Private Custom Tours in Istanbul
Istanbul, Turkey

Private Custom Tours in Istanbul

Outty Ranking 70 4.8 · 41 traveler reviews6 hoursFrom $114
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Outty Ranking

70/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.8/5

Based on 41 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Private Custom Tours in Istanbul worth booking?

Private Custom Tours in Istanbul is a 6-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from $114 per person. It scores 70 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 41 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
70 / 100
Rating
4.8/5 (41)
Duration
6 hours
From
$114 per person

Alongside the classical must-see landmarks like Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace, we offer the chance to explore hidden gems and lesser-known treasures of Istanbul. From charming local neighborhoods and traditional markets to serene gardens and ancient ruins, our tour lets you experience the city’s rich history and vibrant culture beyond the typical tourist sites. Discover the authentic side of Istanbul that many visitors miss!

What you get

    About this experience

    Alongside the classical must-see landmarks like Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace, we offer the chance to explore hidden gems and lesser-known treasures of Istanbul. From charming local neighborhoods and traditional markets to serene gardens and ancient ruins, our tour lets you experience the city’s rich history and vibrant culture beyond the typical tourist sites. Discover the authentic side of Istanbul that many visitors miss!

    What's included

    Included

    • Hotel or port pickup and drop-off by walking or by public transport
    • Private guide
    • Ready entrance tickets (Ticket costs to be paid directly to your guide as an additional charge)

    Not included

    • Museums Entrances
    • Transportation (unless specified)
    • Food and drinks
    • Gratuities

    What you'll see and do

    1. Hippodrome

      The Hippodrome of Constantinople was a grand arena for chariot races, ceremonies, and public events, built in the 3rd century and expanded by Constantine I. It featured the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpent Column, and the Walled Obelisk on its central spina. A hub of Byzantine culture and power, it hosted celebrations and conflicts, like the Nika Riots. Its legacy endures despite its ruins today.

      30 minutes here

    2. Blue Mosque

      The Blue Mosque, or Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is a stunning masterpiece of Ottoman architecture in Istanbul. Built in the 17th century, it features six minarets, a grand courtyard, and an interior adorned with over 20,000 blue İznik tiles. Visitors can admire its grandeur, peaceful atmosphere, and intricate design. Entry is free, but dress modestly, and visit outside prayer times for the best experience.

      45 minutes here

    3. Topkapi Palace Museum

      Topkapi Palace, a symbol of Ottoman grandeur, is a must-visit in Istanbul. Once home to sultans, this sprawling complex showcases opulent architecture, lush courtyards, and treasures like the Harem, Holy Relics, and the Imperial Treasury. Explore the stunning Bosphorus views and historical artifacts. Plan ahead to enjoy the rich history and allow time to immerse yourself in this iconic UNESCO site.

      180 minutes here · Admission not included

    4. The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, Istanbul

      Hagia Sophia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Istanbul, is a breathtaking fusion of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture. Originally a church, then a mosque, and now a mosque again, it features a vast dome, stunning mosaics, and intricate Islamic calligraphy. Visitors can marvel at its rich history and spiritual ambiance. Entry is free, but respectful attire is required. Best visited early to avoid crowds.

      60 minutes here · Admission not included

    5. Grand Bazaar

      The Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets, is a vibrant hub in Istanbul. With over 4,000 shops, it offers a unique shopping experience, featuring jewelry, carpets, spices, and souvenirs. Stroll its maze-like alleys, soak in the lively atmosphere, and enjoy traditional Turkish hospitality. Bargaining is encouraged! Visit early to explore comfortably and savor this iconic cultural treasure.

      60 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Istanbul

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 5 minutes before departure.

    Ends at

    Returns to the starting point

    Options you can book

    • 1 day in Italian

      Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Bosphorus trip and Grand Bazaar or your custom request. Duration: 7 hours

    • 1 day Private Guided Tour

      Duration: 7 hours English Speaking guide: Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and Grand Bazaar

    • 1 Day in French/German

      Duration: 7 hours 1 day in French or German

    • 1 Day in Spanish/Portugues

      Duration: 7 hours 1 day Spanish/Portugues: Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and Grand Bazaar

    • 4 hours English Guiding

      Duration: 4 hours 4 Hours English Guiding

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    de, pt, en, it, fr, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 12 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Los Picos Travel

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Hotel pickup offered for the hotels centrally located. Guide will come to your hotel. Transportation is not included.
    • This tour is not suitable for people with walking difficulties.
    • NB: This service is not functional with any kind of Epass, Touristpass, Combo tickets.

    Photos

    Blue Mosque, Private Custom Tours in IstanbulHagia Sophia, Private Custom Tours in IstanbulDolmabahce Palace, Private Custom Tours in IstanbulTopkapi Palace, Private Custom Tours in IstanbulGalata Tower, Private Custom Tours in Istanbul

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 41 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    10 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    8 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Food and drink

    2 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Good for families

    2 mentions

    Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.

