Terms & Conditions
and Privacy Notice

About Our Services

Private Istanbul Walking Tours offers custom-made private travel services in Turkey, including Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus, Gallipoli, Pamukkale, and other destinations.

Depending on your request, our services may include private guided tours, itinerary planning, transportation, hotel arrangements, museum and site ticket arrangements where possible, airport transfers, day trips, multi-day travel planning, and other related travel services.

Every itinerary is prepared based on the details confirmed with you before booking. We aim to provide clear communication, transparent pricing, and a smooth private travel experience.

Our sightseeing guiding and airport transfers are private for your party. Scheduled domestic flights, public ferry crossings, hot air balloon flights, and selected activities may be shared. The format of each service is explained in your confirmed proposal.

Your initial suggested itinerary for a custom-made Turkey journey is free of charge. We are happy to arrange a video call to discuss your plans.

How to Book

You can make a reservation by:

• Booking through our website

• Emailing us

• Calling or messaging us by WhatsApp

A booking is considered confirmed only after we have accepted your request and any required payment or deposit has been received.

If you are booking on behalf of other guests, you are responsible for sharing these Terms and Conditions with everyone in your group.

Booking Ahead and Availability

We recommend booking your private guide and travel services as early as possible, ideally at least 4 weeks in advance.

We are a small, specialized agency, and guide availability can be limited, especially during high season, cruise season, public holidays, and busy travel periods.

Last-minute requests are welcome, but availability cannot be guaranteed.

Prices and What Is Included

The exact inclusions of your booking will be confirmed in writing before payment.

Depending on the service, your confirmed price may include some or all of the following:

• Private guiding

• Transportation

• Airport transfers

• Hotel arrangements

• Domestic flights

• Museum or site ticket arrangements, where possible

• Itinerary planning

• Travel coordination

• Other services specifically listed in your confirmed proposal

Unless clearly stated in your confirmed proposal, the following are not automatically included:

• Meals and drinks

• Personal expenses

• Tips and gratuities

• Optional activities

• Travel insurance

• Visa or passport-related costs

• Additional services requested during the trip

• Services not specifically listed as included

We will clearly explain what is included and not included before you confirm your booking.

Guide-only hire covers guidance only; entrance fees, food, drinks, and transportation are separate unless expressly included in your confirmed booking. Inclusive sightseeing tours, food tours, and complete Turkey journeys have their own stated inclusions.

Payments

We accept payment by:

• Bank transfer

• Credit card, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express

• Cash, when agreed in advance

Cash payments may be accepted in USD, Euro, Australian Dollar, Canadian Dollar, Turkish Lira, New Zealand Dollar, or British Pound.

All cash payments must be made in clean, undamaged banknotes.

Payment details, due dates, and any deposit requirements will be confirmed before booking.

If payment is not received by the agreed deadline, we may not be able to hold guide availability, hotel arrangements, transportation, or other services.

For complete multi-day Turkey journeys booked directly with us, including hotels and the agreed travel services, payment can be divided into two or three agreed installments. Amounts and due dates are confirmed before booking. Any cash portion must also be agreed in advance.

Card Fees, Bank Fees, and Exchange Rates

We aim to keep pricing clear and transparent.

Any card processing fees, bank transfer fees, exchange-rate differences, taxes, third-party supplier charges, or other applicable costs will be explained before payment whenever they apply.

Unless otherwise agreed in writing, guests are responsible for any bank fees, card fees, currency conversion costs, or transfer charges applied by their own bank, card provider, or payment platform.

Cancellations by Guests

Cancellation fees are based on the total cost of your booking.

Our standard cancellation policy is:

These cancellation fees help cover planning time, guide reservations, administrative work, supplier commitments, and services held for your booking.

Some bookings may include hotels, transportation, domestic flights, ferry tickets, special activities, or other third-party services with stricter cancellation terms. In those cases, the supplier’s own cancellation policy may apply in addition to our cancellation policy.

Refunds

Where a refund is due, it will usually be made to the original payment method whenever reasonably possible.

Refunds may be reduced by bank fees, card processing fees, exchange-rate differences, payment platform costs, and non-refundable third-party supplier charges where applicable.

Refund timing may vary depending on banks, card providers, payment platforms, and international transfer systems.

Travel credits or vouchers may be offered as an option when appropriate, but they are not intended to replace a refund unless this is agreed with the guest or permitted by applicable rules.

Changes Requested by Guests

We understand that travel plans can change, and we will do our best to help.

If you want to change your tour date, itinerary, number of guests, hotel, transportation, or other confirmed services, please contact us as early as possible.

Changes are subject to availability and may result in additional costs. Some third-party suppliers may not allow changes after confirmation, or they may charge amendment fees.

Cancellations or Changes by Us

In rare situations, we may need to change or cancel part of a confirmed service due to guide availability, safety concerns, severe weather, site closures, local restrictions, transportation issues, government regulations, force majeure events, or circumstances beyond our reasonable control.

