Private Tour

3-Day Private Istanbul Tour: Old City, Food & Hidden Gems

Overview

Available languages

English

72 hours

Mobile ticket

This 3-day private Istanbul experience blends the city’s most iconic Old City landmarks with authentic food discoveries and truly off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods that most visitors never see. Enjoy a fully customized journey led by a licensed local guide who brings history to life, takes you beyond tourist routes, and shares insider-only culinary stops, hidden streets, local markets, and cultural gems. With no rushing, no waiting for tickets, and complete flexibility, this tour offers U.S. travelers the perfect mix of history, flavor, and real local life—designed for an unforgettable, immersive Istanbul adventure.

Additional Info

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

What To Expect

Day 1

Istanbul Old City Walk - Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar

The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, Istanbul

We will kick off the day at Hagia Sophia, a stunning architectural masterpiece encapsulating centuries of history.

1 hour • Admission Included

TopkapI Palace

Next, we will visit Topkapi Palace, where you will uncover the opulence of the Ottoman sultans and enjoy breathtaking views of the Bosphorus.

2 hours • Admission Included

Blue Mosque

Following this, we will head to the Blue Mosque via the Hippodrome, famous for its stunning blue tiles and six minarets.

1 hour • Admission Not Applicable

Grand Bazaar

Our adventure will conclude at the Grand Bazaar, the largest covered market in the world, where you will dive into an exhilarating shopping experience.

1 hour • Admission Not Applicable

Day 2

Private and guided Istanbul food tour - Taste of Istanbul

Food and Drinks

BREAKFAST

Breakfast

LUNCH

Lunch

Karakoy

You will meet your guide at 8:30 AM in Karakoy for a traditional Turkish breakfast, which includes menemen, sucuklu omelet, kaymak, and honey.

1 hour • Admission Not Applicable

Tophane Meydan Cesmesi

Afterward, we’ll explore Tophane, indulge in a delightful cup of tea or coffee at a chic, trendy coffee house that elevates your experience, and sample some of the freshest baklava in Istanbul.

1 hour • Admission Not Included

KadIkoy CarsIsI

Later, we’ll take a ferry from the European side to the Asian side to Kadikoy, which was formerly known as Kalkedon. In Kadikoy, you can enjoy authentic Turkish home-cooked dishes or delicious kebabs. After that, we will continue to the fish market, where you can try stuffed or fried mussels and kokorec. After enjoying these delicious treats, we will conclude the tour at the Kadikoy ferry station, making it easy for you to take a ferry back to your hotel. Additionally, there will be some delightful secret dishes to try.

3 hours • Admission Not Applicable

Day 3

Private & Guided Fener - Balat Walking Tour - Istanbul Off The Beaten Track

Suleymaniye Mosque

Your adventure begins at 8:30 AM with a knowledgeable guide meeting you at your hotel. Start at the stunning Suleymaniye Mosque, an architectural masterpiece completed in 1557 that reflects Byzantine grandeur.

1 hour • Admission Not Applicable

Zeyrek Mosque

Enjoy a coffee and tea break at Kadinlar Pazari under the Valens Aqueduct, then visit Zeyrek Mosque, the city's second-largest religious building.

1 hour • Admission Not Applicable

Fener & Balat

Explore the Fener Orthodox Patriarchate at the Church of St. George, and admire the striking red-brick facade of Phanar Greek Orthodox College in the charming Balat district. Conclude your journey with a taste of authentic Turkish coffee, immersing yourself in local culture before returning to your hotel. Join us for this unforgettable experience!

2 hours • Admission Not Applicable

What‘s Included

Food samples during the food tour

Non acholic beverages

Private transportation included for Fener and Balat tour.

Entrance fees to the museums

English speaking guidance

Lunch

Breakfast

Public transportation

Gratuities

Lunch during the Old City and Fener and Balat Tour

Options

3-Day Private Istanbul Tour: Old City, Food & Hidden Gems

Reviews

5.00

5 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Delicious delicacies, fascinating facts, helpful host
O4701YJsusans,,Oct 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I was quite wary of two elderly ladies alone in Istanbul but my fears evaporated when we met our guide and now friend Derya. She instantly put us at ease and treated us to delicious delicacies, fascinating facts and was the most helpful host. My highlights were the Basilica Cisterns and the fabulous breakfasts. Thanks so much Derya you made our trip.
Worth Every Penny
210teresaw,,Sep 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We spent an unforgettable 3 days (5-6 hours each day) with Derya on our first trip to Istanbul. Derya tailored the tours to suit our needs - two ladies in their late 60’s, one with mild mobility issues. From the moment we met Derya she put us at ease and made us feel like we were exploring the city with a friend rather than a guide. It sounds like a cliche but nothing was too much trouble, she recommended restaurants, booked tickets for events not connected with the tour and sent us links to things we were interested in. I recommend starting with the food tour, not only delicious but an excellent way to orientate yourself. Istanbul is a magical place and the professional nature of the ‘Private Istanbul Walking Tours’ organisation, combined with Derya’s warmth, historical knowledge and charm made this an outstanding trip.
The best solo walking tour
nahrinp2025,,Sep 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Derya was my Tour guide, and I could tell. It was the best tours that I had over the three days number one. She was very punctual number two. Very kind number. Three. She was very helpful, and she was absolutely a great photographer that make your trip with her smile with her talent. The best memory ever. I definitely recommend her. You won’t be sorry. I’ll give you a guarantee. Thank you again. Derya
Best Guide in Istambul
Wander46358408288,,Aug 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Derya is the best guide one could ask for in Istanbul. She knows all the history and the city like the palm of her hand. As a solo traveller I felt really safe walking around the city with her. She has the best tips, from shopping to dinner. She became a great friend.
Istanbul in 3 days
jedavy123,,Dec 22, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
My wife and i have wanted to travel to Istanbul for a long time. We decided to travel Istanbul for our second honeymoon and we were lucky enough to get Furkan as our tour guide. We spent 3 days with him we did the tastes of Istanbul food tour, a Bosphorus tour, and an Istanbul old city tour. We've done our fair share of travel, and Furkan by far is the best tour guide we've ever had. He is extremely proffesional, knowledgeable, and organizational whizz, and goes out of his way to make sure that we are happy and enjoying our time. He shared so much of his knowledge and so many of his own stories with us about Istanbul"s history, culture, people, shopping options, and cuisine. Istanbul is so stunning and welcoming and needs to be added to everyone's bucket list.