Istanbul Walks' guides can be booked to lead group and private tours. Whether
it's for individuals, couples, or groups a private Istanbul sightseeing tour is a lot of fun. Enjoy the freedom of individual
touring. Go at whatever time suits you best to the places that interest you most at a pace that you
choose. Your Guide will collect and return you at the start and end of the day to any location in
Istanbul. Choose a tour from the list below or create your
own itinerary with the assistance of your guide.
Istanbul Tour
1 - Istanbul Classics
This
full day private Istanbul sightseeing tour explores the heart of the "Old City". Visit the
historical and architectural wonders of Istanbul.
Saint
Sophia: the church of "Divine Wisdom". This masterpiece of
Byzantine architecture built by Justinian in 6th century as the cathedral of
Constantinople was the center of the religious life of the Byzantine Empire.
Blue Mosque: facing Saint Sophia, is one of the principal adornments on the skyline
of the city, famous with its blue Iznik tiles and unique with 6 minarets, built in the name of
Sultan Ahmet.
Hippodrome: was the scene of chariot races and the center of civil activities of
Constantinople. During the visit you'll be able to see the Obelisk from Egypt, Serpentine Column
from Delphi.
Topkapi Palace: the great palace of the Ottoman Sultans between the 15th
to the 19th centuries. Today, it
contains, as a museum, superb and unrivaled collections of porcelains, armor, jewels, illuminated
manuscripts, calligraphy, and many objects of art formerly belonging to the
Sultans. And visit the Harem, a veritable labyrinth of passages,
courtyards, gardens and rooms. It includes not only the women's quarters, but
also the quarters of the Black Eunuchs, rooms and schoolhouses for the young
princes, the Sultan's private apartments, and the apartments called the Cage
where the Sultan's brothers lived in more or less honorable confinement.
Basilica Cistern: an enormous underground Byzantine Cistern. 336
Corinthian columns support fine brick vaulting.
Covered Bazaar: a labyrinth of
streets and passages that houses more than 4.000 shops.
Closed:
Saint
Sophia on Mondays
Topkapi
Palace on Tuesdays
Covered Bazaar on Sundays
Istanbul Tour
2 - Bosphorus Cruise & Asiatic Side
A
stay in Istanbul is not complete without a traditional and unforgettable
excursion by boat along the Bosphorus. Along its shores is a delightfully
surprising mixture of past and present, grand splendor and simple beauty. (Full
day Istanbul sightseeing tour)
Cruise
along the Bosphorus, an unforgettable excursion between two continents, Europe and Asia. The cruise
takes you along the last palaces of Ottomans, the Dolmabahce and Beylerbeyi, as well as 19th
and 20th century, beautiful wooden kiosks, mansions and modern villas, which form the elegant
section of the city.
Drive to the Asian part of Istanbul through the Intercontinental
Bosphorus Bridge and enjoy a panoramic view from the highest point of Istanbul Camlica
Hill.
