Private Tour
Istanbul Old City Highlights Tour with Licensed Guide
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
We are a group of licensed, professional guides in Istanbul. We created this platform to offer you the best private tours.
Our tours help you skip long lines and avoid crowds with the help of local experts.
With us, you’ll enjoy a smooth, comfortable, and memorable visit.
This tour is conducted in cooperation with HIGH CLASS TRAVEL (TÜRSAB License No: 4035), an officially registered A-Class Travel Agency in Türkiye, ensuring full compliance with national tourism regulations.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
At Hagia Sophia, you'll explore one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, marveling at its stunning dome, intricate mosaics, and rich history. I'll guide you through its transformation from a cathedral to a mosque and museum, sharing stories of Byzantine and Ottoman empires. A truly unforgettable journey through art, culture, and history!
Basilica Cistern
Explore the mystical Basilica Cistern, featured in From Russia With Love, with its ancient columns rising from the water. Built by the Romans, this hidden gem offers a peaceful escape beneath Istanbul's bustling streets. I'll share its fascinating history and legends as we wander through its cool, quiet corridors.
What‘s Included
Professional Licensed Guide
Local Guide meets you at your hotel
Private Tour
Gratuities
Museum Ticket (optional)
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Istanbul Old City Secrets — Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Private Guided Tour
Duration: 7 hours
Old Town Sultanahmet: Topkapi Palast-Blue Mosque-Hagia Sophia- Grand Bazaar- Hippodrom. The itinerary does not require transportation.
Guide meets you in the hotel: Hotel information is needed.
Pickup included
Asian Side - Ferry - Taksim
Ferry Tickets included: Ferry to the Asian Side - Spice Bazaar -Kadikoy-Moda. The suggested itinerary does not require transportation.
Private Guided Tour
Duration: 7 hours: Tour takes about 7-8 hours
Eminonu - Ferry - Kadikoy: Take a Ferry to Asian Side Districts such as Kadikoy - Moda. Taksim-Istiklal, Galata, Eminonu.
Guide meets you in the hotel: Hotel information needed: Guide will meet your hotel or Airbnb if they are centrally located.
Pickup included
Reviews
18 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fantastic tour guide
FarAway433973,Mar 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Zafer is a fantastic guide. We had a great day with him. He’s very professional and extremely knowledgeable - history, architecture and culture. You will be in great hands if you are lucky enough to tour through Istanbul with Zafer.
Just do it
705kagank,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a Guide what an excellent storytelling. Experianceing this Beauty of a City with the guidance of zafer was just a Great day. Thanks alot
Best tour guide in Istanbul
Aviator90,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fantastic time on the Old City Highlights tour with Zafer! He was super friendly, knowledgeable, and made the whole experience really enjoyable. You could tell he genuinely loves sharing the history and stories of Istanbul, and he explained everything in a fun and engaging way. He was also very patient with questions and made sure everyone felt included. Highly recommend Zafer if you want a guide who makes the city come alive!
I want to thank our city guide, Zafer! It was one of the best city tours with a guide. Firstly, we did not waste a minut
Evgeniya E,Aug 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I want to thank our city guide, Zafer! It was one of the best city tours with a guide. Firstly, we did not waste a minute of our time in lines at Hagia Sophia and other places. In addition to detailed museum information, we learned some subtleties and uninteresting facts about the work of the Grand Bazaar, the city's transport system (which saved considerable time and money in our subsequent explorations of the town). About the recycling system, the people who help keep the city clean, and much more. Zafer was busy with us the whole day and was very involved. Most importantly, he took many great photos of us.
Beautiful day! A tour worth every minute!
evrimt459,Aug 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I enjoyed this tour and highly recomend it to everyone! The guide was knowledgeable, friendly and made the whole day fun and memorable! The carpet-weavers experience was amazing and very informative! Great to see the dervish show! A must do!
Istanbul
1mrmagoo,Aug 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Young man was polite & knowledgeable. Wife & I felt safe during the tour. Informative. Took the time with extra stops so we could use the restroom and always had something to drink.
Family trip to Turkiye
Dreamer39419226028,Aug 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Zafer was a fantastic guide. Very attentive and always making sure our needs are taken care of during the trip. He is also very resourceful whenever we will need to change the itinerary in short notice during the trip.
Great Experience
Danielle A,Jul 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00I had a great private walking tour with Zafer in Old Istanbul! I learned so much as he was very informative and energetic about explaining each stop along the way. Because it was private, I was able to spend as much time as desired at each location! I highly recommend this tour and Zafer!
The best guide in Turkey 🇹🇷
ericsondmd,May 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was our first visit to Turkey and the plan would see us stay for 2 weeks. Our itinerary meant moving around famous places from Instalbul to Cappadocia, Pamukkale to Ephesus, Troy and Back. The means for us to move around was by land which meant road trip every couple of days. Turkey is such an amazing and place but highlight of this trip was our guide. From day 1 to day 14, Our guide was nothing short of perfection. He was very courteous, smart, articulate and well mannered. He constantly evolves, adjusting to the needs of each individual ( we were a party of 9). His knowledge about Turkey was inspiring. I absolutely recommend this tour service.
14-day private tour (group of 9) to Türkiye
riajamiet,May 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our trip to Türkiye was truly an unforgettable experience—thanks to our amazing tour guide, Zafer. He expertly led us through a well-organized itinerary, ensuring every day was filled with rich cultural insights and memorable experiences. His deep knowledge of Türkiye history, landmarks, and local traditions made each stop more meaningful. He also went above and beyond to recommend and arrange the best optional tours—if Zafer says it’s a must, trust him, it definitely is! One of the highlights of the trip was the incredible food. He carefully selected restaurants and local spots that gave us a true taste of Turkish cuisine, and every meal felt like a culinary adventure. What made the experience even more special is Zafer’s attention to capturing memories—he takes amazing photos throughout the trip, so you go home not only with great experiences but also beautiful photos to remember them by. Most importantly, Zafer was always mindful and attentive to everyone’s needs, making the entire journey smooth, enjoyable, and stress-free. His professionalism, warmth, and dedication truly set him apart. Zafer is highly recommended—we couldn’t have asked for a better guide to show us the best of Türkiye!
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Operated by Anatolus Nomad Guides