Istanbul Highlights Tour: Discover the Heart of the City
Explore the best of Istanbul in one unforgettable tour! Visit iconic landmarks such as Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar while learning the fascinating stories that shaped this timeless city.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
German Fountain
- The monumental fountain with green dome, the one at the entrance of ancient hippodrome of Constantinople.
Ancient Hippodrome of Constantinople
Once the social and sporting center of Constantinople, the Hippodrome hosted thrilling chariot races and grand public events. Today, visitors can admire its historic monuments such as the Serpent Column, Obelisk of Theodosius, and the Walled Obelisk.
The Blue Mosque / Sultanahmet Mosque
Bathed in blue light from thousands of İznik tiles, the Blue Mosque whispers stories of sultans, prayers, and dreams beneath its six towering minarets.
Hagia Sophia / St Sophia
A place where empires rose and fell, Hagia Sophia holds centuries of secrets within its soaring dome and shimmering mosaics. Step inside and feel the mystical spirit of Istanbul’s timeless soul.
Topkapi Palace
Once the heart of the Ottoman Empire, Topkapi Palace hides behind its gates a world of power, intrigue, and treasures that shaped centuries of history.
Lunch break : Taste of Turkish Cuisine
In the midst of our journey, we will pause at a charming local restaurant where you can savor the rich flavors of traditional Turkish cuisine. From sizzling kebabs to delicate mezes, this meal offers not just food, but a true taste of Istanbul’s soul.
Grand Bazaar
A labyrinth of colors, scents, and hidden gems, the Grand Bazaar invites you to lose yourself in its endless maze where every corner holds a secret.
Burnt Column (Column of Constantine)
Rising in the heart of Istanbul, this ancient column was built by Emperor Constantine and has witnessed fire, earthquakes, and empires. Its weathered stones still radiate mystery—making it the perfect place to conclude our journey through the city’s timeless wonders.
Ending Point
Burnt Column (Column of Constantine)
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
* the official licensed tour guide service
* the public transportation (if needed when with your tour guide)
* skip the line for topkapi palace museum
* the transportation
* personal expenses
* lunch
* museum entry fees
Tour Important Information
* This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
* This tour is not recommended for those with severe back/knee problems.
* This tour is NOT wheelchair/stroller accessible at SOME of the sites.
* Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.
* Please remember the moderate dress code is necessary for the entrance to the mosques. (the knees & shoulders should be covered for everyone and a headscarf is needed for female visitors)
Important message from the supplier
I can give day tours and evening tours as well as excursions far from the city that I currently live in such as Cappadocia,Ephesus,Kuşadası,İzmir,Sardes,Antalya,Fethiye,Bodrum etc. (simply all around Turkey & Balkan countries along with Georgia and Northern Cyprus.)
For those tours which requires a remote city visit (and for the ones that we’ll customize together for you) I will need an advance booking (best to book 3-5 weeks prior and earlier)
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 Yağmur B.
I’ve been a professional tour guide for9 years, and let me tell you, I absolutely adore my job. I love showcasing my country, Turkiye, with all its cultural, historical, and modern treasures. Every day, I get to share my enthusiasm and pride for my homeland with visitors. I truly enjoy making everyone feel like a cherished guest, and I take great pleasure in introducing them to the unique wonders of Turkiye with both joy and a touch of humor. For me, every tour is a delightful experience, and it’s all about making memories and having fun along the way!
Reviews
Jenny C.
“A great 2 days exploring Istanbul with Yagmur”
My wife and I spent 2 days with Yagmur as our private guide in Istanbul at the end of May 2026. She made our Istanbul visit truly memorable not only with well informed visits to most of the main attractions, but also off the beaten track to non-tourist parts of the Asiain city, and a sunset cruise as well. Not only did we see much of Istanbul, sample lots of excellent food, but also learned so much about Turkish culture and traditions. And we ate a lot! Yagmur was not just a guide, but a companion and friend.
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Yağmur B.
Thank you so much for your insightful comment.It was a pleasure for me to guide you through my city, hoping to see you again to explore much more of my country!
Jason O.
“Fun, Informative, Engaging”
We had a large group that included four teenagers. Yagmur took us to see historical sites and shopping. She was fun, kept the kids engaged, helped us with negotiating some purchases, took us for an excellent lunch and snacks, and provided us with deeply informed context about what we were seeing and about Istanbul. She is a consummate professional. Highly recommended.
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Yağmur B.
It’s an honor for me to hear such great reviews from you! Thank you for your feedback. Greetings from Istanbul
Raghavendra S.
“Professional, knowledgeable and pleasant ”
We are a family of hour and explored the heart of the city with Yagmur today. She was proactive communicating with us ahead of time. The tour itself was excellent. Yagmur’s knowledge, passion and wit shone through in her description of the wonderful sites we toured. She was patient in answering our questions and adjusted the tour to suit our areas of interest. The pace of the tour felt just right and overall we were very satisfied having spent the day with her and coming off much better informed than we’d be had we gone by ourselves. Definitely recommended.
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Yağmur B.
Appreciate your review and I am so happy that I could provide a pleasant experience in my city, Hoping to see you again!
$250/ per group
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