Recent Searches
Clear
Close

Best of Istanbul: 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour

star-51,780 Reviews
|
Badge of Excellence
|
Istanbul, Turkey
Best of Istanbul: 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour
See More
See More
Best of Istanbul: 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour
Gran Bazaar
See More

From $175.00 per group (up to 8)

Lowest Price Guarantee

Select Date and Travelers

Number of travelers
1 traveler2 travelers3 travelers4 travelers5 travelers6 travelers7 travelers8 travelers
Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance. Learn more
Loading available options...
Safety measures
icon7 hours  (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
iconOffered in: English and 5 more
Good for avoiding crowds

Explore our promoted experiences

Operators have paid Viator more to have their experiences featured here

Overview

Prepare to be awed by Istanbul’s magnificent architecture, rich history, and eclectic bazaars as you discover the unmissable highlights of the Old City on this 1-, 2-, or 3-day private tour. Marvel over the glorious Hagia Sophia, learn how the Blue Mosque earned its famous nickname, and see the ancient Basilica Cistern. Tour Topkapi Palace to gain an insight into the lavish lifestyles of the Ottoman sultans and their harem, and browse the legendary Grand Bazaar, where you find everything from carpets to Turkish delight.
  • Exclusive Istanbul tour led by a private guide
  • Comprehensive tour of the city over one, two, or three days
  • Explore the local streets on a walking tour of the city
  • Customize the itinerary according to your schedule
Saved to wishlist!

From $175.00

Lowest Price Guarantee
Book Now
Private tour
Professional local guide
Guide meets you at central hotels
Transportation (from/back to hotel, between sites (unless option selected)
Museum Tickets
Lunch
Gratitude (suggested)
Open in Google Maps

Hmm...we can’t seem to find this place. Please check the spelling, or choose another location.

*FOR LAST MINUTE BOOKINGS AND LATE DEPARTURES, as museums and some sites will be closed around 17:30 pm, alternative tour sites will be advised by the tour guide during the tour. *Tour guide meets you at central Istanbul hotels or Galata Port. If the hotel is not centrally located, the meeting point will be in front of the German Fountain. If van service is not chosen your guide will pick you up at centrally located hotels on foot. If private van service is booked, please note that there will be a surcharge if your hotel is located outside of the city center or on the Asian Side.
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Topkapi Palace and Hagia Irene Church is closed on Tuesdays
  • Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia closed until 2pm on Fridays, will be visited in the afternoon.
  • Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays
  • For multiple day booking, private van service will be advised according to your hotel location and size of the group
  • Dolmabahce Palace is closed on Mondays. Due to museum regulations, live guide service is not available at Dolmabahce Palace
  • When booking the tour with van, if your hotel is located in Sultanahmet you will be steps away from the museums, so the van will not be used as much.
  • Galata Tower will be visited from outside unless you pay entrance fee.
  • Annual Closing Dates of museums and bazaars in Istanbul are; January 1 – New Year May 2/3/4 – Ramadan Celebrations July 9/10/11/12 – Eid Celebrations October 29 – Republic Day
  • Families with young children will be accompanied by kid-friendly tour guide
  • For last minute bookings, tour starting time can be flexible.
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Near public transportation
  • Infant seats available
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
  • OPERATED BY Guided Istanbul Tours
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.

Learn more about cancellations.

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What is the policy on face masks and attendee health during Best of Istanbul: 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour?
A:The policies on face masks and attendee health are:

  • Face masks required for travelers in public areas
  • Face masks required for guides in public areas
See all safety measures taken by Best of Istanbul: 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour.
Q:
What is the policy on sanitization during Best of Istanbul: 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour?
A:The policy on sanitization is:

  • Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
See all safety measures taken by Best of Istanbul: 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour.
Q:
What is the social distancing policy during Best of Istanbul: 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour?
A:The policy on social distancing is:

  • Social distancing enforced throughout experience
See all safety measures taken by Best of Istanbul: 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour.
Q:
What measures are being taken to ensure staff health & safety during Best of Istanbul: 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour?
A:The policies on staff health & safety are:

  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
  • Regular temperature checks for staff
See all safety measures taken by Best of Istanbul: 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour.

