10 Private Istanbul Guides: fall in love with Istanbul in a day (2023)

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Are you looking for a private Istanbul Guided tour? Look no further. Here are 10 of the best ones out there.

Checking out tours and guides can be overwhelming. I get it! After living in Istanbul, Turkey for years now I can still get overwhelmed.

I know Istanbul but not like the professional tour guides.

What I love most about a private tour is they can customize it to you but also they make sure you’re taken care of.

You don’t have to worry about language and getting ripped off, because they have your back.

If you want to avoid hours combing through lists of guides and tours, here are the 10 best ones! They are all pretty similar with a couple of exceptions.

They all have English-speaking tour guides and some even have other languages like Spanish, German, and more.

If you’re finally ready to start getting that trip together to visit Istanbul, this is a great way to see the highlights.

Let’s jump in and see if we can find you the perfect private tour.

10 Best Private Istanbul Guide

Exploring Istanbul can be an amazing experience, and the best way to do it is with a private guide.

Private guides are knowledgeable locals who will help you discover all the hidden gems of Istanbul that most tourists miss out on.

With their expert knowledge and insider tips, they’ll make sure your time in Turkey is unforgettable!

Here are 10 of the best private tours in Istanbul to help you get started on your journey.

1. Best of City – Full-Day Walking Tour

⭐️ RATING: 4.7/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  8 hours |📍 LOCATION: European Side

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Highlights: It offers an exclusive experience to explore all that Istanbul has to offer, including priority entrance to famous sites such as the Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar, and more.

On this tour, you will be able to immerse yourself in Turkish culture while learning about its rich history through your guide’s expert knowledge and insider tips.

What’s Included:

Private Tour: Yes

Entrance Fees: No

Lunch: No

Transportation: No

Hotel Pickup: No

Cost: $149 for up to 20 people

2. Istanbul Private Tour

⭐️ RATING: 4.8/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  6 hours |📍 LOCATION: European Side

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Highlights: The benefits of a private Istanbul tour are plentiful.

You get the chance to sightsee places like the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace.

But you’ll also be able to explore the Hippodrome and experience the Grand Bazaar for a unique shopping experience.

With your professional tour guide’s detailed knowledge of the city and its history, you’ll get to learn more about Ottoman sultans as well as other cultural aspects that make Istanbul so special.

They do such a great job of adding personal touches to make it memorable for you.

What’s Included

Private Tour: Yes

Entrance Fees: No

Lunch: No

Transportation: Yes

Hotel Pickup: No

Cost: $105 per person

3. Full-day Private Tour

⭐️ RATING: 4.8/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  7 hours |📍 LOCATION: European Side

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Highlights: Not only will you get to see some of the most amazing sights such as the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace, but you will also get to explore the Hippodrome and experience the world’s oldest Bazaar for a unique shopping experience.

With your private guide’s expert knowledge and insider tips, you will get to learn more about Istanbul’s rich culture and history.

Plus, you’ll get to explore the city at your own pace without needing to rush from one attraction to another!

What’s Included

Private Tour: Yes

Entrance Fees: No

Lunch: No

Transportation: No

Hotel Pickup: Yes

Cost: $265 for up to 8 people

4. Fener & Balat Private Tours

⭐️ RATING: 4.8/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  3 hours |📍 LOCATION: Fenar & Balat

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Highlights: This tour is a little different than the rest.

With their expert knowledge and insider tips, your private guide will show you all the hidden gems of Istanbul, including the Golden Horn, Balat District, Fener District, and more.

You’ll also get to visit churches, synagogues, and mosques as well as explore the Byzantine city walls of Constantinople.

This tour is perfect if you have already seen the major stuff and you want to go a little deeper or you have limited time in Istanbul.

What’s Included

Private Tour: Yes

Entrance Fees: No

Lunch: No

Transportation: Walking Tour

Hotel Pickup: Pick Up at Galataport if ship details are provided

Cost: $243 for up to 2 people

5. Private Guided Istanbul Tour

⭐️ RATING: 4.8/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  8 hours |📍 LOCATION: European Side

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Highlights: Private guided tours of Istanbul provide the perfect way to experience its many wonders on a personal level.

With a knowledgeable local tour guide leading your tour, you can access all the hidden gems that make Istanbul such a unique and amazing city.

Your guide will be able to take you to all the must-see sights in Istanbul, as well as make sure it is exactly what you want to see.

After meeting at your hotel, or other designated spot, craft your perfect tour in Istanbul.

What’s Included

Private Tour: Yes

Entrance Fees: No

Lunch: No

Transportation: Yes, walking tour

Hotel Pickup: Yes

Cost: $145 for up to 12 people

6. Private 7-hour Istanbul Tour

⭐️ RATING: 4.6/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  7 hours |📍 LOCATION: European Side

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Highlights: The private 7-hour Istanbul Tour is the perfect way to experience the best of what this vibrant city has to offer.

