Private Istanbul Full Day 7 to 8 hours Guided Tours / Group opt.
Istanbul, Turkey

Private Istanbul Full Day 7 to 8 hours Guided Tours / Group opt.

Outty Ranking 71 4.9 · 20 traveler reviews8 hoursFrom $109
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Outty Ranking

71/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.9/5

Based on 20 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Private Istanbul Full Day 7 to 8 hours Guided Tours / Group opt. worth booking?

Private Istanbul Full Day 7 to 8 hours Guided Tours / Group opt. is a 8-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from $109 per person. It scores 71 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 20 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
71 / 100
Rating
4.9/5 (20)
Duration
8 hours
From
$109 per person

PRIVATE Full Day tour includes 5 highlights (Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Hippodrome Square, Grand Bazaar) in Istanbul. • Private Tour for your family and friends • You will decide on departure time • Our tour guide will meet you at the Port/Hotel with your name sign, • Our professional tour guide will be with you from arrival till departure, • You will have flexibilty to spend how much time you want in each site and customize the itinerary, • You do not have to wait for other group members • You may stop to have pictures during your tour. • You may stop for lunch in a local restaurant to taste famous Turkish Kebaps.

What you get

    About this experience

    PRIVATE Full Day tour includes 5 highlights (Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Hippodrome Square, Grand Bazaar) in Istanbul. • Private Tour for your family and friends • You will decide on departure time • Our tour guide will meet you at the Port/Hotel with your name sign, • Our professional tour guide will be with you from arrival till departure, • You will have flexibilty to spend how much time you want in each site and customize the itinerary, • You do not have to wait for other group members • You may stop to have pictures during your tour. • You may stop for lunch in a local restaurant to taste famous Turkish Kebaps.

    What's included

    Included

    • Transportation with brand new air-conditioned minivan/minibus.
    • GUARANTEED On Time Return to PORT
    • Professional Licenced English speaking tour guide
    • Local taxes
    • Private tour for your family and Friends with small group option

    Not included

    • Lunch and Drinks
    • Entrance Fees (Our guide will have pre-paid tickets that you can pay to our guide during the tour )
    • Gratuities

    What you'll see and do

    1. Galataport

      Our tour guide will pick you up at Galata port with your name sign. After greeteing drive to old city.

      30 minutes here

    2. Hippodrome

      Our first stop is Hippodrome Square where used to take place for chariot races and the Byzantine riots during Roman & Byzantine period

      40 minutes here

    3. Blue Mosque

      Blue Mosque which is the one of the biggest mosques of Istanbul from 17th century architecture is one of the principal adornments on the skyline of Istanbul. Also famous for its blue tiles and 6 minarest.

      60 minutes here

    4. TopkapI Palace

      Topkapi Palace, was not only the residence of the Ottoman sultans, but also the administrative and educational center of the state. It was constructed between 1460 and 1478 by Sultan Mehmed II, the conqueror of Constantinople. We will visit the Topkapi Palace including weapons section.

      120 minutes here · Admission not included

    5. Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

      After Blue Mosque, we are going to visit Hagia Sophia which is The magnificent Byzantine Church of all times; one of the finest and largest architectural works of art in the world. Update for St. Sophia interior visit : Live guiding is not allowed in St. Sophia after the 15th January 2024. Guests have to have their smart phones and headphones during their visit. If guests do not have a headphone, they can buy at the entrance at the cost of 3,5-USD The system is similar to audio guide system. Guests who does not have smart phones will follow the signs and the given informations on the signs .

      60 minutes here · Admission not included

    6. Grand Bazaar

      We will visit Grand Bazaar where is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with more than 58 covered streets and over 1,200 shops which attract between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily. Opened in 1461, it is well known for its jewelry, pottery, spice, and carpet shops. After Free time in Grand bazar, we will be back to your hotel or port The end of our services

      90 minutes here

    7. Galataport

      Drive back to Galataport and the end of our services

      30 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.