Traveler Photos

See More
See More

Reviews

5.0
star-5
1,780 Reviews
5 stars
1,734
4 stars
39
3 stars
2
2 stars
3
1 star
2

Reviews by Viator travelers

We perform checks on reviews

Showing 1-10 of 1,780 reviews
star-5
Lovely 1 Day tour in Istanbul !
Miss_I
, Jul 2022
We did the one day tour and saw many of the big highlights of Istanbul! Our tour guide , Nazli was very thorough with her detailed explanation of history and interesting facts about each location!I loved learning about the history and culture from her. She is so sweet and went above and beyond to assist us with our needs. She also escorted us and gave us helpful advice to get around using the subway and bus. We had very limited time and she made all the adjustments we needed and still have a lovely time! Thank you again!!
... MoreLess
star-5
Ceren, our guide was excellent! We did a private tour.
Shahreen_R
, Jun 2022
Customized schedule, flexibility, timeliness, knowledge of the guide. Door to door service. I highly recommend Ceren and the 2 day tour if you are trying to do the most in two days. Provides you all the highlights.
... MoreLess
star-5
Delightful experience of Istanbul
Karl_K
, Jun 2022
Tour of historic Istanbul including Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, Blue Mosque, Underground Cistern, Hipposdrome, Grand Bizaar (Turkish delight & shopping), assistance with public transportation and lots and lots of information!
... MoreLess
star-5
Great tour Istanbul
CARLOS_U
, Jun 2022
Great experience excellent tour Bulut is the best person and nice men very educated and he took us a many places and he always explain everything as exceptional and clear
... MoreLess
star-5
An experienced and a fluent narrator
Tamer_F
, Jun 2022
Ms Ozge is an excellent narrator, that has a wealth of information on tour, and recommendations for activities in Istanbul. I f you have certain interests in the tour be sure to let her know to focus on them. Our family enjoyed every moment. Ms Ozge doesn't just explain the history, she LOVES what she is doing. This made a big difference.
... MoreLess
1 traveler found this review helpful
star-5
Incredible Day In Istanbul!
Marsharee_W
, Jun 2022
We fell in love with Istanbul! This was due in great part to our fantastic guide Didem. She was incredibly knowledgeable and provided in depth history of the city and many sites we were privileged to visit. Not only was she a superb guide but also a compassionate person who has worked to help the street dogs and cats of the city which was very meaningful to us. Wish we had more time there. Couldn’t recommend her more and can’t wait to return!!
... MoreLess
star-5
Whole experience was pleasant overall
Jagjot_K
, Jun 2022
I had a very nice experience during this tour. Our guide Ozan was a very accommodating person. He does justice to his job and tries fine tuning the history of tourist spots according to his tourist’s interest. My parents wanted to bail out after first few hrs coz walking was tiring for them. Ozan continued with me and planned the next day also according to my parent’s needs so they could cover major spots in Istanbul without getting over exhausted. Moreover, he is honest with guiding you through various markets and hyped things in Instanbuland would suggest you against ‘em in case they happen to be on ur checklist and are loopholes for losing unnecessary money. The only thing I was disappointed about the tour was that the organizer recommended us a cab for the first day for 125 dollars and after figuring out the center of Istanbul before, I figured the cab was going to cover only a 5km radius and then I had to juggle with the organizer to cancel the can. That was a bit unpleasant and I felt I could be guided better beforehand. Had I not done research a day before the tour, I would have wasted 125 dollars on something that could be easily covered using Tram and Istanbulkart which is really nominal and also a faster medium to commute in busy roads of Istanbul.
... MoreLess
star-5
3 days private tour of Istanbul.
noprea
, Jun 2022
My husband and I booked the 3 days proved tour of Istanbul. From start to the end we had a very good time. Our tour guide, Damla, was the best. Each day she spend over 7 hours with us touring many places Istanbul has to offer. Great experience and best guide.
... MoreLess
star-5
Thankful
Tahniat_S
, Jun 2022
We saw a lot of sights- Hippodrome Topkapi palace Harem section Hagia Irini Hagia Sofya Blue Mosque Bosporus cruise Dolmabachi palace! And more. All things were amazing and our guide Cener was so knowledgeable with our questions and did a great job getting us to all of these places. I’m so glad we booked this tour. We will have such good life long memories.
... MoreLess
star-5
Seen and learned a lot in only 2 days
Christina_K
, Jun 2022
We had a very nice and knowledgable guide, Mustafa, who showed us around and explained us the monuments, history, religion and the Turkish daily life. He gave is the possibility to taste typical Turkish food. Our 1st day was a walking tour, our 2nd day we chose the private van for transportation. We can really highly recommend this 2 day tour for everyone who wants to get an idea of Istanbul in a short time like us. Just bring comfortable shoes: lots of walking, but NICE walking 😃
... MoreLess
star-5
Couldn’t have asked for a better Tour Guide!
Malak_B
, Jun 2022
