Image Effect

Private Istanbul Tour (Tour Guide + Minibus 8 Hours)

4.9(14 reviews)
IstanbulTurkey
All photos
1/9
1/9
BookingOverviewHighlightsIncludes/ExcludesCancellationFaqsServicesReviews
Loading available options...

Overview

  • Duration:8 hours 0 minutes
  • Travelers:1 - 6 guests
  • Tour Type:Daily Tour, Private Tour
  • Language:English, Spanish, Turkish
This tour is built for guests who don’t want to follow a rigid timetable or share their day with a big crowd. With a private vehicle and licensed guide, Istanbul becomes easy: your guide meets you at your hotel, you discuss what you’d like to see, and the day is shaped around your pace and interests.

If it’s your first time in the city, you might focus on the classic highlights: Hagia Sophia’s echoing domes, the tiled interiors of the Blue Mosque, and the stone obelisk and monuments of the Hippodrome. As you walk between these sites you feel the mix of voices, the call to prayer and the rumble of trams passing by.

You can add the Grand Bazaar or Spice Market if you enjoy markets, or head down to the Bosphorus shoreline for a ferry ride or waterfront walk. If you’ve already seen the main monuments, your guide can lead you into less-touristy corners: the steep backstreets of Fener and Balat, the views from Pierre Loti Hill, or quiet courtyards tucked behind busy streets.

Because this is a fully private tour, you can stay longer where it feels right, skip places that don’t appeal, pause for Turkish coffee when you need a break, and stop for lunch in the kind of restaurant locals actually use. At the end of the day, your driver drops you back at your hotel – tired, but with the feeling that you’ve really met the city, not just rushed through it.
Read more

Highlights

  • Private tour with licensed English-speaking guide and vehicle, just for your group.
  • Fixed price up to 6 travellers – ideal for families and friends travelling together.
  • Flexible 8–9 hour itinerary, tailored to your interests and walking pace.
  • Choose from must-see sights like Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace, Grand Bazaar, Spice Market and more.
  • Door-to-door hotel pick-up and drop-off from central Istanbul (European side).

Itinerary

Stop 1: Hotel Pick-Up & Plan for the Day

Your guide and driver meet you in the lobby of your central Istanbul hotel. Over a quick chat you confirm your priorities for the day – for example:

  • “First time in Istanbul, we want the classics.”
  • “We’ve already seen Hagia Sophia, show us neighborhoods and viewpoints.”

The guide then suggests the best route, taking into account traffic, opening times and prayer times.

Stop 2: Sultanahmet – Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque Area

Head to the Historic Peninsula (Sultanahmet). Typical visits here include:

  • Sultanahmet Square (Hippodrome) – obelisk, Serpent Column and German Fountain.
  • Hagia Sophia – exterior and interior (subject to current visiting rules and prayer times).
  • Blue Mosque – when open, you step inside to see the blue Iznik tiles and high domes.

Your guide explains how the city changed from Byzantium to Constantinople to Istanbul while you move between these landmarks.

(If guests have already done these sites, this stop can be replaced with other mosques or viewpoints.)

Stop 3: Topkapı Palace or Basilica Cistern (Optional)

Depending on interest and time, you can choose one major museum in the Old City:

  • Topkapı Palace – former residence of the Ottoman sultans with courtyards and treasury.
  • Basilica Cistern – atmospheric underground cistern with columns and soft lighting.

Your guide helps you buy your own tickets on site (or use pre-booked passes if you prefer), and adapts the rest of the day to how long you like to spend here.

Stop 4: Lunch Break

Take a break at a local restaurant – either a traditional lokanta with home-style dishes or a lighter cafe, depending on your taste. Your guide can suggest options in different price ranges.

(Lunch is paid directly at the restaurant by the guests.)

Stop 5: Grand Bazaar or Spice Market

In the afternoon you explore one of Istanbul’s famous bazaars:

  • Grand Bazaar – maze of covered streets with carpets, ceramics, jewelry and more.
  • Spice Market (Misir Çarşısı) – smaller but very atmospheric, with teas, nuts and sweets.

Your guide helps you navigate, bargain if you wish, and avoid low-quality souvenir traps.

Stop 7: Drop-Off at Hotel

In the late afternoon, your driver takes you back to your hotel or, if you prefer, drops you in a lively area like Karaköy, Taksim or Nişantaşı to continue the evening on your own.

