Private Full Day Guided Highlights of Istanbul Tour
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 39 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Full Day Guided Highlights of Istanbul Tour worth booking?
Private Full Day Guided Highlights of Istanbul Tour is a 7-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from $100 per person. It scores 77 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 39 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 77 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (39)
- Duration
- 7 hours
- From
- $100 per person
Explore Highlights of Istanbul, in one day easily. At the end of the tour, you will be enchanted by the information was given by your local guide. With the tickets, already have for you, you will skip all the lines at the entrance of the museums, and easily start to visit. Because all the museums and highlights are close to each other, this will be a walking tour. In this way, you can more feel the old city, and you can capture each detail in the city. If you would like to be picked up from the hotel please select the pick -up included option!
What you get
About this experience
Explore Highlights of Istanbul, in one day easily. At the end of the tour, you will be enchanted by the information was given by your local guide. With the tickets, already have for you, you will skip all the lines at the entrance of the museums, and easily start to visit. Because all the museums and highlights are close to each other, this will be a walking tour. In this way, you can more feel the old city, and you can capture each detail in the city. If you would like to be picked up from the hotel please select the pick -up included option!
What's included
Included
- Entrance Fees for Topkapi Palace
- English speaking guidance licenced by Ministry of Culture and Tourism
Not included
- Gratuities
- Drinks
- Tips
- Lunch
- Pick up and drop off
- Entrance Fee for Hagia Sophia
What you'll see and do
TopkapI Palace
The Topkapı Palace is a large museum in the east of the Fatih district of Istanbul in Turkey. In the 15th and 16th centuries, it served as the main residence and administrative headquarters of the Ottoman sultans. *Topkapi Palace is closed every Tuesday. The Basilica Cistern will be visited instead of Topkapi Palace only on Tuesdays.
90 minutes here · Admission included
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
Hagia Sophia is a Late Antique place of worship in Istanbul, designed by the Greek geometers Isidore of Miletus and Anthemius of Tralles. Built-in 537 as the patriarchal cathedral of the imperial capital of Constantinople, it was the largest Christian church of the eastern Roman Empire (the Byzantine Empire) and the Eastern Orthodox Church, except during the Latin Empire from 1204 to 1261, when it became the city's Latin Catholic cathedral. In 1453, after the Fall of Constantinople to the Ottoman Empire, it was converted into a mosque. In 1935, the secular Turkish Republic established it as a museum. In 2020, it re-opened as a mosque. It's visited outside, if you would like to visit inside, please ask your guide to help to buy the tickets.
30 minutes here · Admission not included
Blue Mosque
Sultan Ahmed Mosque also known as the Blue Mosque is an Ottoman-era historical imperial mosque located in Istanbul, Turkey. A functioning mosque also attracts large numbers of tourist visitors. It was constructed between 1609 and 1616 during the rule of Ahmed I. Its Külliye contains Ahmed's tomb, a madrasah, and a hospice.
45 minutes here
Hippodrome
Hippodrome of Constantinople is a square in Istanbul, Turkey. Previously, it was a circus that was the sporting and social center of Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire.
30 minutes here
Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with 61 covered streets and over 4,000 shops on a total area of 30,700 m2, attracting between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily. In 2014, it was listed No.1 among the world's most-visited tourist attractions with 91,250,000 annual visitors. The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is often regarded as one of the first shopping malls in the world.
60 minutes here
Sultanahmet District
we will have time for lunch. lunch is excluded.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Istanbul
If your hotel is located out of the old city area, you will meet with your guide at a meeting point.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
If your hotel is located out of the old city area, you will meet with your guide at a meeting point.
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 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Smart Turkey Tours
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 39 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
10 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Good for families
3 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
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.
Traveler reviews
39 verified traveler reviews for Private Full Day Guided Highlights of Istanbul Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Istanbul Day Tour!
Kemal Aslan was an excellent guide. He made everything effortless and interesting. Kemal asked us the things that interested us and modeled the tour around our interests. He has a wealth of historical knowledge and shared very insightful details during our tour. He also provided us great incite into local shops, dining, and geography. We would recommend Kemal highly!
via Tripadvisor
Great tour of Istanbul!