    Options you can book

    • Private Option

      This Tour is organised for your family and friends on a private basis. Pickup included

    • Small Group Option

      Small Group Option: Istanbul tour includes Hagia Sophia, Topkapi palace, Blue Mosque, Ancient Hipodromme and Grand bazaar. Private guiding, A/C private transportation and are included. Pickup included

    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 30 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Private & Small Group Ephesus & Istanbul & Turkey Tours

    Know before you go

    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • At time of booking, Hotels guests must provide hotel name
    • At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
    • In the event of any museum closures, an alternative similar museum will be visited. On Tuesdays : Topkapi Palace replaced by Underground Cistern, On Sundays: Grand Bazaar will be replaced by Spice Market. Grand Bazaar and Spice Market are closed during Religious Holidays will be replaced by Arasta Bazaar. On Fridays: Blue Mosque is open from 14.30 to 16.30 Blue Mosque is open from 14.30 to 16.30 on Fridays
    • Blue Mosque is open from 14.30 to 16.30 on Fridays
    • Visit to holy places of worship such as churches, monasteries, mosques, synagogues bare shoulders are not permitted, nor shoes in mosques.

    Photos

    Private Istanbul Full Day 7 to 8 hours Guided Tours / Group opt., photo 2Private Istanbul Full Day 7 to 8 hours Guided Tours / Group opt., photo 3Private Istanbul Full Day 7 to 8 hours Guided Tours / Group opt., photo 4Private Istanbul Full Day 7 to 8 hours Guided Tours / Group opt., photo 5Private Istanbul Full Day 7 to 8 hours Guided Tours / Group opt., photo 6Private Istanbul Full Day 7 to 8 hours Guided Tours / Group opt., photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 20 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    9 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    The guide

    8 mentions

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

    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

    20 verified traveler reviews for Private Istanbul Full Day 7 to 8 hours Guided Tours / Group opt.. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    17
    4 star
    3
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    Sightsee63933457601 · September 2025

    Personalized Istanbul overview

    Our guide Emel was very knowledgeable and patient. She taught us the history of all the places we visited and her restaurant recommendation was wonderful. A day well spent. Truly personalized to match our small group of 4. Although admission fees weren’t included it was no hassle getting in. Overall it was a great experience and highly recommend doing it. Our driver also navigated the street with great ease. Although it was busy with such a small group we never felt rushed and the pacing was perfect.

    Response from the operator: Hello, Once again, we deeply appreciate your long-standing loyalty and the detailed feedback you’ve provided. We look forward to welcoming you back soon. We will share your kind message and opinions with your guide. Thank you on behalf of her. We would be delighted to see you in our wonderful country again. Curio Travel Team

    via Tripadvisor

    Monicamexia · September 2025

    Beautiful day!

    Amazing experience with Mrs Buse Canyurt! Such a nice person, with a lot of knowledge and care for her guests. Can’t recommend more you take this tour. Thank you so much for the lovely day!

    Response from the operator: Dear Monica, Thank you again for your loyalty and thoughtful insights. We look forward to welcoming you back on your next trip to Ephesus and will do everything we can to ensure another wonderful travel. We will share your kind message and opinions with your guide. Thank you on behalf of her. We would be delighted to see you in our wonderful country again. Curio Travel Team

    via Tripadvisor

    Madeleine_F · May 2025

    Very good tour

    We visited the blue mosque, Hagia Sofia, Topkapi palace and the Grand Bazaar all in one long afternoon which, unfortunately, was all the time we had. Our guide had entrance tickets where needed which saved a little waiting time. Lines were long but manageable (mid May). We did 19,000+ steps in the afternoon so people with limited mobility could find it hard (not many stairs but some long ramps). Our guide was very knowledgeable, friendly and accommodating.

    Response from the operator: Hello, Your kind words will be shared with our entire team, who will be thrilled to know they helped create this memorable experience. We will share your kind message and opinions with your guide. We would be delighted to see you in our wonderfull country again. Curio Travel Team

    via Viator

    KiritkumarM_P · March 2025

    Excellent tour, informative

    Tour guide Leyla was an exceptionl kind,competent guide, so helpful, very knoledgeable, took care of us personally.

