Private Guided Istanbul Highlights Tour Top Historical Sites
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Discover the heart of Istanbul with a fully private guided Old City highlights tour designed for a personalized and flexible experience. Explore the most iconic landmarks of the historic peninsula in a carefully planned route including Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, and the Grand Bazaar, while learning the rich history of both the Byzantine and Ottoman empires.
Unlike group tours, this experience allows you to move at your own pace, ask questions freely, and enjoy a more comfortable and intimate exploration of Istanbul’s Old City.
This tour is perfect for visitors who want to experience the essential highlights of Istanbul in a limited time with a knowledgeable local guide.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.
Please be aware that if you choose to start the tour after noon, some locations may not be visited due to their closing hours.
Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays.
What To Expect
Hippodrome
Discover the Ancient Heart of Istanbul: Step into history of the Hippodrome, the ancient sporting and social center of Istanbul and hear captivating stories and secrets from an expert local guide, bringing the ancient site to life.
Blue Mosque
Unveil the Splendor of Istanbul through one of Istanbul's most iconic landmarks, the Blue Mosque. Admire the intricate designs, grand dome, and beautiful calligraphy that adorn the mosque's interior. As you gain deep insights from an experienced local guide who will share captivating stories and lesser-known facts.
Options
Private Tour & Transfer
Mercedes Vito: Vehicle is used for pickup & drop-off only. The tour itself is a walking tour through the pedestrian-only Old City. Pickup included
Private Walking Tour
Walking: Your guide will meet you at your hotel, cruise port (Galataport), Airbnbs or designated meeting points. Pickup included
What‘s Included
Licensed Tour Guide
(Use of public transportation depends on the location of your accommodation and your preference.)
Lunch
Museum Entrance Fees
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
53 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great Tour & Tour Guide!
Carmen W,Jul 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Burak was great! His English is excellent and so is his knowledge! It was great to go at our own speed and choose what we wanted to see. Highly recommended!!
Great tour, outstanding guide!
Jeffrey R,Jul 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Eda was a truly outstanding guide. I’ve been on many tours in various countries, and she is one of the best guides I’ve had. Very knowledgeable and eager to answer any questions and discuss a variety of topics. She also went above and beyond to create exactly the type of experience we wanted, including adding a trip to a traditional Turkish tea house that I don’t think anyone, but a local would ever fine. It was hidden in a half abandoned building with a bunch of workshops in it. However, we had a spectacular view while we enjoyed our drinks and conversation. All of the main stops on the tour were excellent as well. A great introduction to and overview of these main historic spots as well as Turkish history. Highly recommend.
Amazing tour of Istanbul
Mons N,Jun 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide Eda was warm, friendly and very knowledgeable. She did not leave our side for the entire day as she navigated the city with us, assisted with shopping and changing currency . She went out of her way to make our experience very enjoyable. Highly recommended.
Excellent day sightseeing - thank you Batu.
H4576ABjordane,Jun 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I took my father to Istanbul to celebrate his 60th birthday, and Batu made the day very memorable. He met us right at the Ahikapi pier and from there it was a full day packed (Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and its gardens, the Hippodrome, and the Basilica Cistern). Batu clearly knows Istanbul inside out, weaving together its history from Roman times right up to today, and he did it all with a sharp sense of humor that kept the day light and fun rather than feeling overly academic. As Scots, we ended up chatting away about Scottish football and British television over a Turkish coffee break. It felt less like a guided tour and more like spending the day with a knowledgeable local. He also sorted us out with great value tickets to Hagia Sophia at the very last minute, which was a surprise. What really stood out was his kindness. He stayed with us right until our hotel transfer arrived, well beyond what he needed to do. I’ve done a fair bit of traveling over the years, and Batu is one of the best guides I’ve come across. If I’m back in Istanbul, I’ll be booking him again without a second thought.
Thank you - Fantastic day around Istanbul
Jourdan P,Jun 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I took my father to Istanbul to celebrate his 60th birthday, and Batu made the day very memorable. He met us right at the Ahikapi pier and from there it was a full day packed (Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and its gardens, the Hippodrome, and the Basilica Cistern). Batu clearly knows Istanbul inside out, weaving together its history from the Roman period right up to today, and he did it all with a sharp sense of humor that kept the day light and fun rather than feeling academic. As Scots, we ended up chatting away about Scottish football and British television over a Turkish coffee break. It felt less like a guided tour and more like spending the day with a very knowledgeable local. He also arranged great value tickets to Hagia Sophia, at the last minute, which was a nice surprise. What really stood out was his kindness. He stayed with us right until our hotel transfer arrived, well beyond what he needed to do. I’ve done a fair bit of traveling over the years, and Batu is one of the best guides I’ve come across. If I’m back in Istanbul, I’ll be booking him again without a second thought.
Amazing tour guide and city
Passenger39441265143,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour was really something. It was not about learning history. Our guide Batu was very good. Batu did not just talk about the monuments. Batu also answered all our questions. Showed us things we would have missed. Batu even took us to a local restaurant in a very touristic area. This was great. We had a lot of time to look around each place. This made the tour even better. The tour was really good. I think everyone should take this tour. The tour, with Batu was very good.
I was in Istanbul for a...
Devrim D,Jun 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I was in Istanbul for a few hours because my cruise ship got in late and it was leaving the same day. I thought I would not see much of Istanbul. Batu made everything work out. He planned the day so I could see the things in Istanbul without feeling like I had to hurry. Batu showed me what life is like for people who live in Istanbul. He took me to a place to eat and I got to try the food that local people eat. We even had a beer together. It was nice to have someone show me around Istanbul like that. If Batu can make a short visit to Istanbul much fun I think a whole day with him would be even better. I think people who are going to Istanbul should go on a tour, with Batu
First Time in Istanbul
johnadrielv,Jun 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Batu was very nice and accommodating to our family as we have our 1 year old in tow. He knew a lot of the history of the Big Three and we were shown the local shops and restaurants and even tried real Turkish coffee.
Fantastic tour
Greg L,Jun 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I went on a great tour and our guide was fantastic. Batuhan was very smart and easy to talk to. He told us lots of things that I would not have noticed by myself. The whole tour was fun from the beginning, to the end. Batuhan helped me understand Istanbul better. I also had some stuff I wanted to buy from Istanbul and Batu recommended us places we can get them from. We got to go without waiting in line and we started early so everything was easy and we did not have to deal with big crowds. This tour is great if you want to learn about the little things you might otherwise miss.
Perfect Day
Joseph K,May 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Batu was great he customized the tour based on what we want and took us a perfect local restaurant. Can't ask for more from a guide. Recommended!
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Operated by Istanbul Untold Tours