City: Istanbul
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The 10 Best Private Tours in Istanbul, Turkey
The mosques, bazaars, and Turkish baths of Istanbul could keep you happily occupied for your entire trip: an eyeful of breathtaking architecture here, a good-natured haggle over a carpet there. Kick your trip off at the awe-inspiring Sultan Ahmet Camii (Blue Mosque), which is visible from many points of the city. Stroll the Galata Bridge and stop by the Miniaturk Park to see its tiny artifacts. The Grand Bazaar has thousands of shops to browse, while the Egyptian Bazaar is a fragrant trove of spices and fruits.
Restaurants in Istanbul
1. Istanbul Two Continents and Backstreets
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
The tour takes you off the beaten track of Istanbul. While discovering local markets, bazaars, and backstreets, you will also gain an overview of Turkish history, culture and the unique architecture of Istanbul on a 6-hour insider walking tour with a local guide.
Inclusions: Professional guide, Public transportation
Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Food and drinks, Gratuities
Reviewed By lancek319
Quality of tours is often influenced by the tour guide. Of all the tour guides we have had, Furkan stood atop of the list. He was so knowledgeable & pleasant & kind. Every minute we spent together was absolutely precious. When we return to Istanbul in the future, I would definitely seek out Furkan.
2. Istanbul Private Walking Higlights Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 46 reviews
We will meet at your hotel or any place that you want. The tour duration is 8 hours and according to weather conditions or traffic, it might take more than 8 hours or less. The museum entrances will be extra. We will visit most visited sites of Istanbul as Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia.
Inclusions: Guiding Services
Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Souvenir photos (available to purchase), Museum entrance fees
Reviewed By alanguendelman
Safiye is a great guide, capable of doing a great tour in English and Spanish. More important, she is a very nice person, so was a pleasure to spend the day with her, talking about Istambul history, turkish culture and personal life. Thanks a lot Safiye and definitely I will look for you whever I return to this beautiful city.
3. Blue Mosque & Topkapi Palace Private Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Ready for a cultural awakening? Step into the beautiful Blue Mosque and check out a palace to see how every culture celebrates its beliefs in Istanbul. And for the local touch: enjoy a tasty pastry & have some tea. Get ready to be enlightened and come with a desire to discover!
Inclusions: Private Tour, Local Guide, Coffee and/or Tea
Exclusions: Hotel Pickup & drop off, Extra food & drinks
Reviewed By Liam_617_A
Amazing experience and great way to experience some of the best food Istanbul has to offer. I did this trip on my second day in the city and it was a great way to get oriented. I found myself returning to many of the hidden gems that my guide Alper pointed out during the remaining days of my trip.
4. Off The Beaten Path Istanbul
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
This is a special tour including some of the unique places in the city but also which are difficult to visit on your own. The tour will take you to the roots of historic Istanbul with a visit to the monuments of Byzantine and Ottoman cultural heritage. As the places of visit are all located out of the touristic centers, you will also have the chance to visit the current daily local life.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Entrance fee
Exclusions: Lunch
Reviewed By benethy
My mother and I enjoy so much to try different cuisines and learn about the culinary culture and local recipes to cook at home. While we were in Istanbul we had the Turkish Food experience and absolutely loved it. Derya not only passionate and knowledgeable about Turkish food but also she is knowledgeable about Istanbul's culture, and history. It makes the day more pleasant knowing what was behind each taste and stop and it was especially nice to try her favorite tastes. She shares her favorite places with true generosity. I can really recommend Derya and her private food tours. Truly a remarkable experience.
5. Cruise Around Princes' Islands by Private Yacht (6 or 9 Hours)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Chill and relax in one of the most naturally rich bays in Istanbul. Do not miss the chance to get tan while peacefully enjoying your day at Lotus Yacht.
Inclusions: Cheese & Fruit Platter, snacks (not allowed until 1st of June, 2021 due to Covid-19 restrictions), All Taxes, Fuel Surcharges and Service Fees Included, Insurance
Exclusions: Alcoholic Beverages, Additional Drinks Available at Lotus Yacht Menu
Reviewed By pedtravel
I booked 2h sunset private tour over whatsapp and drive to yacht port it's quite far from Istanbul old city. We had very tasty snacks and water and get well explained the monuments and enjoy the sun set ! It's a very comfortable,spacy, professional and worth tour we recommend
6. Private Istanbul Old City Walking Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Istanbul is a really fascinating city which offers you all the contrast images at the same time! İt's not going to be just a historical tour. What we're offering is exploring all the different tastes of the city to make you amazed.
Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes, Public Transportation Fees
Exclusions: Lunch, Private transportation, Gratuities
Reviewed By rickCapeGirardeau
We have travel the world and Turkey was the best place with the best guide we have ever had, she had a fantastic personality oh any guide we have ever had. She new what she was talking about had all the facts and knowledge of what we were seeing, We look forward everyday spending time with her, We fired her to go to other cities in Turkey to be a guide and show us around the country, We have spent months in Turkey and loved ever minute of it. You will not go wrong to have here show you around and city in Turkey and will love every minute you spend with her and learn a lot too.
