Highlights of Istanbul with Private Tour Guide Zerrin
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 23 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Highlights of Istanbul with Private Tour Guide Zerrin worth booking?
Highlights of Istanbul with Private Tour Guide Zerrin is a 4-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from $400 per person. It scores 63 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 23 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 63 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (23)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $400 per person
Istanbul is such a marvelous city where east and west meet and split. It had been capital of empirements for 1700 years where Europe Continent ends and Asia Continent starts. Therefore, it has been the city of palaces, r
What you get
About this experience
Istanbul is such a marvelous city where east and west meet and split. It had been capital of empirements for 1700 years where Europe Continent ends and Asia Continent starts. Therefore, it has been the city of palaces, royal churhes, mosques and shopping. Most beautiful buildings had been built here. Finest arts had been prepared and crafted here. Let's meet and explore all these highlights in old city together. I will do my best to introduce Highlights of Istanbul with my 30 years guidance experiance. Also, I have a priority to skip ticket lines. So You are not going to be waiting for tickets in Basilica Cistern and Topkapı Palace.
What's included
Included
- Proffessional Guidance
Not included
- Private transportation
- Lunch
- Admission fee of Topkapı Palace with 2400TL(53USD) per person
- Admission fee of Basilica Cistern is 1700TL (37USD) per person
- Hagia Sophia upper gallery 25EURO (28USD) per person
What you'll see and do
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
Hagia Sophia was built as most impressive royal curch of 6th century. It had been used as a church nearly a thousand years and converted to a mosque during Ottoman period. After foundation of Modern Turkey, It was converted to a museum. But nowadays, It has been used as a mosque again.
60 minutes here
TopkapI Palace
Topkapı Palace was built just behind of Hagia Sophia after conquest of Istanbul in 1460s. Ottoman Empire had been ruled from Topkapı Palace for 450 years until building Dolmabahce Palace in 19th century. It is best place to see finest quartz İznik tiles especially in Harem section. I have a priority to skip ticket line as a licensed tour guide.
120 minutes here · Admission not included
Blue Mosque
Blue Mosque or Sultanahmet Mosque is another impressive building had been built in 1615. Because of blue quartz iznik tiles decorated in interior of Mosque, Visitors have called it as Blue Mosque.
45 minutes here
Basilica Cistern
It is an underground cistern. There is an impressive Byzantine Architectural building under the ground. It is very famous with Medusa head figures. I have a priority to skip the ticket line as a licensed tour guide.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Hippodrome
Ancient hippodrome where Byzantines had Horse chariot racings and meetings had witnessed many meetings, weddings, coronations, violances. We can see Egyptian obelisk, Constantine column, Serpentine column and German Fountain in Ancient Hippodrome area in old city.
45 minutes here
Grand Bazaar
Grand Bazaar is the main attraction side with 4500 stores, 67 streets inside. It is good idea to visit Grand Bazaar with a tour guide first. Otherwise it can become an overwhelming place for guests.
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Istanbul
If we couldn't be sure where to meet, we can meet at the lobby of Four SeasonsSultanahmet hotel in old city.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Ends at
If we couldn't be sure where to meet, we can meet at the lobby of Four SeasonsSultanahmet hotel in old city.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 6 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- A to Z Istanbul- Private Tours by Tour Guide Zerrin
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 23 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Small groups
3 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
23 verified traveler reviews for Highlights of Istanbul with Private Tour Guide Zerrin. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
An unforgettable and personalised experience in Istanbul with Zerrin!
Our family of 5 spent a wonderful 2 days with Zerrin, visiting the city’s must-sees. Zerrin combines kindness, flexibility and sense of humour with deep knowledge of Turkey's history and today’s culture. We were laughing about how she’s able to answer any question (from "why are there so many cats in Istanbul?" to "why is there a star in the Turkish flag?”) in the most fascinating way, combining humour and profound historical insight. She’s also extremely flexible, able to adapt the programme on the go according to the group’s preferences. When she realised our daughter was getting bored with the historical sites, she quickly organised a (free!) pottery class for her. If you are looking for a guide who can perfectly balance rich history with fun for all ages, Zerrin is the ideal choice!
via Tripadvisor
Wonderful tour guide
Amazing tours with Zerrin. We spent 1/2 day touring all the major sites in Istanbul. She is a true historian and wonderful person. As an added bonus, Zerrin patiently and expertly guided my daughters through markets and shopping.
via Tripadvisor
Zerrin was an amazing guide for us in Istanbul!
Our Istanbul tour was unforgettable thanks to Zerrin! We visited in August 2025. She tailored the experience to our pace, shared fascinating historical insights, and truly brought the city's rich history to life. Despite only having one day, it became the highlight of our extended trip. Highly recommend her to all families visiting Istanbul!
Response from the operator: Thank you very much responding my guidance Tasha. It was my pleasure guiding you and your parents. You are more than welcome to Turkey any time.. Best Regardsss
via Tripadvisor
And sniffing lovely day with Zerren
I’m in New Yorker and have traveled all over the world for work as an eye surgeon and for travel. I have worked with the doctors in Turkey before and recently a very international medical meeting in Istanbul. Always lovely people smart and very civilized. The reputation of turkey in the west is nothing like what I have come to know. Zerren took me to all the historical high spots in the Sultanahmet area. She knows everything about everything in history and turns out to have a degree in archaeology. If you want go deep into the history of the world, she has incredible academic and direct knowledge of the stories that go back to 12,000 years ago. In Turkey and the cradle of civilization She is a great guide and person. It was an amazing and charming day. She also helped me figure out the buses and trams so that my next day free, I could explore a couple of really delightful old neighborhoods.
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for nice review regarding my guidance. You are more than welcome anytime. Looking forward to discover east of Turkey especially #gobeklitepe with you
via Tripadvisor
Excellent time in Istanbul with Zerrin
Zerrin took us around Istanbul in a very professional manner. We saw the best places with her detailed explanations and without spending much time in the crowds. We shared stories and laughs on the way, and this was in addition to Zerrin's stories about Istanbul and its history. Yes, we were exhausted by the end of the day but in a good way! We also got recommendations on what we could visit ourselves later - e.g., The Blue Mosque.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 8
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 63
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Highlights of Istanbul with Private Tour Guide Zerrin: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Istanbul.
How much does Highlights of Istanbul with Private Tour Guide Zerrin cost?
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Prices start at $400 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Istanbul usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Highlights of Istanbul with Private Tour Guide Zerrin take?
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Plan for about 4 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Istanbul is not rushed.
Is Highlights of Istanbul with Private Tour Guide Zerrin worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 63 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 23 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Istanbul, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Highlights of Istanbul with Private Tour Guide Zerrin?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Highlights of Istanbul with Private Tour Guide Zerrin suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Highlights of Istanbul with Private Tour Guide Zerrin?
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Around 8 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Istanbul can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Istanbul and add a light layer if any part of the 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Highlights of Istanbul with Private Tour Guide Zerrin start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Istanbul within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Istanbul?
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On Outty we rank every Istanbul experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour, Istanbul Luxury Bosphorus Yacht Cruise with Asian Side Stop, ISTANBUL BEST: Iconic Landmarks Full Day PRIVATE Guided City Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Istanbul?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Istanbul?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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