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Activity Istanbul, Turkey

Best of Istanbul: 1, 2 or 3 Days Private Tour with Friendly Local Guide

5.0 (2 reviews) 3 days Free cancellation Private tour
Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Best of Istanbul: 1, 2 or 3 Days Private Tour with Friendly Local Guide

About this activity

Immerse yourself in the peculiar mix of Ottoman, Byzantine, and Roman cultures on a 1-,2- or 3-day private tour around Istanbul. Travel back in ancient times, be awed by the majestic of the Old City, and find a real treasure in the Grand Bazaar. Take the second day and soak the vibrant pace of modern Istanbul life, discover all alleys of Taksim Square, and get lost among all mouthwatering sweets of the Spice Bazaar. Add one extra day to explore the eastern part of the city or create a customized tour itinerary based on your preferences.

  • Get an exclusive tour around Istanbul accompanied by a personal guide;
  • Customize itinerary based on your preferences;
  • Explore all must-see cultural sights on a tight schedule;
Multi-day Tours Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Photography Tours Walking Tours Short term availability Weather Dependent - Weather-Proof

At a glance

Duration
3 days
Confirmation
Instant confirmation
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group
Your group only
People per booking
1–15
Guide
German, English, French, Turkish, Spanish
Operated by
Friendly Local Guides

What is included

Included

  • Included: Private walking tour with local expert
  • Included: Iconic places for photoshoot
  • Included: Must see and off the beaten path
  • Included: Private tour
  • Included: All Fees and Taxes
  • Included: Expert advice where to go and what to do after the tour
  • Included: Friendly local guide

Not included

  • Not included: Entrance fees
  • Not included: Food and drinks
  • Not included: Gratuities (optional)

Itinerary

Day 1 · 1- Day Private Istanbul Tour

  1. Istanbul

    15 min

    During the tour, your guide will every day pick you up from your hotel. With the assistance of the guide, you can develop a personalized itinerary that will include all historical highlights that you always eager to see.

    You will experience the eternal magic of the Old City. You will marvel at beautiful mosaic halls of the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia Museum, and Cora Museum; gaze at the unbelievable pompous decoration of the Topkapi Palace and wander through the remains of ancient obelisks of the former Hippodrome of Constantinople.

  2. Blue Mosque

    one hour

    The Blue Mosque is an elegant and majestic mosque built in the early 17th century. The edifice is famous for its unique interior. It has six minarets and is decorated with delicately handcrafted tiles of Iznik ceramics in a rich palette of blue color.

  3. TopkapI Palace

    2 hours Admission not included

    The Topkapi Palace is a palace complex, the ancient residence of the Turkish sultans in Istanbul. The total area of the palace buildings is 70 hectares, and every square meter soaks in gold, luxury and all kinds of treasures.

  4. Grand Bazaar

    2 hours

    The Kapali Carsi or Grand Bazaar is one of the largest covered markets in the world. It has 61 streets, 4400 shops, 2195 tailor shops, 18 fountains, 12 mosques, and 12 warehouses. The bazaar rightfully considered the heart and soul of Istanbul is a place where you can feel the magical charm of the East

  5. Hippodrome

    one hour

    The Hippodrome in Constantinople was one of the most grandiose constructions of the Byzantine Empire, built in the 3rd century. It was used as a place for horse rides, gladiator fights, triumphal processions, and festivities. Now it's a lovely square, where you will find the remains of the ancient obelisks that once decorated the grand stadium.

  6. Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

    2 hours Admission not included

    The Hagia Sophia is a magnificent pearl of Historic Areas of Istanbul, listed in the UNESCO World Heritage sites. It was originally built as the main Orthodox cathedral during the Byzantine Empire, converted into the main mosque after the Ottoman invasion in 1453, and now is a museum.

Day 2 · 2- Day Private Istanbul Tour

  1. Istanbul

    15 min

    At local bazaars, you will meet one of the most welcoming nations of the world, the Turks. The Grand Bazaar will amuse you by its massive size and a wide diversity of shining jewelry, colorful clothes, and other peculiar things. The Spice Bazaar will treat you with the most delicious Turkish delights and a cup of strong Turkish coffee.

    You will take a relaxing walk on Taksim Square and then go on a cruise over the Bosphorus Strait, the best way to fully observe the city skyline.