If this happens, we will do our best to offer a suitable alternative where possible.

Depending on the situation, available options may include rescheduling, changing the itinerary, replacing a service with a comparable alternative, issuing a partial refund, or issuing a full refund for the affected service, subject to any applicable third-party supplier terms.

Museum Tickets, Site Entry, and Security Checks

Where possible, museum and site tickets may be arranged in advance.

However, all visitors must still pass through mandatory security checks. Waiting times may vary depending on the site, season, local conditions, cruise ship schedules, public holidays, prayer times, and visitor numbers.

Advance ticket arrangements do not remove mandatory security checks.

Some museums, mosques, palaces, archaeological sites, and attractions may close partially or fully without much notice due to restoration, official ceremonies, prayer times, private events, government decisions, weather, or operational reasons.

If this happens, we will do our best to adjust the itinerary in a reasonable and practical way.

We arrange advance tickets where available. Basilica Cistern tickets are purchased at the location. Advance ticket arrangements do not provide unrestricted skip-the-line access.

Itinerary Changes During the Tour

We do our best to follow the confirmed itinerary, but the order of visits may change due to traffic, weather, crowds, museum closures, prayer times, security checks, cruise schedules, road closures, local events, or operational reasons.

Any changes will be made with the aim of preserving the quality and comfort of your experience.

Private tours are flexible, but flexibility depends on timing, location, site opening hours, guide availability, transportation arrangements, and local conditions.

Third-Party Suppliers

Some parts of your itinerary may be provided by third-party suppliers, such as hotels, transportation companies, museums, restaurants, domestic airlines, ferry companies, balloon companies, activity providers, or local service partners.

Their own terms, conditions, safety rules, cancellation policies, and refund policies may apply.

We will share relevant supplier terms whenever they materially affect your booking.

We are not responsible for delays, closures, cancellations, service changes, or policies controlled by third-party suppliers, except where required by applicable law.

Hotels and Accommodation

If hotel accommodation is included in your confirmed itinerary, the hotel name, room type, meal plan, cancellation terms, and other relevant details will be shared before confirmation whenever possible.

Hotel check-in and check-out times are set by the hotel. Early check-in and late check-out are not guaranteed unless confirmed in writing by the hotel.

Hotel ratings, room sizes, facilities, views, and service standards may vary by destination and property.

Transportation and Transfers

If transportation is included, the type of vehicle and service details will be confirmed according to your itinerary and group size.

Traffic in Istanbul and other parts of Turkey can be unpredictable. Travel times may vary due to traffic, roadworks, weather, local events, security measures, ferry schedules, or other conditions.

Guests are responsible for being ready at the agreed meeting time. Delays caused by late arrival may shorten the tour or affect the itinerary.

Private vehicle service is included only when specified in your confirmed program. Optional transportation connected to a tour and separate airport transfers are quoted according to the agreed service.

Cruise Guests, Flight Delays, and Late Arrivals

For cruise guests, private shore excursions are planned according to the ship’s scheduled arrival and departure times.

If your cruise ship arrival is delayed, please contact us as soon as possible. We will do our best to adjust the tour, but the itinerary may need to be shortened.

For airport transfers, layover tours, and multi-day trips, flight delays, missed connections, baggage delays, immigration delays, or airline schedule changes may affect the confirmed service.

We are not responsible for costs caused by airline delays, cruise schedule changes, missed flights, missed connections, or late arrivals, except where required by applicable law.

Guest Responsibilities

Guests are responsible for:

• Providing accurate booking information

• Arriving on time at the agreed meeting point

• Carrying valid passports, visas, travel documents, and insurance

• Following local laws and site rules

• Respecting guides, drivers, suppliers, local communities, and other visitors

• Informing us in advance about mobility needs, dietary needs, allergies, medical considerations, or other important requirements

• Taking care of personal belongings

We reserve the right to refuse or stop service if a guest behaves in a way that is unsafe, abusive, illegal, heavily disruptive, or disrespectful toward guides, drivers, staff, suppliers, local people, or other guests.

Mobility, Accessibility, and Special Requirements

Many historic areas in Turkey include uneven streets, stairs, hills, cobblestones, crowds, narrow passages, and sites with limited elevator access.

Please tell us about any mobility needs, walking limitations, wheelchair use, stroller use, or other accessibility requirements before booking.

We will do our best to design a suitable itinerary, but accessibility may vary depending on the destination, museum, hotel, vehicle, restaurant, and local conditions.

If we are not informed of special requirements in advance, we may not be able to make suitable arrangements during the tour.

Food, Allergies, and Dietary Requests

If your itinerary includes food, restaurants, cooking experiences, tastings, or meal arrangements, please inform us in advance about any allergies, dietary restrictions, or food preferences.

We will do our best to communicate your requests to restaurants and suppliers. However, we cannot guarantee that kitchens or suppliers are free from allergens or cross-contamination.

