2 days Private Tour of Istanbul - Per Group rates ( Up to 8 people )
Highlights:
– Ancient Hippodrome
– Blue Mosque
– Topkapi Palace
– Hagia Sophia
– Grand Bazaar
– Drive along the Golden Horn
– Spice ( Egyptian) Market
– Cruise on Bosphorus
- Cruise Between Asia to Europe Continents
- City Walls (Byzantine City Walls)
- The Rumeli Fortress
- Ciragan Palace
- Dolmabahce Palace
- Ortakoy Mosque
- Beylerbeyi Palace
- Much more
Description:
Day 1: Full day Istanbul Tour
Your private guide will meet you at Istanbul ( Galata ) port or your hotel with a sign that reads "Your Name" at any time you prefer. Istanbul is the only city in the world located on two continents and has been the capital of three great empires - Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman - for more than 2,000 years.
Our tour will begin at Hippodrome Square, where chariot races and Byzantine riots took place during the Roman and Byzantine periods. A short walk away, we will reach Hagia Sophia, which was built in 532 AD by Roman Emperor Justinian I, and the Blue Mosque, famous for its beautiful blue Iznik tiles. We will continue our walk to Topkapi Palace, which served not only as the residence of the Ottoman sultans but also as the administrative and educational center of the state. It was constructed between 1460 and 1478 by Sultan Mehmed II, the conqueror of Constantinople. We will visit the Topkapi Palace, including the weapons section.
Afterwards, we will visit the Grand Bazaar, which is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with more than 58 covered streets and over 1,200 shops that attract between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily. It was opened in 1461 and is well-known for its jewelry, pottery, spice, and carpet shops.
We will then drive back to the port/hotel, where our services will come to an end.
Day 2: Half-Day Morning Spice Bazaar and Bosphorus Tour
Your personal guide will welcome you at Istanbul's Galata port or your hotel, ready to embark on a thrilling journey of discovery through the city's rich heritage and traditions.
Your first stop will be the magnificent City Walls, an architectural feat that dates back to the fifth century. The walls once protected the ancient city of Constantinople and still stand tall today, bearing witness to Istanbul's impressive history.
Next, you will travel by your tour vehicle to the breathtaking Golden Horn, a natural harbor that has played a vital role in Istanbul's growth and prosperity over the centuries. Your guide will lead you to a scenic viewpoint where you can soak in the panoramic views of the city, while regaling you with fascinating facts and stories about the Golden Horn's historical significance.
Afterward, you will head to the iconic Spice Bazaar, a bustling marketplace where you can immerse yourself in the colors, scents, and sounds of Istanbul. Here, you will have the opportunity to peruse and purchase a vast array of exotic spices, teas, and other local goods. Your guide will be on hand to offer insider tips and assist with any bargaining, so you can enjoy a truly authentic shopping experience.
Following your visit to the Spice Bazaar, you will embark on a delightful cruise along the Bosphorus, the strait that divides Europe and Asia. From the water, you will enjoy breathtaking views of some of Istanbul's most iconic landmarks, including the magnificent Ciragan Palace, Belerbeyi Palace , the ornate Ortakoy Mosque, the impressive Military High School, and the historic Rumeli Fortress.
As the tour draws to a close, you will be driven back to your hotel or the port, where your guide's services will end. This unforgettable experience will leave you with a deeper understanding and appreciation for Istanbul's fascinating history and rich cultural traditions.
✅ Private Tour (Per Group rate up to 8 people )
✅ Professional English-speaking tour guide (Spanish, Portuguese, French, and Japanese-speaking guides can be arranged upon request)
✅ Private transportation with air-conditioned vehicles
✅ Local taxes
✅ Parking fees
✅ This is a private arrangement; those accompanying you are the family or friends with whom you agree to share costs. We do not match groups of passengers to form a private group.
❌ Transportation (from/back to hotel, between sites (unless option selected)
❌ Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
❌ Tips for the driver and tour guide
❌ Pre-paid entrance fees (your guide will have the tickets)
Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays. The underground cistern will be substituted.
The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays and during the Ramadan Holiday (3 days) and Sacrifice Holidays (4 days). The Spice Market will be substituted on Sundays. The Spice Market is closed during the Ramadan Holiday (3 days) and Sacrifice Holidays (4 days).
The Blue Mosque is closed until 14.30 on Fridays. Brief information will be given in the garden of the Blue Mosque.
The Harem Section is located in Topkapi Palace and can be added to the itinerary with an extra entrance fee. It will extend the tour duration by around 30 minutes.
Dress Code in St. Sophia and Blue Mosque: A dress code is required to enter places of worship such as churches, monasteries, mosques, synagogues, and selected museums. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. Shoes are not to be worn in mosques. You may risk being refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements.
- Comfortable Shoes: As you will likely be doing a lot of walking, comfortable shoes are a must to avoid discomfort and fatigue.
- Weather-Appropriate Clothing: Istanbul can have varying weather conditions throughout the day, so it's important to check the weather forecast and pack clothing that is appropriate for the expected temperature and conditions.
- Sun Protection: In the warmer months, the sun can be quite intense in Istanbul, so it's a good idea to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun's rays.
- A Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is important, especially during a day tour when you may be walking around and exploring for hours at a time. Bringing a refillable water bottle can help you stay hydrated while also reducing plastic waste.
- Camera or Smartphone: Istanbul is a beautiful city with many photo-worthy moments, so don't forget to bring a camera or smartphone to capture your memories.
- Portable Phone Charger: If you plan to use your smartphone throughout the day for taking photos, bringing a portable phone charger can help ensure that your phone doesn't run out of battery.
- A Backpack or Bag: Bringing a backpack or bag can help you carry all of your essential items with you while keeping your hands free for exploring and taking photos
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