Private Tours in Istanbul
Private tours in Istanbul in English; to truly explore this vast city that connects two continents and has served as the capital of three empires, it is most sensible to either conduct serious pre-research or seek the assistance of experts “official tour guides” (click here for English speaking tour guides and prices in Istanbul). To discover Istanbul’s major landmarks and feel the city’s spirit, we recommend staying for at least 4 full days, ideally 7 full days. Below, we suggest 7 different tour programs tailored for visitors planning to stay in Istanbul for either 4 or 7 full days. Please note that we do not offer travel agency services through this page; guided tours and visits on this page are provided solely to give visitors ideas.
City tour ideas and routes in Istanbul
Istanbul Tour 1 – The classic city tour in the old town, day 1
Essential monuments like Topkapi Palace + Harem Section, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Roman Hippodrome, Basilic Cistern. (7-8 hours). Means of transport; walking. Notes; you will need a good walking performance
Istanbul Tour 2 – The classic city tour in the old town, day 2
Archeological Museum, Column of Constantine, Grand Bazaar, Suleymaniye Mosque (7-8 hours). Means of transport; walking. Notes; you will need a good walking performance
Istanbul Tour 3 – Old town to Pera and Bosphorus
Spice Bazaar, Galata Tower and Istiklal Street, Bosphorus Boat Cruise and Dolmabahce Palace (7-8 hours). Means of transport; walking, funicular, tram, ferry. Notes; you will need a moderate walking performance
Istanbul Tour 4 – Asian Side and Food Tour
Kuzguncuk quarter, Beylerbeyi Palace, Üsküdar, Maiden’s Tower and local food tasting in Kadikoy. Means of transport; private vehicle. Notes; you will need a moderate walking performance
More itineraries for private guided tours
- ISTANBUL TOUR 5 – Golden Horn; Orthodox Patriarch, Bulgarian Iron Church, Balat, Fener districts, Eyüp Mosque and Pierre Loti Hill. Means of transport; walking, taxi, tram, cable car or private vehicle. Notes; you will need a moderate walking performance
- ISTANBUL TOUR 6 – Princess Islands; one full day in Buyukada. Means of transport; ferry, walking, electric car. Notes; you will need a moderate walking performance and you may perform this excursion without guide by yourself as well. If you like to visit Aya Yorgi Church you will need to walk up a very steep way for around half and hour. Instead of Buyukada you may visit other islands like Burgazada and Heybeliada as well.
- ISTANBUL TOUR 7 – Villages in the European side of Bosphorus; Besiktas Naval Museum, Arnavutköy, Ortaköy and Bebek villages, Rumeli Fortress, Emirgan Tulip Festival (in April-May). Means of transport; walking and private vehicle. Notes; you will need a moderate walking performance.
Alternative attractions, museums and sites for more guided tours and visits in Istanbul
Chora Museum (recommended), Istanbul Archeological Museum (recommended), Rahmi Koc Museum (recommended), Pera Museum, İş Bankasi Resim Heykel Müzesi, Rüstem Paşa Mosque, Mosaic Museum (Büyük Saray Mozaikleri Müzesi), Islamic Arts Museum, IRHM (Istanbul Painting and Sculpture Museum / Istanbul Resim Heykel Müzesi), Florya Aquarium, Çamlica Tower, Bagdat Avenue, Military Museum, Panorama 1453, Galata Sufi House (Galata Mevlevihanesi), Museum of Innocence, Toys Museum, Cats Museum, Pelit Chocolate Museum, Madame Tussauds Museum, Istanbul Modern, Cinema Museum, Sakip Sabanci Museum, Hagia Irini, Salt Galata, Miniaturk, Islamic Science and Technology Museum, Arter Modern Arts Museum, Turkish Jewish Museum (500. Yıl Vakfı Türk Musevileri Müzesi), Fenerbahçe Museum, Sadberk Hanim Museum..
- Private tours in Istanbul in English
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