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Private Guided Tour in Istanbul: Explore Highlights, History, Culture and Cuisine with Experts
5.0
15 Ratings
Istanbul
Embark on a private guided tour in Istanbul and immerse yourself in the city’s highlights, history, culture, and cuisine. Customize your itinerary and explore with expert local guides.
Embark on a private guided tour in Istanbul and immerse yourself in the city’s highlights, history, culture, and cuisine. Customize your itinerary and explore with expert local guides.
Duration:
8 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Blue Mosque - The Blue Mosque stands as one of Istanbul’s most esteemed landmarks. From the courtyard, you can admire the impressive view of the cascading domes and semi-domes. Inside, you’ll understand the origin of its name, as you gaze upon the vibrant blue Iznik tiles that embellish the interior. These tiles were crafted at the height of Iznik…
- Blue Mosque - The Blue Mosque stands as one of Istanbul’s most esteemed landmarks. From the courtyard, you can admire the impressive view of the cascading domes and semi-domes. Inside, you’ll understand the origin of its name, as you gaze upon the vibrant blue Iznik tiles that embellish the interior. These tiles were crafted at the height of Iznik tile production in the early 17th Century.
- Hagia Sophia Mosque - St Sophia, the Church of Divine Wisdom, is a testament to the sophistication of the 6th Century. This vast structure was built over two earlier churches and was inaugurated by Emperor Justinian in 537. The immense dome is an architectural marvel, appearing to float overhead.
- Topkapi Palace - Explore the magnificent Topkapi Palace Museum. Gain fascinating insights into this grand complex of buildings that served as the residence of the Sultans for 400 years. The four main courtyards feature extensive gardens, pavilions, fountains, royal gates, kitchens, a library, and mosques. Enjoy exhibitions such as ‘Sacred Trusts’, ‘Portraits of Sultans’, ‘Kitchen’, and ‘Imperial Weapons’. Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays
- Hippodrome - The Hippodrome was one of the largest chariot race grounds of the Byzantine Empire. Here, you can see the Egyptian Obelisk and the Serpentine Column.
- Basilica Cistern - The Basilica Cistern, built in the 6th Century, served as an underground water reservoir. It features 360 columns and the famous Medusa Heads as column bases.
- Kapali Carsi - Visit the Grand Bazaar, the largest and oldest covered bazaar in Turkey, with more than 4,000 shops. A variety of handicrafts, from carpets to souvenirs, are sold in this famous market.
- Eminönü Mısır Çarşısı - Visit the Spice Bazaar, the most colorful historical bazaar in Istanbul.
- Taksim Square - The most famous square in Istanbul, featuring pedestrian streets, shops, coffee houses, and more.
- Suleymaniye Mosque - Built in the 16th Century by the renowned Ottoman architect Sinan and commissioned by Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent.
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Galata Tower - As the oldest tower in the city, it offers a 360-degree view of Istanbul.
Note: Guides do not have priority to skip the line for Galata Tower. - Dolmabahce Palace - The last residence of the Ottoman Sultans, built in European style with more than 200 rooms. It houses the largest chandelier collection in the world.

What's Included
- Private Guided Tour (up to Group of 10 People)
- Licenced Professional Tour Guide
- Meeting at the Lobby & Plan Your Day with your Guide
- Private Guided Tour (up to Group of 10 People)
- Licenced Professional Tour Guide
- Meeting at the Lobby & Plan Your Day with your Guide
What's Not Included
- Museum / Attraction Tickets
- Graduatities
- Transportation
- Museum / Attraction Tickets
- Graduatities
- Transportation
Additional Information
- Time to explore the Highlights of Istanbul, its people, history, culture and cuisine with expert local Professional Guides.
- Customize the itinerary according to your schedule and interests with your guide. Decide the sights and places to visit at the beginning of the day.
- Pricing is per group (up to 10 people) , not per person!!
- We meet with the…
- Time to explore the Highlights of Istanbul, its people, history, culture and cuisine with expert local Professional Guides.
- Customize the itinerary according to your schedule and interests with your guide. Decide the sights and places to visit at the beginning of the day.
- Pricing is per group (up to 10 people) , not per person!!
- We meet with the travelers at the hotel and walk to the sites together or use tram to reach the old city. Guide will meet you at the Hotel Lobby (Old City Area) and we will walk to the sites together.
- Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays. It can be replaced with Spice Bazaar
- As Hagia Sophia is a museum-mosque. Tour guides don’t have skip-the-line priority there. Entrance Fee is 25 Euro
- Dolmabahce Palace is closed on Nov 10. Due to commemoration ceremony. Also, it is closed every mondays
- Galata Tower will be visited from outside as tour guides have no priority to skip the line due to Galata Tower regulations
- During the national and religious festivals, visiting times of the sites can be changed or they can be closed
- Skip the line service is not available for active mosques - there is a queue for the entrance. Ladies must cover the head with a scarf at the mosque visits. Please bring your scarf. Shoulders and knees must be covered
- Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays can be replaced with alternatives.