Haluk came to pick us up at our hotel in Taksim. We took a taxi to the old city where the tour would take place and on the ride there he was explaining the history and significance of all the places we were driving by. When we got to the old city he took us through the palace, mosques, the bazaar, he took us to a delicious local food spot for lunch, and was extremely attentive and knowledgeable at every stage. He did not leave me or my friend until he ensured we were able to get a taxi back to our hotel. I would definitely come back with my family and book a tour with him in the future.
... MoreLess
star-5
Great tour guide - great tour!
sujatan
, Jun 2022
We were a family of four (2 teens and two parents.) we were in town for barely 2 days and wanted to make the most of it. We signed up for a full day tour. Didem, our guide was lovely. She was at our hotel on time and ready to go. She was full of facts and knowledge about the sights we visited. Bring completely unknowledgeable about the city it was great to have someone who could get us quickly on and out of the top places. She even assisted us with some shopping! I would recommend this service and Didem.
... MoreLess
star-5
Ahmet made it even better
Sergio_S
, Jun 2022
The tour was amazing to say the least. We went to all the major points of interest and Ahmet Yalciner kept it interesting and fun at a very comfy pace. I highly recommend you ask for Ahmet to be your guide.
... MoreLess
star-5
Beautiful walk around Istanbul with a friendly and informative guide
Sharon_H
, Jun 2022
Great trip. Guide was very informative and friendly. Tiring but worth the effort. Saw the major sites.
... MoreLess
star-5
Awesome 1 day guided tour
John_W
, Jun 2022
Our guide Mahir was both fun and knowledgeable, in addition to flexible! I would like to give 6 out 5 stars. So far, my experience with Viator overall (after two excursions) has been excellent- my family and I highly recommend the private tour. Worth every penny
... MoreLess
star-2
Disappointing Tour
DENA_A
, Jun 2022
This is a walking tour , which was fine. We are older and have no problem walking but she seemed in a rush walking so far ahead of me and my husband . We were practically running to hero up with her . She said we would stop for lunch , we told her we just had a big buffet breakfast and typically only eat breakfast and dinner and don’t want to stop for lunch , next thing we knew she said this is our lunch place , a place where she knew owners , she wanted to eat not us. Of course we paid for lunch !! Than she had us walk into a shop she knew owners , they were very pushy for us to buy items we really did t want to buy that day. Out of 15 days of tours in 4 different turkey cities this one was the inss we we felt we were taken advantage of and pushed to go into restaurants and shops we didn’t want to. We should of spoken up and said this is our tour not yours. This is on our dollar not yours. Never book this tour. We told her after that she didnt have to stay with us at bizarre in instanbul. We will do this on our own. We were so done with her !!!
... MoreLess
icon Response from Host , Jun 2022
Dear Dena, Thank you for posting the feedback, these reviews are very helpful in terms of developing ourselves and setting our service standards. As per understood that the dissatisfaction you encountered is not related to the features of the product but the service received, which we totally understand. As you may have noticed before booking us, the reviews also monitor that we work with the best guides who are passionate about their work. We always courage our guides to focus on their profession but nothing else so the discomfort you had is unacceptable on our end too. We have taken the necessary steps to avoid giving way to such an unpleasant experience and we thank you once more for your support in doing us so. We wish to see you in Istanbul once more in the near future and we guarantee that you will receive a perfect service that matches our standards at that particular time. Best regards, Ahmet
... MoreLess
2 travelers found this review helpful
star-5
Great guide fantastic tour
Zoe_D
, Jun 2022
Ugur is a fantastic guide. He made our trip! He listened to what we were most interested in and made sure we made the most of our time. He was super knowledgeable, especially about history and very happy to answer our many and varied questions! His insider knowledge was invaluable, especially on good food, the food places and tips were an added bonus on a brilliant tour of the main sights. We would definitely recommend!
... MoreLess
star-5
1 Day Istanbul Tour
Cristina_M
, Jun 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed my 1 day tour of Istanbul. With limited time it was great to have Pelin as a guide. She was incredibly knowledgeable and took me to the top highlights to view. We had a great day and I feel I have a new friend for life! She is an expert so request her!!
... MoreLess
star-5
Excellent Istanbul tour
jrodrig411
, Jun 2022
Cigdem was an excellent guide. She was very knowledgeable, friendly, and nice. She took us to all the top historical sites in Istanbul and provided lots of details on everything we saw. I highly recommend her anytime you are in this beautiful city!
... MoreLess
star-5
Get to know Istanbul!
Steven_S
, Jun 2022
Perfect initiation to Istanbul. Our guide Rose was very familiar with everything and knew how to time our visits perfectly to maximize our time. Highly recommend!
... MoreLess
Why you are seeing these recommendations

