BEST OF ISTANBUL: 1, 2 OR 3-DAY PRIVATE GUIDED ISTANBUL TOUR
21 photos
Duration
6 - 8 Hours
Start / End
Hotel - Port
Tour Type
Private Tour
1,2 and 3 Days Istanbul Itinerary: Explore the Best of the City’s Historical and Cultural Highlights with Your Professional Guide Tour
This 3-day itinerary takes you to the most iconic landmarks in Istanbul, from the ancient Hagia Sophia to the soaring Suleymaniye Mosque. You’ll also experience the city’s vibrant culture on a Bosphorus cruise, visit the Spice Market, and explore the trendy Istiklal Street.
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- Çiçek Pasajı
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- Istanbul Old City – Hagia Sophia
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- Topkapi Palace
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- Taksim Square
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- Hippodrome, Obelisk and Serpentine Column
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- Dolmabahçe Palace
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- Grand Bazaar
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- Istiklal street
- Please Note:
-Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.
-Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays.
-Blue Mosque is closed until 2 pm on Fridays.
-Hagia Sophia entrance is restricted during praying time.
-Dolmabahce Palace is closed on Mondays. Due to regulations, a live guide service is not available at Dolmabahce Palace.
-Rahmi Koc Museum is closed on Mondays, can be replaced with alternative sites.
-As museums and some sites are closed around 17:30 pm, alternative tour sites will be advised by tour guide.
-Tour guide meets you at central Istanbul hotels or Istanbul Galata Port. If hotel is not centrally located, meeting point will be German Fountain.
-If van service is not chosen your guide meet you at centrally located hotels on foot.
-Please note that there will be an additional charge if your hotel is located outside of city center. - Annual Closing Dates of museums and bazaars in Istanbul are;
-January 1-New Year
-April 21, 22, 23-Ramadan Celebrations
-June 28, 29, 30, July 1-Eid al-Adha Celebrations
- Here are some questions you might have about the tour:
- Q: How to meet my tour guide?
A: Your Istanbul tour guide will wait you at your hotel lobby to meet you at a determined time. - Q: Can I state departure time for my tour?
A: Yes! We operate tours on a private basis, so you can customize departure time. - Q: Can I choose sights to visit on my own?
A: Sure! You can choose sights and museums along with all sorts of criteria you like in accordance with your tour guide. - Q: How to buy museum tickets?
A: No need to buy tickets in advance, during trip your tour guide will help you to purchase them. Official tour guides have priority at museum ticket offices. - Q: Am I traveling with a group on tour?
A: No. We provide Private Guided Istanbul Tours for your best experience. So you will have a private professional tour guide in your preferred language. - Q: How about transportation?
A: When you book your tour with a van, you will be picked up from hotel. Then transferred to the sights, then back to hotel. Otherwise, your tour guide will meet you at your hotel. Then advise the best option for transportation like cab or tram. - Q: How about shopping in Istanbul?
A: We do not include any shopping stops. Unless you wish to visit one of the traditional workshops for handmade rugs, tiles, jewelry. If you have any interest in workshops, please indicate while booking. - Q: How do I book this Private Guided Istanbul Tour?
A: Easy! You need to fill in the ‘Booking’ form where you can put your full details. We will need personal information, date, hotel or cruise name, arrival/departure times. Once you complete your booking, there will be a payment button to complete your deposit payment. After completing payment, we will get back to you with a confirmation email within 24 hours. - Q: How do I pay?
A: After filling the Book Now form, there will be a payment button to complete your deposit payment. When you complete payment and secure the booking, we will confirm your tour details with email. Balance payment will be in cash directly to the tour guide during the tour. You can choose to pay in USD, Euro or Turkish Lira. - Q: Does the status of Hagia Sophia affect our tour?
A: After conversion to mosque entrance is restricted during praying times. But your tour guide can revise your tour route accordingly and entrance is free of charge. Please note that as it’s not a museum anymore, tour guides don’t have skip-the-line priority, so you may need to wait in the security line. - Q: What should I know to visiting Mosques in Istanbul?
A: You can check the dress codes that must be followed while visiting mosques. Here - Q: Are there any suggested activities in Istanbul?
A: Yes, Istanbul offers many activities to do after your tour. Dinner Cruise on Bosphorus Strait with traditional Turkish belly dancers, Turkish Bath (Hamam), whirling dervish show. You can choose activities on Booking Form. Our team can arrange it for you. - Q: What is the cancellation policy?
