Experience Istanbul with our exclusive private tour. Enjoy ultimate comfort, personalized attention, and a tailor-made itinerary showcasing iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and a red-carpet experience.
Experience Istanbul like never before with our exclusive private tour designed for ultimate comfort and luxury. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, this tour offers personalized attention, a tailor-made itinerary, and a red-carpet experience that guarantees an unforgettable journey.
Embark on a private exploration of Istanbul’s most treasured landmarks. With your dedicated guide, visit the majestic Hagia Sophia, an architectural marvel and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire its grand dome and stunning mosaics as your guide narrates tales of its transformation over the centuries. Next, proceed to the Blue Mosque, an Ottoman-era masterpiece adorned with 20,000 exquisite İznik tiles. Enjoy the serene ambiance and learn about its historical significance.Your red-carpet experience continues with a visit to Topkapi Palace, where you’ll explore the lavish lifestyle of Ottoman sultans. Marvel at its courtyards, jewel-encrusted treasures, and panoramic views of the Bosphorus. Enjoy exclusive access to areas of the city not typically available to group tours, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience.
Pause for a delectable lunch at a high-end Turkish restaurant, offering authentic flavors and a touch of modern elegance. As part of this private experience, you’ll have the opportunity to customize your dining options to suit your preferences. Afterward, delve into the cultural richness of Istanbul with a guided stroll through the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. Discover hidden shops, unique souvenirs, and local delicacies.This private tour allows you to set the pace. Whether you want to spend extra time marveling at the architecture, shopping in the bazaar, or savoring Turkish tea at a scenic spot, the itinerary is entirely adaptable. Your luxury vehicle, complete with air-conditioning and a professional driver, ensures comfort throughout your journey.
Conclude your day with a peaceful cruise along the Bosphorus, watching Istanbul’s iconic skyline glow under the evening lights. The personalized service and unforgettable views ensure your experience ends on a perfect note.
We begin the tour by picking up our guests from their hotel and heading to our first stop, the magnificent Hagia Sophia.
Embark on a private tour of Istanbul’s treasures. Visit Hagia Sophia, a UNESCO site, and marvel at its dome and mosaics.
Next, proceed to the Blue Mosque, an Ottoman-era masterpiece adorned with 20,000 exquisite İznik tiles. Enjoy the serene ambiance and learn about its historical significance.
During the tour, we made a 15-minute stop at the historic Serpent Column, a fascinating artifact from Delphi, offering a glimpse into Istanbul's rich ancient heritage.
We spent 15 minutes at the German Fountain in Istanbul, an elegant gift from Kaiser Wilhelm II, admired for its stunning design and historical significance in Sultanahmet Square.
We spent 15 minutes at the Obelisk of Theodosius III, an ancient Egyptian monument brought to Constantinople, marveling at its intricate carvings and historical significance in Sultanahmet Square.
We took a 1-hour lunch break in the Sultanahmet District, enjoying a delicious meal while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and historic surroundings of this iconic area.
Your red-carpet tour continues at Topkapi Palace. Explore Ottoman luxury, jewel-filled treasures, and stunning Bosphorus views, with exclusive access for a seamless, enriching experience.
Afterward, explore Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest covered markets. Discover hidden shops, unique souvenirs, and local delicacies on this guided stroll.
At the end of the tour, we return all our guests to the pick-up points where they were initially collected.
For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.
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Not Included
What to Bring
Information Before Booking
Know Before You Go
Michael
- Germany
01 April
Mayra
- France
24 February
All reviews are from verified customers who purchased the activity. Reviews can only be submitted after the activity takes place.
Overall Rating
4.5/5
Based on 51 Reviews
4.5/5
4.5/5
4.5/5
Ece was an incredible guide! She was super friendly, knowledgeable, and more than happy to share insights throughout the tour. However, I was not impressed with the transport arrangements. The car was not with us the whole day, and the description was misleading. We had hoped to have the car with us for convenience, but it took over 30 minutes to get it to the pickup location at the end of the tour. While I would highly recommend Ece as a guide, the rest of the experience, particularly regarding transport, was not as expected.
Helpful? Yes
Ahmet was AMAZING! I highly recommend him to everyone I know. His knowledge was extensive, and he was so eager to share it with us. His insights made the experience incredibly enlightening and authentic. It was a pleasure learning from him, and he truly made the tour memorable. If you want a deeper understanding of Istanbul and its history, Ahmet is the perfect guide!
