Private Guided Istanbul Tours — Luxury, Local, and Transparent (No Hidden Costs)

Istanbul is a city of world-famous landmarks and authentic local neighborhoods — and our private guided Istanbul tours connect both in a smooth, well-planned experience. Travel with a trusted, English-speaking private Istanbul tour guide and enjoy a custom route built around your pace and interests, from the Old City highlights (Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar) to Galata, Karakoy, Fener & Balat, and the Asian Side (Kadikoy) — with optional Istanbul food tours and Bosphorus experiences.

Request a Custom Itinerary

I highly recommend Private Istanbul Walking Tours, who went above and beyond for us. We hired Private Istanbul Walking Tours to arrange a three city tour of Turkey (Furkan), part of which was private tours in Istanbul with Derya Artan. I am going to review the travel arrangements separately from the private tours with Derya. I am so glad we had Furkan arrange the travel arrangements. I am confident they would have been great except my wife had a nasty accident in Kusadasi about 8 hours after arrival requiring a visit to the ER that night and revisiting the hospital the next day to develop a treatment plan. She needed surgery within 24 hours, and that hospital could not do it. We would have been at best highly stressed without the top quality private guide Furkan had arranged for that day originally for Ephesus to navigate the hospital. It could have been a disaster without her. My wife needed surgery the next day in Istanbul, and Furkan arranged for a hospital, a surgeon (who had done studies in the US after becoming a MD in Turkey), and transportation to the local airport and from the Istanbul airport to the hospital. He was helpful in other ways as well. I also learned that everything on the tours were top quality. One of several examples was ballooning in Cappadocia. I learned about the crowded balloons, while Furkan had arranged for a less crowded and more pleasant one had we been able to take it. And transportation was always super comfortable. I want to add both Furkan and Derya visited us while my wife was in the hospital. BTW - My wife had great care and her US doctor is amazed at her recovery. I spent two days with Derya Artan while my wife rested in her hotel room, and later we did the food tour with her and my wife. My wife had done a tour with her and my daughter two years ago without me. I learned why my wife insisted we use her. Derya excelled in the three things I want in a guide, enthusiasm, knowledge and good English. She was a delight to be around. I fact checked her when we were done and she was flawless (on a free day my wife and I hired a licensed guide to tour the Topkapı Palace, and he made multiple mistakes.) As far as knowledge goes, I want a guide who provides a good explanation without boring me with details, yet knows enough for when I ask questions about a particular area of interest. I felt her food and two continent tours gave me a good feel for the local culture, for example everybody in the busy Turkish restaurants were Turkish except us. I cannot recommend her more highly.

〰️

Fabulous two days being guided by Derya. We were a mum and daughter team. Derya gave us an insight into history and culture and food and geography and so much more that we would never have gained by ourselves. It's always so brilliant being with someone who knows a place so well: no time wasted in getting lost or deciding where to go next (even with a map this is an easy to place to get lost or miss hidden gems). Most importantly, Derya imparted so much knowledge so helpfully and clearly, and we felt we really got to know Istanbul, even in two short days. Thank you; we learned so much and enjoyed our time with you immensely.

〰️

We asked to create a customised one day tour of Istanbul to see as many cats as possible ! My wife absolutely loves cats and we have heard that Istanbul has many cats, so for her birthday I wanted to arrange a “cat tour”. Furkan and Derya were very accommodating and created such an amazing cat tour for us ! They provided cat food, and took us round parts of the new city and then on the ferry over to the Asian side and to a park where there must have been 100s of cats ! We got to learn a lot about the city while seeing cats. Thank you ! If you want a custom cat tour of Istanbul - give them a message ! :)

〰️

We booked a food tour with Private Istanbul Walking Tours for our first full day in Istanbul and enjoyed it so much that we ended up booking another tour two days later! Our guide, Furkan, was fantastic. We learned so much about the food and history of Istanbul and got to visit some fantastic neighborhoods that we wouldn’t have otherwise visited. The food on our tour was fantastic and very plentiful. I highly recommend this company and will book with them again the next time I visit Istanbul.

〰️

Furkan is knowledgeable, professional and a great guide. We had the most amazing tour of Istanbul with him. He explained in perfect English all the historical, architectural and social facets of Istanbul, Turkey and all the buildings that we visited. I will recommend Furkan to all my friends and family. He customize the private tour to what we asked him we wanted to see and was very patient and thorough. He took us to an amazing small shack for lunch which was a gem we would have not find otherwise not found.

