Istanbul in 2 Days: Private Guiding Experience
2 Day Private Guiding Experience in Istanbul
Istanbul in 2 Day: Private Guiding Experience
Embark on a customizable private guided tour showcasing Istanbul’s rich history, cultural landmarks, and vibrant neighborhoods. Perfect for travelers with limited time or those seeking an in-depth exploration, this tour offers flexible itineraries tailored to your preferences.
Daily Tour Durations: Approx. between 7 - 8 Hours
Tour Duration: 2 Days
Tour starting point: Hotel or Istanbul Galataport
Tour ending point: Hotel or Istanbul Galataport
Includes: Private tour, professional tour guide
Excludes: Entrance tickets, lunch, drinks, transportation (unless option booked)
Sights to See on Private Guided Istanbul Tour
Day 1 - Highlights of Topkapi Palace Museum, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome Square, Basilica Cistern, Grand Bazaar
Day 2 - Spice Market, Bosphorus Cruise, Dolmabahce Palace, Taksim Square, Istiklal Street, Cicek Passage, Galata Tower (from outside)
Included/Excluded
- Private Tour
- Professional Tour Guide
- 1 Price up to 14 People
- Skip the Ticket Lines with Licensed Guide
- Museum/Attraction Tickets
- Transportation
- Lunch, Drinks
Detailed Itinerary of the Tour Days
Pictures of the Sights on Istanbul Old City Tour
Day 1 – Old City Highlights Tour
Private Guided Istanbul Old City Tour Exploring Istanbul’s Rich Heritage:
Your tour guide will meet you at your hotel lobby or cruise port to begin your Istanbul Old City Tour
Topkapi Palace Museum: Topkapi Sarayi was more than just the Imperial Residence of the Ottoman Sultans. It served as the seat of the Supreme Executive Council for nearly 400 years. The palace is a grand example of Oriental architecture, symbolizing the power of the Ottoman Empire.
Byzantine Hippodrome / Sultanahmet Square: A site where chariot races were held during the Roman Empire. The Egyptian Column from the Byzantine Empire is located here, with the German Fountain as a landmark in the square.
Hagia Sophia: Built in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian, it holds great significance in both the Christian and Islamic worlds. After the Ottoman conquest, many of its religious elements were removed, and its mosaics were covered to convert it into a mosque. Skip-the-line service is not available for active mosques, and there may be a queue for entry.
Blue Mosque: Constructed in the early 1600s by Sultan Ahmet I, the Blue Mosque is a masterpiece of architecture, known for its delicate proportions despite its massive scale. Skip-the-line service is also unavailable here, with a possible queue at the entrance.
Basilica Cistern: An ancient underground water storage system built by the Byzantine Empire in the 6th century. Known for its eerie atmosphere, the cistern is supported by 336 columns, with two Medusa head columns at the base, creating an unforgettable sight.
Grand Bazaar: The largest and oldest covered market in the world, with over 4,000 shops offering a variety of goods such as ceramics, leather, rugs, carpets, handicrafts, clothes, silver, and gold.
After completing your private Istanbul tour, your guide will accompany you back to your hotel or Istanbul port.
Important Notes:
This trip can be conducted as a walking tour since the sites are close to each other. If your hotel is located farther away, we recommend booking a private van for transportation.
Pictures of the Sights on Hidden Gems and Bosphorus Highlights Tour
Day 2: Hidden Gems and Bosphorus Highlights Tour
Your guide will meet you at your hotel lobby or cruise port to begin your Istanbul Bosphorus Region Tour
Spice Market: A colorful indoor bazaar filled with shops selling a variety of goods, such as spices, purses, flavored teas, Turkish delight, nuts, ceramics, and souvenirs. Located in Eminonu Square, this market is at the intersection of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn.
Bosphorus Cruise: A public ferry tour that takes you along the Bosphorus strait, offering views of the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. Along the way, you’ll see Galata Tower, Dolmabahce Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, Rumeli Fortress, historic Ottoman villas, the Bosphorus Bridge, and several mosques. For a more exclusive experience, you can opt for a Private Yacht.
Dolmabahce Palace: A stunning palace located on the Bosphorus with luxurious decorations, chandeliers, rugs, crystals, and ceramic fireplaces.
Taksim Square: A significant square in modern Turkey, where many important historical events have taken place.
Cicek Passage: A mix of traditional and modern architecture from the Ottoman Empire, home to a variety of cafes, shops, bars, and nightclubs near Taksim.
