Istanbul’s Private Highlights Tour offers travelers an immersive experience. Guests can explore the city’s iconic landmarks, including Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, with the convenience of skip-the-line access. A professional guide provides in-depth commentary on Istanbul’s rich history and culture. The tour starts and ends at the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque entrance, ensuring a seamless experience. At $165 per person, this tour promises an exclusive and memorable journey through one of the world’s most captivating cities.
Key Points

- This private tour provides skip-the-line access to Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, allowing for efficient exploration of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks.
- The tour is led by a professional guide who provides in-depth commentary on the history and culture of the visited sites.
- The meeting point at the Hagia Sophia gate offers convenient access to the tour, but it is not wheelchair accessible.
- The tour covers all local taxes and insurance, though food, drinks, personal expenses, and tips are not included.
- Positive reviews indicate a five-star rating experience, suggesting a well-organized and personalized tour for most travelers.
Tour Overview

The private Highlights of Istanbul Tour provides visitors with a rundown of the city’s most iconic landmarks and historical sites. Priced from $165 per person, this guided tour includes skip-the-line access to Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, ensuring a seamless experience.
Meeting at the Hagia Sophia gate, the tour covers all local taxes and insurance, with the guide leading guests back to the starting point at the end.
While food, drinks, and tips aren’t included, the tour’s five-star rating and positive reviews suggest a memorable and well-organized Istanbul adventure.
Prefer keeping things personal? Here are more private experiences we've reviewed in Istanbul
Inclusions

According to the information provided, the Highlights of Istanbul Tour includes a professional tour guide, all local taxes, and insurance coverage.
Food and drinks, aside from what’s specified, as well as personal expenses and driver & guide tips, aren’t included.
Entry fees to Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace can be covered with skip-the-line tickets, but these are an additional cost.
Meeting and Pickup
The tour meets at the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, where the guide awaits participants at the entrance gate.
From there, the group will explore the highlighted sites of Istanbul together. The activity ends back at the original meeting point, allowing for a convenient return.
Guests should note that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though it’s located near public transportation. Infants must sit on laps during the tour.
Most travelers can participate, though accessibility may vary for some individuals. The tour’s meeting and pickup logistics are designed to provide a seamless and accessible experience for guests.
Accessibility and Participation

Although the tour is not wheelchair accessible, it is located near public transportation, making it convenient for most travelers. Infants must sit on laps during the tour. To provide a better understanding of the accessibility, here is a table outlining the details:
| Accessibility Criteria | Details |
|————————|———|
| Wheelchair Accessibility | Not Accessible |
| Public Transportation | Located Near |
| Infant Seating | Sit on Laps |
| Traveler Participation | Most Travelers Can Participate |
| Additional Needs | Contact Operator |
The tour experience is designed to accommodate a wide range of participants, ensuring a memorable and inclusive exploration of Istanbul’s highlights.
Highlights of the Tour

This private Istanbul tour allows visitors to experience the city’s most iconic landmarks with a professional guide.
Guests will explore the magnificent Hagia Sophia, marvel at the opulent Topkapi Palace, and stroll through the bustling Grand Bazaar.
The tour offers:
-
Skip-the-line access to Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, ensuring a seamless experience
-
In-depth commentary from a knowledgeable guide, providing insights into the city’s rich history and cultural significance
-
The flexibility to ask questions and tailor the tour to individual interests
With a focus on efficiency and personalization, this tour offers an unparalleled way to discover the highlights of Istanbul.
- Small Group Tour: Essential Istanbul
- Pub Crawl Istanbul / Rooftop Parties & Party Bus
- Istanbul Taste of Two Continents Food Tour: Spice Market & Ferry
- Istanbul Sunset Yacht Cruise on the Bosphorus
- Istanbul Private Tours: 1, 2 or 3 Day Highlights
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise With Live Performance, Folk Dance and DJ
Reasons to Book This Tour

