Your private guide will work with you ahead of time to design your tailormade itinerary, then meet you at your hotel or seaport and bring you to the highlights of Istanbul, Turkey's largest city and a center of civilization for over 1500 years. The tour typically starts around 9am.
Must-see monuments include the iconic Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sophia with its towering dome, and the stunning subterranean Basilica Cistern. You might want to soak up the exciting atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar or the enticing aromas of the Spice Market. Learn the history of Istanbul at Ottoman palaces, such as Dolmabahce Palace on the Bosphorus, or Topkapi Palace where the sultans lived surrounded by eunuchs and their harem.
Perhaps you'd like to go to the Suleymaniye Mosque, or admire the 17th-century New Mosque (Yeni Cami). See the medieval Galata Tower in the Karakoy quarter, or Byzantine frescoes at the Kariye Museum (Chora Church). Explore some of Istanbul’s fabled neighborhoods, such as Taksim or Cihangir, and wander down busy Istiklal Street. Enjoy picturesque views from Pierre Loti Hill, discover the remains of the old city walls, or go to the Archaeological Museums to see ancient Islamic art and Roman artifacts.
These are just a few of the things you can do on your tour. Your guide will arrange skip-the-line access to popular attractions ahead of time, ensuring you make the most of your limited time in Istanbul, and can recommend restaurants to suit your specifications for lunch.
You will end the tour by returning to your hotel or seaport, generally around 5pm.