Private tour in Istanbul Yasin K
5.0
(87) reviews
4 hours
1
4 hours
1
Yasin K.
5.0
Guide rating
332
Reviews
Tours delivered
2 hrs
Avg. response time
Merhaba (Hello) from a friendly Istanbulite! My name is Yasin, a licensed tour guide who is in love with his city. Istanbul is more than a regular city. It has been a melting pot of different empires, religions, languages and cultures for centuries! I've been living in this amazing city for 37 years and have about 9 years of experience as a guide. My purpose is not only to show you some historical buildings but also give you a chance to learn more about our unique history, culture-traditions, cuisine, daily life etc. I am very interested in both Roman/Eastern Roman (Byzantine) and Ottoman heritage of Istanbul, so I can offer you very specific tours that you'll always remember. I have basic information on the ancient/medieval Greek and can read the Ottoman Turkish. I can also understand caligraphic inscriptions easily. I believe that if you really want to feel the unique atmosphere of historical buildings, you should know what those inscriptions explain to us. That's why I spent so much time to improve myself in this field. I also love photography and trying different types of healthy and traditional food. Fortunately, Istanbul gives us a great chance for them. I'll be so happy to help you with them, too! Feel free to contact me for either a full-day or a half-day tour. I can provide you with a complete program or customizable itinerary. Let's explore this amazing city and unique culture together! Licensed Tour Guide approved by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism Member of the Union of Tourist Guide Chambers MA in Tourist Guidance I am not a driver. I can accompany you in your vehicle or I can arrange for a separate car and driver.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Yasin K.
Do you have a limited time and would like to explore some must-see places of the Old City? You are at the right place then! You can customize your own tour or we can discuss that. I'll do my best to help you prepare the best itinerary for your short time. Here is what we can see during your half-day private tour Hagia Sophia: A former Roman church built in 537 and later converted into an imperial mosque. Topkapi Palace: An amazing palace complex where the Sultans lived for centuries (Please let me know if you'd like to see the Harem section of the palace. It requires 1 hour). Basilica Cistern: Largest underground cistern of Istanbul. Grand Bazaar: A bazaar complex with hundreds of shops. Blue Mosque: Only imperial mosque with six minarets and decorated with thousands of tiles. Cistern of Theodosius: 5th century cistern recently restored and opened to the public. Spice Market: A paradise of spices and sweets. and more! Please check the itinerary section below for our half-day options.
Yasin expedited our visit to two important Istanbul monuments, and highlighted aspects of each that resonated with our own personal cultural backgrounds. He is a gifted ambassador for his native city, and one of the best tour guides my wife and I have experienced.
Yasin is an amazingly skilled and personable guide. He readily accommodated our schedule preferences and was fun to be with. Recommend him highly!
Very kind, knowledgeable, and flexible. Thank you for the tour!
Yasin was a wonderful guide for a walking tour of the highlights of old town Istanbul. Not only knowledgeable, but a great communicator as well. And he helped us to not be overwhelmed by too much to see and take in. We would highly recommend him as a guide
Yasin did a fantastic job providing my wife and I a custom tour around the old city of Istanbul. He was clearly knowledgeable and communicated numerous interesting facts and information about the sites we visited. He was patient with us as we asked numerous questions and he was incredibly helpful in recommending other things to see as well as provided great referrals to restaurants and other destinations. We really couldn't have been more pleased. I'd recommend him to anyone visiting Istanbul who is looking for a truly professional and personable guide.
We had a really good afternoon tour with Yasin, a thoughtful and kind gentleman, he is well educated and it shows in all aspects of his knowledge, his english is perfect. He responded very quickly when contacted and gave detailed instructions for meeting up at the port. We were unable to book him for the second day as he was already booked up, but we told him what we would like to do and he was so helpful, we found that so useful and are very grateful. Istanbul is a wonderful city , beautiful buildings, so much history and many outside areas are level, however there are areas/buildings that are uneven or cobbled with steps, if you have any mobility concerns, it is important to communicate beforehand with him in order to sort out the best itinerary.
Let's make our itinerary together! What are your options? Option 1 Topkapi Palace Hagia Sophia Option 2 Topkapı Palace The Basilica Cistern* The Grand Bazaar Option 3 Topkapı Palace The Basilica Cistern* Blue Mosque Option 4 Hagia Sophia The Basilica Cistern* The Grand Bazaar Suleymaniye Mosque Spice Bazaar (aka Egyptian Bazaar) It's completely up to you! Please note that the Blue Mosque is closed from morning to afternoon (2:30 pm) on Friday, Topkapı Palace is closed on Tuesday and the Grand Bazaar is closed on Sunday and Eid holidays. There is a dress code for the mosques. *or the Cistern of Philoxenus
Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.
This is a walking tour/all places we visit are within walking distance but we might use public transportation (tram, metro or bus) or take a taxi from the meeting point to the tour starting point.
İstanbul, İstanbul, 34110, Türkiye
Hotel, Cruise port, Tram Stop/Subway Station, Monument (such as the German Fountain).
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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?
How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?
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How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?
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AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide
4 hours
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4 hours
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If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a 20% deposit!
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