Ann M.United States
Ceren tailored our tour with what we requested and she was very knowledgeable about the historical events surrounding the sites we visited. Very pleasant personality.
Choose a currency
Private tour in Istanbul Ceren Zehra O
Istanbul Highlights Full Day Private Tour
5.0
(3) reviews
-
7 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
7 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size
1
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
Ceren Zehra O.
5.0
Guide rating
7
Reviews
Tours delivered
5 hrs
Avg. response time
Istanbul could be considered as a huge jewel box intertwined. Once you open each layer, completely different history, culture and mythological stories emerge. This city has been the theme of songs, poems, and novels throughout the history, and that could be admitted as a small reflection of the importance of this city to societies and cultures. As a junction of east and west, every neighborhood and street takes us to the stories of different cultures, foods, and architecture. Working as a worldwide tour guide since 2005 I have many experiences with different nations. Not only in Istanbul but also in different countries I guided to the groups during 19 years. All those experiences helped me to understand the expectations of travelers. From this perspective, I organize my programs accordingly. Besides showing the highlights of Istanbul, I would like to take you deep into the local life, taste delicious Turkish foods and desserts, or visit one of the art galleries featuring works by local artists. And please remember that we always have a chance to customize your tour according to your preferences. I feel blessed to be a part of this unique city and would be so delighted if you joined me for new discoveries. Istanbul is waiting for you, and I hope to see you here. Professional tour guide licenced by Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism 2005 Member of Union of Tourist Guides Chambers Member of Istanbul Tour Guides Chamber Graduated Mersin University Tour Guiding in 2002 Graduated Anadolu University Accommodation Management 2016 Student of Anadolu University History 2018- ICF Professional Breath Coaching 2020 ICF Pofessional Life Coaching 2020 Mother of a boy Addicted to travel Tours are not appropriate for wheelchair. I am not allowed to be a driver guide according to the low but 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 Ceren Zehra O.
Discover Istanbul's historic heart on foot.
Overview of your Istanbul tour
The old town was the capital of 3 empires. History starts with the Byzantine Kingdom, then goes with Roman Empire, Byzantine Empire and Ottoman Empire. We call this area as historical peninsula or Sultanahmet Square is modern name. It is always the best to start to explore the city from here. You will see amazing architectures in our walking tour. All those places are listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1985 and the highlights of Istanbul. Hagia Sophia is always the most wondered one with it's 1500 years of architecture. Amazing mosaics and frescoes in the structure are beautiful examples of Byzantine art. We are so proud of having an extraordinary underground structure Basilica cistern. It was served as a huge water deposit on 9800 m2 in land. One of the symbols of the city Egyptian Obelisk is among the highlights for sure and located in the center of Roman Hippodrom. You will take amazing photos of it. Strolling in the old town and seeing the remainings of 3 empires would be unique experience.
Recent Reviews
John L.
Ceren gave myself and my daughter an excellent Istanbul highlights experience. She has excellent credentials and has been a professional tour guide for years. She is very knowledgeable about the history of all of the sites that we visited and tailored the tour to our wishes. Even adding an impromptu stop at a tile shop and a hands-on pottery lesson for my daughter. We saw everything we wanted to see in Istanbul (Hagia Sofia, Blue Mosque, Takapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, and the Grand Bazaar) … and she was very helpful at making recommendations on other interesting things we could see after our tour. I give her the highest recommendation.
Diarmaid M.
Ceren was the perfect guide. She arrived early, and pitched our day perfectly visiting all the major attractions. We skipped the lengthy queues and navigated the city on foot and on the trams when required. Ceren was very knowledgable and easy in her delivery- the years of experience plain to see. If you're lucky enough to be able to book Ceren , you will have a wonderful time. 10/10 Many thanks to Ceren for making our short trip to Istanbul so memorable. Her advice on other things to do & see was invaluable.
