at the Spice Market and Grand Bazaar
- Private tour means plenty of personal attention
- Private tour
- Professional Licensed Guide
- Guide meets you at central hotels
What's not included- Transportation (from/back to hotel, between sites unless van is booked)
- Museum/Ferry/Cable Car Tickets
- Lunch
- Gratuity (suggested)
- Entry/Admission - Hagia Sophia Moschee
- Entry/Admission - Bosphorus Strait
- Entry/Admission - Dolmabahce Palace
- Entry/Admission - Topkapı Palace
- Entry/Admission - Galata Tower
- Entry/Admission - Pierre Loti Tepesi
- Entry/Admission - Chora Museum
- Entry/Admission - Haliç
- Day one begins with a visit to the Hagia Sophia, a 6th-century Byzantine cathedral adorned in spectacular gold mosaics. Learn how the Blue Mosque got its nickname. You also have time to explore the treasures of Topkapi Palace, once home to the Ottoman sultans and their famous harems. If you opt for a 2-day tour, begin with a visit to the bustling Spice Market, where you can haggle for saffron alongside shoppers. Cruise down the famous Bosphorus, where you might catch sight of river dolphins, explore the vibrant pedestrian street of Istiklal, and make a stop at Galata Tower, a medieval stone monument with incredible panoramas over the city. The third day covers the Suleymaniye Mosque, the most beautiful of the Ottoman mosques, as well as the Byzantine frescoes in Chora Church. You also enjoy sweeping city views on a cable car ride on Pierre Loti Hill.
- Start:Multiple pickup locations offered.
- German Fountain, Binbirdirek, At Meydanı Cd, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Pickup details- *If van service is not booked your guide will pick you up at centrally located hotels or Galataport ON FOOT. The meeting point will be the German Fountain if the hotel is not centrally located. *If private van service is booked, please note that there will be a surcharge if your hotel is outside the city center or on the Asian Side.
Hotel pickup offeredDuring checkout you will be able to select from the list of included hotels.Port pickup offeredDuring checkout you will be able to select from the list of included ports.- Galataport Istanbul, Kılıçali Paşa, Meclis-i Mebusan Cd. No: 8 İç Kapı No: 102, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Pushchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infant seats available
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 11522P1- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Most travellers can participate
- Skip the line service is not available for active mosques - there is a queue for the entrance.
- On Fridays, Hagia Sophia or Blue Mosque will be visited from outside because of the worship.
- Dolmabahce Palace is closed on Mondays. Due to museum regulations, live guide service is not available at Dolmabahce Palace.
- Tour guides don't have skip-the-line priority in Hagia Sophia. You may need to wait in the security line, in order to avoid queues we suggest departing at 8:30am or 9:00am.
- Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays can be replaced with Spice Market.
- Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays can be replaced with alternatives.
- For the tours that start later than 11 am, kindly note that you may have to skip one/a couple of sites as the sites are closed by 7 pm. Your guide will adjust the program according to your priorities.
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 11522P1
From
AU$283.34
per group (up to 8)
Select date and travellers
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Similar experiences
Itinerary
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- czarrineh0 contributionsA Trip of a Lifetime!This was one of the most memorable trips I have been on! It was a very educational experience. Our tour guide, Tijen, was the most hospitable, and you couldn't ask for more. She was very knowledgeable and went out of her way to make sure our trip went well. Not only did she make sure our tour went smoothly through the many cities we visited, but she also made sure our hotel accommodations were set up accordingly, recommended local restaurants, and made extra stops to supply our needs and wants. Thank you to all who were involved and I would highly recommend this trip to anyone looking for historical, religious, and/or a variety of what Turkey offers!Written 14 January 2025
- D2910FRjessew0 contributionsBiblical Seven Churches of Turkey Tour in 4 DaysThe entire experience was wonderful! The daily itinerary was well planned by our tour guide Tijen. We were quickly met and picked up and dropped off from the airport and our hotel of choice each day. She made sure we made the most of the day and saw as much as possible. She was very knowledgable on the history and explained each site visited well. It was truly an amazing experience seeing all of the cities where the seven churches of Asia mentioned in the book of Revelation once existed! Turkey is such a beautiful country that everyone should experience! Tijen also went out of her way to help us experience local restaurants and shops along the way. There was plenty of time to look around and take pictures. She was always willing to move at our pace. Our van driver Mustafa was also friendly and made us feel safe throughout the journey. I highly recommend this trip to anyone considering it. It will be a trip filled with lifelong memories.Written 8 January 2025