Guests with serious allergies or medical dietary needs should use their own judgment and take appropriate precautions.

Food venues may use shared kitchens, utensils, and preparation areas, so cross-contact is possible. Please discuss severe allergies or strict gluten-free requirements with us before booking so we can assess whether the proposed experience is suitable.

Shopping and Personal Purchases

Our tours do not include forced shopping stops or commission-driven detours.

Shopping visits can be arranged upon guest request.

Any purchase made during your trip is a private transaction between you and the shop, gallery, market, artisan, or supplier. Please check prices, quality, shipping terms, refund policies, customs rules, and warranty details before making a purchase.

We are not responsible for personal purchases, shipping issues, customs duties, product quality, returns, or refunds related to shopping transactions.

We do not receive shop commissions or kickbacks from guests’ purchases. Any optional private transportation for shopping is an additional service unless included in your confirmed proposal.

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend that all guests purchase suitable travel insurance before traveling to Turkey.

Your insurance should cover medical issues, trip cancellation, trip interruption, flight delays, cruise schedule changes, missed connections, lost luggage, personal belongings, emergency assistance, and any activities included in your itinerary.

We are not responsible for costs caused by personal illness, injury, flight delays, airline cancellations, missed connections, lost items, or events outside our control, except where required by applicable law.

Health, Safety, and Local Conditions

Guests are responsible for choosing services and activities suitable for their own health, fitness level, mobility, and comfort.

Turkey is generally a welcoming destination for international travelers, but local conditions may differ from your home country. Weather, walking distances, traffic, crowds, site rules, stairs, uneven surfaces, and local customs should be considered when planning your trip.

If you have any health or safety concerns, please let us know before booking so we can advise as clearly as possible.

Photography and Media

Guides may occasionally take photos during a tour only with guest permission.

We will not intentionally use guest images for marketing without consent.

Guests are responsible for following photography rules at museums, mosques, religious sites, archaeological sites, private venues, and other locations.

Personal Belongings

Guests are responsible for their own personal belongings, including phones, cameras, bags, passports, wallets, jewelry, luggage, and shopping items.

Please check vehicles, restaurants, hotels, and meeting points carefully before leaving.

We are not responsible for lost, stolen, damaged, or forgotten personal items, except where required by applicable law.

Force Majeure and Events Beyond Our Control

We are not responsible for failure to provide or complete services when this is caused by events beyond our reasonable control.

These may include, but are not limited to, severe weather, natural disasters, strikes, protests, war, terrorism, pandemics, government restrictions, security measures, road closures, site closures, transportation disruptions, airline or cruise changes, supplier failures, or other unexpected events.

In such cases, we will do our best to assist, adjust plans, or offer reasonable alternatives where possible.

Limitation of Responsibility

We are responsible for providing the services confirmed by us with reasonable care and professionalism.

However, we are not responsible for losses, expenses, delays, injuries, disappointment, or changes caused by third-party suppliers, guest actions, incorrect information provided by guests, missed meeting times, local conditions, events beyond our control, or services not included in the confirmed booking, except where required by applicable law.

Nothing in these Terms is intended to remove any mandatory consumer rights that may apply to you under applicable law.

Complaints and Problem Solving

If something does not meet your expectations, please contact us as soon as possible during your trip so we have a chance to help.

We believe most issues can be solved more easily when they are raised immediately.

If you wish to make a written complaint after the service, please contact us by email and include your booking details, travel date, and a clear explanation of the issue.

We aim to review written complaints carefully and respond within a reasonable time.

Privacy

We respect your privacy and handle personal information carefully.

When you contact us or book a service, we may collect details such as your name, email address, phone number, travel dates, group size, hotel details, travel preferences, dietary notes, mobility notes, and other information needed to arrange your trip.

We use this information to communicate with you, prepare your itinerary, manage your booking, provide the requested service, meet legal or tax requirements, and improve our customer experience.

We may share necessary information with service providers when needed to deliver your booking, such as guides, drivers, hotels, restaurants, transportation companies, ticket providers, or other travel partners.

We do not sell your personal information.

For questions about your personal information or to submit a privacy-related request, email info@privateistanbulwalkingtours.com.

Website Information

We try to keep the information on our website accurate and up to date.

However, prices, itineraries, museum rules, opening hours, travel conditions, and service details may change.

Website content is provided for general information. The final details of your booking are the details confirmed with you in writing.

Governing Law

Our services are provided in Turkey and are subject to applicable laws and regulations in Turkey.

Depending on your country of residence, you may also have mandatory consumer rights that cannot be excluded by these Terms.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about these Terms and Conditions, please contact us:

Private Istanbul Walking Tours
Operated by Off The Beaten Path Travel Agency
TURSAB License No. A12755
Istanbul, Turkey

Email:
info@privateistanbulwalkingtours.com

Alternative email:
furkangokcel@gmail.com

Phone / WhatsApp / iMessage:
+90 537 741 00 62