Helpful? Yes
Ali was wonderful and incredibly informative! He was very attentive to everyone in the group, ensuring that we all had a great experience. His knowledge and enthusiasm made the tour so much more enjoyable. I couldn't recommend him more! If you're looking for a memorable and insightful tour, Ali is the perfect guide.
Helpful? Yes
Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and provided us with comprehensive explanations of all the sites we visited. We especially appreciated how he helped us avoid long queues, making the experience even more enjoyable and efficient. His excellent command of Italian was a huge bonus, as it made everything even easier to understand. Truly a valuable and memorable experience! Highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Istanbul!
Helpful? Yes
The tour guide, who spoke German fluently, was incredibly well-versed in history. He was not only knowledgeable but also very engaging, making the entire experience both educational and enjoyable. He answered all of our questions competently, and his insights truly enhanced our understanding of the sites. This tour has significantly improved our perception of Turkey, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to learn more about the rich history of this fascinating country.
Helpful? Yes
Very nice visit, full of interesting anecdotes and historical references that made the experience so much richer. Our guide was fantastic, and we really enjoyed learning about the history of the sites. It was a great day, and I highly recommend this tour to anyone interested in exploring Istanbul in depth.
Helpful? Yes
I’m really sorry to hear about the unfortunate incident with your husband’s wallet. It’s great that your guide was there to help you in that situation. Having someone knowledgeable and supportive during such moments can make a huge difference, especially in an unfamiliar place. I hope the rest of the tour went smoothly, and your guide was able to assist you in resolving the issue. If you have any concerns or need further assistance, don't hesitate to reach out!
Helpful? Yes
The transport was comfortable, but there were a few minor delays in the schedule that impacted the flow of the day. Despite that, we had a wonderful time and would recommend this tour for anyone looking for a personalized and stress-free way to explore Istanbul!
Helpful? Yes
Great tour with Suleiman! We had a very informative and enjoyable day. He took the time to answer all our questions and made sure we fully understood the history and significance of each destination. The private tour was relaxing and tailored to our preferences, which made it even more special. We highly recommend this tour with Suleiman to everyone—it’s definitely worth the money!
Helpful? Yes
The "red carpet treatment" provided priority access to top attractions, allowing us to avoid long lines and enjoy the sights at our own pace. The transport was comfortable and luxurious, and the entire experience was stress-free and enjoyable. If you're looking for a personalized, exclusive way to explore Istanbul, this is the tour for you. Highly recommended!
Helpful? Yes
The tour was really great! It was well-organized, and we learned so much from Metin, our guide. Despite our short time in Istanbul (we were on a cruise ship and didn't have the full 7 hours), Metin was incredibly flexible and tailored the tour to fit our schedule. We were picked up directly from the terminal and dropped off afterwards, which made everything super convenient. I highly recommend this tour for anyone looking to make the most of their time in Istanbul with a knowledgeable and accommodating guide!
Helpful? Yes
The morning tour was absolutely fantastic! We visited Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sofia, and the Blue Mosque, and our guide was excellent, providing us with insightful information about each site. However, the afternoon took an unexpected turn when we were ushered into sales shows, which we found unpleasant. We would have preferred to explore the city more, as we didn't get to fully experience Istanbul. To top it off, we had to wait for an hour for our driver to pick us up and take us back to the hotel, which was frustrating. Despite these issues, the morning tour was wonderful, and the guide was great!
Helpful? Yes
The experience was absolutely perfect! Everything was well-organized, and the service exceeded my expectations. Although there was no lunch provided, it didn’t take away from the overall quality of the experience. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a memorable and seamless adventure. 5 stars all the way!
Helpful? Yes
The private tour was exactly what we envisioned! Binnur, our tour guide, made the experience both informative and enjoyable. We appreciated the flexibility to adjust the schedule to suit our preferences. One of the major advantages of the private tour was being able to avoid the long queues that are so common in Istanbul. At the Hagia Sophia, Binnur shared her perspective on Islam in a thoughtful and respectful way, without any intention of proselytizing. We also appreciated her suggestion to visit the Basilica Cistern, which was an unscheduled but highly recommended stop. A heartfelt thanks to Binnur for the wonderful day we got to spend with her!
