Private tour in Istanbul Aykut A
5.0
(61) reviews
2 days
1
2 days
1
Aykut A.
5.0
Guide rating
269
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Tours delivered
2 hrs
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Merhaba (Hi) Dear Traveler, I’m Aykut (or Ike, if you like). For over 15 years, it has been my absolute privilege and passion to share my home city with travelers from all over the world. I am a licensed professional guide listed on ToursByLocals, and I've had the joy of delivering more than 500 personalized tours, each one as unique as the people I meet. I don't just guide; I connect. For me, this job isn't about reciting dates and names. It's about the wonderful opportunity to meet people from every corner of the globe when they are at their happiest—on vacation! It's an immense pleasure to welcome you and see my incredible city through your eyes. I am a specialist in History and Art, but at heart, I consider myself a storyteller. Istanbul isn't just a city; it's a living, breathing open-air museum, a stage where history has unfolded for millennia. My goal is to bring that history to life. I want to explain the how and the why behind the monuments—how a Eastern Roman church became a mosque, and then a partly museum and mosque, why the Grand Bazaar's streets whisper tales of ancient traders. I promise to do this in a way that is never boring, always engaging, and with a genuine smile. I am incredibly proud to be a local. Just like me, you will fall in love with Istanbul, not just for its majestic historical heritage like the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, but for its truly stimulating atmosphere. My experience is broad and deep. I've guided everyone from history buffs and solo travelers to large families with kids and small, curious groups. I know how to adapt the stories to captivate any audience. And because Istanbul is a feast for all the senses, I'm also a great fan of our incredible culinary tradition. I can deepen your tour with the fascinating stories behind our food and lifestyle, showing you where to find the best baklava, Kebabs, Home cooked food..ect. · Skip the Lines: Just like you, I'm not a fan of waiting in long ticket lines! That's why, when you book with me, I take care of purchasing the entrance tickets for the sites in advance. This way, we can bypass the queues and spend more time exploring. Savor the Flavors & Traditions: No visit to Istanbul is complete without indulging in its culinary delights and ancient traditions. As your local guide, I can share a curated list of my favorite restaurants where you can experience authentic Turkish cuisine. And if you're interested in a truly rejuvenating cultural experience, I can also help you make a reservation at a traditional Hamam (Turkish bath), ensuring you visit a reputable one and navigate the experience like a local. When you visit a foreign city, you want more than just facts. You want the insider's perspective, the local charm, and the insight that brings a destination to life. That's exactly what I offer. Let's not just visit Istanbul. Let's experience it together. I can't wait to meet you and make your time in my city unforgettable. Hoş geldiniz! (Welcome!) Licenced By Turkey Ministry of Tourism and Culture (licence no:34-9375). All my tours operated by Sophora Tourism Member of TÜRSAB - Association of Turkish Travel Agencies - License Number: 7338
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Aykut A.
I believe that Istanbul is the most beautiful and fascinating city in the world. I am dedicated to sharing my passion and knowledge about the art, architecture, and history of this amazing city. My passion is to share our culture with you. My motto is you are getting more than a tour guide--you are getting a Turkish friend, an insider who can unlock the mysteries of ancient and modern Istanbul, from our oldest traditions to present-day life. This tour is custom designed for those who want to explore all the beauty, history and culinary culture of Istanbul. This tour will be a walking tour. Istanbul has a pretty good transportation system. Sometimes we will take the tram, sometimes bus, sometimes ferry and sometimes we will walk. Don't forget the best way of exploring a new city is using public transits and walking. -"To avoid long lines, I’ll buy the museum tickets in advance. After the tour, you can pay me back in cash—USD, Euros, or TL are all fine.
We had a great 2 days with Aykut in Istanbul. He is extremely knowledgeable and friendly. He was amenable to adjusting times and tailoring the tour for our needs. He has a passion for his city and is eager to share his experience and knowledge with guests. I would heartily recommend this tour and Aykut as a guide.
Aykut was great! He was very knowledgeable and personable. When the forecast was unexpectedly cold and wet, he reordered our itinerary to optimize the nice weather outside bs inside when it was inclimate.
Aykut clearly loves and has an incredible depth of knowledge about his city. We had an amazing 2 days with him. We did not expect that it would be so incredibly heartwarming to see all of the people around town (guides and others) who both know him and were delighted to see him. With Aykut, you not only get an excellent guide, but the extra bonus of spending time with a good human being who is well loved by others.
We did a 2-day private tour of Istanbul with Aykut. It was incredible! Aykut is such a knowledgeable and personable guide. We enjoyed ourselves thoroughly on the tours with him and developed such a good understanding of Istanbul from Aykut. We will definitely use Aykut again when we return and I highly recommend him as a tour guide. I have already given his name to friends of ours planning a visit to Istanbul.
A Perfect Day in Istanbul with Aykut Ayik! We had the pleasure of exploring Istanbul with our wonderful guide, Aykut, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. We began our journey at the magnificent Topkapi Palace, where Aykut’s knowledge and passion for the city’s cultural heritage immediately shone through. He guided us effortlessly through the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque) and the Haiga Sophia, and the Basilica Cistern sharing insights that made us appreciate each site even more. Our visits to the Grand Bazaar and Spice Market were equally delightful. Aykut helped us navigate the stalls, find local treasures. Following a boat cruise along the Bosporus, we had lunch on the Asian side of Istanbul, where we enjoyed delicious Turkish dishes. We couldn’t have asked for a better guide to show us the beauty and spirit of Istanbul.
Aykut was a fantastic guide! We were a family of four for the first time in Istanbul. We spent two days with Aykut in a 2-days tour. We saw both the famous sights and at the same time hidden germs we would not have seen otherwise. I highly recommend Aykut! We simply loved the two days we spent together in Istanbul. Looking forward to coming back!
1st Day-- 9:00am Departure from the hotel or port. * Topkapi Palace * Hagia Sophia -Lunch break * Blue Mosque *Grand Bazaar Back to the hotel or port Duration:6 hours 2nd Day 9:00am Departure from the hotel or port. *Basilica Cistern * Bosphorus Tour by Local ferry. * Take public ferry to Asian side of Istanbul *Visit Kadikoy food market *Lunch at Ciya Sofrasi * Spice Market Back to the hotel or port Duration:6 hours
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We will use public transport such as ferry/tram/subway etc.
No:1 Ayasofya Meydanı, İstanbul, İstanbul, 34122, Türkiye
Cruise port, If the hotel is located in the Sultanahmet area (old city) or close by I will meet you at the hotel. Otherwise we are meeting in front of the Hagia Sophia.
Turkish
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Can this private tour in Istanbul be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?
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2 days
1
2 days
1
If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a deposit!
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