Istiklal Street: A lively street with embassies and Galata Tower, offering shopping, entertainment, and more.
At the end of your private Istanbul tour, your guide can drop you off at your hotel or Galataport.
Note: Due to the distance between sites, we recommend booking a private car for transportation
Your Best of Istanbul 2-day tour concludes here. For additional days or a customized tour, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Please Note That;
Museums’ Closed Days
Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.
Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays.
Blue Mosque is closed until 2 pm on Fridays.
Hagia Sophia entrance is restricted during praying time.
Dolmabahce Palace is closed on Mondays.
Due to regulations, a live guide service is not available at Dolmabahce Palace.
Rahmi Koc Museum is closed on Mondays, can be replaced with alternative sites.
Annual Closing Dates of museums and bazaars in Istanbul are;
January 1-New Year
(Eid Al Fitr 2025), 2025 – Ramadan Celebrations
(Eid AL Adha 2025), 2025 – Eid Celebrations
For Last Minute Bookings And Late Departures!
*As museums and some sites are closed around 17:30 pm, alternative tour sites will be advised by tour guide.
*Tour guide meets you at central Istanbul hotels or Istanbul Galata Port. If hotel is not centrally located, meeting point will be German Fountain.
*If van service is not chosen your guide meet you at centrally located hotels on foot.
*Please note that there will be an additional charge if your hotel is located outside of city center.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I meet my tour guide?
Your tour guide will meet you at your hotel lobby at the agreed-upon time to begin your Istanbul adventure.
Can I set the departure time for my tour?
Absolutely! As our tours are private, you have the flexibility to choose your preferred departure time.
Can I customize the sights I want to visit?
Of course! You can select the sights, museums, and other attractions based on your preferences in collaboration with your guide.
How do I purchase museum tickets?
There’s no need to buy tickets in advance. Your guide will assist you in purchasing tickets during the tour. Licensed guides have priority access at museum ticket offices for your convenience.
Will I be part of a group tour?
No,this tour is private to ensure a personalized experience. You’ll enjoy the exclusive services of a professional guide in your chosen language.
What are the transportation options?
If you book your tour with a private van, you’ll be picked up from your hotel, taken to the attractions, and returned to your hotel afterward. If not, your guide will meet you at your hotel and suggest the best transportation options, such as taxis or trams.
Can I include shopping in my tour?
We don’t include shopping stops unless requested. If you’d like to visit traditional workshops for handmade rugs, tiles, or jewelry, simply let us know when booking.
How do I book a Private Guided Istanbul Tour?
Booking is simple! Fill out the booking form with your details, including personal information, dates, your hotel or cruise name, and arrival/departure times. After completing the form,sen dus your request by cliking the submit button.We secure your reservation after the deposit payment done. Once payment is confirmed, you’ll receive a confirmation email within 24 hours.
How do I make a payment?
After completing the booking form, use the payment button to make your deposit. The remaining balance can be paid in cash to your tour guide during the tour. We accept payments in USD, Euro, or Turkish Lira.
Will Hagia Sophia’s status affect my tour?
As Hagia Sophia is now a mosque, entry is restricted during prayer times. Your guide will adjust your itinerary accordingly. Entrance is free of charge, but since it’s no longer a museum, skip-the-line privileges do not apply, and you may need to wait in the security line.
What should I know about visiting mosques in Istanbul?
Sultanahmet Mosque and Suleymaniye Mosque are the most famous and have become the attraction point for tourists.
The rules for the female visitors before entering the mosques are that the head and body should be covered in the mosque, but pants aren’t allowed, and although people may think that leggings or jeans cover the body, and even without showing anything, it draws the legs a bit, so it is not considered a suitable outfit for a mosque, however, is available scarfs for the heads and skirt for the body at the entrance of mosques, and it’s free of cost as well as entrance.
For male visitors, pants are allowed, but men should avoid shorts and tank tops, but is also provided for man in case he is not in the dress code.
What additional activities can I do in Istanbul?
Istanbul offers many activities to enhance your visit, such as a Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with traditional Turkish entertainment, a Turkish bath (Hamam), or a whirling dervish show. You can add these to your itinerary through the booking form, and we’ll arrange them for you.
What is the cancellation policy for the Best of Istanbul Tour?
Please refer to our Cancellation Policy for detailed information regarding changes or cancellations.
Book This Tour
For Last minute Istanbul tour inquiry, please call or whatsapp us at +90 534 562 77 21
Kindly note that Confirmation for non-English languages is subject to availability. Contact us for information before payment.