A: You can check the following link to see our cancellation policy for this tour.
Included/Excluded
- Private tour
- Professional tour guide
- Entrance tickets
- lunch
- Drinks
- Transportation (unless option booked)
- Tips to guide and driver ( recommended)
Tour Plan
Day 1
Istanbul Tour – Istanbul Old City Tour
- Topkapi Palace Museum: This was the main residence of the Ottoman sultans for over 400 years. It is now a museum that houses a vast collection of art, artifacts, and historical documents. Your guide will take you to see some of the most famous highlights of the palace, such as the Harem, the Treasury, and the Sacred Relics.
- Hagia Sophia: This was originally a church, then a mosque, and now a museum. It is one of the most important architectural and cultural landmarks in the world. Your guide will tell you about the history of the Hagia Sophia and its significance to both Christianity and Islam.
- Blue Mosque: This mosque is famous for its stunning blue tiles. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Istanbul. Your guide will take you inside the mosque and explain its history and architecture.
- Hippodrome Square: This was once the site of chariot races and other public events. It is now a popular tourist destination and is home to a number of monuments, including the Obelisk of Theodosius and the Serpent Column.
- Grand Bazaar: This is a covered market that is one of the largest and oldest in the world. It is a great place to shop for souvenirs, Turkish delight, and other goods. Your guide will take you to some of the most popular shops in the bazaar.
After finishing your private Istanbul trip here, your private guide can drop you off back to your hotel or Galataport.
- Important Notes:
-This trip can be operated as walking tour because sites of visit are near to each other. But if your hotel is not centrally located, booking private van is recommended from and back to your hotel.
- If one of the mosques are not visited, Basilica Cistern will be visited as a replacement.
- On Fridays, Hagia Sophia or Blue Mosque will be visited from outside because of the worship.
Day 2
Istanbul Tour – Bosphorus Region Tour
- Spice Market: This is a bustling marketplace where you can buy spices, souvenirs, and Turkish delight. Your guide will help you navigate the market and find the best deals.
- Bosphorus Cruise: This is a great way to see the city from a different perspective. You will sail past some of Istanbul's most famous landmarks, such as the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Dolmabahce Palace.
- Dolmabahce Palace: This was the former imperial residence of the Ottoman sultans. It is a beautiful palace with a rich history. Your guide will tell you all about the palace and its former residents.
- Taksim Square: This is the heart of modern Istanbul. It is a large square with a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes. Your guide will take you to some of the most popular spots in the square.
- Istiklal Street: This is a pedestrian-only street lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes. It is a great place to wander around and do some shopping. Your guide will show you some of the best places to visit on the street.
- Cicek Passage: This is a covered arcade with a variety of shops and cafes. It is a great place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Your guide will take you to some of the most popular spots in the passage.
- Galata Tower: This is a tower that offers panoramic views of the city. Your guide will take you to the top of the tower so you can enjoy the views.
After finishing your private Istanbul trip here, your private guide can drop you off back to your hotel or Galataport.
- Note: Booking private car is suggested for this day as transportation is required between sites of visit.
Day 3
Istanbul Tour – Golden Horn Tour
- Suleymaniye Mosque: This is one of the largest and most important mosques in Istanbul. It was built by the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent in the 16th century. The mosque is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Istanbul.
- Fener and Balat Districts: These two districts are located on the Golden Horn in Istanbul. They are known for their colorful houses, narrow streets, and historic churches. Fener is the home of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, the spiritual leader of the Eastern Orthodox Church. Balat is a former Jewish neighborhood that is now home to a mix of Turkish, Greek, and Armenian residents.
- St. Stephen Church (Iron Church): This church is located in Balat and is known for being made of prefabricated cast iron elements. It was built in the 19th century by the Bulgarian Orthodox community in Istanbul.
- Pierre Lotti Panoramic Hill: This hill offers stunning views of the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus. It is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. There is a cafe on the hill where you can enjoy a drink and the view.
Rahmi Koc Museum (or alternative options): This museum houses a collection of automobiles, locomotives, and other artifacts from the 19th and 20th centuries. - Alternative sites for Rahmi Koc Museum; Kadikoy Neighborhood by public ferry or Istanbul Archaeological Museum (requires 75 TL entrance fee per person)
- After ending your private Istanbul tour here, your private guide can drop you off back to your hotel or port.
- Note: Booking private vehicle is suggested for this day as transportation is required between sites of visit.
From
$250,00
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