With a professional guide, travelers can enjoy a private VIP tour of Istanbul in a luxurious vehicle, taking in all the sights including Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, and the oldest Bazaar in the world.

During your tour, you’ll be able to wander through the maze of shopping streets and take in the hustle and bustle of Istanbul.

Whether you’re looking for a day trip or on a short stay with a cruise, this tour is a great option to see all the highlights of Istanbul.

What’s Included

Private Tour: Yes

Entrance Fees: Yes

Lunch: No

Transportation: Yes

Hotel Pickup: No

Cost: $195 per person

7. Customizable Private Tour

⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  8 hours |📍 LOCATION: European Side

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Highlights: The ultimate tailor-made experience, this private one-day tour of Istanbul offers travelers the opportunity to explore the wonders of the city at their own pace.

With a professional guide and private transportation included in the package, you will be able to enjoy a flexible schedule that allows you to choose which locations you want to visit.

No matter your language preference, there is an experienced guide available who can provide insight into Turkey’s rich cultural heritage and history.

This tour provides convenience and comfort for those looking for an unforgettable exploration of Istanbul in just one day!

What’s Included

Private Tour: Yes

Entrance Fees: No

Lunch: No

Transportation: Yes, private transportation

Hotel Pickup: Yes

Cost: $414 for up to 4

8. Classic City Tour & Bosphorus Cruise

⭐️ RATING: 4.7/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  7 hours |📍 LOCATION: Old City & Cruise

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Highlights: Experience the best of Istanbul’s Old City with a private tour!

With this tour, you can explore the city’s fascinating blend of Christian and Islamic influences at places like Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque.

Enjoy shopping at markets such as the world’s biggest Bazaar, Spice Market, and covered bazaars for spices, sweets, and souvenirs.

Plus take an optional cruise on the Bosphorus passing by the iconic suspension bridge (tickets not included).

All this in just 7 hours will pass quickly due to how enjoyable it is!

What’s Included

Private Tour: Yes

Entrance Fees: No

Lunch: No, but the restaurants they choose are great!

Transportation: No

Hotel Pickup: No

Cost:$265 for up to 8 people

9. Istanbul Guided Private Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  7 hours |📍 LOCATION: Customizable

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Highlights:

This tour is one of the few that boasts full customization which means that you can see both the European and Asian sides of this unforgettable city.

With a private tour, you can make the most of your time in this amazing city.

From full-day tours to multi-day excursions with hotel pick-up included, there are plenty of options for any traveler looking for an incredible exploration of Istanbul.

With customizable itineraries and personalized experiences tailored to your interests, you’ll be able to explore all the top sights of Istanbul while enjoying a comfortable, convenient journey.

Plus, you’ll have access to knowledgeable local guides who will help you uncover hidden gems that only locals know about!

What’s Included

Private Tour: Yes

Entrance Fees: No

Lunch: No

Transportation: No

Hotel Pickup: Yes

Cost: $200 for up to 8 people

10. Best of Istanbul

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  6 hours |📍 LOCATION: Multiple Options

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Highlights: The Best of Istanbul Tours offers travelers a unique and comprehensive experience to explore this vibrant city.

With professional guides and customizable itineraries tailored to your interests, you can be sure to get the most out of your visit.

Choose from a full-day tour to multi-day excursions with hotel pick-up included.

Plus, with access to knowledgeable local guides who will help you uncover hidden gems that only locals know about, you’ll be able to enjoy an unforgettable exploration of Istanbul in just one day!

This tour provides convenience and comfort for those looking for a truly special journey.

What’s Included

Private Tour: Yes

Entrance Fees: No

Lunch: No

Transportation: No

Hotel Pickup: Guide to meet you at Centrally located hotels

Cost: $250 for up to 8 people

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I hope you found the perfect private tour for what you wanted to do! You can’t really go wrong with any of these.

As you stroll through the streets of Istanbul, soak in all of the intricacies of this amazing place, and enjoy the food and the smells of Turkish coffee.

This is just the first step to falling in love with Turkey…there is so much more than just Istanbul, though it is a great place to start! If you wanna stay longer, check out the week-long itinerary for Turkey.

Final thoughts on Istanbul Private Tours

If you’re planning a visit to Turkey and want to make the most of your experience, considering a local private tour of Istanbul is a fantastic idea.

These top 10 best Istanbul private guides offer similar options, including exploring the city’s iconic landmarks to delving into hidden gems and cultural insights.

Not only will you save time and avoid the hassles of navigating a new city, but you’ll also gain a deeper understanding of Istanbul’s rich history and vibrant culture.

With customizable itineraries and knowledgeable local guides, you’re in for an unforgettable journey that will make your time in Istanbul truly special.

So, pick the day tour that suits your interests, and get ready to discover the wonders of this enchanting city.

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