Compare Similar Experiences

Current
Best of Istanbul: 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour
Best of Istanbul: 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour
star-51756
7 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$175.00
Best of Istanbul in 1 Day
star-532
8 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$74.59
Skip The Line:1 or 2 Days Private Istanbul Guided Tour
star-575
2 days
Free Cancellation
From
$160.00
1-Day Best of Istanbul Private Tour with the Best Local Guides
star-518
5 hours 10 minutes
Free Cancellation
From
$250.00
PRIVATE Great Mekong 2 Days 1 Night Stay at Family Tiny Garden Homestay
star-517
8 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$189.00
Private Guided Istanbul Day Tour
star-58
3 hours 35 minutes
Free Cancellation
From
$90.00
Guided Private Sightseeing Tour of Istanbul
star-524
8 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$265.01
Istanbul In a Day Private Tour:Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi & Grand Bazaar
star-594
7 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$150.00
Guided Private Istanbul Tour
star-59
5 hours 30 minutes
Free Cancellation
From
$147.34
Why you are seeing these recommendations

Explore Similar Things to Do

Shore ExcursionsPrivate and LuxuryBus ToursCity ToursPrivate Sightseeing ToursWalking ToursPorts of Call ToursCultural ToursHistorical ToursFull-day ToursDay TripsWalking & Biking ToursWater SportsCruises, Sailing & Water ToursCultural & Theme ToursDay Trips & ExcursionsShore ExcursionsLuxury & Special OccasionsOutdoor ActivitiesPrivate & Custom ToursTours & SightseeingIstanbulShore Excursions - VarnaPrivate and Luxury - VarnaBus Tours - VarnaCity Tours - VarnaPrivate Sightseeing Tours - VarnaWalking Tours - VarnaPorts of Call Tours - VarnaCultural Tours - VarnaHistorical Tours - VarnaFull-day Tours - VarnaDay Trips - VarnaShore Excursions - IzmirPrivate and Luxury - IzmirBus Tours - IzmirCity Tours - IzmirPrivate Sightseeing Tours - IzmirWalking Tours - IzmirPorts of Call Tours - IzmirCultural Tours - IzmirHistorical Tours - IzmirFull-day Tours - IzmirDay Trips - IzmirShore Excursions - PamukkalePrivate and Luxury - PamukkaleBus Tours - PamukkaleCity Tours - PamukkalePrivate Sightseeing Tours - PamukkaleWalking Tours - PamukkalePorts of Call Tours - PamukkaleCultural Tours - PamukkaleHistorical Tours - PamukkaleFull-day Tours - PamukkaleDay Trips - PamukkaleCategory

Attractions in Istanbul

Istanbul Cruise Port Tours & TicketsBorusan Contemporary Tours & TicketsSerpent Column (Yilani Sütun) Tours & TicketsHagia Sophia (Ayasofya) Tours & TicketsIstinye Park Tours & TicketsOrtaköy Tours & TicketsSokollu Mehmet Pasha Mosque (Sokollu Mehmet Paşa Camii) Tours & TicketsAnadolu Kavagi Tours & TicketsGreat Palace Mosaic Museum Tours & TicketsAqua Florya Shopping Center (Aqua Florya Alisveris Merkezi) Tours & TicketsIstanbul Museum of Modern Art (Istanbul Modern Sanat Müzesi) Tours & TicketsEyup Sultan Mosque Tours & TicketsGalata Tower (Galata Kulesi) Tours & TicketsPierre Loti Hill (Pierre Loti Tepesi) Tours & TicketsLEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Istanbul Tours & TicketsIstanbul Aquarium (Istanbul Akvaryum) Tours & TicketsRustem Pasha Mosque (Rüstem Paşa Camii) Tours & TicketsObelisk of Theodosius Tours & TicketsEminӧnü Square (Eminönü Meydani) Tours & TicketsChurch of Saints Sergius and Bacchus (Kücük Ayasofya Camii) Tours & Tickets
Why you are seeing these recommendations