The Hagia Sophia, also known as Ayasofya in Turkish, is a famous historic building located in oldtown Istanbul. It was originally built as the biggest cathedral in the world by Byzantine Empire in the 6th century and later converted into a mosque during the Ottoman Empire. The building is renowned for its massive dome and beautiful mosaics that reflect its rich history and architectural significance. In 1935, it was converted into a museum and in 2020, it was reconverted into a mosque. The Hagia Sophia has an important place in the art world with its architecture, grandness, size and functionality.The Hagia Sophia is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all around the world.
The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, is a historic mosque in Istanbul, Turkey. It was built between 1609 and 1616 during the rule of Sultan Ahmed I. The mosque is known for its stunning architecture, with its six minarets and beautiful blue tiles adorning the interior, which give it the nickname "Blue Mosque." It is a popular tourist attraction and a significant symbol of Istanbul's skyline.
The Hippodrome of Constantinople, also known as the Sultanahmet Square, is an ancient chariot racing track and the sporting and social center of Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire. Located in present-day Istanbul. the site is now a public square known for its historical significance and the remnants of its ancient structures. The Hippodrome was a major venue for chariot races and other public events during the Byzantine era. It was adorned with monuments and sculptures, some of which still stand today, including the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpent Column, and the Column of Constantine. These monuments are important relics from the Roman and Byzantine periods and provide a glimpse into the city's rich history. Today, the Hippodrome area is a popular tourist destination and a public space where visitors can explore the ancient ruins, learn about the historical and cultural heritage of Constantinople and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of modern Istanbul.
The Topkapi Palace is a grand and historically significant palace located in Istanbul. It served as the primary residence and administrative headquarters of the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. The palace complex is known for its stunning architecture, beautiful courtyards, and extensive collections of art, manuscripts, and other treasures. The Topkapi Palace consists of several interconnected courtyards and buildings, including the Imperial Harem, where the sultan's family resided. The palace also houses the Treasury, which contains an impressive collection of priceless jewels, including the famous Spoonmaker's Diamond and Topkapi Dagger. Today, the Topkapi Palace is a popular museum and a major tourist attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Ottoman sultans and the rich history of the empire. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, drawing visitors from around the world to explore its magnificent grounds and learn about its fascinating past.
Basilica Cistern Museum is one of the most important cultural assets where we can trace the traces of glorious Istanbul history. This grand underground cistern, built by Eastern Roman Emperor Justinian I (527-565), is nicknamed “Yerebatan Sarayı” (Sunken Palace) among the public due to its numerous marble columns rising from the water. It is also known as “Bazilika Sarnıcı” (Basilica Cistern) by some, as it was built on the site of the former Stoa Basilica, which was a basilica. the Basilica Cistern visited by former U.S. President Bill Clinton. Impresive Roman empire structure as featured in Dan Brown's novel, "Inferno" and James Bond "From Russia with Love" The Basilica Cistern is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all around the world.
Unique time to Discover Turkish Handcrafts ( Turkish Carpets, Leathers, ceramics) shopping opportunities
The Grand Bazaar, also known as the Kapalıçarşı, is one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets, located in the heart of Istanbul. Dating back to the 15th century, the Grand Bazaar is a sprawling complex of over 60 streets and alleys, housing more than 4,000 shops and stalls. The bazaar is a vibrant and bustling place, offering a wide array of goods, including jewelry, carpets, textiles, ceramics, spices, leather goods, and traditional Turkish crafts. It's a paradise for shoppers looking for unique souvenirs and gifts. The architecture of the Grand Bazaar is a sight to behold, with its labyrinthine layout, vaulted ceilings, and colorful displays. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich history and culture of Istanbul as they wander through the maze of shops and interact with local merchants. Please note that the Grand Bazaar is closed every Sunday, as well as during the Eid al-Fitr (Ramadan Bayram) and Eid al-Adha (Sacrifice Bayram) holiday periods.
Home to some of Istanbul’s most recognizable attractions, the Sultanahmet District is an ideal place to explore the city’s complex history. With the rose-colored Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya) sitting across from the six minarets of the Blue Mosque and down the street from the energetic Grand Bazaar, this neighborhood packs in a wealth of culture.
Despite my last-minute booking, the operator made the tour possible. Saban was an amazing guide, tailoring the tour to my pace and sharing fascinating insights into Istanbul’s history and culture. His kindness and willingness to go above and beyond even after I returned home overseas, truly stood out. Ask for Saban if you can !! Highly recommended!
Great knowledge from Mustafa, about history, sights and culture. He also looked after us, making it a special day.
