Greetings from Istanbul!
Dear traveller, first of all thank you for choosing my city as your next destination and welcome to my page!

I'm Gülizar but everybody calls me 'Gül' which means Rose in English. I was a huge fan of Istanbul since my childhood so right after I finished my studies, I moved to Istanbul (in 2016) and I've been living here ever since. I got married 3 years ago and my husband and I are both tour guides and we have a year old baby girl called : ''Daphne''.

I like cooking and I love reading about history, especially about my land but written by writers from other countries. It helps me to get an idea of how the other people had seen what was happening here.

As it's Turkey's biggest city, Istanbul is getting all the attentions and I consider myself Istanbul's storyteller. My subject matter is my town. It is my job to share the hidden patterns of my city's clandestine corners, its shady, mysterious places, the things I love.

I've been working since I was eleven years old. I started with cleaning the dishes in a restaurant, I worked at McDonald's when I was in high school. Then I spent some years working at 5*hotels as a receptionist until I became a tour guide.
I studied Foreign Languages at High School and I was a huge fan of Friends! (I still am) That's how I improved my English. I'm also fluent in Mandarin. My friends dared me to learn Chinese in four months and I did it! ( that was the biggest challenge of my life)

I have a Bachelor's Degree in Tourism Guidance and I'm about to finish my Master studies in Prehistoric Archaeology. I had a great passion and curiosity about ''the past'' when I was a kid ( I still have it :) ) and I was eager to share it with my friends and family. After all these studies and readings, I ended up being a tour guide because I wanted to share my my knowledge and experience of my motherland with travellers from all around the world.

I used to lead tours all around Turkey (cities like; Izmir, Cappadocia , Pamukkale etc. ) but after getting married I chose to stay in Istanbul so that I could go home every day. And now there's a year old waiting for me to come home.

I love travelling a lot! My husband and I try to travel at least two or three countries every year so I believe I totally understand what you expect from a local guide when you come to Istanbul.
I believe that a tour isn't just about seeing a place; it's about experiencing it, on the ground. Istanbul has so many sights to see, and so many ways to see them. Maps, guide books, etc. can cover only the basics. I aim to offer something more personal and fun. . . and ultimately memorable.

I took care of my baby girl myself for a year, that's why I was away for a while. Now, I'm trying to get her used to the idea of mommy working. That's why, before September 2025, I can only deliver half day tours. If you're travelling to Istanbul after September 2025, please feel free to book the full day tours. Thank you for your understanding.

Before you book the tour, please contact me first to see if we can customize it together and please feel yourself comfortable to ask me if you need any recommendations for anything about your holiday here.

Hope to see you in Istanbul soon,

My best wishes,
Gül (Rose)

Licensed by Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism,
Member of the Union of Tourist Guide Chambers

Due to the regulations declared by the government, some of the museums might be closed depending on the date of the tour. Please contact me for the further details.

For instance ;
Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays
Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays

Whether it is the resplendent architecture, iconic landmarks, stunning viewpoints, ports, medieval bazaars, or the excellent Turkish food - there are plenty of reasons why you should plan a trip to Istanbul and I'm here to help you explore everything to the fullest!

2 days private tour customized for Leslie H.

Ready to travel through time? Let's travel back to the 4th century AD to see the remains of the glorious Roman legacy and to experience the evolution of Istanbul through the centuries.
Even today, I am amazed to see the fusion of two huge empires, from architecture, religions, food, languages, people and cultures.

In addition to the incredible architecture, we will sail through the past and find out how this city developed after the Romans disappeared forever and how the Grand Bazaar became the largest commercial center of the Silk Road.

It is impossible to say everything about Istanbul, so please contact me if you have any questions, and allow me to show you this true world gem!

A journey through history, customized for Joy K.

Welcome to my home! And please BE AWARE of the CAT!
After you visit all the highlights of Istanbul, this is a MUST to experience Turkish life to the fullest before you go back home!

Tour guide in Istanbul Gülizar Ü. (Rose)

English, Mandarin

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