Helpful? Yes
From start to finish, everything was perfectly organized, and we felt like VIPs the entire time. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive, sharing fascinating insights about Istanbul’s rich history and culture. The itinerary was tailored to our preferences, allowing us to explore iconic landmarks and hidden gems at our own pace. The added touches of luxury, like skip-the-line access and a comfortable vehicle, made the experience even more enjoyable. We couldn’t have asked for a better way to discover this magnificent city. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a personalized and premium tour experience!
Helpful? Yes
Our tour guide was incredibly knowledgeable and spoke fluent German, making the entire experience both enjoyable and informative. We had a wonderful day exploring Istanbul and appreciated the smooth, stress-free organization of the tour. The vehicle was spotless, comfortable, and well-equipped, and the extra driver was polite and professional. Everything was perfectly processed as booked, with no rush at any point. We even had plenty of time for lunch, and the guide's recommendation for the restaurant was absolutely spot on. Five thumbs up for this exceptional tour – highly recommended!
Helpful? Yes
The guide was absolutely amazing!!!!! Their knowledge, enthusiasm, and friendly demeanor made this tour an unforgettable experience. Everything was perfectly organized, and they went above and beyond to ensure we had the best day possible. Highly recommended – I’d give more stars if I could!
Helpful? Yes
A fantastic tour of Istanbul! The city is absolutely breathtaking, and the private tour made it even more special. Everything was well-organized, and we got to see both the iconic landmarks and hidden gems. I can wholeheartedly recommend this experience to everyone! It was truly awesome!
Helpful? Yes
The service provided by the tour company was excellent! Everything was well-organized, and the team ensured a smooth and enjoyable experience. From start to finish, their professionalism and attention to detail stood out. Highly recommended for a stress-free and memorable tour!
Helpful? Yes
Our experience with this tour was absolutely fantastic! Kenan Ucar, our guide, came to our hotel to pick us up and was so friendly and knowledgeable from the start. He walked us through the sights, sharing fascinating insights and giving us plenty of time to soak up the atmosphere at each location. We captured some fabulous photos and thoroughly enjoyed the day. The lunch, in a wonderful setting recommended by Kenan, was the cherry on top! The slightly adjusted program on Tuesday worked perfectly. I cannot recommend this tour, and especially Kenan, highly enough!
Helpful? Yes
Our private tour of Istanbul with red carpet treatment was an absolute dream! From the moment we were picked up, we felt like VIPs. The guide was incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive, ensuring we got the most out of every moment. The itinerary was perfectly tailored to our interests, allowing us to explore Istanbul's most iconic landmarks and discover some hidden gems. The vehicle was luxurious, clean, and comfortable, with an additional driver who was polite and professional.We also appreciated the smooth planning, with no stress or rushing, and there was even enough time for a delightful lunch at a fantastic restaurant recommended by the guide. This experience exceeded all expectations and provided us with unforgettable memories of Istanbul. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a premium, personalized tour!
Helpful? Yes
Istanbul is such a beautiful city, and this tour made it even more enjoyable! The guide was not only knowledgeable but also incredibly entertaining, keeping us engaged and informed throughout the day. The combination of stunning sights and a fun, professional guide made for a truly memorable experience. Highly recommended!
Helpful? Yes
Our tour with Baris was absolutely wonderful! He was extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic about all the places we visited, making the experience both educational and enjoyable. Despite the Blue Mosque being under repair and the day being quite hot, Baris was incredibly flexible and adjusted the tour to ensure we had the best possible time. I totally recommend this tour to anyone visiting Istanbul – it’s a must-do!
Helpful? Yes
The private tour of Istanbul with red carpet treatment was decent but didn’t fully meet my expectations. While the guide was knowledgeable and friendly, there were a few areas that could have been improved. The itinerary felt a bit rushed at times, and I would have preferred more time at some of the key landmarks. Additionally, some of the “red carpet” elements promised in the description didn’t stand out as much as I had hoped. Overall, it was a good experience, but it lacked the wow factor I was expecting for the price.
Helpful? Yes
An absolutely excellent experience! Our guide was phenomenal, taking us to all the must-see places and sharing incredible insights along the way. The entire day was perfectly organized and exceeded all our expectations. Better? Impossible! Highly recommended for anyone visiting Istanbul!
Helpful? Yes
Fatih provided us with an incredible tour of the old town, filled with detailed and extensive information about the sights. He made the experience both informative and enjoyable. One of the highlights was sharing a delicious köfte meal at a local restaurant we wouldn’t have dared to try on our own – such a great recommendation! As planned, we parted ways with Fatih at Taksim Square and enjoyed a leisurely stroll back to the ship. A truly memorable experience, and we highly recommend Fatih as a guide!