- RosettaP0 contributions“Unforgettable Journey Through Turkey – Flawless from Start to Finish!”“I had an absolutely unforgettable trip through Turkey in October 2024! The private tours and transportation made the experience seamless and stress-free. Our tour guides Ozan, Ceyla, Alican and Yilmaz. were fantastic—friendly, incredibly knowledgeable, and truly made each destination come alive with their stories and insights. Communication was top-notch throughout the planning and the trip itself, which made everything run smoothly. From start to finish, this was an epic journey, and I can’t recommend this experience enough!”Written 12 December 2024
- I1895OGkarlm0 contributionsEpic Troy TourWe had an excellent time. Ekrem's knowledge and infectious enthusiasm was very valuable. Troy was even better than expected.Written 1 December 2024
- Lisanne10110 contributionsPrivate 4 Days Turkey Tour from Istanbul to Cappadocia, Ephesus, PamukkaleI worked in the tourism industry for many years and have always planned our trips so I was a little nervous to hand over the details to someone else. I couldn't have been more wrong. Guided Istanbul Tours was on top of everything! With our input they planned our itinerary, scheduled pick ups and drop offs, purchased fast track tickets to attractions and intercountry flights. Our tour guides Kemal, Unluer and Emre were incredibly knowledgeable, well educated in Turkish history, had great recommendations for restaurants and they were just fun to be with. Kemal was a star in Istanbul! The drivers made us feel safe, especially on the crazy roads of Istanbul. I say this as a New Yorker. Guided Istanbul Tours handled everything and allowed us to just relax and be on vacation. We loved Turkey and couldn't have asked for a better introduction to the diversity and beauty of the countryWritten 27 October 2024
- Paradise569303304100 contributionsHoliday in TurkeyGuided Istanbul Tours, did a great job, in planning and organising our tour. Very professional and disciplined in their job. Very helpful too to our needs and requirements. The tour itself was awesome and wonderful. The guides were very knowledgeable and explained in detail about history and geography of each location 👏🙏Written 26 October 2024
- M7727XDericm0 contributionsTrip Istanbul to Cappadocia with Guided Istanbul Tours, very pleasedWe booked with Guided Istanbul tours online and the experience was great! they arranged, hotel pickup to airport, plane tickets, pick up at the airport, touring, (many spots) and all drop off etc. Also, good ground transportation, private for us in this case It was truly well executed and our guide, Erdi, was perfect. All and all -good!Written 25 October 2024
- Jeremiah P0 contributionsGreat Tour!Kemal was a wonderful tour guide, very friendly, knowledgeable and flexible with the tour plans to try and save us time from standing in lines.Written 8 October 2024
- PaolaB38930 contributionsExceptional experience in IstanbulKemal shared his historical knowledge of these important museums and mosques effortlessly! There was so much to learn and he made it all come to life. I highly recommend Kemal and this tour to anyone visiting Istanbul.Written 7 October 2024
- nathanielmadarang0 contributionsOne of the best family vacation we’ve ever had organized by the best travel company we’ve worked with!The tour arranged for us by Guided Istanbul Tours was top-notch. The itinerary maximized our time in Turkey which included stops in Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus and Pamukkale. Our guides Merve, Hatice and Ceyla were very knowledgeable about the history and culture of each place that we visited. Every logistical detail was taken care of including airport transfers, private transport, venue tickets and domestic flights. All in all, a highly stress-free and relaxing family vacation for me and my family. I highly recommend Guided Istanbul Tours for anyone looking to travel to Turkey!Written 6 October 2024
- 953suanner0 contributionsA lesson for todayIt was certainly worth taking the private day tour to Gallipoliand the surrounding sites. Sercan was a great and knowledgeable guide. I valued the flexibility of being alone and being able to say how long I wanted to spend somewhere. Quite an emotional experience. I highly recommend this tour and guideWritten 3 October 2024
- I8821AAmarcb0 contributionsWhirlwind trip to CappadociaGuided Istanbul Tours did a great job for us. Our guide in Cappadocia was Ali Can Who was very knowledgeable, friendly and enjoyable to be with. We took this trip from a cruise ship that was docked in Istanbul for two nights, so it was quite a whirlwind trip. Guided Istanbul tours did a great job about making sure we saw the highlights and still made it back to the ship in time. We were even able to fit in the balloon ride at sunrise, which was spectacularWritten 28 September 2024
