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Half Day Customized Tour in Istanbul
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Joined 2024
If you have a limited time and still want to see some highlights of Istanbul, this is the perfect option for you!
It's possible to customize your tour and we can make your itinerary together! Here are a few options below
Option 1
Topkapi Palace (+Harem)
Hagia Sophia
Option 2
Topkapı Palace
The Basilica Cistern
The Grand Bazaar
Option 3
Topkapı Palace
The Basilica Cistern
Blue Mosque
Option 4
Hagia Sophia
The Basilica Cistern
The Grand Bazaar
Suleymaniye Mosque
Spice Bazaar
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
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!
Hagia Sophia (for Option 1), The Basilica Cistern & The Grand Bazaar (for Option 2) or The Basilica Cistern & The Blue Mosque (for Option 3)
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.
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The Basilica Cistern 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 is 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.
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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.
End of the tour
We'll finish our tour in the Sultanahmet are where all the monuments above are located. If you want, you can spend more time in the area or I can help you return to your hotel, cruise ship port etc.
Ending Point
Sultanahmet area (and I can help you return to your hotel, cruise ship port etc.
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.
Topkapi Palace: 2750 TL
Basilica Cistern: 2250 TL
Hagia Sophia: 25 Euro
Museums only accept Turkish lira or credit card.
Souvenirs
Public Transportation Tickets
Food, Drinks, Snacks
Tour Important Information
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 Royal Mint is not included) and the Grand Bazaar is closed on Sunday and Eid holidays. There is a dress code for the mosques. I'll send it to you before our tour.
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 licensed tour guide who is in love with his city.
First of all, Istanbul isn’t just a city; it’s a living museum where empires, religions, and cultures have collided and harmonized for centuries. I've been living in this amazing city for 38 years and have about 11 years of experience as a guide. My purpose isn't just to show you historical monuments but to help you feel the true soul of this city through its rich history, vibrant culture and incredible cuisine.
I am very interested in both Roman/Eastern Roman (Byzantine) and Ottoman heritage of Istanbul, so I can offer you very specific tours which you'll always remember. I have basic information on ancient/medieval Greek and can read Ottoman Turkish. I can also explain caligraphic inscriptions easily. I believe that to truly experience the magic of historical architecture, you need to understand what its inscriptions are telling us. That is why I have dedicated years to mastering this field.
I’m also passionate about photography and exploring healthy, traditional local cuisine and fortunately, Istanbul offers endless opportunities for both! I’d be delighted to share these experiences with you as well.
Feel free to contact me for either a full-day or a half-day tour. I can provide you with a complete program or customizable itinerary. Let's explore this amazing city and unique culture together!
Reviews
Charles W.
“2nd 1/2 day tour with Yasin”
We had booked a 2nd 1/2 day tour with Yasin. Again he was punctual, and walked us to the sights we had planned with him. Helpful with tickets, and informative and helpful - again a positive experience. It should be noted that we had planned these excursions with him some months before, and had chosen the itinerary. He responded to emails promptly and was very good with accommodating our requests. Definitely can recommend.
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Yasin K.
Thank you so much for the review! I really appreciate it. Hope to see you guys again in Istanbul :)
Charles W.
“1st 1/2 day tour with Yasin”
Very positive experience indeed. Yasin arrived punctually at the hotel and took us all in a taxi to the Topkapi Palace. He was helpful in procuring tickets; his accredited guide status meant we legitimately could skip some queues. Yasin was knowledgeable and informative on the parts of the palace we saw. Most importantly, he got us back to the hotel within our specified time, notwithstanding Istanbul traffic.
Yasin K.
Thank you so much for the review! I really appreciate it :)
Thomas C.
“Great tour with Yasin K.”
We did the full day tour. Yasin metus at our hotel. Taxi to Blue Mosque. Yasin was incredibly knowledgeable. Very interesting explanations of Turkish culture and Islam. Very, very, good English. The places we went were very interesting. Yasin has a great sense of humor. We had lots of laughs. We have traveled extensively and this was definitely a banner day. Stunning views after stunning views. Yasin took us to an absolutely wonderful restaurant for real tourist food, delicious. He is a wonderful person and the best guide we have had world wide. He shared that he loves travel and has been to 55 country’s. His knowledge of culture is extensive
Yasin K.
Thank you so much for your beautiful words. It was my pleasure to guide you :)
$250/ per group
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