Helpful? Yes
The itinerary was well-planned, allowing us to visit many iconic landmarks and even some hidden gems. The vehicle was clean and comfortable, which made traveling between locations easy.However, there were a few minor aspects that could be improved, such as better time management at some stops and a bit more attention to the “red carpet” experience promised in the description. Despite these small details, it was a very enjoyable and memorable tour. Highly recommended!
Helpful? Yes
The guide who accompanied us was friendly and polite, but unfortunately, the service fell far short of the "red carpet" experience we were promised and the price we paid. Less than 24 hours before the tour, we were informed that a Portuguese-speaking guide was unavailable, and while we managed with English, this last-minute notice felt unprofessional, as it could have been communicated earlier. The tour itself was disappointing. The 7-hour itinerary turned into just 4 hours without a vehicle. On top of that, we were informed on the day that the Grand Bazaar was closed – something the company should have anticipated and provided an alternative for, such as a car tour or another planned activity, as we paid for a full tour. The historical explanations provided were very basic, limited to the few sites we visited (only three in total). Adding to the dissatisfaction, it rained heavily in the morning, and no umbrellas were provided – we had to buy our own. Overall, we felt let down by the lack of organization and attention to detail. This experience did not live up to the premium service advertised, and we felt misled.
Helpful? Yes
Our tour of Istanbul was both informative and incredibly fun! Our guide was fantastic, taking great care of us throughout the day and ensuring we truly experienced the city, its iconic sights, and the delicious local food. It was a perfect mix of learning and enjoyment. I highly recommend this tour to anyone looking to explore the significant sites and immerse themselves in the beauty of Istanbul. A wonderful experience from start to finish!
Helpful? Yes
Our experience with the VIP tour of Istanbul was a mixed one. The guide was very nice, helpful, and punctual, but not a native speaker. We specifically chose the VIP tour due to the promise of a Russian-speaking guide, but this came at a steep price of 130 euros per person, compared to 40 euros in other languages. While we were informed that the tour would include a chauffeur, skip-the-line access to sights, and entrance fees, the reality didn’t live up to the promises. The chauffeur dropped us off in the old town and then left, as the entire tour was conducted on foot in that area. Out of the seven stations we visited, only one included pre-booked tickets to skip the queue. For the rest, we were expected to stand in line for hours under the blazing sun. For the VIP price of 260 euros (for two people), we didn’t feel the additional cost provided much value. There were no added perks like lunch or drinks included either. While the guide’s friendliness and helpfulness were appreciated, the experience overall did not justify the premium price.
Helpful? Yes
The guide was friendly, professional, and knowledgeable, providing interesting insights about the city's landmarks and history. The itinerary covered some iconic spots and was well-paced, allowing us to explore comfortably. However, there were a few minor issues that kept it from being a perfect experience. Some parts of the tour didn’t quite feel as luxurious as advertised, and a bit more attention to the “red carpet” promise would have been appreciated. Additionally, certain stops could have been better planned to avoid long waits or closures. Despite these small details, we thoroughly enjoyed the day and would still recommend this tour for anyone looking to experience Istanbul in a unique and informative way. It’s a fantastic way to see the city's highlights!
Helpful? Yes
Our tour began at the stunning Topkapi Palace, which is filled with incredible history and fascinating artifacts. Hagia Sophia, as always, was breathtaking and never disappoints. Although the Blue Mosque is undergoing major renovations, making it hard to fully visualize its beauty, it was still worth a visit. The Grand Bazaar was an absolute highlight – you could easily spend days exploring its vibrant shops and unique treasures. This tour was a perfect mix of culture, history, and local charm. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Istanbul!
Helpful? Yes
The tour was very well organized, and our guide was absolutely fantastic! Everything ran smoothly, and the guide's knowledge and enthusiasm made the experience truly enjoyable. A seamless and memorable way to explore Istanbul. Highly recommended!
Helpful? Yes
The entire experience was seamless and well-organized from beginning to end. Our guide was exceptional—knowledgeable, engaging, and attentive to all our needs. We explored iconic landmarks like Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and the Blue Mosque, and the guide’s detailed explanations added so much depth to the experience. The private chauffeur and luxurious vehicle added a level of comfort and convenience that made the day even more enjoyable. We also loved exploring the Grand Bazaar, which was vibrant and full of treasures. The personalized attention and VIP treatment made this tour truly unforgettable. I highly recommend this for anyone wanting to experience the best of Istanbul in style!