    Response from the operator: Hello, Thank you so much for sharing your experience and giving us such a good note! We hope to have the occasion to welcome you back soon. Thank you for taking the time to share such a lovely review. We will share your kind message and opinions with your guide. Thank you on behalf of her. We would be delighted to see you in our wonderfull country again. Curio Travel Team

    via Viator

    chatquipeche · December 2023

    A good private tour for those who have not experience of Istanbul

    Actually, it was a private three-day tour of Istanbul. Our guide met us with minivan and driver at the Galataport Cruise Terminal, but on the upper level. We were not advised to go up to the street level and we waited over thirty minutes at the lower, disembarkation level. Only after a couple of phone calls, did we get straightened out. Leyla was very knowledgeable and thorough, very attentive to our circumstances. My only comment would be that either Curio or Leyla made too many assumptions about American tourists. At times, I felt programed and on the last day, after seeing some attractive shops in a non-tourist area of Istanbul, I asked if perhaps we would not have found just as good and maybe less expensive gifts items here, rather than in the Grand Bazaar. She said, yes, but everyone needs to visit the Grand Bazaar. Maybe so, but she could have at least asked what we were looking for. We had requested a visit to a hammam and she recommended a lovey 300 year old Turkish bath, where we had a fabulous experience. The next day, I told her how much we enjoyed it. She said she thought we would, as it's preferred by tourists, who might not withstand a genuine Turkish bath experience, whatever that means. I can't complain, it was great, but again, we were never offered any options. It was just assumed that we wanted a more gentle (and I guess more expensive) experience. Curio might reconsider that aspect of their service. Not all "tourists" are created equal. Otherwise, we had a wonderful "first visit" to Istanbul, thanks to Leyle. She was patient and always prompt and knowledgeable.

    Response from the operator: Hello, I don't know how to thank you enough for your comment. Your feedback is precious and has been proudly share with the entire team. Our colleagues' dedication to our guests is fully rewarded when we received such wonderful comments. We will share your kind message and opinions with your guide. Thank you on behalf of her. We would be delighted to see you in our wonderfull country again. Curio Travel Team

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    8 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $109 to $159
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    7
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Private & Small Group Ephesus & Istanbul & Turkey Tours, who run 31 experiences we rank across 4 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 60.0.

    See everything Private & Small Group Ephesus & Istanbul & Turkey Tours runs

    Why this scores 71

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)85
    Review evidence (18% weight)47
    Booking momentum (14% weight)38
    Value for money (12% weight)86
    Listing quality (10% weight)84
    Local standing (8% weight)63
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Private Istanbul Full Day 7 to 8 hours Guided Tours / Group opt.: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does Private Istanbul Full Day 7 to 8 hours Guided Tours / Group opt. cost?

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    Prices start at $109 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 Istanbul Full Day 7 to 8 hours Guided Tours / Group opt. take?

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    Plan for about 8 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 Istanbul Full Day 7 to 8 hours Guided Tours / Group opt. worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 71 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 20 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 Istanbul Full Day 7 to 8 hours Guided Tours / Group opt.?

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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 Private Istanbul Full Day 7 to 8 hours Guided Tours / Group opt. suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Private Istanbul Full Day 7 to 8 hours Guided Tours / Group opt.?

    +

    Around 7 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 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Private Istanbul Full Day 7 to 8 hours Guided Tours / Group opt. 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 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?

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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.

    What is included in Private Istanbul Full Day 7 to 8 hours Guided Tours / Group opt.?

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    Included: Transportation with brand new air-conditioned minivan/minibus; GUARANTEED On Time Return to PORT; Professional Licenced English speaking tour guide; Local taxes; and Private tour for your family and Friends with small group option. Not included: Lunch and Drinks; Entrance Fees (Our guide will have pre-paid tickets that you can pay to our guide during t; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Private Istanbul Full Day 7 to 8 hours Guided Tours / Group opt. include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 2 listed pickup locations in and around Istanbul. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time.

    What languages is Private Istanbul Full Day 7 to 8 hours Guided Tours / Group opt. 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 Istanbul Full Day 7 to 8 hours Guided Tours / Group opt.?

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    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.

    What happens to Private Istanbul Full Day 7 to 8 hours Guided Tours / Group opt. if the weather is bad?

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    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 Istanbul Full Day 7 to 8 hours Guided Tours / Group opt.?

    +

    Across 20 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, small groups. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.

    What booking options are available for Private Istanbul Full Day 7 to 8 hours Guided Tours / Group opt.?

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    There are 2 options to choose from, including Private Option, Small Group Option. 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 Istanbul Full Day 7 to 8 hours Guided Tours / Group opt..

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