Booking this tour offers several compelling reasons for visitors to Istanbul.
Firstly, the tour is led by a professional guide who can provide valuable insights into the city’s rich history and culture.
Plus, the tour includes skip-the-line access to key attractions like the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, saving time and avoiding long queues.
On top of that, the tour is private, ensuring a personalized experience tailored to your’ interests.
The tour also includes all local taxes and insurance, providing peace of mind.
Lastly, the tour is competitively priced, making it an excellent value for money.
Guest Reviews and Feedback

Guests who’ve experienced the Istanbul Tour Highlights have overwhelmingly praised the tour, with a perfect 5.0 rating based on a single review.
The reviewer described it as a "Great day in Istanbul", highlighting the guide’s ability to accommodate the needs of guests.
A delightful tour with a guide who adeptly catered to guests’ needs, resulting in a wonderful day in Istanbul.
Feedback from the tour host further reinforces their commitment to customer satisfaction, expressing appreciation for the positive review and a willingness to assist guests further.
Key takeaways from the reviews include:
-
Skilled, accommodating guide
-
Positive overall experience
-
Responsive and appreciative host
Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Available in Multiple Languages?
The tour is likely available in multiple languages, as private tours often cater to international guests. However, the details provided do not explicitly state the languages offered, so it’s best to inquire with the tour operator for specifics.
What Time Does the Tour Start and End?
The tour starts at the meeting point of Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, where the guide meets guests. The activity ends back at the same location, but the specific start and end times are not provided in the information given.
Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?
The tour’s itinerary can be customized to some extent, though the core highlights remain fixed. Guests can discuss their specific interests with the guide, who’ll try to accommodate them within the tour’s duration and scope.
Are There Any Discounts or Package Deals Available?
The tour provider doesn’t offer any discounts or package deals for this private tour. However, they may have other tour options with bundled pricing or promotional offers available. It’s best to check their website or inquire directly to see if any deals are currently available.
What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
The dress code for this tour is casual and comfortable. Visitors should avoid revealing clothing and wear sensible shoes, as the tour involves walking through historic sites. No specific dress requirements are mentioned by the tour organizer.
The Sum Up
The Private Highlights of Istanbul Tour offers an immersive experience, allowing guests to explore the city’s iconic landmarks with skip-the-line access. Priced at $165 per person, the tour features a professional guide who provides in-depth commentary on the rich history and culture of Istanbul. Travelers can expect a seamless experience, starting and ending at the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque entrance.
More 1-Day Tours in Istanbul
- Istanbul: Private Gallipoli Peninsula Day Trip with a Local
- Ephesus and Virgin Mary Day Trip by Plane from Istanbul
- Istanbul: Private Day Trip to Bursa with a Local
- From Istanbul: Princess Islands Guided Day Trip by Ferry
- Best of Istanbul in 1 Day
- Sapanca and Masukiye Day Trip with Lunch and Hotel Transfer
More Tour Reviews in Istanbul
- Morning Bosphorus Cruise with Topkapi Palace & Grand Bazaar
- Istanbul Religious Sites Tour w Lunch Eyup Sultan & More
- Istanbul: 2 Continents, 1 City: From Europe to Asia Tour
- Istanbul: Private Full Day Byzantine / Ottoman Relics Tour
- Magnificient Mosques of Istanbul
- Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque Tour & Ticket + Optional Basilica
Still browsing? Here are more Istanbul experiences we've covered recently
- 4 Best 4-Day Tours In Istanbul (With Reviews & Prices)
- Istanbul’s 14 Best Walking Tours: Which To Choose?
- 11 Top-Rated Istanbul Shopping & Market Tours
- 14 Best Historical Tours In Istanbul (With Prices)
- Istanbul’s 5 Top Coffee Tours
- We Rank The 14 Best Dining Experiences In Istanbul
- Which Istanbul Wine Tours To Choose? Our Best 4 Picks
- Istanbul’s 11 Top Workshops & Classes
- 14 Of The Best Tours In Istanbul
- What Are The Best Cooking Classes In Istanbul? Our Top 7 Picks
- Our Picks For The 14 Best Tours & Experiences In Istanbul
- 5 Fantastic Massage & Relaxation Services In Istanbul
