Official Tour Guides In Istanbul

Official tour guides in Istanbul for regular or customized routes and visits

Discover the best private, official and professional tour guides in Istanbul, offering regular and customized city tours that cater to your interests and schedule. Whether you’re fascinated by the rich history of Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, the bustling energy of the Grand Bazaar, or the serene beauty of the Bosphorus, these expert guides provide in-depth knowledge and unique insights. Experience the cultural mosaic of Istanbul through personalized itineraries that highlight the city’s hidden gems and iconic landmarks. Let our professional tour guides ensure you have an unforgettable journey through one of the world’s most vibrant and historically significant cities.

You can simply fill out the following form to check availability and guiding fees;

Contact form for an official tour guide in Istanbul

Sample city 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 (7 hours)
• DAY 3– Bohemian Europe to Asian Side, Marmara Sea ferry pass and authentic Turkish foods (Galata, Pera, Istiklal Street, Beyoğlu, Kadıköy quarters) (7 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 tour guide will help you explore the history, stunning architecture, priceless artifacts and interesting daily life in the Harem. Next, marvel at the architectural wonder of Hagia Sophia, a symbol of East Roman (Byzantine) and Ottoman grandeur, with insights from your guide. Continue to the Blue Mosque, renowned for its 6 minarets, magnificent blue tiles and serene ambiance. Wander through the Roman Hippodrome, once the horse and cart races and social center of Constantinople. 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 tour 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 quarter with your private tour guide, learning about its historical significance. Dive into the vibrant atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets, where your professional tour guide can help you shop for unique souvenirs and traditional crafts. Savor the scents and flavors of the historical Spice Bazaar in Eminönü with your guide’s expert recommendations. Visit Dolmabahçe Palace, an opulent 19th-century palace that reflects the grandeur of the Ottoman Empire, with your official tour 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, accompanied by your private tour 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 European side’s vibrant neighborhoods in historical Pera region. Explore inside of Pera Palace Hotel which was famous with Orient Express  and visit the private room of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. Wander through famous Istiklal Street, known for their beautiful historical buildings and churches, lively atmosphere and cultural richness. Then visit the first sufi / dervish lodge of Istanbul to feel the spiritual scent of the city. Cross Marmara Sea by ferry to the Asian continent and immerse yourself in the local ambiance of Kadıköy quarters, 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 official tour 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 in the European side. Visit the Spice Bazaar full of 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 you can just enjoy taking photos. Cross Marmara Sea to the Asian side and explore local markets and eateries with your official tour 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 taste more than 15 different kinds of different 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, and historic buildings and interesting stories with insights from your professional tour guide. Discover the artistic and bohemian vibe of Beyoğlu. Visit Dolmabahçe Palace and Harem section, a stunning example of Ottoman architecture and opulence, with your official tour 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, 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 €70 to €120 per hour, the cost in Istanbul is around between €15 and €30 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 official daily guide fee in Istanbul is approximately €100. However, the commonly requested fees are usually higher, ranging from €120 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
• Quality and experience of the guide
• Content and difficulty level of the tour itinerary

How you can be sure if your tour guide is official or fake / unlicenced?

Although not very common, it is possible to encounter unlicensed guides working illegally in Turkey, especially in languages like English, Arabic, Russian, and French. Despite strict controls, there is still possibility you might come across one of these ifake guides. To ensure that the tour guide you are engaging with is licensed, you may ask them which guide association they belong to and request to see the badge issued by that association. For example, if your guide is affiliated by the Chamber of Tour Guides of Istanbul (IRO), he / she should have a license number from IRO.

Ps; this website does not offer travel agency services, only licensed guiding services are provided. The tour programs that you may see on this webpage are published just to give an idea to travellers.