Private Istanbul Tour
Pick your date
Highlighted days have spots open. Grey days are sold out or not running.
September 2026
Loading live availability
Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 16 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Istanbul Tour worth booking?
Private Istanbul Tour is a 5.5-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from $140 per person. It scores 64 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 16 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 64 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (16)
- Duration
- 5.5 hours
- From
- $140 per person
Our private tour of the historic city of Istanbul is not just a tour, it is a gateway to a bygone era, a journey that allows you to live and breathe the rich history and culture of one of the most fascinating cities in t
What you get
About this experience
Our private tour of the historic city of Istanbul is not just a tour, it is a gateway to a bygone era, a journey that allows you to live and breathe the rich history and culture of one of the most fascinating cities in the world. What makes our tour unique is the personal and exclusive approach that we offer. Unlike mass group tours, our private experience guarantees you full attention and the chance to explore Istanbul at your own pace, with the flexibility to focus on your particular interests. In addition, you will be in the hands of our experienced guide, whose command of Spanish is at a native level. His in-depth knowledge of Istanbul, its history, culture, and the city's best-kept secrets, will provide you with a full immersion into the life of this magnificent metropolis. Our mission is to make you discover Istanbul not as a tourist, but as a true local, taking you on a journey through time and history.
What's included
Included
- Bottled water
- Tea and coffee
Not included
- Lunch
- Gratuities
- Entrance fees
- Entrance fees
What you'll see and do
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
Prepare to be amazed by this architectural marvel that has played the roles of both church and mosque over the centuries. With its majestic dome and impressive mosaics, this stop is sure to take your breath away. (entrance 25 euros per person)
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Hippodrome
Next, we'll head to the Hippodrome, the social center of ancient Constantinople. Here, visitors can imagine the exciting chariot racing events that once took place, while learning about its intriguing history. (free admission)
20 minutes here
Blue Mosque
Afterwards, we will visit the Sultanahmet Cami, also known as the Blue Mosque, famous for its six minarets and impressive blue mosaics. It is a place of incredible beauty and tranquility. (free admission)
40 minutes here
TopkapI Palace
We will visit Topkapi Palace, the former residence of the Ottoman sultans. Here, you can immerse yourself in royal luxury and discover the intriguing secrets of the Ottoman court. (Entry to Topkapı Palace is worth (47 usd).
120 minutes here · Admission not included
Grand Bazaar
As part of our tour, we will also visit the bustling Grand Bazaar. With its thousands of shops, it's a shopper's paradise and a fantastic opportunity to shop for gifts and souvenirs. (free admission)
90 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Istanbul
Tophane Clock Tower
Meeting point
Istanbul
We will start our tour from the front of Khaldi Kafe. This cafe is located right next to Hotel Sura, just a minute's walk from the Sultanahmet tram stop.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Our tour will conclude at the Grand Bazaar, also known as Kapalıçarşı. This is one of the largest and oldest covered bazaars in the world, a place steeped in history and culture.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Viva Turquia Travel
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 16 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
16 verified traveler reviews for Private Istanbul Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
A lot of improvisation and very disappointing
It is bittersweet for me to write this review, because the tour was fine and Emir takes great care for his groups. However, my friend and I hired a 10-day tour, with stops, hotels and activities defined and included. But when we arrived in Turkey we saw that we were on a private tour with a group more interested in visiting ruins and archaeological sites, which was not what we wanted or agreed. We lost a lot of time on the road, a lot of time in factories of all kinds, and what hurt me the most: not being able to meet Bursa because you had to go to Troy (the pictures I attach are of that set of stones). In addition, we were charged extra for activities that were supposedly already included in our package, such as the visit to Topkapi Palace and the Turkish show in Cappadocia, which we were charged in cash. There was also theme with hotels. Turkey is not around the corner, it is a pity to go there to be disappointed by the poor logistics and unreported changes, and above all by the feeling that the improvisation cost us money that we should not have been charged. Do not let my review discourage you but proceed cautiously, confirm everything in writing, and demand seriousness and respect for the contract.
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Great experience
Ansar was great. Helpful, knowledgeable and arranged our schedule for max benefit. We had lunch at a restaurant full of locals. We were the only tourists there. Highly recommend.
via Viator
İstanbul 😍
We had a half day tour with Cem and it was great. He is full of knowledge about İstanbul. He also helped us to change money and we tried some local food together. Amazing. Ask for Cem!
via Tripadvisor
Emir Sagir - Excellent tour guide
Emir Sagir gave us the most amazing tour - it was interesting and comprehensive. He is a very engaging and thoughtful person with interesting perspectives. The pace was just right. I would definitely recommend him as a tour guide and would definitely use his services for future visits.
via Tripadvisor
We visited so many remarkable Mosques and Palaces. We visited the underground Waterway. .
Emir Sagir of the tour group Viva Turquia Travel was an awesome tour guide, for two days. He was a lovely person, very informative, and sensitive to our needs. Having the tour with Emir Sagir contributed greatly to my wonderful trip to Istanbul. He deserves the highest praise and thanks. Judy Glantzman, Chatham, New York
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 5.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 6
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 64
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Istanbul Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Istanbul.
How much does Private Istanbul Tour cost?
+
Prices start at $140 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 Tour take?
+
Plan for about 5.5 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 Tour worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 64 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 16 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 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 Istanbul Tour suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Private Istanbul Tour?
+
Around 6 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 5.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private 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 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?
+
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.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Private Istanbul Tour.
Pick your date