I highly recommend Private Istanbul Walking Tours, who went above and beyond for us. We hired Private Istanbul Walking Tours to arrange a three city tour of Turkey (Furkan), part of which was private tours in Istanbul with Derya Artan. I am going to review the travel arrangements separately from the private tours with Derya. I am so glad we had Furkan arrange the travel arrangements. I am confident they would have been great except my wife had a nasty accident in Kusadasi about 8 hours after arrival requiring a visit to the ER that night and revisiting the hospital the next day to develop a treatment plan. She needed surgery within 24 hours, and that hospital could not do it. We would have been at best highly stressed without the top quality private guide Furkan had arranged for that day originally for Ephesus to navigate the hospital. It could have been a disaster without her. My wife needed surgery the next day in Istanbul, and Furkan arranged for a hospital, a surgeon (who had done studies in the US after becoming a MD in Turkey), and transportation to the local airport and from the Istanbul airport to the hospital. He was helpful in other ways as well. I also learned that everything on the tours were top quality. One of several examples was ballooning in Cappadocia. I learned about the crowded balloons, while Furkan had arranged for a less crowded and more pleasant one had we been able to take it. And transportation was always super comfortable. I want to add both Furkan and Derya visited us while my wife was in the hospital. BTW - My wife had great care and her US doctor is amazed at her recovery. I spent two days with Derya Artan while my wife rested in her hotel room, and later we did the food tour with her and my wife. My wife had done a tour with her and my daughter two years ago without me. I learned why my wife insisted we use her. Derya excelled in the three things I want in a guide, enthusiasm, knowledge and good English. She was a delight to be around. I fact checked her when we were done and she was flawless (on a free day my wife and I hired a licensed guide to tour the Topkapı Palace, and he made multiple mistakes.) As far as knowledge goes, I want a guide who provides a good explanation without boring me with details, yet knows enough for when I ask questions about a particular area of interest. I felt her food and two continent tours gave me a good feel for the local culture, for example everybody in the busy Turkish restaurants were Turkish except us. I cannot recommend her more highly. 〰️ Fabulous two days being guided by Derya. We were a mum and daughter team. Derya gave us an insight into history and culture and food and geography and so much more that we would never have gained by ourselves. It's always so brilliant being with someone who knows a place so well: no time wasted in getting lost or deciding where to go next (even with a map this is an easy to place to get lost or miss hidden gems). Most importantly, Derya imparted so much knowledge so helpfully and clearly, and we felt we really got to know Istanbul, even in two short days. Thank you; we learned so much and enjoyed our time with you immensely. 〰️ We asked to create a customised one day tour of Istanbul to see as many cats as possible ! My wife absolutely loves cats and we have heard that Istanbul has many cats, so for her birthday I wanted to arrange a “cat tour”. Furkan and Derya were very accommodating and created such an amazing cat tour for us ! They provided cat food, and took us round parts of the new city and then on the ferry over to the Asian side and to a park where there must have been 100s of cats ! We got to learn a lot about the city while seeing cats. Thank you ! If you want a custom cat tour of Istanbul - give them a message ! :) 〰️ We booked a food tour with Private Istanbul Walking Tours for our first full day in Istanbul and enjoyed it so much that we ended up booking another tour two days later! Our guide, Furkan, was fantastic. We learned so much about the food and history of Istanbul and got to visit some fantastic neighborhoods that we wouldn’t have otherwise visited. The food on our tour was fantastic and very plentiful. I highly recommend this company and will book with them again the next time I visit Istanbul. 〰️ Furkan is knowledgeable, professional and a great guide. We had the most amazing tour of Istanbul with him. He explained in perfect English all the historical, architectural and social facets of Istanbul, Turkey and all the buildings that we visited. I will recommend Furkan to all my friends and family. He customize the private tour to what we asked him we wanted to see and was very patient and thorough. He took us to an amazing small shack for lunch which was a gem we would have not find otherwise not found.

private and guided Hagia Sophia tour.

Private and Guided Istanbul Old City Walking Tour

Topkapi Palace + Hagia Sophia + Blue Mosque + Grand Bazaar

Duration: 5–6 hours
Best for: First-time visitors, history lovers, cruise passengers, families, couples, and stopover (layover) travelers.
Tour type: 100% private (only your group)
Meeting Point: House of Medusa Restaurant (Old City), Hotel pickup on foot (Karakoy and Old City).

Itinerary:

  • Explore Istanbul’s historic heart with a professional, licensed local guide.

  • Visit Topkapi Palace, the former residence of the Ottoman Sultans, including the Imperial Treasury.

