- Since 1989
- Over 200,000 guests
- State-licensed team
- Tours in 25 languages
- No shopping stops
One city, two continents – and every reason to plan it well
Hear the call to prayer drift across the Golden Horn at dawn, stand in the cool half-light of a Byzantine cistern at noon, and dine on the Asian shore by evening – and you will understand that Istanbul is not a place you simply tick off. Our team of state-licensed guides has been showing visitors this city since 1989. This travel guide grew out of countless conversations with our guests and answers the questions we hear most often before people arrive.
Every district has its own rhythm. Sultanahmet is the stone heart, home to Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace and the Basilica Cistern, with the Grand Bazaar and the Süleymaniye Mosque close by. Beyoğlu and Galata stand for the European-flavoured 19th century: arcades, rooftop terraces and art. In Balat and Fener, colourful wooden houses, churches and synagogues tell of Greek, Armenian and Jewish neighbourhoods. Kadıköy and Üsküdar on the Asian side feel more relaxed and local, with markets and waterfront promenades, while the Bosphorus villages and their wooden mansions, the yalıs, reveal the city's summer-retreat soul.
How you visit matters as much as what you see: modest dress in mosques, respect for prayer times and Fridays, a relaxed approach to money and tipping – and a sharp eye for tourist traps. Touts, overpriced taxis and bargain tours with compulsory carpet or leather shop stops cost time and patience. Our tours are private and never include shopping stops. Read on, then decide whether to explore Istanbul on your own or with a guide from our team.
Istanbul in 3 days – how to plan it
Day 1: Old City classics
Start early in Sultanahmet with Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Basilica Cistern and Topkapı Palace; keep the afternoon for the Grand Bazaar and the Süleymaniye Mosque. Museum closing days and opening hours change – we plan your day around them. Questions? Call us Mon–Fri on +49 39209 649448, otherwise message us on WhatsApp.
Day 2: Bosphorus & Galata
Istanbul is at its most elegant seen from the water: palaces, fortresses and wooden mansions line the shores – perfect for a private boat tour. Then Galata and Beyoğlu, with the tower, the arcades and a rooftop at sunset.
Day 3: Asia or the Princes' Islands
Choose between lively Kadıköy and quiet, devout Üsküdar on the Asian side – or a day on the almost car-free Princes' Islands with pine forests and old summer villas.
Tip: a guide for the Old City
Sultanahmet is where a guide pays off most: Byzantium and the Ottomans come together as one story, tickets are handled and touts kept at bay. Our private half-day tour starts at €220 for up to 3 people.
Why our Istanbul tips are different
Experience since 1989
Our advice comes from more than 200,000 guided guests – not from brochures, but from daily life in the city's streets.
Honest, commission-free
We earn nothing from carpet, jewellery or leather shops, so we can tell you openly where to be careful.
Private and flexible
With us you travel only with your family or own group. Choose your start time; pick-up at your hotel, Galataport or in Sultanahmet.
Licensed, in 25 languages
State-licensed guides work in 25 languages and buy prepaid tickets at the guides' counters, so you skip the long queues.
Our private tours in Istanbul
If you would rather shape your days with a licensed guide, here are our private tours at fixed prices.
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Classic7 h
Discover Istanbul – Full-Day Tour
Our classic day begins as morning light slips through the dome of Hagia Sophia, then moves on to the Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace and the cool half-light of the Cistern – private, unhurried and at your own pace.
from €240Book now -
Off the beaten path7 h
Secrets of the Locals
A favourite of returning guests: the Little Hagia Sophia while its courtyard is still quiet, hidden cisterns beneath ordinary houses and rooftop terraces where locals sip their tea – our team's own beloved corners.
from €240Book now -
Asian side7 h
The Other Side – Asia
Best in the late afternoon: a ferry to Üsküdar and its waterfront mosques, a stroll through the wooden houses of Kuzguncuk and the markets of Kadıköy, ending in Moda as the sun sets behind the old city.
from €240Book now -
Day trip7 h
The Princes' Islands
A day where all you hear are gulls and bicycle bells: the Princes' Islands, where cars are not allowed, in the Sea of Marmara, with wooden villas, quiet monasteries and pine forests – ferry tickets are already included.
from €300Book now -
Food4 h
Istanbul Street Food Tour
Istanbul is best tasted at its street stalls: a crisp simit at breakfast, fish sandwiches by the water, baklava and a strong Turkish coffee – and for every bite, we share the story behind it.
from €220Book now -
Golden Horn7 h
The Golden Horn by Water and Land
Along the Golden Horn, water and hills take turns: from devout Eyüp up to the Pierre Loti tea garden overlooking the bay, then down into the colourful lanes of Fener and Balat.
from €240Book now -
Time calculator1–12 h
How much Istanbul fits into your time?