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Location
Blue Mosque
Sultanahmet Mah At Meydani Cad No 7
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(15 Ratings)
5 stars
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1 star
722hafide
Sep 12, 2025
Enriching experience on all points of view. - Mustafa GÖKMEN for me the best guide in Istanbul a unique experience with a friendly and welcoming guide. A perfect and enriching culture and explanation for me I am very happy with my experience with tourist places visits. Merci Mustafa
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sabfritz
Sep 10, 2025
Exceptional day with a guide of impeccable quality. Just want to get back to Istanbul as soon as possible - Gökmen Mustafa best guide to Istanbul. I thank this person for the day of visitation that has not finished dazzling me and will remain etched in my head and heart forever. It was an exceptional day thanks to Mustafa and his knowledge of the story that he manages to convey with his passion for his work, his kindness and his patience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
P3756nlbenjaminw
Aug 26, 2025
Amazing Personal Experience - Mustafa Gokmen Evcili was one of the best tour guides we have ever had, not only was he super knowledgeable, but it genuinely felt like hanging out with a friend for the day who was showing us all the sights. He showed us around whatever we wanted to see and shared histories and facts and we also sat down for a lunch together mid way through. My partner and I are both architects and he was able to personalise the tour for us telling us interesting things that non-architects may not find so interesting. Being able to skip the lines at attractions was also a great positive, he seemed to know a lot of people and this allowed for special treatment. Would highly recommend this tour to anyone, it is well worth the cost, we were also able to swap contacts incase we are wanting to reconnect for anything when we are back in town. Just an overall great experience and a great way to see Istanbul!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tbriggs0213
Jun 24, 2025
Unforgettable Experience!! - An Unforgettable Experience with the Best Guide in Turkey!
Mustafa was hands down the highlight of our trip to Turkey. From the moment we met him, it was clear we were in the hands of a true expert and passionate storyteller. He didn’t just guide us—he brought the rich history and culture of Istanbul to life.
Whether we were standing in awe beneath the dome of the Hagia Sophia, admiring the intricate beauty of the Blue Mosque, or walking through the opulent halls of Dolmabahçe Palace, Mustafa knew every detail, legend, and hidden corner. His knowledge is encyclopedic, but it never felt like a lecture—it felt like we were exploring with a friend who genuinely loves his city and wants you to love it too.
He also took us to an incredible local restaurant (still dreaming about that meal!) and a stunning rug shop with no pressure, just warmth and hospitality. Every stop on our tour felt authentic, personal, and perfectly curated.
We cannot recommend Mustafa enough. If you’re visiting Turkey and want to experience the country’s history, culture, and charm in the most enriching way possible, Mustafa is your guy!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Skidadjmb
Jun 17, 2025
Seeing Istanbul As A Local! - My wife and I had two days to explore Istanbul and wanted to make the most of our visit. On day one, we hired Mustafa Evcili at the recommendation of the concierge at our hotel. We opted for the 8 hour guide as we felt that 4 hours may not be enough and we could always end the day early if we were tired. Needless to say, the 8 hours flew by with Mustafa as our guide. His knowledge of the city (and region!) was so helpful in bringing what we were seeing for the first time into historical perspective. While taking us to the sites we requested, he paid attention to what we liked and, based on the questions we asked and our discussions, he then took us to places off the beaten path that he thought might interest us. I was amazing! We felt we got an insider's view of the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market, as well as a few stops to do a bit of shopping where no tourist would ever find. We can't thank Mustafa enough. Please seek him out as your guide. You will not be dissapointed.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Edwardmartinc
May 24, 2025
Istanbul Great City and nice people - Mr Mustafa, showed us around Istanbul and definitely an excellent tour guide . From local food, sightseeing, walking tour, and shopping it is worth it . Speaks Good English also !
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sheila_h
Jan 17, 2025
Private Tour of Istanbul with Guide Serkan - The private day long tour of the highlights of Istanbul
with my guide Serkan was a very interesting
and positive experience. The day went quickly
despite rainy conditions. Serkan was a wealth of
knowledge and also quite kind.
I would recommend a tour with Serkan.
Review provided by Viator
12356710
Mar 3, 2024
A full, fun, informative day walking Istanbul with Evran - Evran, our guide for the day, was waiting in the lobby of the Grand Yavuz Hotel (where we stayed compliments of Turkish Airlines’ layover program) before 9:00 AM and was very friendly and communicative right away. Our tour of Istanbul was entirely on foot, and I did wonder now and then if he’d checked ahead of time to be sure we were all fit enough to walk the city’s hilly streets from 9 to 5! He brought us to all the sights, giving advice (it was fine, for example, for the women in our group to don hoodies at the mosques instead of purchasing veils) and providing history and facts on each. We were surprised when he brought us to an out-of-the-way shop called Vezirhan Carpets & Kilim and the staff showed us silkworms and weaving techniques, like it was a museum tour. Then they sat us down and offered drinks. Huh? Then the show continued as rug after rug was presented and explained and we were invited to walk barefoot on the rugs. Was it all a set up so we’d buy a $2,000 rug? We hadn’t planned to do so, and eventually walked out empty-handed. Evran said “no need to tip them!” when we tried. He brought us to the Grand Bazaar to the “best places” and we did buy some artwork from Nick Merdenyan’s tiny stall and spices and tea from another place. Evran took us to a lunch spot and sat down with us to eat when invited. We had a lovely lunch. Evran was knowledgeable, fun to chat with, and helpful. I rate him 5 out of 5 stars!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Hmmgd
Jul 9, 2022
Great guide. - Amazing, great personality, knowledgable, funny.
Great guide.
Knew history and practicalities of getting around.
Accommodated well to our needs as tourists.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
946hariss
Mar 21, 2022
Brilliant - Evren Bozan is an amazing guide! Super helpful, great knowledge, happy to divert for random requests! And he gave us brilliant shopping & food recommendations, helping us avoid scams!
Thank you Evren!
Review provided by Tripadvisor