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Private Cultural Tour of Istanbul: 1 or 2-Day Tailored Experience

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Overview

Available languages

German
English
Spanish

48 hours

Mobile ticket

Discover Istanbul like a local with our **exclusive private tour**! Avoid the crowds and explore hidden gems, from vibrant streets of Balat to secret viewpoints on the Bosphorus. Enjoy insider access to top landmarks like Hagia Sophia and Topkapı Palace with personalized insights you won’t find elsewhere. Savor authentic flavors at local markets, visit historic mosques, and stroll through Istanbul’s cultural heart. Our flexible itinerary and expert guide ensure an unforgettable journey through the city’s rich history and vibrant modern life. Book now for a one-of-a-kind, immersive experience that sets us apart from ordinary tours!

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

+3 hours allotted for traffic, waiting line, food etc

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

Day 1

Day 1: Historical Gems of Istanbul

1

Sultanahmet District

Start your journey with an intimate introduction to Istanbul’s historical heart, where ancient empires flourished. Unlike other tours, we’ll give you insights into the hidden nooks of this district, offering personalized historical anecdotes.

15 minutes • Admission Not Applicable
2

Hippodrome

Explore the remnants of the ancient chariot-racing arena. Our guide will give you exclusive details about its political significance and lesser-known stories of Byzantine power struggles that most tours overlook.

15 minutes • Admission Not Applicable
3

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

Step inside this awe-inspiring structure, where your guide will provide in-depth explanations of its architectural techniques and cultural transformations across centuries. Gain access to off-the-beaten-path viewpoints within Hagia Sophia that other tours miss.

1 hour • Admission Not Included
4

Blue Mosque

Your visit to the Blue Mosque includes not only the beautiful interior but also a stroll through its peaceful courtyards, where our guide will share intimate stories of the mosque’s place in modern Turkish life, setting this tour apart from others.

1 hour • Admission Not Applicable
5

TopkapI Palace

Beyond just the main sights, this tour offers exclusive insights into Topkapı’s hidden courtyards and chambers that are often skipped on larger tours. Your guide will focus on the personal lives of the sultans and their intriguing world behind palace walls.

2 hours • Admission Not Included
6

Grand Bazaar

We’ll take you through the Grand Bazaar like a local, showing you not just the famous spots but also lesser-known artisanal shops and secret treasures. Get personalized advice on bargaining and finding authentic, high-quality items that many visitors miss.

1 hour • Admission Not Applicable
7

Misir Carsisi (Spice Market)

Our guide will introduce you to specific stalls in the Spice Market that are renowned among locals but often overlooked by tourists. You’ll get a chance to sample and buy some of Istanbul’s finest spices and sweets, with insider tips on how to use them.

45 minutes • Admission Not Applicable
Day 2

Day 2: Modern Istanbul & Bosphorus

1

Bosphorus Strait

Unlike most tours, this Bosphorus cruise will give you a closer look at both European and Asian shorelines, with our guide sharing not just historical facts, but also local legends and stories about life along the Bosphorus. PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS NOT A PRIVATE BOAT.

2 hours • Admission Not Included
2

Dolmabahce Palace

This palace visit goes beyond the surface. You’ll learn about its pivotal role during the Ottoman Empire’s final years and how it became a symbol of the Turkish Republic. Your guide will give insights into rarely discussed rooms and artifacts.

1 hour • Admission Not Included
3

Taksim Square

As the modern pulse of Istanbul, Taksim Square offers more than just shopping and dining. We’ll introduce you to contemporary cultural hotspots, street performances, and how this square has played a role in Turkey’s social movements.

1 hour • Admission Not Applicable
4

Istiklal Caddesi

More than just a shopping street, we’ll guide you through hidden alleyways and historical buildings along Istiklal, from charming art galleries to secret rooftop cafes with stunning views. You’ll experience a side of Istiklal that typical tourists don’t get to see.

