Private Istanbul Layover Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore the Blue Mosque's stunning architecture
- Discover the rich history of Hagia Sophia
- Wander through the opulent Topkapi Palace
- Experience the vibrant Grand Bazaar
- Enjoy a scenic Bosphorus Strait cruise
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Private guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Transportation in a comfortable vehicle
- Meals and drinks
Itinerary
Sultanahmet District
Blue Mosque (TEMPORARILY CLOSED BETWEEN JANUARY 1 - APRIL 1 ON 2023)
Hippodrome
Sultanahmet Square
Hagia Sophia Museum
Topkapi Palace
Grand Bazaar
Important information
Know before you book
- The tour is wheelchair accessible; please inform in advance for necessary arrangements.
- Service animals are allowed; notify the tour operator beforehand.
- The tour operates rain or shine; dress appropriately for the weather.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes as the tour involves significant walking.
- Bring a valid passport for entry into certain sites.
- Carry local currency for personal expenses and shopping.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Stroller Accessible
- Easy Public Transport
- Infants Required On Laps
Good to know
- Topkapı Palace and Hagia Irene is closed on Tuesdays
- Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.
- Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia are closed until 2pm on Fridays.
- Kid-Friendly tour guide will be accompanying your family on this tour.
Traveler reviews
Day in Istanbul
Friendly knowledgeable guide tailored our experience to our family’s interests. Enjoyed our time in Istanbul and highly recommend
Great tour guide! Feel confident in having Tarik show you around Istanbul!
Tarik was an excellent guide. His knowledge of Istanbul and the history behind this city is amazing. He truly loves what he does. We were a family of 5, 2 adults and 3 children under 13. He was patient and understanding. He understood our needs with our young kids and adjusted the tour accordingly. Tarik gave us great advice about safety and places to visit or be careful of. At the end he guided us to a safe taxi ride area, put us in and made sure the driver knew where to take us. It finished the day off comfortably. Thank you Tarik for your informative tour, your gentle and kind nature and for making sure we would get back to our hotel safely. We had an awesome day. The kids got in the taxi and said, "That was fun, and I'd do it again". Well.... I think that's a great review in itself. We'll be back..... until next time.... Take care Tarik.
Awesome and educational tour!
The tour was packed with information and was educational in a great way. Our guide Tarik was very friendly and accommodating to what we wanted to see and do. He helped guide us through the different landmarks and attractions and gave us an in depth history of everything we saw. He also took us to a great restaurant for dinner. We would highly recommend this tour with Tarik!
from the driver with the driver having fun and polite activity
The guide to the right appointment, gracious, kind, explicit, polite
An exceptional guide who made our visit to Istanbul outstanding.
Our family stay in Istanbul in October 2025 was an absolutely exceptional experience, largely thanks to our guide ZAFER, who was simply remarkable. We had a very busy schedule and very little time on site, as we had to strictly adhere to our flight schedule. We asked him to show us as many must-see sites and places as possible in record time. Mission accomplished, and well beyond our expectations! Thanks to his perfect organization, efficiency, and extensive knowledge of the city, we were able to visit a tremendous number of places without ever feeling rushed or stressed. Everything went smoothly and pleasantly. His French is impeccable, which made the exchanges particularly easy and enriching. He is an extremely friendly, warm, cultured person who is passionate about the history and culture of Istanbul. Each of his explanations was captivating and full of interesting anecdotes. This day will remain one of the most beautiful memories of our trip. We wholeheartedly recommend this guide to anyone wishing to discover Istanbul in the best possible conditions.