- ShariLKB0 contributionsA Street Food AdventureWith Atahan as our guide, we had a wonderful day exploring Istanbul! From the Rustem Pasha Mosque in Eminou, to the Spice Market, the ferry to Kadikoy and back to Karakoy with great food all along the way! Atahan offered many foods we’d be reluctant to try on our own, but were delighted to find that we enjoyed! Very flexible in adapting to our interested and time frame. Great way to spend my birthday! Highly recommend this tour with him!Written 27 September 2024
- Compass7777260 contributionsBook this company if in Istanbul or Ephesus!!!!We did a 2 day private tour in Istanbul with this company and had a wonderful experience!!! Our cruise ship cancelled the shore excursion we signed up for in Ephesus on short notice so we spoke to our guide in Istanbul (Ulke) to ask her what we should do there. She called her company and helped us arrange a private guide with a van & driver for the whole day! (And it cost less than 4 excursions by our cruise line!) Our guide’s name in Ephesus wasTigen Oral. can I please give her 10 STARS?!?!? She was so helpful, smart and full of energy! The 4 of us all agreed that this tour surpassed our expectations! So fun! So all I can say is don’t hesitate to book with this company! They are honest, reliable and have great guides and drivers. Thank you for the wonderful memories!Written 20 September 2024
- 543lubnad0 contributionsGulgun Travels TurkeyThis was the second time we have selected Gulgun Travels to organize trip for us. The travel agent Mr. Sarfaraz was knowledgeable, cooperative, caring, and extremely respectful. Gulgun Travels are always very responsive and attentive to your needs 24/7. The reason we have selected them each time was the best planning they had for us, safety, and reasonable rates. On top of everything the services they always provide you throughout your stay is amazing. They are very flexible and always willing to modify the itinerary according to our wish and needs.They have arranged group tours as well as private tours, and their transportation services were excellent. We are family of five, and I always trusted their expertise and their travel planning for my family. Highly recommended if you truly want to enjoy a family trip with fun and safety. Lubna and Hassan USAWritten 15 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
5.0
5,641 reviews
Excellent
5,516
Very good
101
Average
11
Poor
6
Terrible
7
Flyer627460
2 contributions
Dec 2024 • Solo
I did the 2 day trip and it was an amazing experience. Didem was really friendly, great at explanations and also focusing the tour on things I was interested in or top things I wanted to do! Also flexible on the itinerary based on weather/locations being open or closed. She helped me find quality stores for once in a lifetime purchases. Highly recommend this tour.
One thing to note - the entrance fees and taxi rides were not included in the cost. If I would have known that I would have gotten more cash out of the ATM ahead of time, however most places take cards.
One thing to note - the entrance fees and taxi rides were not included in the cost. If I would have known that I would have gotten more cash out of the ATM ahead of time, however most places take cards.
Written 17 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shamiq Z
4 contributions
Found Guided Istanbul Tours on Trip Advisor. Based on the multiple excellent reviews we took the leap and booked a 1 day tour based on the travel itinerary and listed places that we cared about seeing. Given that we were a party of 4- with 2 kids (ages 10 & 9), preferred to get a private tour guide and cost us around $225/250 (not including tickets to sites)
We had an exceptional one-day guided tour of Istanbul with Sema for our family of four, including two kids aged 9 and 10. Sema was fantastic—she spoke excellent English and was incredibly patient and accommodating, tailoring the itinerary to suit our needs and saving us money in the process. As Muslims, we could enter the mosques for free during prayer times, so Sema adjusted our schedule accordingly, allowing us to visit the Basilica Cistern instead, where we bypassed a long line thanks to her priority access. This was a big plus, as half of the cruises had docked that day, meaning over 2,000 tourists were out and about, causing long queues everywhere.
She was also very thoughtful and waited for us while we prayed at Hagia Sophia, saving us €30 per person! Her knowledge of history is impressive, and it was evident during her detailed presentations at Topkapi Palace, which took at least two hours to fully appreciate.
Sema also recommended a great local Döner spot on our way to the Grand Bazaar, where she guided us to reasonably priced shops. She even advised us on negotiating for discounts, which was incredibly helpful.
Keep in mind that the tour is entirely on foot and lasts around seven hours, so be prepared with comfortable shoes, hats, and sunglasses. Sema also offered great tips for planning the rest of our trip, making her an excellent resource beyond the tour.
I highly recommend this tour and suggest requesting Sema if possible—you won’t be disappointed!
