Your English-speaking guide meets you in your hotel lobby. A short introduction to the day as we drive in a private air-conditioned vehicle to the heart of Sultanahmet, Istanbul's imperial quarter.
30 minA visit to the jewel of Byzantine art: built in 537, with a 55-metre dome that defied engineering for a thousand years. Your guide shows you the golden mosaics, the upper gallery and the stories of the emperors and sultans who turned this basilica into a mosque. Converted back into a mosque in 2020, it is still one of Istanbul's unmissable experiences.
Read more about Hagia Sophia 75 minWe cross the square to the iconic Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii), with its six minarets and the 20,000 Iznik tiles that give it its name. We walk along the ancient Hippodrome — the centre of chariot races and riots in Byzantine times — with the Obelisk of Theodosius and the Serpent Column. Then we descend into the mysterious Basilica Cistern, with its 336 columns and the enigmatic Medusa heads.
Read more about Blue Mosque, Hippodrome and Basilica Cistern 75 minWe head into the Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı), one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world: 61 streets, 4,000 shops, carpets, Iznik ceramics, spices, jewellery and Ottoman lamps. Your guide helps you find the best products at fair prices, away from the tourist traps.
Read more about Grand Bazaar 60 minA lunch break with your guide's personal recommendations: from a classic kebab to balık ekmek (a fresh fish sandwich) by the Golden Horn. Your guide suggests the most authentic options to suit your taste and budget, away from the tourist restaurants.
60 minThe perfect finale to the day: a boat trip along the Bosphorus, the strait that separates Europe from Asia. For 1 hour and 15 minutes you enjoy views of Ottoman palaces (Dolmabahçe, Beylerbeyi), wooden waterside mansions (yalıs), medieval fortresses (Rumeli Hisarı) and the intercontinental bridges. Your guide shares stories and legends as you sail between two continents.
Read more about Scenic Bosphorus cruise 75 minThe end of a full and unforgettable day. Transfer back to your hotel in a private vehicle. Your guide leaves you tips for the evening: restaurants, rooftops with views and neighbourhoods to stroll around.
15 minIt includes: Licensed English-speaking guide throughout the tour; Private air-conditioned transport; Entrance tickets to Hagia Sophia and the Basilica Cistern; Scenic Bosphorus cruise; Hotel pickup and drop-off. Not included: Lunch (your guide will recommend local options); Tips; Personal expenses and shopping.
The tour starts at 09:00 and lasts about 8 hours. Meeting point: Pickup from your hotel lobby.
This is a private tour: just you and your group with the guide (maximum 15 people), never shared with other tourists. That means the pace can be adapted and we can go deeper into the topics that interest you most.
Yes, subject to availability. We recommend booking at least 24–48 hours in advance to secure your date, but we can often arrange last-minute tours.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour. The price is confirmed in a free, no-obligation quote before you book.
Of course. The guide adapts the pace and explanations for families. Young children get free or reduced entry at many sites in Türkiye; the age limit varies from one site to another.
What you'll see, explained in depth: history, tips and prices for each stop around Istanbul.
The story and architecture of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, from the Byzantine cathedral consecrated in 537 to the Ottoman m
The only mosque in Istanbul with six minarets is free and can be visited between prayers. What to look for inside, when
A guide to Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar: history, what to buy, how to haggle, opening hours and tips for not
A guide to cruising the Bosphorus in Istanbul: public and private options, prices, what to see from the boat and the bes
Explore more day tours with a private English-speaking guide.
Discover the Asian side of Istanbul on a walking tour with the ferry included: three neighbourhoods, each with its own personality
A lively tour of the most authentic Istanbul, using public transport like a local. From the fragrant Spice Bazaar to the panoramic
Discover the authentic flavours of Istanbul on a 6-hour food tour with an English-speaking guide. From a traditional Turkish break
