PRIVATE ISTANBUL EXPERIENCE
Private Istanbul Tour
A flexible 4–8 hour city experience built around your interests, hotel location, cruise schedule and preferred pace.
DURATION
4–8 hours
FORMAT
Private licensed guide
START
Hotel · Port · Agreed point
ROUTE
Flexible & personalised
AVAILABILITY
Request your preferred date
Guide and service availability is checked for your chosen date before a booking is confirmed.
PRICES
Half-Day or Full-Day?
Half-day: about 4 hours
90 USD per person
Best for one geographic area or a focused interest, such as Sultanahmet, Galata–Karaköy or a Bosphorus neighbourhood route.
Full-day: about 7–8 hours
175 USD per group
Allows a broader combination of heritage, local districts and a relaxed meal break. The full programme is below.
Private tours for 2 or more guests. Prices cover the guided tour starting from your meeting point (hotel, port or another agreed location). Transfers and a private vehicle are available on request for an additional fee. Entrance fees and personal expenses are not included. Exact duration depends on starting point, ticket queues, opening conditions, walking pace and selected sites.
FULL-DAY PROGRAMME
From the Blue Mosque to the Grand Bazaar
09:00 · Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii)
Begin the day at the Blue Mosque and explore its architecture and interior decorated with blue Iznik tiles.
10:00 · Hagia Sophia
Walk across Sultanahmet Square to Hagia Sophia and discover a monument shaped by Byzantine and Ottoman history.
11:30 · Basilica Cistern
Continue underground to the Basilica Cistern with its marble columns, atmospheric setting and Medusa head sculptures.
12:30 · Lunch at a Traditional Turkish Restaurant
Enjoy lunch nearby. Kebabs, pide or a vegetarian option such as imam bayildi are typical choices.
13:30 · Topkapi Palace
Visit the former residence of the Ottoman sultans, including the palace grounds, harem and collections of Ottoman treasures.
15:30 · Grand Bazaar (Kapali Carsi)
The final stop of the day, followed by time for shopping and souvenirs.
17:00 · End of Tour
The day concludes after returning to the starting point or hotel. The route can be adapted to your hotel, interests and pace.
TOUR REQUEST
Request your private tour
We will check availability and confirm your route and written quote. Sending this request does not confirm a booking.
Your details are used to assess your request and contact you. Privacy & KVKK
What Is Included?
Typically included
- Private licensed guide
- Route planning before the tour
- Hotel or port meeting when practical
- English or Turkish guiding
Quoted separately when requested
- Museum and site tickets
- Private vehicle and driver
- Meals and tastings
- Airport or long-distance transfers
Every proposal states the exact inclusions and exclusions before confirmation.
Plan Your Tour
To prepare an accurate proposal, share your date, hotel or cruise ship, party size, available hours, language and main interests.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the tour cost?
The half-day tour is 90 USD per person and the full-day tour is 175 USD per group. Prices cover the guided tour from your meeting point (hotel, port or another agreed location). Entrance fees and personal expenses are not included. Transfers and a private vehicle are available on request for an additional fee.
Is this a private tour?
Yes. The guide is dedicated to your party for the agreed duration, with a minimum of 2 guests.
Can the guide meet us at the cruise port?
Yes, when practical. Please share the ship name, arrival time and all-aboard time so the route can be planned safely.
Does the tour include a vehicle or transfer?
No. The price covers the guided tour from your meeting point only. Central old-city routes are often best on foot and by public transport, but a private vehicle or transfer can be arranged on request for an additional fee when it improves the plan.
Are entrance tickets included?
No. Entrance fees are not part of the tour price. Access rules and ticket policies can change, so your proposal lists the sites on your route.
What happens if a site is closed?
The guide adjusts the route using suitable alternatives, taking current opening conditions and your interests into account.
Need a Place to Stay in Istanbul?
You can compare Istanbul hotels on Trip.com. This is an affiliate link; GoByBolt may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
FROM OUR GUESTS
Handwritten thank-you notes
Notes our guests have left for their guide, Levent, on Turkey tours over the years.
“Thank you for your patience, wisdom, kindness and wonderful sense of humour. The trip is something we will long remember.”
Keri & Peter R. · Cappadocia, 2015
“Thank you for a great trip. You did an excellent job.”
John & Julie M. · Turkey tour
“Thank you so much for a wonderful tour!”
Bob & Nadine · Cappadocia
“Thanks for your bubbly personality and hospitality.”
M. Faisal & Yossy S. · Turkey tour
“Thank you for everything. You are so kind to me.”
Eka · Istanbul & Pamukkale
“Thanks for guiding us through Turkey!”
A family’s young travelers · Turkey tour
EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS
More Private Experiences
Make Istanbul Personal
Tell us your timing and interests; we will prepare a private route that fits your day.
