Istanbul

Istanbul is where most trips to Turkey begin and end. The old city on the historic peninsula holds two thousand years of Byzantine and Ottoman history within walking distance, and the Bosphorus divides the city between Europe and Asia.

10 private tours including Istanbul

Photo: Arild Vågen, CC BY-SA 3.0

What you'll see

  1. Hagia Sophia

    Built as a cathedral in the 6th century, later a mosque, then a museum, and a mosque again since 2020. Visitors enter outside prayer times; women cover their hair.

  2. The Blue Mosque

    The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, named for the blue tiles of its interior. It closes to visitors during the five daily prayers, so timing matters.

  3. Topkapi Palace

    Home of the Ottoman sultans for almost four hundred years, with the treasury, the harem and views over the Bosphorus. Closed on Tuesdays.

  4. The Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar

    Covered markets for carpets, ceramics, lamps, spices and sweets. The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.

  5. The Bosphorus

    A boat trip between two continents, past palaces, fortresses and wooden waterside mansions.

Private tours including Istanbul

Every package runs for your group only, with your own guide and driver, and can start on any day.

8 days

8 days · 7 nights · Starting at the airport

Best of Turkey: 8-day private tour

  1. Istanbul
  2. Kusadasi
  3. Cappadocia
  4. Istanbul

from $2,210 per person, double room

7 days

7 days · 6 nights · Starting at the airport

Turkey Package: 7-day private tour

  1. Istanbul
  2. Kusadasi
  3. Cappadocia
  4. Istanbul

from $2,145 per person, double room

More places in Turkey

Cappadocia Ephesus Pamukkale Plan your tripWhen to go, how many days, visas and luggage