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Private Istanbul Tour – Full Day of Iconic Sights & Local Gems

13 Reviews 4.46 out of 5 stars Based on 13 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor | Istanbul, Turkey
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 31 (0) days in advance.

8 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
and 1 more
Turkish
Instant confirmation

Overview

Make the most out of your stay in Istanbul with a local driver who will show you around. Admire the most 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 knowledgeable of the places visited and will provide all the necessary 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
  • Meals and beverages
  • Tips and Gratuities
  • Hagia Sophia
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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
Pickup details

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

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Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Blue Mosque

Or Sultan Ahmed Mosque is a still-functioning place of workship featuring stained glass windows with intricate designs and hand-painted blue tiles.
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Sultanahmet District

Οnce the centre of public life in Constantinople, the Hippodrome was the scene of ferocious chariot races. The Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpentine Column and the Column of Constantine are located here.
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

The former Greek Orthodox Christian patriarchal cathedral dedicated to Holy Wisdom, later an Ottoman imperial mosque and now a museum.
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1 hour Admission Ticket Free

Basilica Cistern

It was constructed beneath the palace and its purpose was water storage as well as water filtration for those buildings.
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1 hour Admission Ticket Free

TopkapI Palace

An opulent complex of four courtyards, a harem, and a garden that served as the main residence and administrative headquarters of the Ottoman sultans.
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1 hour Admission Ticket Free

Grand Bazaar

One of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with 61 covered streets and over 4,000 shops offering a large array of products.
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Galata Tower

Called Christea Turris by the Genoese — is a medieval stone tower in the Galata/Karaköy quarter of the city.
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1 hour Admission Ticket Free

Taksim Square

City's largest square, famed for its restaurants, shops, and hotels. It is also the location of the Republic Monument.
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Dolmabahce Palace

A 19th century, baroque-style building is one of the most glamorous palaces in the world. It was the administrative center of the late Ottoman Empire.
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1 hour Admission Ticket Free

Bosphorus Bridge

Known officially as the 15 July Martyrs Bridge, is one of the three bridges spanning the Bosphorus strait while connecting Europe and Asia.
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1 hour Admission Ticket Free

Show 9 more stops

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
  • 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.
  • 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.

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Private Istanbul Tour – Full Day of Iconic Sights & Local Gems?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. 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). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-117866P30

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.46
13 reviews

Average 4.46 out of 5 stars based on 13 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
11
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
1
1 star
1
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 31 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • 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
  • Basilica Cistern
  • Topkapi Palace
  • Galata Tower
  • Dolmabahçe Palace
  • Licensed guides available to accompany you inside the attractions

Additional Info

Activity name

  • 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.
  • 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.

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