We had an exceptional one-day guided tour of Istanbul with Sema for our family of four, including two kids aged 9 and 10. Sema was fantastic—she spoke excellent English and was incredibly patient and accommodating, tailoring the itinerary to suit our needs and saving us money in the process. As Muslims, we could enter the mosques for free during prayer times, so Sema adjusted our schedule accordingly, allowing us to visit the Basilica Cistern instead, where we bypassed a long line thanks to her priority access. This was a big plus, as half of the cruises had docked that day, meaning over 2,000 tourists were out and about, causing long queues everywhere.
She was also very thoughtful and waited for us while we prayed at Hagia Sophia, saving us €30 per person! Her knowledge of history is impressive, and it was evident during her detailed presentations at Topkapi Palace, which took at least two hours to fully appreciate.
Sema also recommended a great local Döner spot on our way to the Grand Bazaar, where she guided us to reasonably priced shops. She even advised us on negotiating for discounts, which was incredibly helpful.
Keep in mind that the tour is entirely on foot and lasts around seven hours, so be prepared with comfortable shoes, hats, and sunglasses. Sema also offered great tips for planning the rest of our trip, making her an excellent resource beyond the tour.
I highly recommend this tour and suggest requesting Sema if possible—you won’t be disappointed!
Written 8 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Debra E
3 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
Ali was our private guide for one day. He exceeded our expectations by taking us to more places than on the itinerary and spending much longer than the nominal 7 hours estimated on the website. In my opinion it is necessary to have a guide in Istanbul for several reasons: the guide can often get to the front of long lines, very little information is written in English at the sites, and being with a guide shields you from being constantly hounded by retailers. However, our guide did take us to his favorite retailer at the Spice Bazaar where we felt pressured to purchase expensive merchandise. Istanbul is having significant economic issues, and they are clearly depending on tourism. Tourists will notice higher admission prices, food prices, and ATM fees.
Written 26 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RRenee4974
West Liberty, Ohio17 contributions
We booked the 1 day tour for 3 people with no transportation or transfers since we were staying close to the attractions. The booking and confirmation was very clear and easy. We had our itinerary arranged with those sites we wanted to see and it was quickly confirmed with an 8:30 am start
When we had a question about getting the tickets in advance, the response was quick only about 1 hour. (The guide would help us buy tickets).
We received a text the day before from our guide, Fatma introducing herself and again confirming the meeting place and time.
We were early (8:15) and she was already waiting for us. Through the day we went to Hagia Sofhia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, Basilica Cistern and the Spice Market and even had time for Suleymaniye Mosque, coffee, lunch, ice cream and a little shopping.
It was planned as a walking tour so we walked a lot.
Fatma was a wonderful guide and we would highly recommend her. She adjusted the schedule to accommodate the prayer times to maximize our visit. She is very knowledgeable and willing to share about the culture and people. She taught us the transit system (to save some walking) and told us where to get the ferry to Asia.
Overall it was a great day and highly recommended.
When we had a question about getting the tickets in advance, the response was quick only about 1 hour. (The guide would help us buy tickets).
We received a text the day before from our guide, Fatma introducing herself and again confirming the meeting place and time.
We were early (8:15) and she was already waiting for us. Through the day we went to Hagia Sofhia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, Basilica Cistern and the Spice Market and even had time for Suleymaniye Mosque, coffee, lunch, ice cream and a little shopping.
It was planned as a walking tour so we walked a lot.
Fatma was a wonderful guide and we would highly recommend her. She adjusted the schedule to accommodate the prayer times to maximize our visit. She is very knowledgeable and willing to share about the culture and people. She taught us the transit system (to save some walking) and told us where to get the ferry to Asia.
Overall it was a great day and highly recommended.
Written 1 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gordon M
2 contributions
The tour was truly exceptional and excellent value for money.
Istanbul is a wonderfully hectic and vibrant maelstrom of a city and only with such a guided tour can you hope to see so much of it in a manageable and short period of time.
The overriding reason for the tour working so well was our extraordinary and indefatigable guide Ezgi. She brought the city to thrilling life
guiding us gently and patiently, never rushing but always ahead of queues and always perceptive of my wife’s mobility challenge requiring a needed change of pace or itinerary.
Ezgi was a veritable font of knowledge imparting explanation and understanding but above we were humbled by the warmth and human kindness she showed to us. It was a privilege to be introduced to this magnificent city of Istanbul by Ezgi and I would thoroughly recommend this tour and tour company.
Istanbul is a wonderfully hectic and vibrant maelstrom of a city and only with such a guided tour can you hope to see so much of it in a manageable and short period of time.