    Pace and timing

    2 mentions

    Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.

    Small groups

    2 mentions

    The group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.

    Traveler reviews

    41 verified traveler reviews for Private Custom Tours in Istanbul. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    39
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    1
    1 star
    1
    Sort
    311eliasg · September 2026

    Best tour in Istanbul

    We had a great experience with Salim! He was very friendly, professional, and incredibly knowledgeable. He took his time explaining everything and never made us feel rushed, which we really appreciated. We were able to enjoy everything at our own pace and learned so much along the way. Salim is honestly one of the best guides we’ve ever had. We would definitely recommend him!

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! It was a real pleasure showing you around Istanbul and sharing its history and stories with you. I’m very happy to hear that you enjoyed the tour and appreciated being able to explore everything at your own pace. Thank you again for your kind words and recommendation. I hope to welcome you back to Türkiye someday! Warm regards,

    via Tripadvisor

    Vicki_D · October 2025

    1 day in Istanbul - the best tour !

    Best day out in Istanbul. Murat’s knowledge of Turkey and history was excellent. The tour was lots of fun and customised so we saw all the highlights on our ticklist in just 1 day. But we also saw lots of different things that we would not have seen on a big tour. Back lanes, Turkish delight tastings, tea tastings and more. Murat was fun , his English was excellent and we had lots of laughs along the way. We could not recommend this tour and guide and more higher. If you have 1 day in Istanbul to see everything ( as we did) - this is for you. Have a read.

    via Viator

    Stacy_W · June 2025

    Private Istanbul Tour

    Our tour guide Hasan was awesome!! Very knowledgeable and we didn't feel rushed even though we saw the 3 major sights, went to the Grand Bazaar to shop and had an amazing lunch!! Would definitely recommend. 10/10

    via Viator

    Julia_L · May 2025

    Fantastic, highly recommend

    Amazing! Our guide was so knowledgeable and very fluent in English. He knew his way around, skipped us past all of the crowds, and taught us all about the history and significance of each spot. We enjoyed every second of it, and the day flew by!

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind feedback! We're glad you enjoyed your private Istanbul tour with our professional English-speaking guide. Exploring Istanbul's history and highlights without the crowds makes all the difference. We'd love to welcome you again!

    via Viator

    Carolyn_B · April 2025

    Best day tour with total flexibility

    The perfect day tour for any combination of attractions you may want to see. My guide was great and made excellent suggestions along the way such as places to eat with locals and more activities to add when we finished early. Great way to spend the day! I highly recommend.

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear you had such a great experience and that your guide helped make the day extra special with personalized suggestions. It was a pleasure having you with us, and we truly appreciate your recommendation. We hope to welcome you back on another adventure soon! Best regards

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    6 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $114 to $320
    Hotel pickup
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    14
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Why this scores 70

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)83
    Review evidence (18% weight)57
    Booking momentum (14% weight)49
    Value for money (12% weight)68
    Listing quality (10% weight)70
    Local standing (8% weight)59
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Private Custom Tours in Istanbul: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Istanbul.

    How much does Private Custom Tours in Istanbul cost?

    +

    Prices start at $114 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 Private Custom Tours in Istanbul take?

    +

    Plan for about 6 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 Private Custom Tours in Istanbul worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 70 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 41 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 Private Custom Tours in Istanbul?

    +

    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 Private Custom Tours in Istanbul suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Private Custom Tours in Istanbul?

    +

    Around 14 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?

    +

    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 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Private Custom Tours in Istanbul start and how do I get there?

    +

    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?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Istanbul experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Princes Islands Blue Journey from Old City Istanbul, Famous Istanbul Pub Crawl #1 Nightlife Experience, Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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.

    What is included in Private Custom Tours in Istanbul?

    +

    Included: Hotel or port pickup and drop-off by walking or by public transport; Private guide; and Ready entrance tickets (Ticket costs to be paid directly to your guide as an additional ch. Not included: Museums Entrances; Transportation (unless specified); Food and drinks; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Private Custom Tours in Istanbul include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 933 listed pickup locations in and around Istanbul. Be ready about 5 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Private Custom Tours in Istanbul offered in?

    +

    It is offered in German, Portuguese, English, Italian, French and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Private Custom Tours in Istanbul?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Private Custom Tours in Istanbul wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Private Custom Tours in Istanbul if the weather is bad?

    +

    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Istanbul. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about Private Custom Tours in Istanbul?

    +

    Across 41 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.

    What booking options are available for Private Custom Tours in Istanbul?

    +

    There are 5 options to choose from, including 1 day in Italian, 1 day Private Guided Tour, 1 Day in French/German, 1 Day in Spanish/Portugues. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Private Custom Tours in Istanbul.

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