Istanbul City Tour With Private Guide

Istanbul, the captivating city that straddles Europe and Asia, beckons travelers with its rich history and vibrant culture. A private guided tour offers an immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore the city’s iconic landmarks and uncover their fascinating stories. From the grandeur of Hagia Sophia to the serene beauty of the Blue Mosque, this guided journey promises a memorable exploration of Istanbul’s past and present. What secrets might unfold as one steps into the bustling Grand Bazaar or stands amidst the ancient Hippodrome?

Key Points

• A full-day private tour of Istanbul’s Old City and Sultanahmet, showcasing key landmarks like Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace, and Grand Bazaar.
• Learn about the historical and architectural significance of each site, including Hagia Sophia’s transition from church to mosque to museum.
• Explore the unique features of the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, and Topkapi Palace, with insights from a knowledgeable local guide.
• Enjoy a comprehensive experience by visiting the Grand Bazaar, known for its spices and rugs, as the culmination of the tour.
• Convenient pickup and drop-off from a central meeting point, ensuring a hassle-free and value-packed city tour experience.

Tour Overview

The full-day private tour of Istanbul’s Old City and Sultanahmet allows visitors to experience the city’s rich history and vibrant culture.

Key sites include the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace, and Grand Bazaar.

Visitors will learn about Istanbul’s transition from a Byzantine church to a mosque to a museum at the Hagia Sophia.

The Blue Mosque, known for its six minarets, and the Hippodrome, which showcases remnants of the Byzantine Empire, offer glimpses into the city’s past.

The tour culminates at the Topkapi Palace and the bustling Grand Bazaar, providing a well-rounded understanding of Istanbul’s heritage.

Itinerary Highlights

Hagia Sophia, a sixth-century Byzantine structure, captivates visitors as it has transformed from a church to a mosque and now stands as a museum.

Hagia Sophia, a sixth-century Byzantine structure, captivates visitors as it has transformed from a church to a mosque and now stands as a museum.

The Blue Mosque, notable for its six minarets, is closed until 2 PM on Fridays.

At the Hippodrome and Obelisks, visitors can learn about the vibrant life of the Byzantine Empire.

Topkapi Palace showcases the luxurious living of the Ottoman sultans, but is closed on Tuesdays.

Exploring the vast offerings of the Grand Bazaar, including spices and rugs, is a must, though it’s closed on Sundays.

Meeting and Pickup

Custom meeting options are available at central hotels in Sultanahmet, Sirkeci, Karaköy, or at the German Fountain, Binbirdirek, At Meydanı Cd, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul.

The tour guide will pick you up from the meeting point and accompany you throughout the day’s sightseeing.

At the end of the tour, you’ll be dropped off back at the original meeting location.

This convenient arrangement ensures a seamless start and finish to your private Istanbul city tour experience.

Included Services

With the private Istanbul city tour, visitors enjoy a comprehensive package of included services.

The tour includes:

• A professional, knowledgeable guide to lead the way and provide historical and cultural insights.

• Admission tickets to the key sites, such as Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace.

• Convenient transportation from the meeting point to the sites and back, ensuring a seamless experience.

• A suggested gratuity, so travelers don’t have to worry about tipping at the end of the tour.

The included services create a hassle-free, value-packed adventure through Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks.

Additional Information

The Istanbul city tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though it’s stroller accessible.

Guests should be in moderate physical condition, as there’s a fair amount of walking involved. Infants must sit on laps during the tour.

Visitors should keep in mind that certain sites like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar have annual closures on national holidays. For the best experience, it’s recommended to avoid these dates.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start, providing flexibility for travelers.

The overall price for this private tour is $201.60 per group of up to 8 people.

Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia, a sixth-century Byzantine structure, once served as both a church and a mosque before being converted into a museum.

Today, it stands as an architectural marvel, showcasing the synthesis of Eastern and Western influences.

Visitors can marvel at its towering domes, intricate mosaics, and grand columns.

The highlights include:

• Exploring the grand interior, adorned with stunning Byzantine mosaics

• Climbing to the upper galleries for breathtaking views of the main hall

• Admiring the unique architectural blend of Christian and Islamic elements

• Learning about the building’s rich history and its role in Istanbul’s past

Blue Mosque

Next on the tour is the iconic Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque.

It’s notable for its six minarets and striking blue tiles that adorn the interior. Visitors are captivated by the mosque’s grand scale and intricate Ottoman architecture.

The Blue Mosque is a working place of worship, so guests must respect dress codes and remove their shoes before entering. They’ll learn how the mosque’s unique design features, like the large central dome, were innovations for their time.

The Blue Mosque is closed to visitors until 2 PM on Fridays, so the group will need to plan accordingly.

Hippodrome and Obelisks

From the Blue Mosque, the group moves on to explore the Hippodrome and its impressive obelisks.

This former Byzantine stadium witnessed chariot races, political rallies, and executions.

The guide points out:

• The Obelisk of Thutmose III, a 3,500-year-old Egyptian monument

• The Serpent Column, a bronze column made from the melted down shields of the defeated Persians

• The Walled Obelisk, an ornate Byzantine structure decorated with bas-reliefs

• The German Fountain, a lavish Neo-Byzantine structure gifted by Wilhelm II to commemorate the Ottoman-German alliance.

The group learns about the Hippodrome’s rich history and its role in the social and political life of the Byzantine Empire.