Every trip starts with one simple question: how many hours do you have? Enter your time window and the calculator instantly suggests the right private tour at a fixed price – anywhere from one to twelve hours.
from €220Book now -
Classic4 h
Discover Istanbul – Half Day
Perfect for a first impression: four hours in the old city, in the morning as the lanes wake up or in the warm afternoon light – the highlights, privately and without a crowd around you.
from €220Book now -
Custom programme7 h
YOU & ME – Your Tailor-Made Tour
For independent spirits: you draw up the wish list, and your guide turns it into a well-rounded seven-hour day – famous classics, quiet insider spots or a little of both.
from €240Book now -
Flexible1–12 h
Guide by the Hour
Sometimes all you need is someone who knows the way: book your guide for one to twelve hours – for a museum, the bustle of the bazaar or a wander through a neighbourhood of your choice.
from €220Book now -
Evening4 h
Istanbul by Night – Panoramic Drive
When the domes are floodlit and the bridges over the Bosphorus begin to glow, Istanbul shows its most beautiful side: four hours of mosques and viewpoints, with vehicle, driver and guide.
from €360Book now -
Stopoverdepending on layover
Layover – Turn Your Wait into a Tour
A long connection need not be lost time: we collect you at IST or SAW airport, stroll with you through the old city for as long as your onward flight allows, and have you back punctually.
from €310Book now -
Multi-day2 × 7 h
Istanbul in 2 Days – Combo Tour
With two days you see more than the postcard views: with the same guide you explore the old city, the Bosphorus and quiet corners over two seven-hour days – with time to catch your breath.
from €440Book now -
Multi-day6 × 7 h
6 Days of Byzantium, Rome and the Ottomans
A journey for those who truly want to know Istanbul: six seven-hour days that lead from Byzantium via Rome to the Ottoman Empire – chapter by chapter, like a good history book.
from €900Book now -
Byzantium7 h
Hidden Layers – the Underworld
Beneath the bustle of the present lies a second city: in seven hours we take you to Chora, along the Land Walls, down into cool cisterns and through the hillside lanes of Fener and Balat.
from €240Book now -
Architecture7 h
Sinan's Signature
Our tip for a sunny day: seven hours among Sinan's buildings as the light falls through the windows of the domes – your guide shows how the great master builder worked with dome, light and acoustics.
from €240Book now -
Families5 h
Istanbul for Families
A day of adventure for young explorers: five hours in the old city at a child's pace, with riddles at the Hippodrome, the mysterious Medusa in the Cistern and glittering treasures in the palace.
from €240Book now -
Themed tour6 h
Sultanas and Women of the Harem
Behind the lattices of the harem, world politics was made: for six hours you follow Hürrem, Kösem and Turhan Hatice, the women who steered an empire – one of the city's most gripping stories.
from €240Book now -
Christian heritage7 h
Paul, Constantine and the Councils
A journey of discovery for travellers with a feeling for church history: seven hours at the places where the Christian faith took shape – from the imperial church to the Patriarchate.
from €240Book now -
Themed tour7 h
Istanbul's Jewish Heritage
Synagogues in Galata, the lanes of Balat and 500 years of Sephardic life: a seven-hour day that tells a quiet, often overlooked side of Istanbul.
from €320Book now -
Evening4 h
Blue Hour – Between Day and Night
Our favourite moment of the day: as dusk spreads over the city and the call to prayer drifts across, you are sitting on a rooftop terrace – four hours with vehicle and driver.
from €480Book now -
Exclusive2 h
Luxury VIP Yacht on the Bosphorus
Two hours that stay with you: on a private luxury yacht you glide along the Bosphorus, with drinks on board and a four-course menu on request, while the shores slip past.
from €400Book now -
Exclusive7 h
VIP Luxury – Private Full-Day Tour
An Istanbul day straight out of a travel magazine: seven hours with a guide and a chauffeur in a premium vehicle, plus lunch and a yacht – with a route that follows your wishes entirely.
from €2,950Book now -
From the air15–60 min
Helicopter Sightseeing Flight
The city from a bird's-eye view: in 15 to 60 minutes you fly over the Bosphorus, its bridges and the old city – a private helicopter flight for up to six people, with views that stay hidden from the ground.
from €1,000Book now -
Architecture7 h
Istanbul Metamorphosis
For those who already know Istanbul: seven hours exploring the city's new face, from Ottoman silos to futuristic caves – vehicle, pick-up and return transfer included.
from €440Book now -
Cruise7 h
Shore Excursion from Galataport – Full Day
Is your ship spending a whole day at Galataport? Then we welcome you right at the terminal, show you the highlights of the old city in seven hours and bring you back safely before the call of 'All aboard'.