Tour maps

Includes/Excludes

  • Private air-conditioned vehicle with professional driver for 8–9 hours.
  • Licensed English-speaking tour guide for the full day.
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off from centrally located hotels on the European side (Sultanahmet, Sirkeci, Beyoğlu/Taksim and nearby).
  • Parking fees, bridge tolls and fuel.
  • Customizable itinerary based on your preferences (Old City, Bosphorus, neighborhoods, etc.).
  • Entrance fees to museums and historical sites (Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, Basilica Cistern, etc.).
  • Lunch and drinks (your guide will suggest good local options within your budget).
  • Public transport or ferry tickets if you decide to use them during the tour.
  • Personal expenses (shopping, snacks, etc.).
  • Tips for guide and driver (optional, at your discretion).

Cancellation policy

You can cancel up to 120 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Frequently asked questions

How many people can join this tour for the fixed price?

The price is per group, up to 6 guests, travelling together in the same vehicle. Families with children count the kids within this total.

Can we choose exactly where to go?

Yes. This is a fully personalized tour. Before the tour (or in the car at the start) you can tell the guide which places are “musts” for you. Your guide will then build a realistic route, considering traffic and opening times, and may suggest dropping or adding spots so the day stays comfortable.

Are entrance fees and lunch included?

No. On private tours with Kuantum, entrance tickets and lunch are not included in the base price. This keeps the tour flexible: you only pay for the sites you actually visit and can choose restaurants that match your taste and budget.

Is this tour suitable for guests with limited mobility or young children?

Yes, it’s often a good choice because it’s private and flexible. We can minimize walking, reduce the number of stops, use taxis/ferries more, or build in playground/cafe breaks for children. Just let us know your needs in advance so we can shape the day accordingly.

Customer reviews

David Davis
On July 15, 2025

Great way to see the sights. The customized was particularly impressive. Our guide knew all the best photo spots. The transportation was comfortable and clean. Highly recommended to anyone visiting.

Daniel Williams
On April 19, 2025

Great way to see the sights. The guide was particularly impressive. The local insights provided were fascinating. The bus was a bit cramped, but okay. Will tell all my friends about this.

William Rodriguez
On March 5, 2025

Great way to see the sights. The history was particularly impressive. The guide spoke excellent English. The transportation was comfortable and clean. Highly recommended to anyone visiting.

Linda White
On January 4, 2025

Everything went according to plan. The customized was particularly impressive. The guide made history come alive. The bus was a bit cramped, but okay. Don't miss this if you're in Turkey.

Charlotte Garcia
On November 15, 2024

Great way to see the sights. The local spots was particularly impressive. The tour guide was a bit quiet but nice. The bus was a bit cramped, but okay. Highly recommended to anyone visiting.

Olivia Davis
On October 22, 2024

I can't recommend this enough. The private van was particularly impressive. Staff were very helpful and polite. The ride was smooth and air-conditioned. Five stars!

Amelia Williams
On October 18, 2024

Great way to see the sights. The customized was particularly impressive. Our guide knew all the best photo spots. The ride was smooth and air-conditioned. Thank you to the whole team.

James Miller
On August 15, 2024

A memorable journey for our family. The history was particularly impressive. The local insights provided were fascinating. Transport was always on time. Five stars!

Harper Thomas
On July 21, 2024

We had a fantastic time on this trip. The private van was particularly impressive. The guide spoke excellent English. Private transfer was a nice touch. Five stars!

Ava Thompson
On May 19, 2024

Everything went according to plan. The history was particularly impressive. Staff were very helpful and polite. Transport was always on time. Would definitely book again.

Daniel Thompson
On May 16, 2024

A memorable journey for our family. The private van was particularly impressive. Staff were very helpful and polite. Private transfer was a nice touch. Would definitely book again.

Amelia Rodriguez
On February 28, 2024

This was the highlight of our vacation. The private van was particularly impressive. We learned so much from our guide. The ride was smooth and air-conditioned. Highly recommended to anyone visiting.

Charles Lee
On February 20, 2024

The tour was very well organized. The customized was particularly impressive. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and friendly. The bus was a bit cramped, but okay. Thanks for a great memory.

Emma Gonzalez
On January 29, 2024

Everything went according to plan. The flexible was particularly impressive. We learned so much from our guide. The transportation was comfortable and clean. Will tell all my friends about this.

from$600.00 /group
Date December 24, 2025
1
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
2
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
Apply
Traveler
-+

Please select guests

Apply

Have a question before booking? Message us to learn more.

Why booking with Kuantum Tourism?
Free cancellation up to 24 hours
Trusted by 100K+ travelers
Get the best prices
24-hour support
Kuantum Tourism on TripAdvisor
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
4.9 (89 reviews)
from $600.00 per person
Verified
Book on TripAdvisor
Secured Payment
Instant Confirmation
Trusted by millions of travelers worldwide

You might also like...

Check availability
Private Car Book via WhatsApp