What a wonderful way to see and discover Istanbul’s history. Our guide Zel was a wealth of knowledge. If you come ask for her!
We had an absolutely wonderful experience with Halid as our private tour guide in Istanbul! He was incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, professional, and passionate about sharing the history and culture of this beautiful city. He made the entire tour enjoyable, engaging, and personalized to our interests. Halid went above and beyond to make sure we had a memorable experience, taking the time to explain the history behind each landmark while also sharing interesting local insights and recommendations. He was patient, accommodating, and made sure we were comfortable throughout the day. If you’re visiting Istanbul and looking for a knowledgeable, personable, and reliable private tour guide, I highly recommend Halid. He truly made our Istanbul experience special, and we couldn’t have asked for a better guide!
Umutcan was such an incredible guide. He was very nice and knowledgeable about history, local politics, culture, etc. He also took us to some parts of the Grand Bazar and other places that we never would’ve seen on the tour normally. We never felt pressured to do anything, he always offered unique experiences in addition to what is offered on the standard tour. He also texted us many recommendations after the fact for other neighborhoods and things to do. I would recommend this tour and Umutcan to anyone. If I’m ever back in Istanbul I would text him immediately and see if he is free!
We had an amazing experience on our private tour with Sabit! Everything was perfectly organized, and Sabit was friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. We got to explore at our own pace, learn so much about the places we visited, and enjoy a more personal experience. The tour was comfortable, enjoyable, and truly memorable. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a special and unforgettable experience!
We had an amazing day exploring Istanbul with Emel. What she doesn’t know about Turkey isn’t worth knowing. We packed in so much. Unfortunately we didn’t go to the Hagia Sofia due to the restoration work but will just need to come back. Highly recommend this
Our guide was Kenan not good but Great his depth of Istanbul's history as well the world was inspiring. Thank you
We had a fantastic day. Our guide was a most pleasant young man with solid knowledge of the history of the sites we visited, and a good sense of humor! This is definitely the best way to experience the fabulous historic sites in Istanbul and get an introduction to the culture and mindset of the Turkish people! We highly recommend it, and recommend our guide in particular!
Emel was my guide. She was fantastic. Emel is very knowledgeable about the history of this magnificent place Istanbul ! Emel’s guidance allowed me to appreciate the sights even more and gain a deeper level of appreciation. Emel seemed to know so many of the stall owners in the Grand and Spice Bazaar. Emel also took me to a carpet and a tile shop. I am sure Emel’s local connections and expertise would help any person wanting to buy local products to get the best experience. If you are serious about shopping then I think having Emel as your guide would help you make the best choices. Without Emel the bazaars felt quite overwhelming as there is so much choice.
Our guide, Sabit, was excellent, very knowledgeable, friendly, and easy going, we learned a lot from him, and it was the perfect tour to see the main sites in Istanbul. Sabit had advanced tickets, we skipped the lines and payed for the tickets value the same day. Since we took the tour on a Tuesday, the Topkapi Palace was closed, so instead we visited a Textile Institute where we learned so much about the art of rug making and the different qualities. Overall we spend about 7.5 hours. I highly recommend this tour.
what a day - we were met at the Galataport by Fettah who was incredible. We saw all the major sights and places with Fettah skipping every line and entering all turnstyles without a single second of waiting. His knowledge of history & Istanbul were amazing and entertaining. He was the perfect tour guide.
Umutcan collected us from our hotel to meet the driver and head for the Blue Mosque, the first of our stops. He had kindly warned us about the dress code in advance so we were well prepared. Saw the major sites at a pace of our choosing and with great history and information from Umutcan. He gave us as much time as we needed to look at each of the sites, see the views of Istanbul and take photos. A great day with a very helpful and interesting guide. We strongly recommend this tour
We did change our itinerary to more of the Green tour. This particular tour covers more of the red tour. Cemil was a great tour guide as was our driver.Semasi. Cemil took us to a variety of places and where it was very knowledgeable. I would highly recommend him.
Our lovely guide Sema, met us at our apartment and walked us around all the important sites she was incredibly knowledgeable and explained the history plus look us to a fabulous restaurant for lunch and then a carpet shop and experience to hear about silk and how carpets were made. It was truly a memorable day and if we are to return we would definitely rebook with her.
Anil was an absolutely fantastic guide. He was incredibly knowledgeable and engaging. He ensured that the day was tailored to what we wanted to see. In addition to showing us the historical sites, he showed us some beautiful artisan shops for ceramics and rugs. He made the day truly memorable. 100% would recommend booking this tour and asking for Anil.