from €240Book now -
Cruise4 h
Shore Excursion from Galataport – Half Day
Little time ashore, but the three great names: Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Cistern in four compact hours from Galataport – just right when your ship only calls briefly.
from €220Book now -
Accessible4–7 h
Accessible Shore Excursion – Wheelchair-Friendly
Istanbul without steps or obstacles: a wheelchair-accessible van with an electric lift collects you at Galataport or your hotel, and along a carefully chosen route you enjoy four to seven hours in the old city.
from €470Book now
Fixed price for your whole group of up to 3 people · each additional person +€10 · child 3–12 yrs +€8 · infant +€5 · entrance fees not included
Practical Istanbul tips – frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Istanbul?
Spring (April to early June) and autumn (September to November) are the most pleasant: mild, bright and not too hot. High summer is humid and crowded, winter often wet and chilly – but the sights are far quieter. In April, tulips bloom in many parks.
What should I know about Ramadan and public holidays?
During Ramadan, sights and most restaurants stay open, and the evening fast-breaking brings a festive atmosphere to many squares. On religious and national holidays, opening hours may change and popular places can be very busy. Islamic holidays move every year, so check the dates for your travel year.
How do I visit a mosque respectfully?
Cover shoulders and knees and take off your shoes; women wear a headscarf, which can often be borrowed at the entrance. Visits are limited or not possible during the daily prayers, especially Friday midday prayers. Please speak quietly and do not photograph people praying.
How do I pay, and how much should I tip?
The currency is the Turkish lira; cards are widely accepted, but some cash is handy for small amounts. Avoid street money-changers. In restaurants, around 5–10% is customary unless a service charge has been added.
What food should I try in Istanbul?
A Turkish breakfast with cheese, olives and simit, fresh fish by the Bosphorus, meze, lahmacun, börek and köfte. Finish with baklava, künefe or Turkish delight, plus tea or Turkish coffee. For a deeper taste, book one of our private street food tours.
How do I avoid tourist traps?
Be wary of friendly strangers who want to walk you into a shop or restaurant, and of suspiciously cheap group tours – they are often funded by sales commissions. We advise against taxis; a private vehicle with driver can be added to your booking. Our tours are private and free of shopping stops.
Day trips & tours by plane from Istanbul
Private with a state-licensed guide – domestic flight from Istanbul and transfers included, at a fixed price per person.
Aegean & Western Turkey – Ephesus, Pergamon, Pamukkale
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flight included1 day
Ephesus in One Day – with Flight
An early domestic flight from Istanbul to Izmir and back the same evening: the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, the House of the Virgin Mary and the Artemision – Ephesus in one rich day.
from 750 € per personBook this trip -
flight included · hotel included2 days
Ephesus in Two Days – with Hotel
For those who want Ephesus without watching the clock: a domestic flight from Istanbul, the ancient city at leisure, one night in a 4-star hotel and a detour to the wine village of Şirince.
from 1,280 € per personBook this trip -
flight included · hotel included3 days
The Seven Churches of Revelation – 3 Days
Three days, with a domestic flight from Istanbul, to all seven churches of Revelation 2–3: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamon, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea – where the biblical text comes alive.
from 2,370 € per personBook this trip -
flight included1 day
Didyma, Miletus & Priene
A domestic flight from Istanbul to the Ionian coast: the colossal Temple of Apollo at Didyma, the theatre of Miletus and the Temple of Athena at Priene, perched on its hillside above the plain.
from 750 € per personBook this trip -
flight included1 day
Biblical Ephesus & Miletus
With a domestic flight from Istanbul, follow Paul and John through Ephesus – then on to Miletus, where, according to Acts 20, Paul gave his moving farewell speech to the elders.
from 750 € per personBook this trip -
flight included · hotel included2 days
Aphrodisias & Pamukkale – 2 Days
Two days with flight and hotel from Istanbul: marble-white Aphrodisias, then the travertine terraces of Pamukkale and ancient Hierapolis – at their most magical in the soft evening light.
from 1,280 € per personBook this trip -
flight included1 day
Gladiators of Ephesus – Family Tour
Ephesus at a child's pace, with a domestic flight from Istanbul: tales of gladiators, a theatre that echoes back and the Terrace Houses – history that young explorers genuinely enjoy.
from 750 € per personBook this trip -
flight included1 day
Laodicea & Hierapolis – Neither Cold nor Hot
"Neither cold nor hot" – a domestic flight from Istanbul to the church of Revelation 3 and up to Hierapolis above the travertine terraces, where that famous verse suddenly makes sense.
from 750 € per personBook this trip -
by car, no flight1 day
Nicaea (İznik) – Where the Creed Was Born
No flight needed: by car from your hotel to İznik, where the Council of Nicaea met in 325 – with the Hagia Sophia of Nicaea, ancient city walls and the famous faience tradition.
