We truly hit the jackpot with Kemal Aslan as our private guide in Istanbul for 3 days! Just to name a few of the places we visited were the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, Grand Bazaar, the Asian side of Istanbul and Fener and Balat neighborhoods. We especially appreciated that he was able for us to avoid long lines which gave us more time to actually enjoy the sights. Kemal went out of his way to make sure we were comfortable, happy and safe (helping my husband with some mobility issues). We laughed a lot, learned a lot, and made memories we’ll always treasure. Somewhere along the way, Kemal stopped being just our guide and became our friend. We couldn’t have asked for a better guide or a better person to show us Istanbul. Thank you, Kemal, for making our time in Turkey so special! 🇹🇷❤️
About Activity
What's Included
Includes
- All sightseeing tours of the places mentioned in the program
- parking fees,ferry,tolls and petrol
- Entrance Fee for Topkapi Palace
- All local taxes
- All tours with English speaking guidance licenced by Ministry of Culture and Tourism
- All transport with new & AC vehicles
Excludes
- Drinks,visas,personal expenses,porters, tips
- lunches
- Entrance Fee for Hagia Sophia
Departure & Return
Departure Point
- Traveler pick up offered
Itinerary
Day 1
1
Your guide meets with you at the airport or at your hotel. After you have been welcomed you enjoy a fully private guided tour of the only city to span two continents, visiting Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, and Grand Bazaar. Overnight Istanbul
Once we start the tour we visit Hagia Sophia is a Late Antique place of worship in Istanbul, designed by the Greek geometers Isidore of Miletus and Anthemius of Tralles. Built-in 537 as the patriarchal cathedral of the imperial capital of Constantinople, it was the largest Christian church of the eastern Roman Empire (the Byzantine Empire) and the Eastern Orthodox Church, except during the Latin Empire from 1204 to 1261, when it became the city's Latin Catholic cathedral. In 1453, after the Fall of Constantinople to the Ottoman Empire, it was converted into a mosque. In 1935, the secular Turkish Republic established it as a museum. In 2020, it re-opened as a mosque.
then we visit the Topkapı Palace is a large museum in the east of the Fatih district of Istanbul in Turkey. In the 15th and 16th centuries, it served as the main residence and administrative headquarters of the Ottoman sultans.
Sultan Ahmed Mosque also known as the Blue Mosque is an Ottoman-era historical imperial mosque located in Istanbul, Turkey. A functioning mosque also attracts large numbers of tourist visitors. It was constructed between 1609 and 1616 during the rule of Ahmed I. Its Külliye contains Ahmed's tomb, a madrasah, and a hospice.
Hippodrome of Constantinople is a square in Istanbul, Turkey. Previously, it was a circus that was the sporting and social center of Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire.
at the end of the tour, you will have time for shopping approximately 1 hour.
Day 2
2
You will take a boat to Bosphorus Strait for about 1 and a half hours. During your tour, you will see more palaces, mentions, and famous restaurants just on the side of Bosphorus.
The Spice Bazaar is one of the largest bazaars in the city. Located in the Eminönü quarter of the Fatih district, it is the most famous covered shopping complex after the Grand Bazaar.
As a unique experience, you will pass across the Bosphorus by driving and reach Camlica Hill on the Asian Continent side of Istanbul. You can see the Bosphorus, two of the bridges which link each side of Istanbul, the Old City of Istanbul, and more.
A flyover by Cable Car, enjoy the beautiful view of Golden Horn from Pierre Loti hill.
Language Offered
Additional Info
Cancellation Policy
Reviews
Deniz was our guide for Istanbul. Very good personality. Very knowledgeable. He knew which place to go first to avoid crowds. Also recommended a place for dinner and made a reservation for us. I would definitely recommend him as a tour guide. Can not find better guide than him.
A big thank to our Istanbul Tour Guide - Denis who is knowledgeable, helpful and truly service-oriented. His insightful explanations brought Istanbul's history and culture to life and his excellent dining recommendations allowed us to enjoy some fantastic local cuisine. Denis' professionalism and dedication made our trip even more enjoyable and memorable. Highly recommended!
Kemal was an awesome tour guide. He arrived early both days. Very personable. His historical knowledge is extensive. He let us set the pace and he changed things around to help us maximize our time. Answered all our questions about everything. Gave us good recommendations for places to eat in the evenings. Let us know where not to go. I highly recommend him.
Şuayup Toraman was very friendly, knowledgeable and fun. We learned a lot from him about Istanbul and the Turkish culture. An enjoyable experience!
Very good experience Have had a wonderful two days guided tour Had wonderful time Will definitely recommend to friends
We had a great time walking around Istanbul with our guide Berkin. We saw many sights, were given an excellent explanation of all the sights we visited. Berkin is very knowledgeable and friendly.
The itinerary was faultless. Our tour guide was knowledgeable, professional, functual, patient, fun, and flexible. We were so comfortable with Kamil. The sights were simply breathtaking. Thank you for your impeccable service.
Amazing views and historically important places . Good things is most of the attractions are located close to each other
Istanbul is a beautiful city with rich history and architecture. We thoroughly enjoyed our guided tour. Our guide Umer was very knowledgeable. Will recommend Smart Turkish Tours. Everything was well planned and our hotel was centrally located.
Nese is our guide was so informative and kind person. I loved the walking tour at the old city. The local restaurant she took us also so good. Thanks Smart turkey tours.
had an amazing time, saw lots of great things, the marvels of istanbul! Our tour guide Nese was amazing, knew all the best spots, insightful on tours, and enjoyed beera with us! Was a great experience, beware of turkish traffic tho!
It was very pleasant your company and solved all my doubts plus your Spanish is very good, good photographer and very punctual, I highly recommend it😊
With my family we had an amazing experience with Denis as a guide. The organization was perfect, its explanations very complete and a very friendly disposition to make our stay in Istanbul an unforgettable experience. Thank you very much for your dedication. I recommend it 100%!
The experience has been perfect and unforgettable. The service has been great from before we landed in Istanbul until we left. Hotel transfers were very good in spacious and comfortable vans. Our guide, Mine was lovely and made us fall in love with Istanbul and its culture. We totally recommend it to all tourists who want to know Istanbul and feel at home
Second time I make the trip to Turkey if the first one was surprising this was spectacular thanks to Mustafa which is crack, I recommend the Bosphorus cruise sure we will return
I recommend the Bosphorus show cruise and the day cruise to the Greek islands, 4 days in Athens unforgettable.
A magnificent hope the exceptional guides and agency organization, is the second trip we made and we will surely repeat
Excellent Service, Personalized Attention, Cultural Plenty and Punctuality Tour Outstanding Features
Monday through Friday 9 am to 7 pm EST
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