  • Discover the legendary Hagia Sophia, one of the world’s most iconic monuments.

  • Step inside the Blue Mosque, famous for its blue Iznik tiles and six minarets, then walk through the Hippodrome.

  • Finish at the vibrant Grand Bazaar to experience Istanbul’s culture and local life.

  • Personalized pace, smart timing, and insider storytelling throughout, plus full customization for mobility needs.

Inclusions:

  • Professional, licensed local tour guide.

  • Skip-the-line tickets included for Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia.

  • Transparent pricing and no hidden costs (no shopping pressure).

A tasty and colorful Turkish breakfast in Istanbul

Private and Guided Istanbul Food Tour - Taste Of Istanbul.

Duration: 5 hours
Best for: Food lovers, first-time visitors, couples, families, friends
Tour type: 100% private (only your group).
Meeting Point: Karakoy T1 Tram Station (Karakoy), Hotel pickup on foot (Karakoy and Old City).

Itinerary:

  • Enjoy a curated Turkish breakfast in Karakoy at a local favorite.

  • Stroll through Karakoy’s colorful backstreets with a private local guide.

  • Taste Turkish coffee and some of the freshest baklava in Istanbul.

  • Take a scenic ferry from the European side to the Asian side.

  • Discover Kadikoy Market and sample authentic Istanbul street foods.

  • Sit down for a satisfying local meal: kebabs or home-cooked Turkish dishes.

  • Fully customizable for dietary needs, pace, and mobility needs

Inclusions:

  • Professional, licensed local guide.

  • All tastings included (breakfast, coffee/tea, baklava, and selected local bites).

  • Ferry ride to the Asian Side.

  • Transparent pricing and no hidden costs (no shopping pressure).

Two day Istanbul Tour with a private guide

2 Days - Private and Guided Istanbul Old City Walk and Food Tours.

Duration: 2 days (flexible start times).
Best for: First-time visitors, couples, families, cruise passengers, stopover/layover travelers, food lovers.
Tour type: 100% private (only your group).
Meeting options: Hotel pickup on foot (Karakoy and Old City) or House of Medusa Restaurant (Old City).

Itinerary:

  • Day 1: Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar (plus key Old City landmarks)

  • Skip-the-line tickets included for Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia

  • Day 2: Curated Taste of Istanbul Food Tour with all tastings included

  • Traditional Turkish Breakfast in Karakoy, then Turkish coffee at a local cafe house, and the freshest baklava.

  • Scenic ferry ride to Kadikoy (Asian Side) for markets, street foods, and local meals.

  • Transparent pricing and no hidden costs (no shopping pressure)

Inclusions:

  • Professional, licensed local guide (both days)

  • Skip-the-line tickets included (Topkapi Palace + Hagia Sophia)

  • All food tastings included on the food tour + ferry ride

  • Full customization for pace, interests, and dietary needs

The colorful streets of Fener and Balat in Istanbul

Private and Guided Fener and Balat Walking Tour / Off the Beaten Track.

Hidden Gems + Local Markets + Istanbul’s Multi-Faith Heritage

Duration: 5 hours.
Best for: Culture lovers, photographers, repeat visitors, families, Christian/Jewish heritage travelers, and off-the-beaten-path explorers.
Tour type: 100% private (only your group).
Meeting options: Pick-up from your accommodation.

Itinerary:

  • Discover Istanbul’s unique blend of Muslim, Christian, and Jewish heritage with a professional local guide.

  • Visit the magnificent Suleymaniye Mosque (Ottoman imperial masterpiece by Architect Sinan).

  • Explore Kadinlar Pazari, one of the city’s most authentic local markets.

  • Enjoy a tea/coffee break near the Aqueduct of Valens.

  • See Zeyrek Mosque (historically significant former Byzantine church).

  • Wander the colorful streets of Fener & Balat, famous for local life and photo-worthy corners.

  • End at the Fener Orthodox Patriarchate (Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople).

Inclusions:

  • Professional, licensed local guide.

  • Private transportation.

  • Full customization for pace, interests, and mobility needs.

  • Transparent pricing and no hidden costs

private guided basilica cistern tour in Istanbul

History Tour of Istanbul: Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Grand Bazaar.

Hagia Sophia + Basilica Cistern + Blue Mosque + Grand Bazaar

Duration: 4 hours (flexible)
Best for: First-time visitors, history lovers, stopover/layover travelers, cruise passengers, couples, families
Tour type: 100% private (only your group)
Meeting options: House of Medusa Restaurant (Old City), Hotel pickup on foot (Karakoy and Old City)

Itinerary:

  • Discover Istanbul’s top landmarks with an expert local guide and a smooth, well-paced route.

