Private Tour
Istanbul Private Tour with Official Licensed Guide – Fast Entry
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Enjoy a personalized walking tour of Istanbul’s historical heart — accompanied by a licensed professional guide. by the minister of culture and tourism of turkey more than ten years experience.
Have a priority access with official guide without waiting any museum ticket line
You’ll explore iconic sites such as the Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia, the Hippodrome, and the Grand Bazaar at your own pace, with rich historical, cultural, and architectural commentary tailored just for you.
Perfect for independent travelers who want a flexible, informative, and private experience in Istanbul
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
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
First of all the place that we will going to see its more than 1500 years old and its not easy to discover by yourself. Its Always busy and crowded You will skip ticket line because when you are with your official licensed guide you will always have a priority skip the ticket line you will be well informed about historical building with a 10years experience
Blue Mosque
This gorgeous building Was built between 1609-1616 by ottoman sultan we will mostly see the famous tiles on the walls and talk about magnificient history and will see how people pray inside
What‘s Included
Fast track with guide
Guidance fee
Meeting guest at the port or hotel
basilica cistern admission fee (25 Euro)
Private transportation
topkapı palace (49 Euro)
Hagia Sophia Entry (€25euro)
Pickup points
Hagia Sofia Mansions Istanbul, Curio Collection by Hilton
Kabasakal Cad. No:5 Istanbul Turkiye
AJWA Sultanahmet
Piyerloti Caddesi No:30, Sultanahmet Istanbul Turkiye
Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul
Hayrettin Iskelesi Sok. No:1, Sinanpasa Mah. Istanbul Turkiye
Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel
Divanyolu Cad. Ticarethane Sk. No:10, Alemdar Mah. Istanbul Turkiye
The Peninsula Istanbul
Kemankes Caddesi No:34, Kemankeş Karamustafapaşa Mahallesi Istanbul Turkiye
Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul At Sultanahmet
Tevkifhane Sokak No. 1 Istanbul Turkiye
Options
Istanbul Private Tour with Official Licensed Guide – Fast Entry
Pickup included
Reviews
43 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A great intro to Hagia Sophia
tarrah011,Feb 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I went on this tour with Tanju and he was super knowledgeable and friendly. He communicated well and helped us find the meeting spot. We just booked a Hagia Sophia tour and it was a little bit short so if I had to do it again I would have have Tanju tour us through the Blue Mosque as well. But overall a nice visit to Hagia Sophia.
Highly recommended, super recommended!!
AlexandraC3629,Feb 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I went with my mom and a small group of friends on tour with Tanju. It was a wonderful experience, he knows a lot about the whole story. He took us to the best places, showed us the best views for photos and took us to eat in splendid places. My friend says, this man is an encyclopedia. Postscript: I recommend the “En Chinga Tour”! Thanks, Tanju!
Perfect Private Istanbul Tour With Tanju
dorothymc2025,Dec 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We joined a private tour of Istanbul with our guide, Tanju, and it was an amazing experience. He is extremely knowledgeable, especially about Roman, Ottoman and modern Turkey history, and his storytelling made everything come alive. We entered the museums without waiting ticket line, which made the day even more enjoyable. This wasn’t just a regular tour — it was a mix of history, culture, gastronomy, and local flavors. Tanju is very polite, humble, and genuinely attentive. He took great care of us throughout the day. I would definitely recommend this experience to anyone visiting Istanbul
The Best Guide in Istanbul! Tanju made every sight interesting and had amazing historical insights and hidden stories
Anastasia T,Nov 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing tour in Istanbul with Tanju! He showed us all the key sights with the perfect balance of history, culture, and fun stories. Every stop became even more interesting thanks to the way he explained the city’s past and connected it to what we were seeing. We also asked him many tricky questions, and he somehow had an answer for every single one of them! Truly impressive knowledge and a great sense of humor. If you want a guide who brings Istanbul to life and makes the whole experience unforgettable, Taju is the one. Highly recommended!
He made all the difference!
David E,Nov 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Tanju was excellent. Extremely knowledgeable. It’s a cliche, but he really did make Istanbul come alive. And his personality and friendship doubled the enjoyment of our trip. Get him if you possibly can.
I love coming to Turkey
328effiey,Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Everything was delightful. This was my second time and they always take great care of me when I visit. Outstanding job!!
The best guide ever
alexandranB6801JG,Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I highly recommend this tour! It’s very interesting. Plus, the guide, Tanju, is amazing because he gets us into many attractions and points of interest without having to wait in line. This makes the day much more dynamic, fun, and engaging. Tanju’s attitude is very friendly and warm, which makes us feel at home and eager to come back to Istanbul.
Amazing trip
494federicog,Oct 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was an amazing experience!! I would totally recommend it, the food, company and scenery was exquisite!! 10/10 would do it again!!
Title: The Genie of Istanbul — a Guide, a Friend, a Legend
Olga C,Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Whenever I travel, I always try to learn about a city through the eyes of a local guide. Finding the right one is often a matter of pure luck — but meeting Tanju in Istanbul felt like something more than luck. Though I’m not religious, I truly believe it was fate. Tanju is not just an outstanding guide — he’s a storyteller, a historian, and a beautiful soul who makes the city come alive. Whether you’re a curious first-timer or a seasoned scholar of Constantinople’s history, he’ll meet you at your level with passion, humour, and astonishing knowledge. Since our first private tour almost five years ago, Tanju has become much more than a guide — he’s become a dear friend and collaborator. Together we’ve even curated events for my clients, because his professionalism and creativity go far beyond traditional guiding. And I cherish this relationship. Tanju is the Genie of Istanbul — he doesn’t just go the extra mile, he’ll swim across the Bosporus for you! He will open the doors to hidden gems, secret courtyards, and unforgettable experiences that you’ll never find on your own. If you want to experience Istanbul in its full magic and depth, book with Tanju — but do it early! He’s the most sought-after guide in Istanbul and beyond for a reason.
Historical!
139elizabetb,Oct 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Tanju was incredibly informative! We were able to cut the line and get into Hagia Sofia easily. The tour was dynamic! He described the history of the structure and the fascinating insights - encompassing Christian and Islamic history! He also was incredibly accommodating to my 12 year old brother - though I would not recommend this tour to smaller children as they will probably not find the same joy as adults do in the details. 10/10 would recommend his tour!
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Operated by Book Istanbul Tour