Istanbul Private Tour
Private Istanbul Tour
When you book, you can choose one of the following options:
4-Hour Tour
After picking you up in the city center, we'll kick off this tour of Istanbul with a visit to Hagia Sophia, one of the city's most fascinating mosques. Originally a Christian basilica, this building has also served as an Orthodox church and a museum.
From there, we'll continue to the Basilica Cistern, one of the great underground water reservoirs from the Byzantine era. Its forest of columns is sure to amaze you!
After learning about its history, we'll head to Topkapı Palace to discover how the sultans lived during the Ottoman Empire. We'll visit its main rooms and try to unravel the mysteries and legends hidden in each one.
Finally, we'll wrap up this tour of Istanbul back at the starting point. Keep in mind that since this is a private tour, you can customize the itinerary to suit your interests.
8-Hour Tour
With this option, you also get to decide the itinerary. For 8 hours, an English-speaking guide will accompany you as you explore Istanbul's must-see sights.
Not sure what to see? We recommend starting at the majestic Topkapı Palace, the former residence of the Ottoman sultans, where we'll spend about 2.5 hours exploring its courtyards, imperial rooms, and treasures.
Since it's closed on Tuesdays, on those days we'll swap it for the elegant Dolmabahçe Palace, with a visit lasting about 1.5 hours.
Next, we can dive into the city's thousands of years of history at Hagia Sophia, one of the most iconic architectural landmarks in the world. We'll continue on to the Hippodrome of Constantinople, the center of social life in Roman times, followed by the Blue Mosque, famous for its tiles and graceful silhouette.
At lunchtime, we'll stop so you can grab lunch on your own. And if you'd like to change the order or add other spots like the Grand Bazaar, your guide will be happy to adapt the route. Your wish is our command!
Transportation Options
Along with choosing a 4- or 8-hour tour, when you book, you can also choose between a tour with just a guide or with a guide and transportation:
Guide-Only Tour
If you choose the guide-only option, which is much more affordable, the tour will be done on foot and by public transportation. We'll meet at a central spot in Istanbul, which we'll share in your booking confirmation.
Guide + Vehicle Tour
If you choose the vehicle option, you'll have a private vehicle with a driver at your disposal all day.
With this option, the tour includes pickup from hotels in the following central Istanbul areas: Bayrampaşa, Beşiktaş, Beyoğlu, Eminönü, Eyüp, Fatih, Kağıthane, Şişli, and Zeytinburnu. If you're staying outside these areas, you'll need to make your way to a meeting point in the city center, which we'll share in your booking confirmation.
More Information
Duration
4 - 8h.
Language
The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English.
Included
Hotel pickup and drop–off (if you select the option with transport)
Transportation by private vehicle (if you select the option with transport)
English–speaking guide
Private and exclusive tour, there won't be anyone else in your group
Not included
Admission to the museums and monuments
Food and drinks
Public transport tickets
When to book?
You can book up until 36 hours before the activity as long as there are still places. Book now to guarantee your spot.
Type of voucher
Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.
Accessibility
Not wheelchair accessible.
Sustainability conditions
All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code.
Our providers commit to:
- Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
- Reduce, reuse, recycle.
- Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
- Uphold fair employment standards.
- Foster the growth of local communities.
- Preserve the integrity of local culture.
- Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
- Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
- Operate with honesty and transparency.
- Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.
This particular activity contributes as follows:
- Printed material is avoided.
- No single-use plastics are used.
- No printing of documentation required.
- Promotes local employment.
- Has a gender equality policy.
- Promotes local employment.
- Has a gender equality policy.
- Promotes local employment.
- Has a gender equality policy.
- Promotes local employment.
- Has a gender equality policy.
- Promotes local employment.
- Has a gender equality policy.
- Promotes local employment.
- Has a gender equality policy.
Pets
Not permitted.
Frequently asked questions
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Q - Can we take the private tour leaving after 9:30 am?
A - You can reserve the 2 pm tour, but only if you choose the 4-hour option.
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Q - How do I purchase tickets that are not included in the tour?
A - The guide will be responsible for purchasing them on the day of the activity.
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Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?
A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities.
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Q - Which local supplier will be providing the tour?
A - Depending on the date, time, or language selected, this tour may be offered by different local suppliers: Euro Marmara Turizm Corporate name: Euromarmara Turzim AS Registered Office: Miralay Şefikbey Sok., Dedem Han no : 9/5 Gumussuyu / Beyoglu , Istanbul, Turkey Tax Identification Number (VAT ID): 3830421700 Contact information Email: reservas@euromarmara.com Phone: 0090 212 2443300 Viaurbis Tours Corporate name: SALTICA LTD Registered Office: 332 Green Lanes, London, United Kingdom Tax Identification Number (VAT ID): 12302604 Contact information Email: info@viaurbis.com Phone: 00905077661279
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Q - How to book?
A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.
If you have any other questions please contact us.
Free cancellation
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Depending on the option you choose, we'll pick you up from your hotel in Istanbul or meet you in the city center.
Depending on the date and time you have selected, your meeting point may change.