ISTANBUL BEST : Iconic Landmarks FullDay Private Guided City Tour

based on 452 reviews

Duration:6 hours to 8 hours (approx.)
Location: Istanbul, Turkey

From $

Book in 2 easy steps:

1. Select A Date

2. Enter Total No Of Travellers

Traveler (Age : 0 to 120)

Free Cancellation

Upto 24 hours in Advance.

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

Top Selling Tours & Activities

Shore Excursions

Private Sightseeing Tours

Excellent Quality

Luxury Car Tours

Limousine Tours

Bus Tours

Additional fees

Walking Tours

Cultural Tours

City Tours

Ports of Call Tours

PRODUCT DETAILS
TRAVELER REVIEWS
TRAVELER PHOTOS

This is a private guided tour which will enhance your point of view of Ottomans vs Byzantines.

It's not only a tour from the past but also a shopping opportunities including traditional Carpet- leather- jewelry and grand baazar.

•Hippodrome where used to organize chariot races with its Egyptian Obelisk, Serpent and Constantine Obelisk and German Fountain.

•Visit the famous Sultanahmet Mosque, as Blue Mosque due to its magnificent interior decoration of royal Iznik tiles

• Face the highlight of the earth, St. Sophia built in 537 A. D.

• See Topkapi Palace where the great empire was ruled

•See Underground Cistern where Dan Brown's book ''INFERNO '' ended up. and Second Oldest Movie of James Bond " from Russia with love"

•Finalize the day at the famous Grand Bazaar with 4000 shops.

• Make the Best of your limited time in
Istanbul by saving memories and shopping

• Visit the qualified stores (carpet, leather, jewelry,Tiles)

• Transportation depends on option selected

WHAT'S INCLUDED

✓ Unique time to discover Turkish Handicrafts Traditional Shopping Opportunities at BILGINS
✓ Fast Track Ticket Avaliable
✓ Private Tour
✓ We will skip the line to buy the tickets for Topkapi palace and Basilica Cistern
✓ Guide will meet you at central Istanbul Hotels, Airbnb Locations or ISTANBUL CRUISE PORT GALATAPORT
✓ Professional Private Guide

✗ Lunch
✗ Full Day Vehicle or Transfer (Depends on option selected)
✗ Museum/Attraction Tickets
✗ Gratuities (suggested)
✗ Entry/Admission - Topkapi Palace - 1500 TL per Person
✗ Entry/Admission - Basilica Cistern - 800 TL per Person
✗ Entry/Admission - Hagia Sophia - 25 Euro Per Person

WHAT TO EXPECT

1. {
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.
2. {
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.
3. {
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.
4. {
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.
5. {
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.
6. {
Unique time to Discover Turkish Handcrafts ( Turkish Carpets, Leathers, ceramics) shopping opportunities
7. {
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.
8. {
Biggest Leather and Carpet Producer in Turkey. Traditional shopping opportunities.
9. {
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.

ADDITIONAL INFO

CANCELLATION POLICY

Posted By : Ivor_T
We met up with our excellent guide, Seckin. We had to be back onboard our ship at 15:30, which is a tight deadline, given the level of traffic in Istanbul. A further issue is that my partner is partially blind. Seckin did everything to make the tour easy for us.
Our tour was on a Friday, so the Blue Mosque doesn’t open for tourists until 14:30. Seckin managed our agenda perfectly. We even managed to have an excellent lunch at a restaurant he recommended. His knowledge was encyclopaedic. And we did get to see inside the Blue Mosque. Our driver did a great job, and we bid farewell at the terminal entrance..
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-30 08:22:26

Posted By : jonnie_m
What a great tour with a great guide. We saw and learned so much. Highly recommend Yasin. He knew so many things and his timing to see things was impeccable.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-29 15:44:40

Posted By : 991suzannel
What a great way to see all the major attractions in one day. Our guide, Batuhan, was amazing! His historical knowledge and pleasant manner made the whole experience even better. Highly recommend :)
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-29 13:50:03

Posted By : Darlene_T
We had a great day! We only had less than a day in Istanbul as a flight transit stop and this tour was perfect for getting a taste of the city. Our guide was great and tailored everything to what we were interested in. Also very convenient as he had a driver pick us up right at our hotel. Highly recommend!!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-29 07:41:29

Posted By : Shibu_S
I am writing this review in anger and disappointment after our recent Istanbul Private Sightseeing experience. We paid a staggering £330 for a tour that took us to places that are actually free for visitors. Any place that required tickets, we had to pay extra.

The tour started with a car picking us up from our hotel, which was only 10 minutes away from the destination. The car left us with the tour guide, and what we quickly realized is that all the sites we were to visit are literally opposite each other. There was barely any excursion needed to navigate through them.

The guide gave us a very basic explanation of the structures and the location. My 11-year-old son knew more about the Ottoman Empire and the Blue Mosque than what was told to us. It was extremely frustrating to pay such a high price for such minimal information.

To make matters worse, the tour guide took us to very expensive places to buy jewelry and carpets, claiming we would get the best deals there. We fell for it and ended up spending a lot of money on items for ourselves and our friends and family. The next day in the bazaar, we found the exact same items for a quarter of the price. We were informed that these agencies have tie-ups with the guides to exploit foreigners.

Although the guide was a pleasant man, looking back, it is infuriating to realize how he gained our trust only to make us spend more money. We even invited him to join us for lunch as it was getting late. But when you understand that you've paid such a whopping amount just to have someone escort you around for 3-4 hours, making you pay extra for tickets and suggested shopping, you know you've been looted.

I am requesting a full refund for this tour. The experience was nothing short of a scam, and I strongly advise others to be wary of such rip-offs.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-28 12:32:48

Posted By : Amanda_M
Muhsin was the guide for my family’s private tour, and he was fantastic—very knowledgeable and engaging as well as attentive and patient in letting our group walk around to investigate the sites we visited (Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia, Grand Bazaar, etc.). He even helped us at the Grand Bazaar to haggle for a necklace for my daughter. The tour was really great. Thank you, Muhsin!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-28 10:42:12

Posted By : aemolina
Muhsin was our guide. He was fantastic—very knowledgeable about historical sites and very attentive & patient with my family as we toured the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia, Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar, etc. He even helped us bargain at the Grand Bazaar when buying a necklace for my daughter. We had a very enjoyable time on our tour. Thank you, Muhsin!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-28 10:03:27

Posted By : brrronson
Our tour guide, Serkan, was friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and patient. I forgot that it was a private tour and we really enjoyed being able to add or modify our sightseeing and the topics of discussion. We took the tram to the Old Town and walked around extensively seeing the Blue Mosque, palace gardens, through the neigborhoods, visiting some high-end shops where he knew the owners, and a walk-through the Grand Bazaar. Serkan is native to Istanbul and gave us personal insights on the political, economic challenges of Turkey and the upheaval among bordering countries. We enjoyed the day with him very much and suggest that you specifically ask for Serkan.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-28 09:48:58

Posted By : Justin_M
Zeliha was a wonderful guide! She was knowledgeable, adjusted our itinerary based on our interests, and provided us with quite a few additional cultural and historical experiences that really made Istanbul cone to life. Highly recommend this tour! Thank you Zel!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-28 03:10:59

Posted By : Ted_C
Our tour guide John was amazing! He was patient with our group, knowledgeable and gave us an incredible experience seeing the major sites in Istanbul.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-27 05:41:39