7. Best of Istanbul: 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,025 reviews
Visit top-sights of Istanbul with your private family and kid friendly tour guide in 1-2 or 3 days; DAY-1 Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, German Fountain, Grand Bazaar, Topkapi Palace. DAY-2 Spice Market, Bosphorus Cruise, Dolmabahce Palace, Istiklal Street, Cicek Passage, Galata Tower(from outside). DAY-3 Suleymaniye Mosque, Chora Church, Fener-Balat Districts, Iron Church, Pierre Lotti Panorama Hill by Cable Car.
Inclusions: Private tour, Professional local guide
Exclusions: Museum/Attraction Tickets, Transportation from/back to hotel and between sites (unless option selected), Lunch, Gratitude (suggested)
Reviewed By michaelzX71IY
Sergio was an amazing guy, showed me and my girlfriend beautiful places in Istanbul. He also spoke english very well and told us a lot of interesting facts about Turkey‘s history and culture.
8. Highlights & Hidden Gems of Istanbul: Private City Tour
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 85 reviews
This is not just another city tour; this is the best of Istanbul with hidden gems that only a local can show you. Get to know Istanbul on a city tour that gives you the perfect overview, from culture, history, and local lifestyle - this tour has it all! Forget about big touristy groups and the crowds; it's time to see Istanbul at its best thanks to your local guide’s knowledge and stories. Check out main landmarks like Topkapi, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and uncover city secrets that will show you the city through a different perspective. As they say, the locals know best! Highlights & Hidden Gems of Istanbul: Private City Tour is one of Withlocals' signature tours available in major cities worldwide. We work with passionate local guides who earn a fair fee. We support local economies by only offering local produce and prevent over-tourism with only small non-intrusive groups. Our tours are carbon-neutral and away from the standard tourist routes.
Inclusions: Private tour, Small-group tour option available, Local Guide, 1 local drink/tasting
Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Extra food & drinks
Reviewed By Liam_617_A
Amazing experience and great way to experience some of the best food Istanbul has to offer. I did this trip on my second day in the city and it was a great way to get oriented. I found myself returning to many of the hidden gems that my guide Alper pointed out during the remaining days of my trip.
9. 8 Hour Istanbul City Tours | Private Tour Guide Service
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 11 reviews
Let us introduce you the old and wise city Istanbul in the best way we can! With our experienced tour guides, you will know more than you ever did before about the magnificent city! (Only guiding service is included, all the other expenses belong to the guests!)
Inclusions: Guiding Service
Exclusions: Museum tickets, Lunch, Private transportation
Reviewed By DavePaola
Emel was wonderful. Very knowledgeable and friendly. She arrived on time and showed us all the major sites. We saw Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, and Grand Bazaar. She also recommended sites to see on our own time. We would definitely recommend Gulliver Tours. We had a great time!
10. Skip The Line: ISTANBUL PRIVATE TOUR
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 294 reviews
Our tours have been rewarded with Certificate of Excellence by Tripadvisor 11 times succesively for the years of 2010-2021. We are the most reviewed tour agent on Tripadvisor for Istanbul Tours, you can check more than 1.500 Excellent reviews of ours on Tripadvisor. Tick all the top sites of Istanbul off your bucket list with our private guided tour covering the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Underground Cistern, Blue Mosque, Roman Hippodrome and the Grand Bazaar.
Inclusions: Expert Local Guide, Local Taxes
Exclusions: Local Payment: Entrance Fees and Lunch
Reviewed By anna_crystal80
I highly recommend to book with Dailyistanbultours.com when you want to see the city and other places in Turkey. I booked the Istanbul and Cappadocia tour with them and the whole experience was great. Ali helped me booked my tours and he provided a an "excellent" service. He booked arranged my transport, my tour, ensure that I get picked up from the airport, ensure that I get back to the airport, ensure that I get to the right place a the right time. They work together to ensure your safety and your experience is top notch. If you have Ali Emrah to help you, you are in good hands. The Cappadocia tour was great. Having English speaking tour was definitely helpful and they have so much knowledge about the places and history, and you will definitely understand and appreciate what the place has to offer. It was raining when we did the Cappadocia tour and the agenda was changed a little but alternative spots was still very nice. The Pigeon Valley was beautiful and you can actually see the pigeons flying all over the place. After the bus tour and while we were waiting for our transport back to the airport, the agent at Cappadocia was so nice to take up to the spa where we experience the Turkey Massage. If you have not had a Turkey massage, you should get one. It is one of kind and I never had that kind of massage before. It was great. The transport was on time or about 15-30 minutes early and the driver speak a little English, so it is easy to communicate if you need something. They definitely know what they are doing. I highly recommend them and I will definitely go back and book with them again.
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