The overriding reason for the tour working so well was our extraordinary and indefatigable guide Ezgi. She brought the city to thrilling life
guiding us gently and patiently, never rushing but always ahead of queues and always perceptive of my wife’s mobility challenge requiring a needed change of pace or itinerary.
Ezgi was a veritable font of knowledge imparting explanation and understanding but above we were humbled by the warmth and human kindness she showed to us. It was a privilege to be introduced to this magnificent city of Istanbul by Ezgi and I would thoroughly recommend this tour and tour company.
Written 24 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scott P
Bethesda, MD4 contributions
From when we first met Sel in the morning he was friendly and engaging, and it was immediately evident he was incredibly knowledgeable. We spent a full day with Sel — including a meal and the time flew by. We were traveling with our 16 year old twin sons and he quickly involved them in the conversation and throughout the day found areas of interest and topics to discuss with them. Sel curated a terrific combination of seeing various “must-see” sites, visiting museums, catching points of interest around the old city, learning about made in Turkey crafts such as rugs and ceramics, and just experiencing walking the streets of Istanbul. He gave great narration all along the way — providing a perfect balance of history with his insights and observations as someone who has lived in Istanbul since birth. One thing in particular that we appreciated was his preview of what we would be seeing: before going into a site or museum he would give some history and tell us what to look for and why and then as we were seeing it he provided additional useful information and commentary. Importantly, he had a keen sense of when we should do what — rather than sticking to a set order of things, he had structure with flexibility. For example, noting an unusually long line at one of the stops — he wisely suggested we go to lunch and try again after; a great call that allowed us to refuel and then get to see Hagia Sophia after the crowds dissipated. He gave us three choices for lunch and we chose a kebab restaurant, Galeyan, which was delicious. In addition to an excellent menu for a range of food preferences, the restaurant has a beautiful decor and great vibe. He also provided other dining recommendations for us for our other meals during our stay. We only missed one planned experience, which was because our family took more time at one of the stops and we ran out of time — but Sel kindly gave us the information so we could go the following day without him. Sel’s approach to sharing information is very accessible and met our family where we are in terms of our own knowledge and understanding of the history and culture of the city and the region. We truly enjoyed Sel’s company and appreciated and admired his range of knowledge and highly recommend him to anyone visiting Istanbul.
Written 29 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ashley W
Ginsheim-Gustavsburg, Germany19 contributions
We were a group of 3. We booked the 2-day tour. Our guide, Hakan, allowed us to customize the tour by asking if we wanted to enter the sites that had a ticket cost before entering. We also showed an interest in Turkish food, so he took us to restaurants and pointed out his recommendations from the menu. He also gave additional restaurant recommendations for us to use after the tour and they’ve all been good. He asked what else we wanted to see/do other than what was on the itinerary. I mentioned wanting to see Turkish rugs, and my friend mentioned wanting an ornament. That resulted in us being taken to a Turkish rug demonstration and a ceramic demonstration shop before finishing at the Grand Bazaar. He encouraged us to contact him via WhatsApp with other questions during our stay in Istanbul.
Written 22 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elzbieta C
1 contribution
Oct 2024 • Family
We recently took a 3-day tour in Istanbul and from the moment we met our guide Kemal, it was clear we were in good hands. The itinerary was well-organized, covering all the must-see sites like the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Blue Mosque, but also hidden gems that only a local would know.
Our guide was very knowledgeable about Istanbul’s rich history and culture, answering every question with enthusiasm. He made sure we experienced not only the tourist highlights but also the essence of the city — from savoring Turkish coffee in a cozy local café to wandering the bustling Grand Bazaar and Spice Market.
Each day was filled with fascinating insights, breathtaking views, and ample free time to explore on our own. The pace was perfect, and we never felt rushed. Kamal also provided excellent restaurant recommendations, ensuring we tasted authentic Turkish cuisine.
Overall, this 3-day tour is a fantastic way to dive deep into Istanbul’s charm, and I can’t recommend it enough. Thanks for a great tour Kamal!
Our guide was very knowledgeable about Istanbul’s rich history and culture, answering every question with enthusiasm. He made sure we experienced not only the tourist highlights but also the essence of the city — from savoring Turkish coffee in a cozy local café to wandering the bustling Grand Bazaar and Spice Market.
Each day was filled with fascinating insights, breathtaking views, and ample free time to explore on our own. The pace was perfect, and we never felt rushed. Kamal also provided excellent restaurant recommendations, ensuring we tasted authentic Turkish cuisine.