Helpful? Yes
The private tour of Istanbul was decent but didn’t quite meet the expectations set by the “red carpet treatment” description. While our guide was friendly and knowledgeable, the experience lacked the luxury and exclusivity we were hoping for, especially given the premium price. The itinerary felt rushed at times, and some of the promised features, like skip-the-line access and a fully dedicated chauffeur, weren’t delivered as advertised. Additionally, certain landmarks were closed or under renovation, and alternative arrangements could have been better planned. Overall, it was an enjoyable day with some memorable moments, but the service fell short of the VIP experience we were expecting.
Helpful? Yes
We had an absolutely fantastic day with Ayla! From the very start, everything was perfectly organized – we were picked up from our hotel on time, and we were given the flexibility to help plan how our day would unfold. Ayla made sure the entire experience felt personalized and special. The VIP tour was truly amazing, and we thoroughly enjoyed every moment. Ayla's expertise and friendliness added so much to the experience. This was an unforgettable day, and we will definitely book again on our next visit to Istanbul. Thank you so much for such a memorable experience!
Helpful? Yes
Mehmet was the best guide ever! We truly enjoyed every single minute of the tour. His knowledge, enthusiasm, and friendly demeanor made the experience unforgettable. My 12-year-old son was absolutely captivated by everything Mehmet shared and showed us. It was a fantastic day, and we couldn't have asked for a better guide. Highly recommended!
Helpful? Yes
Thank you so much for an amazing day! The tour was absolutely fantastic, and the guide made it even better with their knowledge and friendly attitude. Everything was well-organized, and we couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Highly recommended!
Helpful? Yes
From the moment we were picked up, everything was perfectly organized, and we felt truly taken care of. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and made the history and culture of Istanbul come alive. The itinerary was well thought out, and we had the perfect balance of visiting iconic landmarks like Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace while also exploring hidden gems we wouldn’t have found on our own. The private chauffeur and comfortable vehicle added an extra touch of luxury, making the day even more enjoyable. This tour truly exceeded all our expectations and provided an unforgettable experience. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a premium way to explore this stunning city!
Helpful? Yes
The guide was friendly, knowledgeable, and ensured we got to see some of the city's most iconic landmarks, including Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace. The vehicle was comfortable, and having a private chauffeur made getting around very convenient. While the tour was great, there were a few areas for improvement. Some of the "red carpet" elements promised in the description didn’t quite meet expectations, and a bit more attention to the finer details would have made it truly exceptional. Additionally, some parts of the itinerary felt a bit rushed. Overall, it was a memorable and enjoyable way to explore Istanbul, and I would definitely recommend it to others!
Helpful? Yes
This was truly an unforgettable experience! Everything was flawlessly organized, from the timely pick-up to the seamless flow of the itinerary. Our guide was not only knowledgeable but also incredibly friendly and attentive, making the history and culture of Istanbul come alive in the most engaging way. The private vehicle and chauffeur added a touch of luxury, allowing us to explore the city comfortably and stress-free. We visited breathtaking landmarks like Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace and even had time to enjoy some hidden gems. Every detail was thoughtfully planned, and we felt like VIPs throughout the entire tour. This experience exceeded all expectations, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to explore Istanbul in style and comfort. A perfect blend of culture, history, and premium service!
Helpful? Yes
This private tour of Istanbul with red carpet treatment was absolutely amazing! From the moment we were picked up, everything was flawlessly organized. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and friendly, making the history and culture of Istanbul come alive in the most engaging way. We visited iconic sites like Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia and enjoyed exploring the vibrant Grand Bazaar. The private vehicle and chauffeur added a luxurious touch, allowing us to travel comfortably and stress-free. The itinerary was flexible and tailored to our interests, making the experience feel truly personalized. This tour exceeded all our expectations and made our visit to Istanbul unforgettable. If you’re looking for a premium, stress-free way to explore the city, I highly recommend this experience!
Helpful? Yes
Our guide was absolutely fantastic! She was incredibly knowledgeable, sharing all the important details in a way that was easy to follow and never overwhelming. Her friendly and approachable nature made the experience even more enjoyable. We felt completely at ease and would happily spend another day exploring with her. Highly recommended!
Helpful? Yes
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