We begin the day immersed in the aromas of the Spice Bazaar, one of Istanbul's oldest markets (1664). Stalls of saffron, flower teas, Turkish delight (lokum), nuts and brightly coloured spices. Your guide shows you how to judge quality and haggle for the best prices. A small tasting is included.
Read more about Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar) 60 minWe cross the iconic Galata Bridge, where dozens of anglers cast their lines into the Golden Horn from dawn to dusk. Below, the balık ekmek (fish sandwich) restaurants fill the air with their aromas. Your guide tells you the history of the bridge and the legends of the Golden Horn as boats and seagulls go by.
Read more about Galata Bridge and its Anglers 30 minWe explore Karaköy, the trendy waterfront neighbourhood: contemporary art galleries, third-wave craft coffee shops, Turkish design shops and street food. We ride the historic Tünel funicular (1875, the second-oldest underground railway in the world after London's) up to the upper part of Beyoğlu.
Read more about Karaköy — Food and Art Quarter 45 minWe walk along the Grand Rue de Péra, today's Istiklal Avenue, Istanbul's great pedestrian thoroughfare: 1.4 km of Art Nouveau buildings, historic consulates, the nostalgic red tram and 19th-century covered arcades such as Çiçek Pasajı (the Flower Passage) and the Fish Market arcade. Your guide reveals the hidden stories of every corner.
60 minWe go up Galata Tower (67 metres, 14th century), Istanbul's most iconic viewpoint. From its circular balcony, a spectacular 360° panorama: the domes of Sultanahmet, the Golden Horn, the Bosphorus with its bridges and the Asian shore. Your guide points out each monument and tells the legend of Hezarfen, the “bird man” who flew from this tower in 1632.
Read more about Galata Tower — 360° Panorama 45 minA lunch break around Istiklal with your guide's recommendations: a meyhane (Turkish tavern with meze), a craft kebab or modern fusion cuisine. Options for every taste and budget in one of the city's most diverse food areas.
60 minWe go down to the Kabataş pier for the public Bosphorus cruise — the long 90-minute route that Istanbulites themselves use. We sail between the two continents, taking in marble palaces (Dolmabahçe, Çırağan), wooden Ottoman yalıs, fortresses (Rumeli and Anadolu Hisarı) and dream villas. The most photogenic moment of the trip.
Read more about Bosphorus cruise on a regular boat 90 minWe disembark and walk back to the starting point. Your guide leaves you the best personalised tips for the evening: restaurants with views, rooftop bars, hammams and neighbourhoods to stroll around. The end of an enriching day discovering the gems of Istanbul.
15 minEminönü pier (next to the Spice Bazaar)
It includes: Licensed English-speaking guide throughout the tour; Istanbulkart travel card topped up for public transport; Entrance ticket to Galata Tower; Regular Bosphorus cruise; Tasting at the Spice Bazaar. Not included: Lunch (your guide will recommend local options); Tips; Personal shopping.
The tour starts at 09:00 and lasts about 8 hours. Meeting point: Eminönü pier (next to the Spice Bazaar).
This is a private tour: just you and your group with the guide (maximum 10 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.
Istanbul's Spice Bazaar has smelled of cumin, mint and Turkish delight since 1664. What's worth buying, what's just ther
The Genoese tower that has watched over the Golden Horn since 1348 offers Istanbul's most sought-after viewpoint. What y
The five places not to miss in Karaköy, Istanbul's old harbour district: the Galata Tower, the Kamondo Stairs, the Galat
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 Istanbul's most iconic monuments in a single day with a private English-speaking guide. We start at the heart of the Byza
Discover the Asian side of Istanbul on a walking tour with the ferry included: three neighbourhoods, each with its own personality
Discover the authentic flavours of Istanbul on a 6-hour food tour with an English-speaking guide. From a traditional Turkish break