  • Skip-the-line tickets included for Hagia Sophia and the Basilica Cistern.

  • Begin at Hagia Sophia, one of the most important monuments in world architecture.

  • Explore the atmospheric Basilica Cistern, Istanbul’s iconic underground marvel.

  • Visit the legendary Blue Mosque, famous for blue Iznik tiles and six minarets.

  • End at the vibrant Grand Bazaar (4,000+ shops and historic lanes).

Inclusions:

  • Professional, licensed local guide.

  • Skip-the-line tickets included (Hagia Sophia + Basilica Cistern).

  • Full customization for pace, interests, and mobility needs.

  • Transparent pricing and no hidden costs (no shopping pressure).

Exterior of Topkapi Palace with a green lawn and trees on a sunny day.

Topkapi Palace & Harem, Basilica Cistern, and the Grand Bazaar Tour.

Duration: 6 hours (flexible)
Best for: History enthusiasts, museum lovers, first-time visitors, couples, solo travelers, same-sex travelers, friends
Tour type: 100% private (only your group).
Meeting options: House of Medusa Restaurant (Old City), Hotel pickup on foot (Karakoy and Old City).

Itinerary:

  • Explore Topkapi Palace, the Ottoman imperial residence and symbol of power and elegance.

  • Exclusive Harem visit for a deeper look into palace life and royal history.

  • Story-rich guidance from an expert local guide (sultans, ceremonies, and daily life inside the palace).

  • Discover the atmospheric Basilica Cistern, Istanbul’s iconic 6th-century underground world.

  • End at the legendary Grand Bazaar (4,000+ shops across historic covered streets).

Inclusions:

  • Professional, licensed local guide.

  • Entrance tickets included for Topkapi Palace, Harem, and Basilica Cistern.

  • Full customization for pace, interests, and mobility needs.

  • Transparent pricing and no hidden costs (no shopping pressure).

Private and guided Bosporus tour with wine tasting in private yatch

Luxury Bosphorus Tour 2-Hour Long Yacht Tour.

Luxury Yacht | Europe + Asia Views | Optional Turkish Wine Tasting

Duration: 2 hours (extendable upon request)
Best for: Couples, honeymooners, proposals, anniversaries, special occasions, families.
Tour type: 100% private (only your group)
Meeting options: Hotel or cruise port pick-up,

Itinerary:

  • Cruise the Bosphorus Strait, where Istanbul’s European and Asian sides meet.

  • See iconic landmarks such as Maiden’s Tower and Ortakoy.

  • Admire waterfront gems, including Ciragan Palace and Dolmabahce Palace.

  • Relax in complete privacy on your own luxury yacht with panoramic views.

  • Optional wine tasting experience featuring selected Turkish wines.

Inclusions:

  • Private yacht reserved exclusively for your group

  • Professional, licensed local guide.

  • Optional curated wine tasting (if selected)

  • Transparent pricing and no hidden costs (no pressure, no surprises)

Local female tour guide in Istanbul

Ethical Shopping Tour - Bargains and Bubbles with a local Tour Guide

Women-Led | Tailor-Made Shopping + Authentic

Duration: 3–5 hours.
Best for: Shoppers, art & design lovers, first-time visitors, couples, friends, female travelers.
Tour type: 100% private (only your group).
Meeting options: Pick-up from your accommodation.

Itinerary

  • Explore the Grand Bazaar with an experienced local tour guide.

  • Navigate the bazaar confidently with insider knowledge of quality, fair pricing, and authentic craftsmanship.

  • Discover the stories behind Istanbul’s most iconic pieces: rugs, tiles, kaftans, jewelry, leather, spices, and more.

  • Meet local artisans and learn what to look for in materials, patterns, and techniques.

  • Optional hands-on moments (workshops/artist visits) based on availability and your interests.

  • A relaxed, pressure-free experience designed around your style and shopping goals.

Inclusions:

  • Professional female tour guide.

  • Private Transportation.

  • Transparent pricing and no hidden costs.

Istanbul two continents tour

Istanbul Two Continents and Backstreets.

Grand Bazaar or Spice Market + Rustem Pasha + Istiklal + Galata + Kadikoy (Asian Side)

Duration: 4–5 hours
Best for: First-time visitors, repeat visitors, photographers, culture lovers, stopover/layover travelers (time permitting)
Tour type: 100% private (only your group)
Meeting options: Beyazid Square or Hotel pickup on foot (Karakoy and Old City).

