Private Guided Tour Istanbul From Cruise Ship or Hotel

Exploring Istanbul’s iconic landmarks has never been easier for cruise ship passengers and hotel guests. This highly-rated private guided tour provides a seamless way to experience the city’s rich history and culture. Led by an experienced guide, the tour takes visitors to must-see attractions like the Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapı Palace. With flexible timing, transportation, and all entrance fees included, travelers can enjoy the sights at their own pace. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking to make the most of your time in Istanbul, this tour offers a comprehensive and efficient way to uncover the city’s treasures.

Key Points

• Offers private guided tours in Istanbul with 20 years of experience and a 5.0 rating from 31 reviews.
• Provides flexible timing, transportation, lunch, and all fees included for a seamless experience.
• Covers top attractions like Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapı Palace with dedicated guidance.
• Allows for accessibility with stroller and infant seat options, along with free cancellation up to 24 hours.
• Provides a "reserve now, pay later" option and a lowest price guarantee for budgeting convenience.

Tour Overview

The private guided tour in Istanbul is a comprehensive experience recommended by 100% of travelers, with 31 reviews and a 5.0 rating.

It offers a private guiding service with a 20-year experienced tour guide, providing flexible timing and including transportation, lunch, and all fees and taxes.

The tour covers key attractions like the Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapı Palace, with entrance fees clearly outlined.

Guests can choose their preferred meeting point or request pickup, with the tour ending back at the starting location near public transportation.

The tour also offers stroller and infant seat accessibility, along with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.

Inclusions

Visitors who book this private guided tour in Istanbul can expect a comprehensive experience that includes a private guiding service.

The tour offers flexible timing, allowing guests to explore at their own pace. The guide has over 20 years of experience, ensuring a knowledgeable and insightful journey.

Transportation, lunch, and all fees and taxes are covered, providing a hassle-free experience. Plus, gratuities are included, so there’s no need to worry about additional costs.

With this private tour, travelers can make the most of their time in Istanbul and see the city’s top attractions with the comfort and convenience of a dedicated guide.

Entrance Fees

Along With the inclusions, visitors will need to pay separate entrance fees to access some of Istanbul’s top landmarks.

The Basilica Cistern, an underground Byzantine cistern, costs $18 per person.

Entrance to the iconic Hagia Sophia, a former church and mosque now museum, is approximately $27 per person.

To explore the grand Topkapı Palace, which served as the primary residence of the Ottoman Sultans, the fee is around $47 per person.

These entrance fees provide access to the must-see attractions, ensuring visitors can fully enjoy Istanbul’s rich history and culture during the private guided tour.

Meeting and Pickup

Customers can choose their preferred meeting point or request a pickup for the private guided tour in Istanbul.

The tour starts and ends at the selected meeting location, which is conveniently situated near public transportation. The tour is accessible for strollers and infants, ensuring a comfortable experience for families.

Whether you choose to meet at your hotel, a central landmark, or request a pickup, the tour guide will ensure a seamless transition to begin the exploration of Istanbul’s iconic sights.

The flexibility in meeting arrangements allows travelers to customise their tour experience according to their preferences and needs.

Booking Details

Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience. This allows for flexibility in case of unexpected changes in plans.

Plus, customers can opt for the "Reserve now, pay later" option, which is convenient for budgeting and planning.

The tour offers a lowest price guarantee, ensuring that customers get the best value for their money. Priced at £36.42 per person, the tour saves £4.04 compared to similar experiences.

The combination of a flexible cancellation policy, convenient payment options, and a guaranteed low price makes this private guided tour in Istanbul an appealing choice for travelers.

Exploring Basilica Cistern

During the private guided tour in Istanbul, visitors can descend into the remarkable Basilica Cistern, a subterranean water reservoir dating back to the 6th century.

This cavernous space was built by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I and could hold up to 100,000 tons of water.

Visitors marvel at the 336 marble columns, some with Medusa head bases, which support the vast ceiling.

The serene, atmospheric space is illuminated, allowing guests to explore the intricate architectural details.

The Basilica Cistern is a testament to the engineering prowess of the Byzantine era and a highlight of any Istanbul sightseeing tour.

Visiting Hagia Sophia

After exploring the Basilica Cistern, the private tour moves on to the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia.

Once the largest cathedral in the world, this Byzantine masterpiece is now a museum that showcases its stunning architecture and rich history.

Guests will be captivated by the grand dome, ornate mosaics, and impressive marble columns that have stood the test of time.

The entrance fee is approximately €25 (about $27) per person.

With the expertise of the 20-year experienced guide, visitors will gain a deeper understanding of Hagia Sophia’s significance as a symbol of Istanbul’s cultural heritage.

Discovering Topkapı Palace

Discovering Topkapı Palace is a must-see on any Istanbul itinerary. This former imperial residence is a vast and opulent complex, once home to Ottoman sultans.

Visitors can explore the lavish interiors, including the Treasury, where they’ll find an impressive collection of jewels, weaponry, and other priceless artifacts.

The palace’s courtyards and gardens offer a serene respite from the bustling city. Strolling through the palace’s meandering paths, visitors can imagine the grandeur of the Ottoman era.

With its beautiful architecture and rich history, Topkapı Palace provides a captivating glimpse into the past, allowing guests to step back in time and enjoy the splendor of the Ottoman Empire.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Tour?

The tour is a private guided experience, so there’s no maximum group size. The traveler can choose their preferred meeting point and the tour ends back at the same location.

Can We Customize the Itinerary to Our Preferences?

Yes, the tour allows for itinerary customization to suit the traveler’s preferences. The private guiding service offers flexibility, so customers can tailor the tour to their interests and needs.

Are There Any Additional or Optional Activities Available?

Yes, the tour offers additional optional activities like a visit to the Spice Bazaar, a ferry ride across the Bosphorus, or a stop at a traditional Turkish carpet shop. These can be customized based on the traveler’s interests.

Do We Need to Bring Any Specific Items or Documents?

Guests don’t need to bring any special items or documents for this tour. The tour guide will handle all entrance fees and provide any necessary transportation. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

How Accessible Is the Tour for Individuals With Disabilities?

The tour is highly accessible for individuals with disabilities. It offers stroller and infant seat accessibility, and the meeting points are located near public transportation. The tour provider is flexible in accommodating guests’ needs.

The Sum Up

This private guided tour of Istanbul’s top attractions is the perfect way for cruise ship passengers or hotel guests to explore the city’s rich history at their own pace. With an experienced guide, included transportation, lunch, and all entrance fees, visitors can enjoy iconic sites like the Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapı Palace. The flexible timing and family-friendly options make this a must-do experience for anyone visiting Istanbul.