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Full-Day Private Guided Cultural Tour of Istanbul

327 Reviews 4.84 out of 5 stars Based on 327 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 96% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Istanbul, Turkey
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 25 (0) days in advance.

5 to 7 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
and 7 more
French, German, Spanish, Arabic, Portuguese, Japanese, Chinese Simplified
Instant confirmation

Overview

These private tours would offer you the comfort of unique culture experience. If you want to stay away from crowded groups, to avoid long entrance queues, we invite you to live the best of your Istanbul experience with a private tour.

What's Included

  • Private Tour
  • Professional Licensed Tour Guide
  • Guide meets you at central hotels and Cruiseship
  • Meals
  • Topkapi Palace on Tuesday ( Closed on Tuesday )
  • Entry/Admission - Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point

Included with the options “伊斯坦布尔中文徒步游”, “Private Guided Tour & Vehicle”, “Istanbul zu Fuß – Deutsch”, “Tour en español con coche”, “Tour en español”, “Istambul a pé – Português”, “جولة مشي اسطنبول بالعربي” and “Full-Day Private Guided Cultural Tour of Istanbul”.

Pickup details

All guests will be picked from their hotels, and public transportation will be used as a start of city experience.

OR
Meeting point

For the option “Visite d’Istanbul à pied (FR)”.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

Sultanahmet District

Discover the captivating charm of Sultanahmet, the historic heart of Istanbul. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of history, culture, and architectural wonders that define this vibrant district. Explore the iconic Sultanahmet Square, surrounded by architectural marvels like the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia, the majestic Blue Mosque, and the ancient Roman Hippodrome. Wander through the narrow cobblestone streets, lined with charming cafes, artisanal shops, and local bazaars. Indulge in the flavors of Turkish cuisine and delight in the warm hospitality of the locals. Immerse yourself in the captivating ambiance of Sultanahmet, where the ancient and the modern blend seamlessly to create an unforgettable experience.
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Hippodrome

You will see 4 amazing monuments in the ancient Hippodrome which was the center of Byzantine civic life; Egyptian Obelisk, The German Fountain of Wilhelm II, Serpentine Column and Column of Constantine.
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Blue Mosque

Sultanahmet Camii as known as Blue Mosque is one of the most magnificent buildings in Turkey. The building is not just a mosque, it is also a social life complex. Its name comes from blue Iznik tiles covered interior of the mosque.
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45 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

Hagia Sophia is the most famous building in Istanbul. Hagia Sophia, the largest church built by the Eastern Roman Empire in Istanbul, was built three times in the same place. Hagia Sophia served as a cathedral as the capital's largest church where rulers were crowned throughout the Eastern Roman Empire.
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1 hour Admission Ticket Free

TopkapI Palace

After the conquest of Istanbul in 1453, the construction of Topkapi Palace, which was started in 1460 at the request of Fatih Sultan Mehmet, was completed in 1478. Topkapı Palace, with all its additional buildings, was expanded with the added structures until the 19th century. CLOSED ON TUESDAY.
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2 hours Admission Ticket Free

Basilica Cistern

The Basilica Cistern, an ancient underground water reservoir in Istanbul, features stunning columns and a mysterious ambiance, reflecting the city's rich history and architectural brilliance. A must-visit marvel.
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1 hour Admission Ticket Free

Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar, which was founded in 1461, resembles a giant scale labyrinth thanks to its aesthetic design. The historical shopping area with nearly 60 streets and more than 3600 shops covers a total area of 30,700 square meters. Closed on Sunday.
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1 hour Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Tour guides don't have skip-the-line priority in Hagia Sophia. You may need to wait in the security line, in order to avoid queues we suggest departing at 8:30am or 9:00am.
  • Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays can be replaced with alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Full-Day Private Guided Cultural Tour of Istanbul?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (+03). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-291231P1

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.84
327 reviews

Average 4.84 out of 5 stars based on 327 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
293
4 stars
22
3 stars
8
2 stars
2
1 star
2
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 25 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Private Tour
  • Professional Licensed Tour Guide
  • Guide meets you at central hotels and Cruiseship
  • Meals
  • Topkapi Palace on Tuesday ( Closed on Tuesday )
  • Entry/Admission - Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
  • Entry/Admission - Basilica Cistern
  • Transportation (from/back to hotel, between sites unless van is booked)
  • Public transportation
  • Gratuities

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Tour guides don't have skip-the-line priority in Hagia Sophia. You may need to wait in the security line, in order to avoid queues we suggest departing at 8:30am or 9:00am.
  • Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays can be replaced with alternatives.
  • Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays can be replaced with alternatives.
  • Skip the line service is not available for active mosques - there is a queue for the entrance.

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