Hire a Private Tour Guide in Istanbul
Explore Istanbul with a licensed, English-speaking private guide and a day planned around your interests. Our guide-only service starts from $300 for a private party of up to six people, whether you are traveling as a family, a couple, or with friends.
We usually start between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m. and finish at around 2:00 p.m. Your starting time, meeting point, and route are agreed before the tour.
Private Istanbul Walking Tours is an owner-led, women-owned boutique company based in Istanbul. We welcome travelers from the United States, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand who value personal attention, knowledgeable guiding, and a comfortably planned day.
Request a Private Tour GuideGuide-Only Service at a Glance
| Starting price | $300 total for a private party of up to six people |
|---|---|
| Language | English only |
| Guide | Licensed professional tour guide |
| Usual start | Between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m. |
| Usual finish | Around 2:00 p.m. |
| Included | Private guidance only |
| Additional expenses | Entrance fees, food, drinks, and transportation |
| More than six people | Contact us to confirm the price |
All prices on this page are in US dollars.
A Day Built Around Your Interests
You may want to explore Istanbul's historic sites, spend time in local neighborhoods, visit the bazaars, or discover both the European and Asian sides. Tell us what you would enjoy, and we will suggest a route that works within the time available.
Possible visits include Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Basilica Cistern, and the Grand Bazaar. Shopping assistance, a food-focused experience, or a private Bosphorus yacht cruise can also be discussed, with additional arrangements priced separately.
These are choices for planning your day, rather than a list of everything to fit into one tour. We will decide on a comfortable combination together, considering your interests, walking preferences, opening arrangements, and available time.
What the Guide-Only Price Includes
The starting price covers a licensed, English-speaking guide working exclusively with your party.
It does not include museum admission, food, drinks, public transportation, a private vehicle, or a private yacht cruise.
For parties larger than six, send us your group size and plans so we can confirm the arrangements and price.
Approximate Museum Fees and Optional Services
The following figures are provided to help you plan. These expenses are separate from the guide-only fee.
| Visit or service | Approximate price | Price basis |
|---|---|---|
| Topkapi Palace admission | $60 | Per person |
| Hagia Sophia admission | $30 | Per person |
| Basilica Cistern admission | $30 | Per person |
| Optional private transportation | $250 | Total for the transportation arrangement |
| Optional private Bosphorus yacht cruise | $800 | Total for the private yacht arrangement |
Museum fees are set by the relevant authorities and may change without prior notice. We will confirm the admission required for your chosen visits and the details of any transportation or yacht arrangement before booking.
Meeting Your Guide and Getting Around
If you are staying in the Old City or along the tram line, a private vehicle is generally unnecessary. We can explore on foot and use public transportation where appropriate, including a public ferry when visiting the Asian side.
Share your accommodation details when you inquire. We will confirm a practical meeting point and advise whether transportation would be useful for your chosen route.
Walking is part of most Istanbul visits. Please mention any mobility concerns or preferences so we can consider them when planning your day.
Prefer a Complete Private Tour?
Guide-only hire is one way to explore with us. We also arrange private tour packages with entrance fees, food tastings, transportation, or other services included as specified in your proposal.
Explore our private Istanbul tours, Istanbul food tours, and multi-day private Turkey trips, or contact us for a custom quote.
Beyond Istanbul, we arrange private travel in Cappadocia, Ephesus, Pamukkale, and Gallipoli, along with transportation and concierge services. Private guiding for multi-day journeys can also be arranged according to your request and guide availability.
Questions About Hiring a Private Guide
Is the $300 price per person?
No. It is the starting total price for private guidance for a party of up to six people. Entrance fees, food, drinks, and transportation are separate. For more than six people, please contact us to confirm the price.
Do you offer guides in other languages?
No. This service is provided in English only, by licensed professional guides.
Can we visit all the major sights in one day?
We will help you choose a realistic route. The time needed at each site, walking distances, visitor numbers, and your interests determine what fits comfortably. A multi-day itinerary allows more time for detailed visits.
Can we request a female guide?
Yes. A female guide can be requested, subject to availability. Please mention your preference when you inquire.
Will there be shopping stops?
Only if you request them. There are no hidden shopping stops or commission-driven detours. A dedicated shopping experience can also be arranged around what you would like to find.
Arrange Your Private Guide
Email or message us with your travel date, number of travelers, accommodation, and what you would like to see or do. For families, please include your children's ages. We will suggest suitable options and confirm the arrangements and price before you book.
Request a Private Tour Guide
info@privateistanbulwalkingtours.com
WhatsApp: +90 537 741 00 62