Sema was our private guide and was fantastic. She was knowledgeable and her familiarity with everything Istanbul provided a lot of flexibility with logistics and adjusting our schedules. Meeting at the cruise terminal was simple and taking the tram to the Old Town was easy and efficient. Sema made it happen easily. Having a private guide gave us the chance to adapt the day’s schedule based on mosque opening times which Sema was aware of. She was also very flexible when we wanted to spend longer at the Topkapi Palace. Her knowledge and experience really enhanced our day. I would highly recommend this tour and Sema as a guide.
We had our private tour with fantastic guide Erkan who picked us up from our hotel. We discussed what we wanted to see and Erkan was very flexible to our needs. As some of the museum entry fees were expensive, Erkan talked us through what to expect in each place so we could decide if we wanted to see them which was really helpful advice. We toured the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia (outside), Topkapi Palace, Egyptian Monolith, Million Stone, underground Cisterns and the grand Bazaar. Erkan was great at explaining each place and it's history and was open to a lot of questions which was much appreciated because I always have a lot of questions. Fantastic tour.
We had an excellent experience in Istanbul with a help of our guide Berkcan. He picked us up from the cruise port and went on to the old town. We visited all the important sites. At each place, he gave us good summary of history and where to go and take photos. Even with a long line, he managed to help us move quickly. We had a lunch together at a local restaurant and had a good conversation. He did not push us to buy anything, actually he suggested not buying anything in the old town. I got his contact info so I can ask his guide next time when I visited Istanbul again with grandkids.
Our guide was Umutcan, he was amazing, he showed us everything with lots of details and information. We have learned a lot about Turkish history, and we got a lot of good suggestions for daily sightseeing.
There is a lot to see on this tour, crowds to negotiate , and Anil handled it beautifully. His knowledge is extremely extensive. Great personality, warm, a true professional, I couldn’t recommend any tour more highly.
Our tour guide Halid was very informative and easy to understand. His English was very good. Very helpful
Our tour guide, Sabiit his name was wonderful and so knowledgeable. We thoroughly enjoyed having him taking us around the city and enjoyed his company during lunch.
Fantastic tour. I was Emel’s only customer and she was excellent. I was mostly interested in the Byzantine and Ottoman history and she was incredibly knowledgeable about all aspects of the historical sites we toured. She ended up spending an extra hours on my tour.
Incredible day in Istanbul! Sam, our guide, was exceptional and clearly very passionate and knowledgeable. He is a true local and delivered a personalized tour for my family. We hit all the main sights including Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar and the Cistern. Transportation was prompt and the tour worked well for our schedule. Sam was able to efficiently maneuver the crowds and recommended a local gem for lunch. I highly recommend this tour if you have day in Istanbul. We walked away full of new information and gained a new appreciation for Istanbul.
This was an amazing tour. Kazim our guide picked us up right at the port and was very knowledgeable on all the places we went to. I highly recommend this tour!
We had a great tour. Savaş (Sam) our guide was very knowledgeable and took time time to explain the historical and cultural context of everything we saw. He made a point to tailor our day to the thibgs we wanted to see. Only stressful thing was that when booking, Viator lists the pickup as Celebrity Cruises but with a location 45 minutes away from the actual cruise port, Galataport. I had to reach out to the tour operator to confirm the correct pickup spot. Savaş was great and messaged us ahead. Everything else went perfectly.
Sabit was an excellent guide. He was so knowledgeable and easy to understand. I highly recommend Sabit and the walking tour.
Zel was an absolutely fantastic tour guide and made our time in Istanbul truly unforgettable! From start to finish, Zel was knowledgeable, personable, professional, and passionate about sharing the incredible history, culture, and beauty of Turkey. Every stop was thoughtfully planned, and the stories and insights brought each landmark to life in a way we never could have experienced on our own. Zel went above and beyond to make sure we felt comfortable, enjoyed every moment, and got the most out of our time in this incredible city. If you’re visiting Istanbul and looking for an exceptional guide who will make your experience special, I cannot recommend Zel highly enough. Five stars all the way! Thank you, Zel, for an amazing experience and memories we’ll cherish for years to come!
Our day was wonderful! Sabit was full of knowledge and happy to talk about the history and explained everything very well. We walked around, saw and experienced beautiful Mosques, buildings, cisterns, the grand bazaar and food. We can’t recommend Sabit enough! He was amazing! Loved him…!
Our experience was absolutely perfect and amazing, thanks to our wonderful guide, Aydin! Everything was well-organized, and Aydin made the entire trip truly special. Highly recommend!
