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Private Istanbul Tour with Local Expert Guide & Hidden Gems

7 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 7 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers | Istanbul, Turkey
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 19 (0) days in advance.

6 to 8 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

Have your own private guide to discover Istanbul’s magnificent architecture, rich history, eclectic bazaars and the unmissable highlights of the Old City. Flexiable daily itinerary that can be customized according to your schedule. AVOID THE TICKET LINES for HAGIA SOPHIA, TOPKAPI PALACE and BASILICA CISTERN

* Enjoy the flexibility of your day
* Discover the city and learn about everything from Expert Guides
* Enjoy the Turkish Cuisine
* Explore the Bazaars and local streets
and more....

Recommended Itinerary;
Day 1 - Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, St Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Grand Bazaar

What's Included

  • Private Tour - Only for your Group Members
  • Avoid Ticket Lines at Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern and Topkapi Palace
  • Professional Licenced Tour Guide
  • Gratuties (Recommended)
  • Transportation (from/back to hotel, between sites (unless option selected)
  • Meals during the tour
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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
Pickup details

We meet with the travelers at the lobby of their hotel and we complete the tour by walking.

OR
Meeting point

Binbirdirek
At Meydanı Caddesi, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

What To Expect

Book Online

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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Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

Hippodrome

Hippodrome was the arena for chariot races back in the Roman time. Egyptian Obelisk, Serpentine Coloum, Obelisk of Constantinople will be seen.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Blue Mosque

Blue Mosque is the most decorative mosque built by Ottomans in 1616AD. Its name was derived from almost 20k blue colored, imperial tiles that decorates the interior.
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1 hour Admission Ticket Free

Ayasofya

Hagia Sophia was the greatest catedrel of medival age and it is such a structure where you can see the islamic and christian icons side by side. Upper Galleries are open to the visitors as museum and main ground is being used as mosque. Entrance fee is 25 Euros. *Please note that as it's not a museum anymore, tour guides don't have skip-the-line priority there. You may need to wait in the security line, in order to avoid queues we suggest departing at 8:30am or 9:00am.
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1 hour Admission Ticket Free

Topkapi Palace Museum

Topkapi Palace was the main palace of Ottoman Empire for almost 400 years. You will see one of the best treaury collection in the world including 86 carats spoonmakers" diamond. Holly Relics, Kitchen, Clock and some other sections will be visited too. Closed on Tuesdays - Entrance fee is about 50usd
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2 hours Admission Ticket Free

Basilica Cistern

Basilica cistern was built in 6th century as an underground water reservuar for the city. As the pagan temples were recyled for the cunstraction, it houses the head of medusa from 3rd century AD. Entrance fee is about 30usd pp
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45 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Grand Bazaar

Grand Bazaar is the biggest and oldest shopping mall in the world. It was built in 1461 and has more than 4000 shops in there. You can shop for good quality carpets, leather products, souveniours and more. Closed on Sundays
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1 hour 30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Ladies needs to cover their head with a scarf during mosque visits
  • Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays. Dolmabahce Palace is closed on Mondays. Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays
  • Our Tour guides can provide Hagia Sophia QR tickets to skip the ticket line in Hagia Sophia. You may need to wait in the security line, in order to avoid queues we suggest departing at 8:30am or 9:00am.

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Private Istanbul Tour with Local Expert Guide & Hidden 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?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-5536488P1

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.00
7 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 7 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
7
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 19 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Private Tour - Only for your Group Members
  • Avoid Ticket Lines at Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern and Topkapi Palace
  • Professional Licenced Tour Guide
  • Guides meet you at the central hotels
  • Gratuties (Recommended)
  • Transportation (from/back to hotel, between sites (unless option selected)
  • Meals during the tour
  • Museum/Ferry/Cable Car Tickets

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Skip the line service is not available for active mosques - there is a line for the entrance.
  • Ladies needs to cover their head with a scarf during mosque visits
  • Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays. Dolmabahce Palace is closed on Mondays. Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays
  • Our Tour guides can provide Hagia Sophia QR tickets to skip the ticket line in Hagia Sophia. You may need to wait in the security line, in order to avoid queues we suggest departing at 8:30am or 9:00am.
  • For the tours that start after 10:30 am, kindly note that you may have to skip one/ couple of sites as the sites are closed by 5 pm in winters and 7pm in Summers. Your guide will adjust the program according to your priorities.
  • Blue Mosque is closed on Fridays till 2:30pm

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