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Istanbul Highlights: Private Guided Tour
5.0
17 Ratings
Fatih
Discover Istanbul’s hidden gems on a private tour. Skip lines, explore historic sites, shop at bazaars, and capture stunning photos. Book your adventure now.
Discover Istanbul’s hidden gems on a private tour. Skip lines, explore historic sites, shop at bazaars, and capture stunning photos. Book your adventure now.
Duration:
5 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Hagia Sophia - Situated in Istanbul, Turkey, Hagia Sophia stands as one of the globe’s most extraordinary architectural wonders. Initially constructed in 537 AD as a Byzantine cathedral by Emperor Justinian I, it transitioned into a mosque during the Ottoman Empire, became a museum in the 20th century, and reverted to a mosque in 2020. Its grand…
- Hagia Sophia - Situated in Istanbul, Turkey, Hagia Sophia stands as one of the globe’s most extraordinary architectural wonders. Initially constructed in 537 AD as a Byzantine cathedral by Emperor Justinian I, it transitioned into a mosque during the Ottoman Empire, became a museum in the 20th century, and reverted to a mosque in 2020. Its grand dome, exquisite mosaics, and distinctive fusion of Byzantine and Ottoman styles make it a symbol of cultural and religious heritage. Today, Hagia Sophia continues to captivate millions of visitors worldwide.
- Hippodrome - The Sultanahmet Hippodrome, located in the heart of Istanbul’s historic peninsula, is celebrated for its rich concentration of iconic landmarks that showcase the city’s Byzantine and Ottoman legacy. As the nucleus of the Old City, it houses monumental sites such as the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Hippodrome, all within walking distance. The area’s narrow streets, traditional architecture, and archaeological remains depict centuries of cultural evolution. Today, Sultanahmet is both a major tourist destination and a living historical landscape, offering visitors a direct connection to Istanbul’s layered history.
- Blue Mosque - Nestled in the heart of Istanbul’s historic peninsula, the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii) is one of the city’s most renowned landmarks, celebrated for its stunning blue İznik tiles, graceful domes, and six slender minarets. Constructed in the early 17th century, it remains both a place of worship and a cultural gem, welcoming visitors from across the globe. Step inside to admire its expansive prayer hall, intricate calligraphy, and the harmony of Ottoman architecture that stands directly opposite the Hagia Sophia, providing travelers with a timeless insight into Istanbul’s rich heritage.
- Basilica Cistern - The Basilica Cistern, one of Istanbul’s most captivating landmarks, invites you to explore a mysterious underground realm filled with majestic columns and legendary tales. With this tour, guests can bypass the ticket line, enjoy a guided visit with a private expert, and uncover the exclusive history and hidden secrets of this remarkable site.
- Kapali Carsi - The Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı) is among the world’s oldest and largest covered markets, a lively labyrinth of over 4,000 shops spread across numerous streets in Istanbul’s historic center. Dating back to the 15th century, it offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the ambiance of Ottoman-era trade, with stalls selling everything from handmade carpets, jewelry, and antiques to vibrant ceramics, textiles, and spices. Beyond shopping, the bazaar is a cultural experience in itself, brimming with bustling energy, traditional tea houses, and centuries of history woven into its walls.

What's Included
- Private Licensed Tour Guide
- SKIP the Ticket Line
- Private Licensed Tour Guide
- SKIP the Ticket Line
What's Not Included
- Entrance fees
- Gratuities are not included in the tour price and are at the guest’s discretion
- Entrance fees
- Entrance fees
- Gratuities are not included in the tour price and are at the guest’s discretion
- Entrance fees
Additional Information
By Septillion Travel Agency
TÜRSAB A-Class License No: 18212
- Bypass all ticket lines for quick entry to major attractions—saving valuable time.
- Licensed guides provide precise and current historical insights at each location.
- Specialized guides offer in-depth knowledge not found on typical tours.
- Discover Hagia Sophia with expert…
By Septillion Travel Agency
TÜRSAB A-Class License No: 18212
- Bypass all ticket lines for quick entry to major attractions—saving valuable time.
- Licensed guides provide precise and current historical insights at each location.
- Specialized guides offer in-depth knowledge not found on typical tours.
- Discover Hagia Sophia with expert commentary that uncovers hidden details and symbolism.
- Experience the Basilica Cistern with priority access and engaging storytelling beneath the columns.
