Official Tour Guides In Istanbul

Official tour guides in Istanbul

Looking for a licensed, English-speaking private tour guide in Istanbul? Complete the form below ∇ to check availability and pricing for your private guide and start your unforgettable Istanbul adventure today!

Discover expert guides who craft personalized tours to match your interests and schedule. From the iconic Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace to the bustling Grand Bazaar and the serene Bosphorus, explore Istanbul’s rich history and vibrant culture like never before.

P.S.: This website offers licensed guiding services only, not travel agency services. Tour programs are shared solely for inspiration.

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Popular routes in Istanbul

DAY 1 – Essential Historical Sites (7 hours); Topkapi Palace, Harem, Saint Irini, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Roman Hippodrome, Sultan Tombs, Basilica Cistern. Means of transportation; walking. Price; please ask for the guiding fee. Includes; guiding. Excludes; entry tickets, food, drink, transportation. Notes; you can buy your entrance tickets on site. You will have priority and skip the lines for Topkapi Palace and the Basilica Cistern.

DAY 2 – From Old Town to New Town; Column of Constantine, Grand Bazaar, Pera district, Istiklal Street, Saint Antuan Church, Cite de Pera, Pera Palace Hotel, Ataturk’s room, Galata Sufi Monastery, Tünel, Taksim Square, and Opera House (6 hours). Means of transportation; walking, tram, and funicular. Price; please ask for the guiding fee. Includes; guiding only. Excludes; entry tickets (only for the Sufi house), food, drink, transportation. Notes; entry tickets will be paid on-site. Public transportation will cost approximately 2 € per person. 

DAY 3 – Bosphorus, Asian Side & Turkish Cuisine; (7 hours) Spice Bazaar, Yeni Camii, Galata Bridge, Bosphorus Boat Tour, Asian Side (Üsküdar & Kadıköy) including 15 different authentic food tastings from Turkish cuisine (6 hours). Means of transportation; walking, ferry, metro. Price; please ask for the guiding fee. Includes; guiding only. The food, drinks, Bosphorus boat tour and transportation will cost around 30-35 € per person.

DAY 4 – 2 Continents in 1 Day (7 hours);

This itinerary features Istiklal Caddesi, the iconic pedestrian street in the heart of the Pera/Beyoğlu district. As we stroll along its lively side streets, you’ll uncover hidden historical passages, art galleries, stunning Art Nouveau buildings, charming restaurants, and wine houses, all while soaking in the vibrant and colorful atmosphere of modern Istanbul.

A highlight of the tour is a visit to the renowned Pera Palace Hotel, once frequented by passengers of the Orient Express, where you can see the room of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey.

Next, you’ll experience a ride on the world’s second-oldest metro line, followed by a delightful half-hour ferry journey across the Bosphorus to the Asian continent.

On the Asian side, we’ll explore Kadıköy, the most bustling and dynamic center of this part of the city. Here, you’ll discover an array of tempting local food options, an authentic food bazaar, and a chance to immerse yourself in the genuine local atmosphere, as this area is a favorite among Istanbul’s residents.

Means of transportation; walking, ferry, metro. Price; please ask for the guiding fee. Price includes; guiding only.

Tour guide can also assist you with the following services:

• Recommendations for the best restaurants.
• Guidance on the ideal areas to stay in and advice on spots to avoid.
• Suggestions for the finest beaches in and around Istanbul.
• Assistance with reserving seats for a Whirling Dervishes show, a traditional Turkish hamam experience, or a dinner cruise on the Bosphorus.

Alternative tours and routes in Istanbul;

• DAY 1 – Historical Peninsula (Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Roman Hippodrome, Sultans Tombs, Basilic Cistern (7 hours)
• DAY 2– Column of Constantine, Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, Dolmabahçe Palace, Bosphorus Tour (6 hours)
• DAY 3– Bohemian Europe to Asian Side, Marmara Sea ferry pass and authentic Turkish foods (Galata, Pera, Istiklal Street, Beyoğlu, Kadıköy quarters) (6 hours)
• ALTERNATIVE ROUTE 1 – Istanbul food tour from European to Asain Side, including Spice Bazaar (4 hours)
• ALTERNATIVE ROUTE 2 – Pera, Istiklal Street, Beyoğlu, Dolmabahçe Palace, Bosphorus Tour (5 hours)

Detail of the tours conducted with a private guide

Day 1 – Historical Peninsula (7 hours)

Embark on a journey through Istanbul’s historical heart with a private tour guide. Begin with a visit to Topkapi Palace, the opulent residence of Ottoman sultans, where your professional guide will help you explore its rich history, stunning architecture, priceless artifacts, and the fascinating daily life in the Harem. Next, marvel at the architectural wonder of Hagia Sophia, a symbol of Byzantine and Ottoman grandeur, enriched with insights from your guide. Continue to the Blue Mosque, renowned for its six minarets, magnificent blue tiles, and serene ambiance. Wander through the Roman Hippodrome, once the social center of Constantinople, where horse and chariot races were held. Visit the Sultans’ Tombs, where Ottoman royalty rests, and conclude the day by descending into the enchanting Basilica Cistern, an underground marvel explained by your knowledgeable guide.

