Istanbul Highlights Customizable Expert Guided Tour

5.0 (one review) 4–8 hours Free cancellation Private tour

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one review

5.0

Istanbul Highlights Customizable Expert Guided Tour — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Istanbul Highlights Customizable Expert Guided Tour, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Beyond the Surface: We take you to the hidden gems and secret corners of the old city, revealing ancient mysteries and historical layers that most travelers entirely miss.

The Mesopotamian Wine Ritual: Conclude your experience with a curated tasting of 6 rare Mesopotamian wines. Learn the story of a viticulture that began between the Two Rivers, paired perfectly with artisan Turkish cheeses and snacks.

Exclusive Private Experience: Tailored entirely to your pace and preferences. Leaving behind conventional, scripted sightseeing, your journey is led by elite, seasoned professionals and master storytellers who bring Istanbul's living history to life with rare depth and engaging perspective.

A Sensory Journey: We don’t just show you history; we help you feel it. From the architectural marvels of the Byzantine and Ottoman eras to the complex flavors of ancient wine, this is a complete sensory experience designed for the curious traveler.

Day Trips Wine Tastings Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Audio Guides Cultural Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours

At a glance

Duration: 4–8 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–8
Audio guide: English
Guide: English
Written guide: English
Operated by: Trip Enjoy Turkey

Ages: Infants (0–3 years) · Children (4–9 years) · Youth (10–17 years) · Adults (18–90 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Snacks
Included: Private Licensed Art Historian Guide
Included: Alcoholic beverages: Curated tasting of 6 different Mesopotamian wines, Authentic regional cheese tasting paired with delicious snacks

Itinerary

Grand Bazaar

45 min

GRAND BAZAAR- Step into one of the world’s oldest historic labyrinths, standing proud since 1461. Walk through its ancient alleys to hear the echoes of imperial trade and immerse yourself entirely in the profound history and captivating atmosphere of a bygone era.
Nuruosmaniye Camii

30 min

An elegant fusion of Ottoman tradition and European influence. Completed in 1755, this architectural masterpiece marks a stunning shift into the Ottoman Baroque style, where light beautifully illuminates its grand archways.
Hippodrome

45 min

The historic epicenter of Istanbul’s old city. Once the grand Hippodrome of Constantinople, this iconic square served as the civic, sports, and social center of the Byzantine Empire, famous for its thrilling chariot races and political gatherings. Today, it stands as a breathtaking open-air museum showcasing magnificent ancient monuments—such as the Egyptian Obelisk of Theodosius, the mystical Serpentine Column, and the Walled Obelisk—each anchoring centuries of imperial heritage and atmosphere.
Stop 4

40 min Admission not included

Step into a mystical monument that forever changed architectural history. Built in the 6th century under Emperor Justinian I, Hagia Sophia is a timeless masterpiece where the grand legacies of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires flawlessly intertwine.

Led by our specially licensed English-speaking guide, you will marvel at the epic engineering of its massive dome, stand beneath centuries-old golden mosaics, and uncover the deep, layered mysteries of this iconic world heritage site. A truly unforgettable journey into the soul of Istanbul.
Stop 5

40 min

Step inside a breathtaking vision of imperial grandeur. Commissioned by Sultan Ahmet I and completed in 1616, this 17th-century masterpiece is world-renowned for its unique cascading domes and six towering minarets that elegantly define Istanbul’s historic skyline. While its magnificent exterior commands the ancient square, its true magic lies within: over 20,000 handmade, intricate İznik tiles bathe the vast interior in a mystical light, creating an atmosphere of profound serenity and absolute architectural triumph.
Istanbul Archaeological Museum

30 min Admission not included

Journey through millennia of human history at the world-class Istanbul Archaeology Museums. Housing over one million artifacts, this magnificent complex holds priceless treasures of ancient empires. Your expert guide will bring legendary pieces to life—from the breathtaking Alexander Sarcophagus to ancient cuneiform tablets—connecting antiquity's greatest stories directly to Istanbul's deep historical roots.
Topkapi Palace Museum

40 min Admission not included

Topkapı Palace is the 15th-century imperial home of the Ottoman Sultans and the grand center of the Ottoman Empire. With its magnificent courtyards, priceless treasures, and breathtaking Bosphorus views, it stands as one of the world's finest palace museums.
Basilica Cistern Museum

30 min Admission not included

The Basilica Cistern is a massive and magnificent underground water reservoir located in the historical peninsula of Istanbul, built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinianus in the 6th century. Taking its name from the ancient basilica that once stood above it, the structure is a mesmerizing architectural masterpiece famous for its hundreds of marble columns—particularly the columns featuring Medusa head motifs—and its mysterious atmosphere.
Stop 9

25 min

Constructed in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian I—even before the grand Hagia Sophia—this is one of the oldest surviving Byzantine masterpieces in Istanbul. An elegant example of early Byzantine architecture, its peaceful courtyard features historic rooms with roots tracing back to an ancient Byzantine monastery, which later served as madrasah cells during the Ottoman era. Tucked away from the city's noise, this unique stop allows you to discover ancient engineering among centuries-old columns and immerse yourself in the mystical, deep serenity of the old monastery garden.
Stop 10

45 min Admission included

A mystical subterranean secret dating back to the 5th and 6th centuries during the early Byzantine era. Hidden quietly beneath the surface, this beautifully preserved ancient monument offers a captivating pause on your journey. Walk among its historic, centuries-old columns to discover ancient engineering and immerse yourself completely in the silent, atmospheric depths tucked away from the bustling city streets above.

Meeting point and pickup

You can be picked up from your accommodation or go straight to the meeting point.

Meeting point

"Dear Guests,

Our meeting point is Sahaflar Bazaar. Just a 1-minute walk from the Beyazıt Tram station, our guide will be waiting to welcome you at the entrance with a 'Trip Enjoy Turkey' sign.

End point

After the tour and the conclusion of our 'Find Your Wine' event, our guide will drop you off at Sultanahmet Square."

Pickup points

Harbour Suites Old City
Atlantis Royal Hotel
Vardar Palace Hotel
Gulseda Otel Apart
Imagine Istanbul - Sultanahmet
Hotel Inter Istanbul
Union Hotel Port
Xenia Hotel Istanbul
AHC Ayasofya Hotel - Special Class
Meddusa Hotel
Gulhane Corner Hotel
Chambers of the Boheme

and 3,732 more pickup points

"Following your reservation, we will reach out a day prior to the tour. Our guide will pick you up from your hotel or Galataport (for cruise guests), or you may choose to meet us at a pre-arranged meeting point."