Private Tour
Istanbul Unveiled: A Quest for the Unique and Unusual Jewels
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Crafted by Serif Yenen, a renowned Turkish tour guide, travel writer, and international speaker, this unique walking tour invites you into the heart of Istanbul, beyond conventional sightseeing. Serif, known for his pioneering book "Turkish Odyssey" and as a veteran speaker at the Smithsonian Institution, specializes in high-end, off-the-beaten-path tours, earning trust from VIPs like Pope Benedict XVI and Oprah Winfrey.
With Serif or his skilled team, you're offered an exclusive journey to uncover Istanbul's hidden historical and cultural treasures, often missed by regular tourists.
This experience is designed for the curious traveler, leading you along less-trodden paths to reveal secrets hidden beneath the city’s vibrant streets. It's an opportunity to visit extraordinary sites overlooked by standard tours.
More than just a tour, embark on a history-rich exploration, unveiling the unique and unusual, transforming your travel into an unforgettable experience.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
Minimum age of 8 years old
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Begin our tour at the Küçük Ayasofya Mosque's garden cafe, savoring traditional Turkish tea against a backdrop perfect for introducing Turkey's geography and history. This peaceful setting kickstarts our exploration of Turkey’s cultural heritage. This monument stands as a profound testament to both religious and architectural evolution, constructed under the auspices of Emperor Justinian before the erection of the iconic Hagia Sophia. As a precursor to the famed architectural marvel, it retains the Byzantine architectural features, marking it as a true hidden gem within the city's storied landscape. Despite its significance, it remains relatively unseen by the masses, harboring a captivating narrative about Justinian. Its historical and architectural richness offers an intimate glimpse into a pivotal era, making it a must-visit for those seeking to delve deeper into the layers of history and design that have shaped this ancient metropolis.
Explore the Ruins of the Byzantine Great Palace, a place where the whispers of ancient royalty still resonate. This exclusive visit takes you to a private location accessible only with special permission, offering a unique and unexpected journey into the heart of ancient splendor. Prepare yourself for a surprise visit that promises to be a highlight of your exploration.
What‘s Included
Professional guide
Entrance costs
Lunch
Istanbul Map
Coffee and/or Tea
Boza tasting
Gratuities
Private transportation
Options
Istanbul Unveiled: A Quest for the Unique and Unusual Jewels
Reviews
15 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing guide. Highly recommend him.
Road61172609704,,Jun 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing time with Serif. He is knowledgeable, kind, speaks fabulous English and knows his stuff. We had two amazing days with him and he made a big difference in our Istanbul experience. We look forward to using him again in our next trip in Istanbul. Thank you Serif.
A wonderful guide for connecting to Istanbul and Turkey’s Past & Present
matthewdK8259RP,,Sep 19, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Serif is one of the best guides I’ve ever had on any tour. He’s extremely knowledgeable on many eras of Turkish history, knows so many off the beaten path sites, and in general gave me an unforgettable experience in one of the world’s great cities.
Outstanding and fascinating tour of Old Istanbul
Juba4ea,,May 14, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Serif is SO knowledgeable and has some marvelous insights into the places he takes you in Istanbul. We so enjoyed his tour and to meet him again.
One of the best ways to experience Turkey
newplace42,,May 11, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Şerif is an amazing tour guide: very knowledgeable, friendly, helpful beyond what you'd expect from a guide, and with a great sense of humor. His experience and personal touch allowed us to see some fascinating out-of-the-way sites as well as the major attractions, and we were treated to a variety of delicious Turkish cuisines. It was a great experience, and I will join one of his tours again in the future.
Only the best!
thomaspA3902DS,,May 10, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00If interested in Istanbul or Turkish history or Turkish food or high end Turkish goods, one must reach out to Serif Yenen! Compassionate, thoughtful, thorough, he creates and leads tours that are exciting, well planned and special because not only is he very well educated, he seems to know everyone and gave us entré to people and homes and sights that we never suspected. I can highly recommend his ability and work and look forward to the next tour!
A Great Tour
H3981SDbens,,May 10, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I attended a tour led by Serif Yenen in April 2022. The tour was excellent! Serif did an outstanding job organizing the tour, ensuring that the group ate at the best restaurants, saw amazing sights that regular tourists often miss out on, and generally ensured everyone had a great time. The tour was impecably organized, with almost everything going right and everyone's needs catered to. The pacing was perfect as well, with a focus on seeing the important sights without exhausting the tour group. I highly recommend Serif Yenen's services to others.
The Best
AlanB834,,May 10, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Serif was the best tour guide I have ever had. He is a pleasure to be with, extremely knowledgeable and well connected - he can get you into places other tour guides cannot, which feels really special. Of course, he is well organised but also flexible, so if something interesting comes up, we can switch things around. One of his best characteristics is the is always attentive, foe example, I am a vegetarian so Serif would always make sure I was able to choose the best option. I often ended up with far more than I could eat!
ONE OF THE BEST TOUR GUIDES EVER !!!!!!!!!!!!
Eve R,,Apr 29, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Spend your money on this guy!!! He really did a great job giving us the information about the local area, taking us underground to see some of the secret parts of Turkey that most have never seen, and took us to some great spots that history is built on. We were beyond pleased with him and really blew it out of the water!!!! I would go back to Turkey just to go on another tour with him !!! Best part was, he put up with my dad and did a great job keeping in touch with all of the diversity in our small group!
Talented and Knowledgable Guide
dakotap896,,Oct 7, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Serif proved to be an absolutely excellent tour guide for our group of 20 or so. He lead us to food, views, and activities we never would have found without him. I highly recommend him!
Perfect guide to see an amazing city!!!
Happysafeexplorer,,Oct 6, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We took a tour with Serif everyday for seven days and learned more about Istanbul than a tourist could have hoped for in one week. He is very knowledgeable and patient with every encounter. I 100% recommend using a guide and make that guide Serif. You will not be disappointed.
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Operated by Serif Yenen Travel & Tourism Co.