Exploring Istanbul’s rich cultural heritage has never been easier. This private guided tour offers a comprehensive experience for guests arriving from cruise ships or hotels. With a seasoned guide leading the way, visitors can expect to uncover the city’s iconic landmarks, from the serene Basilica Cistern to the magnificent Hagia Sophia. The flexibility of meeting points and provided transportation ensure a seamless journey, while a delectable lunch adds to the overall enjoyment. Delve deeper into the captivating history that defines this enchanting city.
Key Points

- Offers a private guided tour in Istanbul with an experienced guide, covering top attractions like Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapı Palace.
- Includes gratuities, lunch, and all entrance fees, providing a comprehensive and value-for-money experience.
- Provides flexible meeting and pickup options from the cruise ship terminal, hotel, or another central location.
- Caters to both stroller and non-wheelchair accessible travelers, with easy access to public transportation.
- Offers immediate booking confirmation, free cancellation, and a lowest price guarantee for a hassle-free booking experience.
Tour Overview and Details

This private guided tour in Istanbul is highly recommended, with 31 reviews and a 100% traveler recommendation.
The tour is led by an experienced guide with 20 years of experience. Gratuities, lunch, and all fees and taxes are included.
Transportation is provided, and you’ll have the flexibility to choose your meeting point.
The tour covers popular attractions like the Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapı Palace, with entrance fees covered.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller-friendly and near public transportation.
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the start time.
Enjoying having a local guide? These other guided experiences in Istanbul might interest you
Inclusions and Fees
The private guided tour in Istanbul includes gratuities, a provided lunch, and all fees and taxes covered.
Entrance fees to the Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapı Palace are also included. The Basilica Cistern entrance is $18 per person, Hagia Sophia is approximately $27 per person, and Topkapı Palace is approximately $47 per person.
Transportation is provided as well. The tour has a competitive price starting from $50 per person, making it an excellent value for the comprehensive inclusions.
Meeting and Pickup Information

Flexible meeting points are available for this private guided tour in Istanbul. Guests can choose to meet the tour guide at a location convenient for them, whether it’s their hotel, a cruise ship terminal, or another central spot.
This offers flexibility and ensures a seamless start to the tour. The activity ends back at the original meeting point, making it easy for participants to continue their day.
Pickup from a preferred location is also an option, allowing for a hassle-free transportation experience. With these convenient meeting and pickup choices, the tour is accessible and tailored to each traveler’s needs.
Accessibility and Participation

Although the private guided tour in Istanbul is not wheelchair accessible, it does accommodate strollers and is located near public transportation. Infant seats are available for those traveling with young children. Most travelers can participate in this tour, as it does not require extensive physical activity.
| Accessibility | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelchair accessible | ✓ | |
| Stroller accessible | ✓ | |
| Near public transportation | ✓ |
The tour’s flexibility and accessibility make it a suitable option for a wide range of travelers, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience in the historical city of Istanbul.
Booking and Cancellation Policy

Travelers can receive confirmation of their booking immediately after reserving the private guided tour in Istanbul.
The tour operator offers a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the start time, providing flexibility for travelers.
Plus, the company guarantees the lowest price available, ensuring customers get the best value for their money.
Travelers also have the option to reserve now and pay later, making the booking process more convenient.
The booking and cancellation policy offers the following benefits:
- Immediate booking confirmation
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior
- Lowest price guarantee
- Reserve now, pay later option
Like being on the water? We've looked at these other boat experiences in Istanbul
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise With Live Performance, Folk Dance and DJ
- Istanbul Private Transfer – Airports, Cruise Ports and Hotels
- 3 Hours Bosphorus Boat Cruise With Stop in Asia Side
- Istanbul Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht – Guided Group Cruise
- Bosphorus Yacht Cruise Experience: Visit the Asian Side
- Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht
Explore the Magnificent Basilica Cistern

The Basilica Cistern is a must-see attraction on any private guided tour of Istanbul.
This subterranean wonder is an impressive feat of Byzantine engineering, capable of holding up to 100,000 metric tons of water.
Visitors descend into the cavernous space, marveling at the serene beauty of the 336 marble columns that support the ceiling.
Lighting creates a mesmerizing ambiance, highlighting the intricate carvings and the two Medusa heads that serve as column bases.
With your knowledgeable guide, you’ll learn about the cistern’s storied history and its role in supplying water to the city.
Truly, it’s a highlight of any Istanbul exploration.
Discover the Grandeur of Hagia Sophia

Dominating the Istanbul skyline, the majestic Hagia Sophia stands as a testament to the city’s rich history.
Originally built as an Orthodox Christian cathedral, it later served as a mosque and is now a museum. Visitors can marvel at its massive domed structure, ornate Byzantine mosaics, and impressive marble columns.
The tour includes:
- Exploring the massive interior, including the upper galleries.
- Admiring the stunning architectural features, such as the massive dome and elaborate chandeliers.
- Learning about the building’s fascinating history and religious significance.
- Capturing breathtaking photos of the iconic landmark.
Uncover the Treasures of Topkapı Palace

After exploring the grandeur of Hagia Sophia, visitors can uncover the treasures of Topkapı Palace, the former residence of the Ottoman sultans. The palace complex is a vast compound with ornate courtyards, lavish throne rooms, and extensive harem quarters. Visitors can marvel at the palace’s exquisite architecture, stunning jewel-encrusted treasures, and artifacts that offer insights into the Ottoman Empire’s rich history. To fully experience the palace’s highlights, a guided tour is highly recommended. The palace’s key attractions include:
| Attraction | Entry Fee | Time Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Topkapı Palace | €43 (approx. $47) | 2-3 hours |
| Imperial Treasury | Included | 1 hour |
| Harem Quarters | Additional €15 (approx. $16) | 1-2 hours |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?
Yes, you can customize the tour itinerary. The tour provider offers flexible meeting points and pickup options, allowing you to tailor the experience to your preferences and needs.
Is the Tour Available in Different Languages?
The tour is available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, and Italian. Travelers can request their preferred language when booking the tour to ensure they receive a guide who can accommodate their needs.
How Long Will I Have at Each Attraction?
The tour guide allocates approximately 1-2 hours at each major attraction, such as the Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapı Palace. Visitors can explore these sites thoroughly within the given timeframe.
Is There an Option for a Private Tour?
Yes, there’s a private guided tour option. The tour offers a personalized experience with a guide who has 20 years of experience. The tour includes all fees and transportation, and traveler reviews are excellent.
Can I Make Changes to the Booking After Confirmation?
Yes, you can make changes to the booking after confirmation. The tour provides flexible meeting points and pickup options, and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time.
The Sum Up
Don’t miss out on this unforgettable private guided tour of Istanbul’s iconic attractions. With hassle-free transportation, a provided lunch, and flexible meeting points, you’ll enjoy an exclusive experience led by an expert guide. Explore the Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapı Palace, all with entrance fees covered, for an unparalleled journey through this enchanting city.
More Boat Tours & Cruises in Istanbul
- Morning Bosphorus Cruise with Topkapi Palace & Grand Bazaar
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Tour
- Istanbul: Bosphorus Cruise with Turkish Breakfast
- Istanbul: Sultanahmet, Balat, & Bazaars Tour With Cruise
- Istanbul: Basilica, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque Tour & Cruise
- 3-Hour Boat Tour with 1 hour break on the Asian Side
More Tours in Istanbul
- 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
- Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque Tour & Ticket + Optional Basilica
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Tour
- Istanbul: Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Sultanahmet Tour
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
