Explore the vibrant city of Istanbul on a private full-day tour that offers an immersive experience into the heart of its rich history and culture. Featuring iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, this comprehensive tour provides professional guidance, private transportation, and a traditional Turkish lunch. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this tour promises to unveil the city’s captivating atmosphere and unique attractions in a seamless and personalized manner. With inclusive pricing and daily departures, it’s an opportunity to uncover the essence of Istanbul like never before.
Key Points
- Comprehensive private tour of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks and cultural heritage, including Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace.
- Tour includes local taxes, professional guide, private air-conditioned transport, lunch, and pre-paid entrance fees.
- Daily operation from 9/1/2017 to 11/24/2025 with hotel and cruise port pickups; moderate fitness level required.
- Flexible itinerary to accommodate religious holidays or closures, with alternative museum options provided.
- Free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the tour, and reserve now, pay later option offered.
Tour Overview
The Private Full Day Istanbul Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the city’s iconic landmarks and cultural heritage.
It’s a private tour that provides a personalized experience, with a professional guide leading the way. Priced from $119 per person, the tour includes private air-conditioned transportation, entrance fees, and lunch.
Customers can expect a 4.5-star experience based on the reviews. The tour operates daily from 9/1/2017 to 11/24/2025, with pickups from city center hotels and the cruise port.
Guests should have a moderate fitness level and be prepared to dress appropriately for visiting mosques. Alternative options are available for certain closures or holidays.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Istanbul.
Inclusions
This Private Full Day Istanbul Tour includes several key services to enhance the experience. Customers can expect local taxes, a professional guide, private air-conditioned minivan transport, lunch and drinks, pre-paid entrance fees, and optional tips for the guide and driver. The inclusions aim to provide a seamless and enjoyable tour.
Inclusions | Details |
---|---|
Local Taxes | Covered |
Professional Guide | Included |
Private Transport | Air-conditioned Minivan |
Meals | Lunch and Drinks |
Entrance Fees | Pre-paid Tickets |
Tips | Optional |
Pickup and Schedule
Pickup is available from European side city center hotels and the Istanbul cruise port (GALATAPORT).
The tour starts at a confirmed time with the local provider. Operating hours are Monday through Sunday, from 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM, between September 1, 2017, and November 24, 2025.
Guests should be ready for pickup at the scheduled time, as the tour maintains a punctual schedule to make the most of the day.
The private air-conditioned minivan transport ensures a comfortable journey throughout the city’s landmarks and attractions.
Accessibility and Requirements
Navigating the tour requires moderate physical fitness, as it isn’t wheelchair accessible. Participants must be able to handle moderate walking and climbing without serious medical conditions like heart problems.
Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. The tour has a dress code, requiring participants to cover bare shoulders and remove shoes when visiting mosques.
If certain sites are closed, alternative museums will be visited, such as the Underground Cistern instead of Topkapi Palace on Tuesdays or the Spice Market instead of the Grand Bazaar on Sundays.
Flexibility is key, as the itinerary may change due to religious holidays or other unexpected closures.
Tour Conditions and Alternatives
There’s a dress code for the tour, requiring participants to cover bare shoulders and remove shoes when visiting mosques.
If certain sites are closed, such as the Topkapi Palace on Tuesdays or the Grand Bazaar on Sundays, alternative locations like the Underground Cistern or the Spice Market will be visited instead.
During religious holidays, the Grand Bazaar may be swapped for the Arasta Bazaar.
On Fridays, the Blue Mosque is open for visitation from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM only.
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start, and a reserve now, pay later option is available.
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Exploring the City
Once visitors have navigated the tour’s logistics and dress code requirements, they’ll embark on an immersive exploration of Istanbul’s vibrant cityscape.
The private tour grants exclusive access to the city’s iconic landmarks, including the magnificent Hagia Sophia and the opulent Topkapi Palace.
Visitors will wander through the bustling Grand Bazaar, a labyrinth of colorful stalls offering a vast array of local crafts and spices.
They’ll also have the opportunity to savor a traditional Turkish lunch, seeing the culinary delights that have made Istanbul a global gastronomic destination.
Throughout the day, the knowledgeable guide will provide insightful commentary, bringing the city’s rich history and culture to life.
Highlights of the Tour
The Private Full Day Istanbul Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the city’s iconic landmarks, immersing visitors in its rich history and vibrant culture.
The tour includes visits to the magnificent Hagia Sophia, the iconic Blue Mosque, and the serene Topkapi Palace, where guests can discover the grandeur of the Ottoman Empire.
The tour also includes a stop at the bustling Grand Bazaar, where visitors can bargain for unique souvenirs and experience the lively atmosphere of this historic marketplace.
Throughout the day, the knowledgeable guide provides insights into the city’s history and culture, ensuring a truly memorable and enriching experience.
Booking and Cancellation Policy
According to the tour information, customers can reserve the Private Full Day Istanbul Tour now and pay later. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, providing flexibility for travelers.
The tour conditions and alternatives section outlines the dress code requirements and alternative museum options in case of closures. For example, if the Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays, the Spice Market is offered as an alternative.
Booking and Cancellation Policy |
---|
Reserve now, pay later |
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before experience starts |
Dress code: no bare shoulders, no shoes in mosques |
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Tour?
The group size for the tour is not specified, but it is a private tour, so the group size is likely small and flexible based on the customer’s needs.
Is Audio Commentary Available During the Tour?
The tour does not mention audio commentary. It focuses on providing a private tour with a professional guide, private transportation, and included meals and entrance fees. The experience is designed for a tailored, guided tour.
Can I Request a Specific Start Time for the Tour?
Yes, travelers can request a specific start time for the tour. The tour operates daily from 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM, and the local provider will confirm the start time at the time of booking.
Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment?
No special equipment is required for this tour. Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes, dress according to the dress code, and bring any necessary personal items. The tour provider will handle transportation and entrance fees.
How Flexible Is the Tour Itinerary?
The tour itinerary is quite flexible. Certain sites may be substituted if they’re closed, and visitors can adjust the schedule with the guide to accommodate their interests and needs. The overall experience can be customized to ensure an enjoyable day.
Sum Up
The Private Full Day Istanbul Tour provides an immersive experience, showcasing the city’s rich history and captivating attractions. With professional guidance, private transportation, and traditional Turkish cuisine, visitors can explore iconic landmarks like Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace. Catering to moderate fitness levels, the tour offers a memorable exploration of Istanbul’s vibrant atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a comprehensive and hassle-free discovery of this remarkable city.
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