Itinerary:

  • Start at Beyazid Square and the historic Ottoman Book Bazaar.

  • Explore Tahtakale, a lively local shopping district.

  • Visit the Grand Bazaar or Spice Market.

  • Admire the famous Iznik tiles at Rustem Pasha Mosque.

  • Walk along Istiklal Street and feel the energy of modern Istanbul.

  • Discover Galata and enjoy a rooftop cafe view over the skyline.

  • Take a scenic ferry to Kadikoy (Asian Side) for local life and the fish market.

Inclusions:

  • Professional, licensed local guide.

  • Ferry ride to the Asian Side.

  • Transparent pricing and no hidden costs (no shopping pressure).

Ornate white building with arched windows in a park setting, with greenery and a circular pond reflecting the sky and clouds.

Dolmabahce Palace, Rustem Pasha Mosque and the Spice Market Tour.

Duration: 4–5 hours.
Best for: Repeat travelers, culture lovers, cruise passengers, stopover/layover travelers, couples, families.
Tour type: 100% private (only your group).
Meeting options: Dolmabahce Palace main entrance, Hotel pickup on foot (Karakoy and Old City).

Itinerary:

  • Start your day smoothly with a private guide and efficient routing.

  • Visit Dolmabahce Palace, the grand 19th-century residence of the Ottoman sultans

  • Explore the legendary Spice Market for spices, teas, Turkish delights, and local aromas

  • Discover the “hidden gem” Rustem Pasha Mosque, famous for its Iznik tilework inside and out

  • Local storytelling, photo stops, and a personalized pace throughout

Inclusions:

  • Professional, licensed local guide.

  • Dolmabahce Palace entrance ticket included.

  • Full customization for pace, interests, and mobility needs

  • Transparent pricing and no hidden costs (no shopping pressure).

Contact us to create a bespoke itinerary.

Contact Us

  • Private Istanbul Walking Tours is chosen by travelers from the USA, Canada, Australia, and the UK because we offer private, fully customizable experiences with licensed local guides — with transparent pricing, no hidden costs, and no shopping pressure.

  • Yes. All our Istanbul tours are 100% private, designed exclusively for you and your group. You will never be joined by other travelers.

  • Absolutely. Every tour is custom-made based on your interests, pace, and travel style. We can focus on history, food, neighborhoods, photography, or a combination of experiences.

  • Yes. We will arrange skip-the-line tickets for major sites such as Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace (including the Harem section when available). This helps you avoid long ticket queues, save valuable time, and enjoy a smoother visit with your private guide explaining the history and significance of each site.

    Please note: Security checks are mandatory at all major landmarks and cannot be skipped.

  • Your tour will be led by a licensed Istanbul local tour guide with in-depth knowledge of Istanbul’s history, culture, and daily life. Our guides are fluent in English and experienced in hosting travelers from the USA, Canada, Australia, and the UK.

  • No. We believe in transparent pricing. There are no hidden fees and no shopping pressure during our tours. All inclusions and exclusions are clearly explained before booking.

  • Yes. We can adjust the itinerary, walking distance, and pace to accommodate mobility needs. Please let us know in advance so we can design the most comfortable route for you.

  • Most private guided tours last between 4 to 6 hours, but the duration can be adjusted based on your schedule, interests, and energy level.

  • Big platforms are marketplaces. They list many suppliers and often add service fees/commissions on top of the tour price. When you book directly with Private Istanbul Walking Tours, you get a more personal experience and better overall value:

    • More affordable direct booking: Booking with us directly often means better value than major platforms, because you avoid extra marketplace fees and we can tailor the tour to your exact needs.

    • True customization (not a template): We design the itinerary around your interests, pace, and schedule—history, food, neighborhoods, museums, photography, or family-friendly pacing.

    • Direct communication with a local team: You speak with us directly before booking, so planning is smoother and expectations are clear.

    • Premium private experience: Your group only—no strangers, no rushed timing, and no “one-size-fits-all” route.

    • Transparent pricing, no shopping pressure: We clearly explain what’s included and we do not force shopping stops.

  • We recommend booking as early as possible, particularly during peak travel seasons (spring, summer, and fall) 4 -6 weeks in advance, as availability is limited to maintain tour quality.

  • Simply, you can use the Book now buttons or Contact Us through our website with your travel dates and interests. We will design a personalized, private guided Istanbul tour and confirm all details with you.