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Hidden Istanbul & Grand Bazaar Rooftop Tour
Explore the "Hidden Istanbul" on a 5-hour journey through the city’s secret layers. Start in a serene Mimar Sinan mosque, then descend into ancient Byzantine cisterns. The highlight is exclusive rooftop access at the Grand Bazaar—walk the "sea of domes" where James Bond once raced. End at the majestic Süleymaniye with a local expert. This premium experience offers a rare, dramatic narrative for those seeking the extraordinary beyond the tourist crowds.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Sokullu Mehmet Paşa Mosque
- Start in the morning light to appreciate the Iznik tiles and sacred fragments in quiet contemplation before the city fully wakes.
The Underground Cistern
A short walk brings you to this 6th-century secret. The cool, subterranean atmosphere provides a dramatic contrast to the morning sun.
Büyük Valide Han
Enter the 17th-century caravanserai. Explore the courtyard and hear the history of Kösem Sultan and the Persian merchants.
Ending Point
Süleymaniye & Spice Market
Want to personalize this tour?
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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
Tickets to the roof of the Grand Bazar: 200 Euros (for a group of 10 ) , Entrance to the cistern : 43 Euro
Tour Important Information
Physical Requirements: This tour involves significant walking and navigating steep or cramped spaces (especially in the cistern and the Han). It is not recommended for those with limited mobility or severe vertigo.
Rooftop Safety: The Grand Bazaar rooftop is a restricted area and does not have standard safety railings. You must follow the guide’s instructions strictly to ensure safety while capturing photos.
Photography: While photography is encouraged, please be respectful in the mosque interiors—avoid using flash or photographing worshippers during prayer.
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
About Tour Guide Dilek O.
Hi everyone,
My name is Dilek, a national - licensed tour guide. I am 42 years old and have been guiding for 14 years. My husband is from Mexico and with our two young kids we live in Istanbul. When I don't work I spend most of my time outdoor with my family, enjoy istanbul as much as we can.
I am qualified in the knowledge of Turkish history, mythology, archaeology, history of religion and history of art. I speak English and Spanish. Following my university graduation, I lived in England for 5 years where I continued my education studying Travel and Tourism at Greenwich School of Management. After I lived a short time in Guatemala, Cuba to learn Spanish.
In my tour I would like to show you architectural styles, historical fun facts, famous historical monuments, tell you about the peoples life in Istanbul, how we spend our days, where do people go to eat, what we eat, where we shop, what we listen, the best places to eat, drink and party.
As your local guide, I am flexible to your wishes and needs. Making it interesting and enjoyable for you is my wish.
With all of my years of experience in the travel industry, I hope to help you make the most of your time in beautiful Istanbul by taking a tour with me. I very much look forward to meeting you all!
Reviews
Sharon P.
“Perfect day in Istanbul”
We had the most delightful day with Dilek. She was very kind and friendly and we learnt so much about Istanbul. We were able to see everything on our customised tour and even bought some beautiful ceramics from the markets. We had lunch at an authentic cafe and arrived back in time to the cruise terminal. She was the perfect guide to tour Istanbul.
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Dilek O.
Hi Sharon, Thank you so much for your lovely message! It really made my day. I’m so glad you enjoyed your time in Istanbul. It was a pleasure guiding you and sharing some of my favorite spots—including that charming café and the vibrant markets. I hope the ceramics bring back happy memories every time you see them. Wishing you many more wonderful adventures ahead, and I’d be so happy to welcome you back anytime!
Janet E.
“Main sites of Istanbul”
Very knowledgeable professional friendly guide. Very mindful of our requirements. Picked us up and dropped off at the cruise port. Good fun to be with. Excellent value for money would highly recommend!
Hiroshi T.
“Very enjoyable tour”
It was great fun to walk the basic course of Istanbul with Dilek. She was very cheerful and kind. In addition, she seemed to be friends with many guides in the city, so I was able to walk very efficiently while obtaining the latest information on congestion and other things from them.
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Dilek O.
Hi Hiroshi Thank you very much for your positive review. It is a big motivation for me to see you were satisfied with my tour. Thank you very much for your interest in my country and for your visit.
$200/ per group
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