Overall, this 3-day tour is a fantastic way to dive deep into Istanbul’s charm, and I can’t recommend it enough. Thanks for a great tour Kamal!
Written 31 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lauren B
Katy, TX8 contributions
Nov 2024 • Family
We had the pleasure of spending a day touring Istanbul with Umran, and it was truly unforgettable despite the less-than-ideal weather. From the moment we met her, Umran’s warmth and extensive knowledge stood out. She was incredibly helpful and ensured that we made the most of what turned out to be a cold, rainy day. Her dedication and positive attitude turned what could have been a miserable experience into a memorable one.
One highlight of the tour was visiting the women’s quarters of the palace, where Umran’s passion for history truly shone. Her engaging storytelling and deep appreciation for Istanbul’s rich heritage made every stop fascinating. Even in the freezing rain, she guided us with care and enthusiasm, making sure we didn’t miss a thing.
If you’re looking for a guide who is knowledgeable, passionate, and truly committed to creating a great experience, we can’t recommend Umran enough! Thank you, Umran, for braving the cold with us and sharing your love for this incredible city.
One highlight of the tour was visiting the women’s quarters of the palace, where Umran’s passion for history truly shone. Her engaging storytelling and deep appreciation for Istanbul’s rich heritage made every stop fascinating. Even in the freezing rain, she guided us with care and enthusiasm, making sure we didn’t miss a thing.
If you’re looking for a guide who is knowledgeable, passionate, and truly committed to creating a great experience, we can’t recommend Umran enough! Thank you, Umran, for braving the cold with us and sharing your love for this incredible city.
Written 23 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alya
Washington DC, DC49 contributions
Didem was an extraordinary tour guide who made our limited time in Istanbul truly unforgettable. She expertly curated our itinerary, ensuring we experienced the city's must-see attractions. Her deep knowledge of Turkish history enriched our visit, and we thoroughly enjoyed every moment.
One of the highlights was witnessing the intricate process of handmade Turkish rug making. Didem also accompanied us on an extensive shopping spree at the Grand Bazaar, providing invaluable advice on fair prices and recommending a delightful restaurant. I wholeheartedly recommend Didem as a tour guide. You won't be disappointed!
One of the highlights was witnessing the intricate process of handmade Turkish rug making. Didem also accompanied us on an extensive shopping spree at the Grand Bazaar, providing invaluable advice on fair prices and recommending a delightful restaurant. I wholeheartedly recommend Didem as a tour guide. You won't be disappointed!
Written 28 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, I'm interested in a 1 day tour on 9th April for 3 people. Can I confirm the quoted price approx 171 EUR is for all 3 people? And can I confirm day one includes: Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome, Sultanahmet square, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace? And we pay entry on the day? Approximately how long does day 1 take?
Thank you
Anthea
Written 7 February 2025
Buonasera, c'è la possibilità di avere una guida privata in lingua italiana?
Written 4 December 2024
We are a group of 9 people, is there any room to accommodate an extra person? Hoping to go on your tour otherwise we would need to look for an alternative.
Written 14 November 2024
Please let me know the price of 2 options for 1 & 2 days tour of Istanbul top attractions.
1. With entrance fee
2. Without entrance fee
Written 21 September 2024
Is Istanbul safe right now for a solo female traveler? (If I do not go out after dark or drink alcohol).
Written 26 August 2024
Yes, we felt very safe, but then we stayed in populated areas. We were out one night to see the Whirling Dervishes and had no issues.
Daytime felt totally safe.
Written 8 February 2025
How's the TripCorner travel agency, anyone used this for vacation/trip in the past, any insight feedback appreciate it.
Written 9 March 2024
It is our first time to Istanbul for my daughter and me, and we will have one full day there. Your tour looks perfect! We have not booked our hotel and would love recommendations in the range of $100-125 USD/night. Kindly, Rose Rosenthal
Written 9 January 2024
I would highly recommend the Hilton Doubletree at Istanbul Sirkeci.
Large rooms, clean, convenient breakfast included.
Just stayed there the beginning of Dec. 2023
Written 12 January 2024
Salve mi occorre prenotare una guida per un giorno con lingua italiana domenica 10 mi date disponibilità grazie mille
Written 8 December 2023
Salve mi occorre prenotare una guida per un giorno con lingua italiana domenica 10 mi date disponibilità grazie
Written 8 December 2023
…
Showing results 1-10 of 219
Buy it with
Top rated
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.