Kemal gave us an outstanding tour of Istanbul. He shared fascinating information about each of the sites we visited and thoughtfully organized the itinerary so that we could also enjoy a delicious Turkish lunch and have time for shopping. His shopping recommendations were especially helpful, and throughout the tour he always prioritized the safety and comfort of my family. We traveled with my aunt, who has limited mobility, and Kemal went above and beyond to ensure that she was able to fully enjoy the experience alongside us. We highly recommend Kemal to anyone looking for a knowledgeable, professional, and caring guide in Istanbul. We would also like to thank Gonenc from Smart Turkey Tours for arranging our tour. He was extremely responsive and accommodating to our requests from start to finish. Smart Turkey Tours provided exceptional service, and we are very grateful for such a wonderful experience. Thank you!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your heartfelt and detailed review! 😊 We are truly delighted to hear that Kemal helped make your time in Istanbul so memorable. His passion for sharing the city's history, thoughtful planning, and genuine care for his guests are qualities we greatly value. It means a lot to know that your entire family, including your aunt, was able to comfortably enjoy the experience thanks to his attention and support. We are also grateful for your kind words about Gönenç. Providing responsive, personalized service from the planning stage through the tour itself is something we strive for every day, and he will be very happy to hear your feedback. Thank you for placing your trust in Smart Turkey Tours. It was our pleasure to be part of your journey, and we hope to welcome you and your family back for another wonderful experience in the future! 🌿✨
via Tripadvisor
Superb tour with Kemal
Kemal Aslan led our tour of Istanbul with exceptional care and professionalism, making the experience both memorable and comfortable for everyone. As we explored iconic sites like Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Basilica Cistern, his deep knowledge and engaging storytelling brought the city’s rich history to life in a captivating way. What made Kemal truly outstanding, however, was his attentiveness and compassion. I have reduced mobility, and he was incredibly sensitive to this throughout the tour. He made thoughtful adjustments without drawing unnecessary attention, ensured I had time and space to move comfortably, and constantly checked in with genuine care. His awareness and consideration made me feel fully included and at ease, which meant a great deal. Beyond that, Kemal’s warm personality, clear explanations, and ability to connect created a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. He balanced historical insight with practical guidance and personal touches, making the tour both informative and human. Thanks to Kemal, our experience of Istanbul was not only fascinating but also accessible and deeply enjoyable. His kindness, knowledge base and professionalism set him apart as a truly superb tour guide
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for this truly heartfelt and thoughtful review. 😊 We are deeply grateful for your kind words about Kemal Aslan and your experience in Istanbul. It means so much to hear that his knowledge, professionalism, and compassionate approach helped make the tour both enjoyable and comfortable for you. Creating experiences where every guest feels included, cared for, and able to fully enjoy the beauty and history of Turkey is incredibly important to us. Kemal will be honored to know the positive impact he had on your journey. We sincerely appreciate your trust and hope to welcome you back to Turkey again for more unforgettable memories! 🌿
via Tripadvisor
Great private tour!
Our guide, Orhan, was great! Not only did we get to see all of the sites and learn a LOT (Orhan is a wealth of knowledge!), but when my husband’s previous injury reemerged, Orhan did all he could to make the both of us comfortable. Orhan adjusted the schedule with ease, still showed and taught us a lot, AND got us safely back to the cruise port with directions to a nearby pharmacy. We will definitely ask for Orhan again next time we’re in Istanbul! Admission to all sites was included in the 6+ hour tour.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! 😊 We’re truly delighted to hear that Orhan made your Istanbul experience so memorable. His knowledge, flexibility, and genuine care for our guests are qualities we greatly value, and we’re especially happy to know that he was able to adjust the day comfortably when your husband needed assistance. It’s wonderful to hear that despite the unexpected situation, you were still able to enjoy the sites, learn so much, and return comfortably to the cruise port. Orhan will be very touched by your kind words and recommendation. Thank you for choosing Smart Turkey Tours—we would be delighted to welcome you back to Istanbul again in the future!
via Tripadvisor
Delightfully Spoiled in Istanbul
Our tour guide, Kemal Aslan was AMAZING!! He took such great care of us. Sharing his knowledge about the historical sites he made it fun and educational. Attentive to all our needs, he made sure we were enjoying our time and finding ways to add to our tour... shopping, coffee, bathroom stops, etc, everything was easy breezy. We had an incredible time in Istanbul. Turkish hospitality is world class. Thank youuu!! Highly recommend!!!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful and enthusiastic feedback! 😊 We’re absolutely delighted to hear that Kemal Aslan made your Istanbul experience so special. His passion for sharing history, attention to detail, and genuine care for guests truly create unforgettable memories. We’re especially happy to know that he made everything feel easy and enjoyable throughout the day. Your kind words about Turkish hospitality mean so much to us. Thank you for your recommendation and for choosing Smart Turkey Tours—we hope to welcome you back to Istanbul again soon!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 7 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $100 to $150
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 14
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Smart Turkey Tours, who run 11 experiences we rank across 4 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 62.3.
See everything Smart Turkey Tours runsWhy this scores 77
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Full Day Guided Highlights of Istanbul Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Istanbul.
How much does Private Full Day Guided Highlights of Istanbul Tour cost?
+
Prices start at $100 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 Full Day Guided Highlights of Istanbul Tour take?
+
Plan for about 7 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 Full Day Guided Highlights of Istanbul Tour worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 77 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 39 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 Full Day Guided Highlights of Istanbul Tour?
+
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 Full Day Guided Highlights of Istanbul Tour suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 7-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Private Full Day Guided Highlights of Istanbul Tour?
+
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 7-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private Full Day Guided Highlights of Istanbul Tour 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 Full Day Guided Highlights of Istanbul Tour?
+
Included: Entrance Fees for Topkapi Palace; and English speaking guidance licenced by Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Not included: Gratuities; Drinks; Tips; and Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Private Full Day Guided Highlights of Istanbul Tour?
+
If your hotel is located out of the old city area, you will meet with your guide at a meeting point. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Private Full Day Guided Highlights of Istanbul Tour offered in?
+
It runs in English. 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 Full Day Guided Highlights of Istanbul Tour?
+
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 Full Day Guided Highlights of Istanbul Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Private Full Day Guided Highlights of Istanbul Tour 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 Full Day Guided Highlights of Istanbul Tour?
+
Across 39 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, good for families. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Private Full Day Guided Highlights of Istanbul Tour.
Pick your date
