Private Istanbul Byzantine & Ottoman Tour
Overview
Spend the day sightseeing in Istanbul with your local driver who will show you around. Admire popular attractions from the comfort of your own private car in a fully customizable tour. Your Welcomer will share historical facts and immerse you into the Turkish lifestyle.
Explore the Historical Peninsula where the heart of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empire once beat. The name might have changed - Byzantium, Constantinople, Istanbul - but the beauty remains timeless. Marvel at magnificent buildings such as the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Galata Tower, the Dolmabahçe Palace and unravel the past of the region. Finish off your tour admiring the view from the Bosphorus Bridge.
Our drivers are not licensed to accompany you into the sights but are very knowledgeable of the places visited and will provide all the necessary historical information and their local perspective.
At the end of the ride, your friendly driver will drop you off at your accommodation.
What's Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Fuel and Tolls
- Water
- WiFi on board
- Hotel or custom pickup and drop-off
- All taxes and handling charges
- Professional English-speaking local driver/informal guide
- Meals and beverages
- Tips and Gratuities
- Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya)
- Topkapi Palace (Topkapı Sarayı)
- Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi)
- Dolmabahçe Palace (Dolmabahçe Sarayı)
- Dolmabahçe Palace (Dolmabahçe Sarayı)
Meeting and Pickup
Your Welcome Pickups driver will be waiting for you at the selected pickup location and time.Before your ride, you’ll receive your driver’s details — including their name, phone number, and car information — so you can easily recognize them.Your driver will arrive on time and be ready to assist you and any special requests before starting your journey.Please note that our sightseeing tours does not automatically include airport pickup or drop-off. If you wish to start or end your tour at the airport, simply select the option with airport pickup included when booking if available.Kindly share any special requirements, such as traveling with a service animal or needing extra assistance, when booking your ride. This ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience for you.
What To Expect
Book Online
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Blue Mosque
20 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Sultanahmet District
15 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
30 minutes Admission Ticket Free
TopkapI Palace
20 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Galata Tower
20 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Dolmabahce Palace
20 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Bosphorus Bridge
15 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Specialized infant seats are available
- For 1-3 people: A comfortable sedan will be assigned to your group.
- For 4-8 people: A spacious minivan will be assigned to your group.
- Each traveler is allowed a maximum of 1 suitcase and 1 carry-on bag. Oversized or excessive luggage (e.g. surfboards, golf clubs, or bikes) may be subject to restrictions—please inquire with the operator prior to travel to confirm if your excess luggage can be accommodated. Please note: If your group consists of 3 travelers and each person has large luggage, a minivan may be required for a comfortable fit. To ensure a minivan is assigned, please make the booking for 5 passengers.
- Throughout your ride, our drivers serve as informal local guides—sharing stories, history, and local tips at every stop. Please note that drivers are not permitted to enter museums or archaeological areas, but they’ll ensure you make the most of your visit with suggestions and background information before you explore on your own.
- Some stops on your itinerary may be closed on the date of travel due to public holidays, maintenance or special events. We recommend verifying opening hours on the attraction’s official website or contacting us before your tour. If a stop is unexpectedly closed, we will try to offer a suitable alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions (7)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Private Istanbul Byzantine & Ottoman Tour?
Cancellation Policy
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Activity code: C-117866P29
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.64 out of 5 stars based on 28 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.
Filter by:
- 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).
- Hotel pickup and drop-off.
- Fuel and Tolls.
- Water.
- WiFi on board.
- Hotel or custom pickup and drop-off.
- All taxes and handling charges.
- Professional English-speaking local driver/informal guide.
- Meals and beverages.
- Tips and Gratuities.
- Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya).
- Topkapi Palace (Topkapı Sarayı).
- Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi).
- Dolmabahçe Palace (Dolmabahçe Sarayı).
- Dolmabahçe Palace (Dolmabahçe Sarayı).
The minimum age to participate is 1..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Private Istanbul Byzantine & Ottoman Tour is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Private Istanbul Byzantine & Ottoman Tour will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Fuel and Tolls
- Water
- WiFi on board
- Hotel or custom pickup and drop-off
- All taxes and handling charges
- Professional English-speaking local driver/informal guide
- Meals and beverages
- Tips and Gratuities
- Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya)
- Topkapi Palace (Topkapı Sarayı)
- Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi)
- Dolmabahçe Palace (Dolmabahçe Sarayı)
- Dolmabahçe Palace (Dolmabahçe Sarayı)
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Specialized infant seats are available
- For 1-3 people: A comfortable sedan will be assigned to your group.
- For 4-8 people: A spacious minivan will be assigned to your group.
- Each traveler is allowed a maximum of 1 suitcase and 1 carry-on bag. Oversized or excessive luggage (e.g. surfboards, golf clubs, or bikes) may be subject to restrictions—please inquire with the operator prior to travel to confirm if your excess luggage can be accommodated. Please note: If your group consists of 3 travelers and each person has large luggage, a minivan may be required for a comfortable fit. To ensure a minivan is assigned, please make the booking for 5 passengers.
- Throughout your ride, our drivers serve as informal local guides—sharing stories, history, and local tips at every stop. Please note that drivers are not permitted to enter museums or archaeological areas, but they’ll ensure you make the most of your visit with suggestions and background information before you explore on your own.
- Some stops on your itinerary may be closed on the date of travel due to public holidays, maintenance or special events. We recommend verifying opening hours on the attraction’s official website or contacting us before your tour. If a stop is unexpectedly closed, we will try to offer a suitable alternative.