Day 2 – Column of Constantine, Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, Dolmabahçe Palace, Bosphorus Tour (7 hours)

Start your day at the Column of Constantine in Çemberlitaş, learning about its historical significance with your private guide. Dive into the vibrant atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets, where your guide can assist you in finding unique souvenirs and traditional crafts. Savor the scents and flavors of the Spice Bazaar in Eminönü, with expert recommendations from your guide. Visit Dolmabahçe Palace, an opulent 19th-century palace that reflects the grandeur of the Ottoman Empire, with your guide providing fascinating insights, including the Harem section. Conclude your day with a relaxing Bosphorus Boat Tour, enjoying breathtaking views of the city from the water, all while being accompanied by your private guide.

Day 3 – Bohemian European to Asian Side, Marmara Sea ferry pass and authentic Turkish foods (7 hours)

Discover Istanbul’s bohemian spirit with a private tour guide, starting in the vibrant neighborhoods of the historical Pera region on the European side. Explore the interior of Pera Palace Hotel, famous for hosting the passengers of the Orient Express, and visit the private room of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Wander through the iconic Istiklal Street, known for its beautiful historical buildings, churches, lively atmosphere, and cultural richness. Then, visit Istanbul’s first Sufi/Dervish lodge to experience the city’s spiritual essence. Cross the Marmara Sea by ferry to the Asian continent and immerse yourself in the local ambiance of the Kadıköy quarter, guided by your professional tour guide. Savor authentic Turkish foods along the way, experiencing the city’s culinary delights as you explore both sides of the Bosphorus, with your guide ensuring you don’t miss any hidden gems.

Alternative Route 1 – Istanbul Food Tour from European to Asian Side, including Spice Bazaar (4 hours)

Embark on a gastronomic adventure through Istanbul with your professional tour guide, starting on the European side. Visit the Spice Bazaar, brimming with exotic spices and essential ingredients of authentic Turkish cuisine. Sample and purchase a variety of spices and Turkish delicacies, guided by your tour guide, or simply enjoy taking photos. Cross the Marmara Sea to the Asian side and explore local markets and eateries with your guide. Taste traditional Turkish foods, from savory kebabs to sweet baklava, and discover the culinary traditions that make Istanbul a food lover’s paradise, all under the expert guidance of your tour guide. You will sample more than 15 different kinds of food, mezes, and products.

Alternative Route 2 – Pera, Istiklal Street, Beyoğlu, Dolmabahçe Palace, Bosphorus Tour (5 hours)

Explore the cultural and historical treasures of Istanbul with a private tour guide, beginning in the lively district of Pera. Stroll down Istiklal Street, a bustling avenue filled with shops, cafes, historic buildings, and interesting stories shared by your guide. Discover the artistic and bohemian vibe of Beyoğlu. Visit Dolmabahçe Palace and its Harem section, a stunning example of Ottoman architecture and opulence, with your guide providing detailed explanations. End your tour with a scenic Bosphorus Boat Tour, enjoying panoramic views of the city’s skyline and iconic landmarks from the water, all accompanied by your tour guide.

Prices and cost of professional guiding in Istanbul and Turkey

The cost of hiring a licensed guide in Istanbul is significantly lower compared to cities like London, Paris, and Rome. For instance, while guide fees in Paris and Rome range from €80 to €120 per hour, the cost in Istanbul is typically between €20 and €40 per hour. In Turkey, the minimum fees for licensed guides are determined by a unit affiliated with the Ministry of Tourism, and these rates are updated annually. The fees are set on a daily basis rather than hourly. The minimum official daily guide fee in Istanbul is approximately €140. However, the commonly requested fees are usually higher, ranging from €160 to €300. Travel agencies and tour guides can set their own upper limits on pricing.

Several factors influence the determination of guide fees and costs:

• Rarity of guides proficient in the desired language
• The season (peak season vs. off-season)
• Number of people in the group
• Quality and experience of the guide
• Content and difficulty level of the tour itinerary

How to Determine if Your Tour Guide Is Official or Unlicensed

While relatively uncommon, encountering unlicensed or fake tour guides in Turkey is possible, particularly in popular languages such as English, Arabic, Russian, Chinese and French. Despite strict regulations, these illegal guides may still operate.

To ensure your tour guide is licensed and legitimate, take the following precautions:

• Ask for Association Details: Inquire which tour guide association they are affiliated with.
• Check Their Badge: Request to see their official badge issued by the respective guide association.

For instance, if your guide is affiliated with the Chamber of Tour Guides of Istanbul (IRO), they should have an official license number issued by IRO, confirming their legitimacy.

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