  2. Dolmabahce Palace

    2 hours Admission not included

    The Dolmabahce Palace is a lavish historical complex located on the shores of the famous Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul. The palace was built in a completely uncharacteristic Baroque style for Turkish architecture as an unusual imperial whim.

  3. Taksim Square

    2 hours

    Taksim Square is a metropolis district located between the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus Strait. It is the ideal where you can explore the modern life of Turkey, explore famous Istiklal Street, go shopping, and try gastronomy tourism.

  4. Stop 4

    30 min

    The Spice Bazaar is a real discovery for those with a sweet tooth. Vendors offer everyone an amazing selection of honey, jerked and smoked meats, all kinds of cheeses, Turkish delight, and the famous Turkish sweets.

  5. Bosphorus Strait

    2 hours Admission not included

    The Bosphorus is a strait that connects two continents, two civilizations, two different worlds - Europe and Asia. You can take Public Ferry Cruise or Private Cruise to enjoy the stunning view of the city skyline.

Day 3 · 3- Day Private Istanbul Tour

  1. Istanbul

    15 min

    You will be surprised to find an orthodox church in Turkey. Fener Rum Patrikhanesi has a beautiful and authentic interior and immerses you into a very quiet and peaceful atmosphere.

    As the last destination, you can visit the most aristocratic and fashionable district of Istanbul, Kadiköy district. After your tour is over, your guide will drop you off at your hotel.

  2. Galata Tower

    15 min Admission not included

    The Galata Tower is an iconic landmark in Istanbul. The building itself is 61 meters high and along with the hill is 140 meters above sea level. You can see it from any part of the historical center of the Turkish capital

  3. Fener Rum Patrikhanesi

    30 min Admission not included

    Fener Rum Patrikhanesi is the official center of orthodox Christian belief in Turkey. The church has a beautiful and authentic interior, dark wood stalls with the heads of griffins on the armrests, a gilded carved iconostasis, and a very quiet and peaceful atmosphere.

  4. Chora Museum

    45 min Admission not included

    The Chora Museum is a brilliant architectural monument of the Byzantine period, an ancient church founded in the 4th-5th century and preserved in our time. Most of the survived mosaics and frescoes date from the 11th century and illustrate biblical stories.

  5. Pierre Loti

    45 min

    Pierre Loti Hill is an observation deck on a hill with a panoramic view of Istanbul. It is placed at an altitude of 53 meters above sea level and reveals an amazing view of the Golden Horn and the city.

  6. Kadikoy Istanbul Boga MeydanI

    45 min

    Kadiköy is one of the oldest regions of Turkey. There are few tourists and you can quietly stroll along the old picturesque streets, view Haydarpaşa railway station, and the famous statue of a bull.

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

  • Hotel Centrum Istanbul
  • Tom Square Boutique Hotel
  • Sunrise Hotel Taxim
  • Bon Hotel Hagia Sophia
  • Blue Marmara Suites
  • Cihangir Hotel
  • Morava Hotel
  • Aziyade Hotel
  • Best Western Empire Palace
  • Orka Royal Hotel & Spa
  • Raymond Hotel Istanbul
  • CVK Hotels Taksim

and 1,039 more pickup points

Lobby of your hotel. Please provide the exact name and address of your hotel.

Your guide will meet you at your centrally-located hotel, hostel or vacation rental

You don't need to call to confirm the tour. The local supplier will contact you via email

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel You get back
At least one day before 100%
Less than a day before 0%

Good to know

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

  • Public transportation options are available nearby

  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

  • This is a walking tour with some use of public transportation, and your private guide will accompany you at all times

Options

  • 1 Day Tour - up to 7 persons

    Duration: 1 day

    Pickup included

  • 3-Day Private Tour

    Duration: 3 days

    Pickup included

  • 2-Day Private Tour

    Duration: 2 days

    Pickup included

  • 1 Day Tour - up to 15 persons

    Pickup included

Traveller ratings

5.0 out of 5 · 2 reviews
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Activities, prices and reviews are from Viator. Booking and payment happen on Viator; Vacantier may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Best of Istanbul: 1, 2 or 3 Days Private Tour with Friendly Local Guide

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