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2-Day Private Tour in Istanbul
Joined 2024
Is 1 day not enough for you to explore Istanbul?
First day will be for the classics such as Topkapı Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Basilica Cistern, the Hippodrome and the Grand Bazaar.
On our second day let's go to some beautiful local markets and historical neighborhoods where you can get a local flavour.
Please feel free to contact me if you would like to spend more than 2 days with me or customize this tour.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel, cruise ship port or a monument such as the German Fountain
- Day 1
Hagia Sophia
It was built as a Roman church between 532 and 537 and turned into a mosque later. I can truly that this breathtaking place is the most iconic building you can see in Istanbul. You'll be amazed by the size of the building and the details of Byzantine mosaics and Ottoman callipgrahy.
Topkapı Palace
Topkapı Palace was the home of the Ottoman royal family from the 15th to the 19th century. It has been a museum since 1924 and is one of the most visited places in Turkiye!
Lunch break
Time to enjoy Turkish food!
Please let me know if you have any allergy or concern about food.
45-60 min.
The Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque, built by Sultan Ahmed I and officially known as Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is one of the most iconic mosques of Istanbul. It has got hundreds of blue tiles and six minarets which is the only example from the Ottoman era.
The Hippodrome
Hippodrome is a Greek word which means "horse path". It used to have amazing monuments but only 3 of them could survive. They are the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpent Column and the Walled Obelisk. Time to hear some crazy stories!
The Basilica Cistern
It was built as a water reservoir in the 6th century and today it's the largest cistern of Istanbul. This breathtaking place has got 336 marble columns and several spolia/reused materials.
The Grand Bazaar
It's one of the oldest and biggest covered markets in the world! It's believed that this giant complex has got 4000 shops and 61 streets.
End of Day 1
We'll finish the tour in the Grand Bazaar which is open until 7-7:30 pm, so you can spend more time in the bazaar if you want or I can help you return to your hotel or cruise ship port.
Meeting Point (Day 2)
At your hotel, cruise ship port or in front of Galata Tower
Taksim-Istiklal Street-Galata
Istiklal Street is the longest pedestrian street of Istanbul and full of beautiful historical apartments mainly from the 19th century. After that, we'll also see how diverse Istanbul was in the Galata neighbourhood.
Suleymaniye Mosque and Complex
Suleymaniye Mosque and Complex was built by Suleiman the Magnificent who ruled the Ottoman Empire for 46 years. It's where you can see a real Ottoman "külliye (complex)" and feel a spiritual atmosphere.
PS: We'll use metro/subway from Istiklal Street to the mosque
Rustem Pasha Mosque
It was built by one of the most important grand viziers (prime ministers) of the Ottoman Empire and named after him. I can easily say that you'll see some of the greatest examples of İznik tiles in this mosque.
Local market & Spice Bazaar (aka Egyptian Bazaar)
It's a 17th-century bazaar building which is famous for numerous spices, herbs, dried fruits and local products.
Lunch break
Time to enjoy Turkish food!
Please let me know if you have any allergy or concern about food.
45-60 min.
Fener & Balat neighborhoods
Patriarchal Church of St. George
It's the holiest and highest Orthodox church in the world. Its stunning architecture and holy relics are a great example to get an idea about Orthodox Christianity and art.
Fener Streets and Houses
Narrow streets and colorful houses. Time to take capture some cool moments!
Balat (Jewish neighborhood)
It's one of the most important areas for the Jews of Istanbul. Today it's also where you can see local life of Istanbul.
PS: We'll go to Fener from Eminönü (Spice Bazaar) by tram. It is 3 stops and takes about 5-7 minutes
End of the tour (Day 2)
We'll finish the tour in Balat. I can help you return to your hotel or cruise ship port.
Ending Point
Balat
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Guide fee, hotel meet-up
Museum tickets per person below
Topkapi Palace: 1700 TL
Basilica Cistern: 900 TL
Hagia Sophia: 25 Euro
Galata Tower: 30 Euro
Museums only accept Turkish lira or credit card.
Transportation Fees
Food, Drinks, Snacks
Souvenirs
Tour Important Information
Day 1
Please note that the Blue Mosque is closed from morning to afternoon (2:30 pm) on Friday, Topkapı Palace is closed on Tuesday and the Grand Bazaar is closed on Sunday and Eid holidays. There is a dress code for the mosques.
Day 2
The Spice Bazaar is closed on Eid holidays. Feel free to let me know if you have any specific requirement for the second day which can be customized upon your request.
Important message from the supplier
I can work everyday
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2024
About Tour Guide Yasin K.
Merhaba (Hello) from a friendly Istanbulite! My name is Yasin, a licenced tour guide who is in love with his city.
Istanbul is more than a regular city. It has been a melting pot of different empires, religions, languages and cultures for centuries! I've been living in this amazing city for 36 years and have about 8 years of experience as a guide. My purpose is not only to show you some historical buildings but also give you a chance to learn more about our unique history, culture-traditions, cuisine, daily life etc.
I am very interested in both Roman/Eastern Roman (Byzantine) and Ottoman heritage of Istanbul, so I can offer you very specific tours that you'll always remember. I have basic information on the old/medieval Greek and can read the Ottoman Turkish. I can also understand caligraphic inscriptions easily. I believe that if you really want to feel the soul of historical buildings, you should know what those inscriptions explain to us. That's why I spent so much time to improve myself in this field.
I also love photography and trying different types of healthy and traditional food. Fortunately, Istanbul gives us a great chance for them. I'll be so happy to help you with them, too!
Feel free to contact me for either a full-day or a half-day tour. I can provide you a complete program or customizable itinerary. Let's explore this amazing city and unique culture together!
$600/ per group
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