- Stroll through Sultanahmet Hippodrome Square, revealing its imperial, Byzantine, and Ottoman history.
- Pass by the Blue Mosque with cultural insights that link architecture, history, and tradition.
- Efficiently explore the Grand Bazaar with insider tips in the world’s oldest market.
- Enjoy a private tour, allowing flexibility in pace, questions, and photo opportunities.
- Strollers and wheelchairs are not allowed upstairs. Baby Strollers must be carried by hand. ———————————————————- 8. - Since we will visit the upper gallery of Hagia Sophia, please note that the stairs are steep and may be hard to manage for those with walking difficulties.
Location
III. Ahmet Fountain
Our meeting point is in front of the Fountain of Ahmed III, located right next to the entrance of Topkapi Palace and also beside the ticket offices of Hagia Sophia Tourist visiting area.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(17 Ratings)
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R1923bhnatashar
Nov 17, 2025
Amazing and informative tour of Istanbul - Muhammet was an amazing tour guide, extremely friendly and full of knowledge. We visited the Blue mosque, Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia & the Grand Baazar. We started off our tour learning about the history of Istanbul and all the different areas and how they came about. A seamless tour with amazing history.
I 100% recommend booking a tour with Muhammet!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Daniel
Jul 21, 2025
Day long excursion of all the major sites - Just spent and excellent day in the company of Mohammet. Visited all the major sites with skip the line passes. We were a large group (16) with children of ages ranging from 12 to 18. He was super well informed, made the tour very interested and was very flexible to our requirements. Whole heartedly recommend the experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jaredg519
Jun 17, 2025
2-Day Istanbul Sightseeing Tour - We returned to Istanbul this month, and again arranged with Muhammet for two full days of visits to the many different sites in Istanbul. What makes a tour with Muhammet so special is the ability to fit into the daily tours the sites we wanted to visit. For example, the first day focused on Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Place, Grand Bazaar and a cruise of the Bosphorus Strait. The second day was amazing with a tour to the 6 hills, with a couple bonus stops and a lunch at a Michelin rated restaurant that was special! You’ll have to get this tour information from Muhammet, and in addition to his historical knowledge of what we are visiting, he mentions unexpected details that really highlight what you are seeing. A private tour with Muhammet is excellent value, with all that he packs into the day tour, his excellent communication skills, and the “tea” breaks that allow you to relax and catch up with additional questions! GO OILERS!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Adventure399166
Jun 14, 2025
haggia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Basilica Sistern. - This is truly an amazing city and Muhammet is your perfect guide. Respectful, patient and knowledgeable, Muhammet will tailor make your tour to best suit your particular needs. His ability to both respect your culture and also share his own means he is the ultimate guide. His ability to engage you and invite you into his world is unique. I loved Muhammet as our guide and you can cannot go wrong.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
U5295szflorencem
May 12, 2025
Thanks to our guide Muhammet Isin for taking us back in time, Byzantium, Constantinople and Istanbul - Places to see absolutely: Agia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Cisterne basilica. All more magical than each other. Having the historical explanations is really a plus.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stevecu5431ns
May 12, 2025
Fantasmagorical tour of the principal splendours of Istanbul - Splendid architecture, comprehensive explanation, deep knowledge of subject, so absolutely worth our time and money
Review provided by Tripadvisor
N9936kfsabrinad
Apr 13, 2025
This one is a gem - Incredibly knowledgeable & fun - had a great time seeing the hagia sofia, basilica cisterns, takshim, authentic delicious Turkish meal & an fun attempt at pottery 😅😅
Review provided by Tripadvisor
304brendar
Nov 12, 2024
Best tour guide in Istanbul! - This is the second time I have used Muhammet when in Istanbul.
He is a friendly and personable guy who has excellent local knowledge of both the city and Turkey in general. He speaks excellent English and we had a fun day with him. If you need a guide, look no further, this is your man!
100% recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mariedl4648ue
Nov 10, 2024
Excellent Tour Guide - Mouhammet is an excellent tour guide. We all learned a lot from his amazing knowledge of the history of Turkey and the surrounding regions. He took us to all the main sights and provided a great depth of information about each.
He is very creative with photo opportunities and really good fun to spend the day with.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Carmel
Nov 10, 2024
Excellent historical and cultural guide to beautiful Istanbul - Muhamet was an extremely knowledgeable guide who gave us a really good understanding of the history and culture of Istanbul
Review provided by Tripadvisor