45 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

What‘s Included

Discover rich tradition of Turkish handicrafts through unique art &shopping experiences in GORDES


Fast Track Ticket Avaliable to skip the huge queue

soft drinks

Professional Private Tour Guide

Snacks

Private Transportation (if the option is chosen)

VIP Vehicle (IF THE OPTION IS NOT CHOSEN)

Accommodation (at your own expense)

Foods & Drinks

Options

2 Day Private Tour-No Vehicle

Day 1:: Sultanahmet District, Hippodrome, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace, Grand Bazaar, Spice Market
Day 2:: Bosphorus Cruise, Dolmabahce Palace, Taksim Square, Istiklal Street, Suleymaniye Mosque

1 Day Private Tour-No Vehicle

1 Day:: Sultanahmet District, Hippodrome, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace, Grand Bazaar, Spice Market

1 Day Private Tour-VIP Vehicle

1 Day:: Sultanahmet District, Hippodrome, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace, Grand Bazaar, Spice Market
Private Mercedes Vito

2-Day Private Tour&VIP Vehicle

Private Mercedes Vito
Duration: 7 hours: Per Day
Day 1;: Sultanahmet District, Hippodrome, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace, Grand Bazaar, Spice Market
Day 2:: Bosphorus Cruise, Dolmabahce Palace, Taksim Square, Istiklal Street, Suleymaniye Mosque

Reviews

5.00

12 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

12
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  • Two day tour is perfect!

    MKK52453,,Oct 17, 2025

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    Took the 2 day tour and it was great. “Do-An” was an excellent guide, very knowledgeable. He fit in everything we wanted to see.

  • Our guide was very...

    Kimberly V,,Sep 26, 2025

    - Review from Viator

    5.00

    Our guide was very knowledgeable of the history of every place we visited. Due to my partner’s injury we were able to go at a slower pace and still see everything. Our tour guide was patient, very nice and very informative.

  • Thanks For amazing Tour

    316mertz,,Dec 28, 2024

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    Thanks for all agency organized a wonderful tour. I would like to especially thank the guide Ali and the agency staff. I highly recommend this tour to everyone!”

  • A good company

    Q5787TRalessandral,,Dec 27, 2024

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    Sema was really a treasure, always nice and cheerful, she took us to see the historic center of Istanbul with so much enthusiasm and preparation.

  • Great Experience

    emaada2024,,Dec 13, 2024

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    Amazing tour, city is beautiful and filled with history. Tour guide was very knowledgeable and very accommodating of our needs.

  • Thank you, Gözde!

    Ramon5321,,Dec 10, 2024

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    My guide was Gözde Engin. She is very professional and I enjoyed discovering with her help the history of this incredible city. Thank you, Gözde!

  • Perfect for solo traveler

    Cinch206,,Nov 30, 2024

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    I booked this tour because I wanted to get a bunch of historic attractions including the grand bazaar, done in one day. Plus as a solo traveler I wanted to experience the city with someone who knew it best. Gözde was my tour guide and she was great and very knowledgeable, and also was kind to be my photographer for me to cherish the pictures of all the beautiful places.

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  • Amazing Istanbul Tour!

    776kaanm,,Nov 28, 2024

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    This tour was so good! The guide was super nice and knew everything about the city. We didn’t wait in any lines, and got to try some local food. It was so fun and easy, like exploring with a friend.

  • Excellent tour with a knowledgeable and friendly guide!

    DmitriNYC,,Nov 28, 2024

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    Great experience! Unal picked us up at the hotel and took us to the historical center. We saw all the main sights. Unal was very knowledgeable and personable. He gave us enough historical context to understand what we were seeing and he also explained to us how it all fits into the modern line in Turkey. I highly recommend this tour!

  • Amazing tour

    Emre G,,Nov 21, 2024

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    “Thank you, Ali, for the amazing tour! We had a fantastic time exploring Istanbul, and his fluent Italian made the experience even more special.”

From US$120.00

5.00
(12 reviews)
Check availability

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