Our guide Kenan was extremely thorough in his description of the historical Istanbul sights as well as accommodating our personal requests.
Our guide Saban arrived and took us on a detailed tour of the famous antiquities of historic Istanbul. He was very knowledgeable pleasant and organized. He gave us suggestions that helped make the tour memorable. I highly recommend him.
Excellent tour with terrific information and discussion from our guide Kenan
The best of Istanbul in one day. Enough to feel you know the city and history a little better without being completely overwhelmed by what can be an overwhelming city. Our tour guide John was fantastic. Friendly , knowledgeable and gave us an insight into what Turkey is like to live in in 2026 as we explored the past.
This was a must-see tour of the Istanbul old town and was worthwhile. My tour guide, Emel, was in incredibly knowledgeable about the Ottoman Empire history, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern and navigating through the Grand Bazaar. Learning from Emel about the architecture and history of the people was a treasurer experience. Hope everyone can see this.
This tour was terrific and very informative. Mustafa (Jack) was a great guide and we would highly recommend him. He went at the pace we could handle. We really enjoyed having him as our guide. Thank you Jack, you’re The Man!
We had a wonderful experience exploring Istanbul’s iconic landmarks with our amazing tour guide, Kazim! He was knowledgeable, professional and friendly, sharing fascinating insights into Istanbul’s rich history and culture. One of the highlights was stopping for lunch at a hidden gem called DEGIRMENCIOGLU, where the food was absolutely delicious! We also enjoyed a stop at Ramazan Canbaz to purchase authentic Turkish Delight and a fascinating visit to Feshane Rugs, where we learned about Istanbul’s beautiful handwoven rug heritage and craftsmanship. Kazim made our day truly memorable with these wonderful experiences beyond the iconic landmarks. Highly recommend this tour, especially with Kazim as your guide.
Great tour…..Ugur our guide was exceptional in terms of his knowledge and background related to the history of Istanbul. We got to visit all of the main sights in the old town with the highlight being the underground aquifers. If you have some time in Istanbul I recommend this tour!
Excellent way to see everything in a short, efficient way in one day. Would never have accomplished so much on our own.
Resul was great on today’s tour taking us to all the sights we wanted to see with loads of information.
There is lots of walking - we did about 12,000 or 13,000 steps.......but saw all the major highlights in one day! Well worth having a private guide (We had Can (pronounced Jon to English speaking guests). His last name was Berke. He was very friendly & knowledgeable, looking after us well. Without him, we would not have seen nearly as much & wouldn't have known all the details he shared with us. He guided us through to see the highlights of all the major sights, even the cisterns. I would highly recommend him as your guide so you can see & learn about all that interests you in the time you have!
I would recommend this tour to anyone visiting Istanbul. Anil was an incredible guide and made the day very memorable. He was an encyclopedia of information, a friend to everyone in the city and a great photographer. Many thanks to Anil for going the extra mile to make our experience great.
We spent the day touring major points of interest in Istanbul with Shaban. Shaban was wonderful! Everywhere we went he gave us detailed information, dates, and reasons why the landmark we were seeing was so significant in its historical context. Because he is a tour guide we were able to get into places that otherwise had very long lines. His enthusiasm was contagious and we learned so much! Highly recommend!
Samet is best guide we've had in 15 years! We have travelled the world--many countries and many guides and Samet is both knowledgeable, professional and charming.
We had a fantastic day with a great guide. Sabit Kara was amazing. He was extremely knowledgeable, friendly and fun to be with. My friends and I highly recommend him!!!
Great day out, very knowledgeable
Our tour with Anil was very informative. We were able to customize the schedule to suit what we wanted to see and what we did not. We were very impressed with the level of knowledge that he was able to share with us about the various sights. We would definitely recommend this tour for anyone wanting a self paced tour of Istanbul. For reference the prices for The Hagia Sophia are around $30. Cisterns $50 and palace $50 - all per person in addition to the tour price. This is not published in the tour. It does state that tickets are extra but doesn’t give any indication of cost. You can pay the guide in cash or you can pay by card at the location. Guides have priority access to purchase tickets so you can skip the line. They also have priority access once you have the ticket for all except the Blue Mosque for which there is no access charge but you have to wait in line with everyone else
Such an interesting area - so much history. Our guide Halid was excellent. So informative and a really nice guy to talk to and spend time with.
Guide was very knowledgeable.We had a relaxed tour around the important landmarks with interesting and informed narration. Would highly recommend Resul as a guide.Was a great day.
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