Best of Istanbul: 2-Day Private Guided Tour

Start Point: Your Istanbul Hotel or Galataport 5

Overview

Istanbul is a megacity offering tons of activities. It might be hard to finish it in 2 days but think about doing it with a private guide! 

Explore Istanbul in a wide perspective and witness its captivating architecture, rich culture, and history on your private guided tour. Imagine the pleasure of being at the Topkapi Palace, memorialized within the city narrative along with the famed Hagia Sophia, and the amazing Grand Bazaar which is just a brief snapshot of this ancient city. You’ll also be able to enjoy Sultanahmet Square which features majestic artifacts from the Byzantine and Ottoman Empire.

After visiting the square you can embark on experiencing the scenic views of the European and the Asian side of Istanbul with the Bosphorus cruise. Along the way you will be exposed to captivating Dolmabahce Palace, as well as the exotic Spice Market and go faster with modern Istanbul in Taksim Square. 

Istanbul is a realm of sensations and culture whether it’s the local food or the amazing views. This tour is organized for you, for the maximum engagement with the life of the city.
 

Tour Info
Sight To See
  • Galata Tower (from outside)
  • Hagia Sophia
  • Topkapi Palace Museum
  • Blue Mosque
  • Grand Bazaar
  • Bosphorus Strait
  • Hippodrome Square
  • Spice Market (Egyptian Bazaar)
  • Dolmabahce Palace
  • Istiklal Street
  • Cicek Passage
  • Taksim Square

Itinerary

Your private tour guide will meet you at the hotel lobby or cruise port at the scheduled time to start the Best of Istanbul Tour.

Highlights of Topkapi Palace Museum (Topkapi Sarayi): More than just an imperial residence of Ottoman sultans, it was the seat of the Supreme Executive Council for almost 400 years. Topkapi Palace is a great monument of Oriental architecture that reflects the power of the Ottoman Empire.

Byzantine Hippodrome/Sultanahmet Square: The site of chariot races in Roman times. Its Egyptian Column dates back to the Byzantine Empire. Today, the German Fountain is the centerpiece of the square.

The Hagia Sophia: Also known as Ayasofya or Santa Sofia, was constructed in the 6th century under the patronage of Emperor Justinian. It holds significant historical and religious prominence in both Christian and Islamic traditions. Following the Ottoman conquest, several modifications were made to adapt the structure into a mosque, including the removal of bells, the altar, and sacrificial vessels. Additionally, numerous mosaics were concealed during this transformation. It is important to note that skip-the-line service is not available for active mosques, thus, visitors should expect a queue for the entrance.

The Blue Mosque: Constructed in the early 1600s for Sultan Ahmet I of the Ottoman Empire, stands as a remarkable architectural masterpiece. Despite its massive scale, the delicate proportions of this structure showcase exemplary craftsmanship and artistry.It is important to note that skip-the-line service is not available for active mosques, thus, visitors should expect a queue for the entrance.

Grand Bazaar: Also known as Kapali Carsi, is the largest and oldest covered market in the world, boasting over 4,000 shops. Visitors can explore a wide variety of colorful products, including ceramics, leather goods, rugs, carpets, handicrafts, clothing, silver, and gold.

At the end of your private tour in Istanbul, your guide will accompany you back to your hotel or the Istanbul port.
 

Your private tour guide will meet you at the hotel lobby or cruise port at the scheduled time to start the second day of Best of Istanbul Tour.

The Spice Market: A vibrant indoor bazaar that offers various products, including spices, purses, flavored teas, Turkish delights, nuts, ceramics, and small souvenirs. Situated in Eminönü Square, it serves as the connecting point of the Bosphorus and Golden Horn.

Bosphorus Cruise: This tour is operated with a public ferry, allowing you to see Istanbul's European and Asian sides. You'll pass by the Galata Tower, Dolmabahce Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, Rumeli Fortress, old Ottoman villas, the Bosphorus Bridge, and mosques. Your best memories of Istanbul will be from the Bosphorus. Please let us know if you prefer the Private Yacht Option for the Bosphorus Cruise.

Dolmabahce Palace: This palace boasts elegance and beauty, with luxurious decorations, chandeliers, rugs, crystals, and ceramic fireplaces. It sits right on the Bosphorus and features gorgeous furnishings, paintings, and porcelains specifically made for Dolmabahce.

Taksim Square: A critical location that represents modern Turkey and has been the site of significant historical events.

Cicek Passage: A structure that combines traditional and modern construction methods and reflects the architectural style of the Ottoman Empire. Great food joints, cafes, shops, bars, and nightclubs near Taksim Square surround it.

Istiklal Street (Istiklal Caddesi) and Galata Tower: Along with the embassies of European countries, are located nearby.

At the end of your private tour in Istanbul, your guide will accompany you back to your hotel or the Istanbul port.

This is the end of our service. We sincerely hope to welcome you as our guest again!
 

  • Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays.
  • Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays so will be replaced with Spice Market if your Istanbul tour is on that day.
  • Dolmabahce Palace is closed on Mondays.
  • Children aged 7 and under are free of charge. Please make sure that you have passport copies of children as we have to verify their ages at museums for free tickets.
  • If one of the mosques are not visited, Basilica Cistern will be visited as a replacement.
  • On Fridays, Hagia Sophia entrance will be restricted between 12:00pm - 14:30pm and Blue Mosque will be restricted until 14:30pm.

Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusion
  • Private Tour
  • Licensed Tour Guide
Exclusion
  • Transportation by Private Van (Optional)
  • Airport Transfers (optional)
  • Private Yacht (Optional)
  • Museum Tickets & Attraction Fees
  • Meals & Drinks
  • Gratitudes (suggested)

Cancellation Policy

24 Hour - Free cancellation

You are eligible for a full refund if you cancel your booking at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time of the experience.

However, if you cancel within 24 hours of the start time, no refund will be issued, and we will not be able to accept any modification requests during this period.

Please note that all cancellation deadlines are based on local time.