from 540 € per personBook this trip -
flight included1 day
Pergamon – the Altar That Stands in Berlin
A domestic flight from Istanbul to Pergamon: the Acropolis, the steepest theatre of antiquity and the Asklepieion – the famous Pergamon Altar now stands in Berlin, but here you see where it began.
from 750 € per personBook this trip -
flight included1 day
Sardis & Philadelphia – the Gold of Croesus
With a domestic flight from Istanbul to the city of Croesus: the Temple of Artemis, the synagogue and gymnasium of Sardis, then Philadelphia, the faithful church of Revelation 3.
from 750 € per personBook this trip
Cappadocia – fairy chimneys and rock churches
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flight included1 day
Cappadocia in One Day – North Route
Cappadocia in one day, with a flight from Istanbul: Devrent Valley, the fairy chimneys of Paşabağ, the pottery town of Avanos, Zelve, the Esentepe viewpoint and the rock castle of Uçhisar.
from 775 € per personBook this trip -
flight included1 day
Cappadocia in One Day – Green Tour
With a domestic flight from Istanbul: 85 metres down into the underground city of Derinkuyu, a 4-km walk through the green Ihlara Valley to Belisırma, then Selime Monastery and Göreme.
from 775 € per personBook this trip -
flight included · hotel included2 days
Cappadocia in Two Days – with Hotel
Domestic flights from Istanbul, the North Route and a night in a 4-star boutique hotel with cave-hotel charm – early risers can add a hot-air balloon flight at sunrise.
from 885 € per personBook this trip
Southeastern Turkey – Göbekli Tepe, Mardin, Nemrut
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flight included1 day
Şanlıurfa & Göbekli Tepe – 1 Day
A domestic flight from Istanbul to Göbekli Tepe, the world's oldest temple at around 11,600 years – followed by the sacred fish of Balıklıgöl, the bazaar and the museum of Şanlıurfa.
from 750 € per personBook this trip -
flight included · hotel included2 days
Göbekli Tepe & Karahan Tepe – 2 Days
Two days at the dawn of civilisation: Göbekli Tepe, Karahan Tepe and Şanlıurfa, with a domestic flight from Istanbul, an overnight stay and all transfers.
from 1,280 € per personBook this trip -
flight included1 day
In the Footsteps of Abraham – Şanlıurfa & Harran
With a domestic flight from Istanbul, follow in Abraham's footsteps: the Abrahamic sites of Şanlıurfa and ancient Harran with its beehive houses on the edge of the Mesopotamian plain.
from 750 € per personBook this trip -
flight included1 day
Gaziantep – Zeugma Mosaics & Baklava
A domestic flight from Istanbul to Gaziantep: meet the gaze of the 'Gypsy Girl' in the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, hear hammers in the copper bazaar, wander the old town – and taste baklava at its true home.
from 750 € per personBook this trip -
flight included · hotel included2 days
Mardin & Mor Gabriel – Tur Abdin in 2 Days
Two days in the Tur Abdin, flying from Istanbul: honey-coloured Mardin above the Mesopotamian plain, stone-built Midyat and the Monastery of Mor Gabriel, where prayers have been said since 397.
from 1,280 € per personBook this trip -
flight included · hotel included2 days
Mount Nemrut – Sunrise on the Throne of the Gods
A domestic flight from Istanbul to the summit of Mount Nemrut, where the colossal stone heads glow in the first light of sunrise – plus Arsameia and the Roman Severan Bridge.
from 1,280 € per personBook this trip -
flight included · hotel included8 days
Tur Abdin Round Trip – from Gaziantep to Diyarbakır
Eight private days with a domestic flight from Istanbul: from Göbekli Tepe via Mardin, Midyat and Mor Gabriel to Hasankeyf and Diyarbakır – a journey through millennia of Mesopotamia.
from 1,290 € per personBook this trip
Your tour in 25 languages
Choose your preferred language – we will match you with the right licensed guide.
- Deutsch
- English
- Türkçe
- Français
- Español
- Italiano
- Português
- Nederlands
- Polski
- Русский
- Українська
- Ελληνικά
- Български
- Română
- Magyar
- Čeština
- Svenska
- Dansk
- Norsk
- العربية
- فارسی
- עברית
- 日本語
- 한국어
- 中文
Booking, payment & cancellation – clearly defined
- Confirmed booking up to 48 h in advance – instant confirmation
- 30% deposit (PayPal or bank transfer), balance in cash on the day of the tour
- Cancellation: up to 30 days 30% · 29–15 days 50% · 14–7 days 75% · thereafter 100%
- Rebooking is subject to a fee