Your Istanbul tour itinerary
- Hagia Sophia: visit the most magnificent Greek Orthodox Church converted into an imperial mosque of the Ottoman Empire. As a regular mosque, visitors can only visit the upper gallery. *On Fridays, it is open after 2:30 pm (due to Friday noon prayer). - Topkapi Palace: Residence of the Ottoman Sultans for 400 years. Dive into the Treasury exhibition, revealing the opulent lifestyle of the Sultans. *Closed on Tuesdays - Blue Mosque: Beautiful Iznik tiles are decorated inside. **Dress Code here! - Lunch and coffee breaks - Roman Hippodrome: Step into history where chariot races once echoed with the cheers of the crowd! - Basilica Cistern: marvel at its grandeur as it holds an impressive 80, 000 tons of water. PS: Cistern can be visited just in case one of the mosques is not visited!!! - Grand Bazaar, the oldest and largest in the world! 4000 stores filled with Turkish cultural delights. Uncover beautiful handicrafts as you weave through the heart of this historic marketplace. *Closed on Sundays
Want to customize this tour?
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.
Transport details
Type: Walking
* This is a walking tour, so please be sure to put comfortable shoes on. All the sights are within walking distance. * If your hotel is far from the old city, do not hesitate to contact me for a custom tour if you wish to include transportation. Keep in mind that vehicles are forbidden within the old town. *All my tour organizations are guaranteed to be done with A-Class travel agency with license 8253
What's included
Private Guide
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. * Topkapi Palace ticket: 1500 TL per person.
* Hagia Sophia Museum ticket: 850 TL / 25 EUR per person.
* Basilica Cistern ticket: 800 TL per person.
* Lunch is about 900 tl
PS: The prices are per person
Public Transportation
Food Drinks Snacks
Tickets
Private Transportation
Tastings
Private Transportation With Driver
Equipment
Classes Workshop
Accommodation
Services
Meeting location
At Meydanı Caddesi, İstanbul, İstanbul, 34122, Türkiye
Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide: * If your hotel is far from the old town the meeting point will be in front of a monument in the old town. * Suggested meeting point: German Fountain in the old town.
- You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
City Highlights
Architecture
Religious Sites
History
Tour reference number
1310081
Languages
English
TurkishActivity level
High
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
Traveller reviews
5.0
FAQs
Who is this private tour in Istanbul best suited for?
This private tour in Istanbul is perfect for travellers who want to explore the historic heart of the city on foot. It's ideal for those interested in history, architecture, and culture, as you'll visit significant sites like Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Blue Mosque. The tour is also suitable for families with children, as it is kid-friendly.
What should I bring or wear?
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?
Where does the tour start and end?
Is transportation included?
How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?
What languages is this tour offered in?
What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?
Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?
AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide
-
7 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
7 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
More tours in Istanbul by Ceren Zehra O.
Explore more of Istanbul
Multi-Day Istanbul Private Tour: Two Days of Discovery:Skip the line ticketsThe Wonders of Istanbul (full-day private tour)Highlights of Istanbul - Skip the lines Full Day Private Istanbul City Tour For Cruise Ship Visitors with a Private Van+DriverHighlights of IstanbulPrivate Istanbul Highlights & Skip The Ticket LinesExplore Istanbul Highlights with your local guide - private walking tourFull Day Private Istanbul Old City Walking TourTop five most visited sites of Istanbul full-day walking private tourWalking in Istanbul old city - Full-day tour in IstanbulIstanbul Highlights: Exclusive Private Full-Day Tour :Skip the line ticketsHalf Day Customized Tour in the Old City (Private Tour)Two Wonderful Days in Istanbul & Best Private TourMulti day Tour- 2 day Istanbul Tour by Private Guide : Best itinerary with VehicleIstanbul city exploring from Cruise ship Galataport Multi-day Istanbul Private Tour-Three Days:Skip the line ticketsBreakfast in Europe, lunch in Asia, and crème de la crème sites of Istanbul - full-day shore excursion2 Day Private Istanbul Tour with Hidden GemsPrivate tour of half day city tourIstanbul-Private Culinary Walk on the Asian Side (Half Day Tour)Multi-day tour: Istanbul Highlights in two daysIstanbul’s Must-See Spots: A Local’s Guide Custom Made Tour with Private TransportationHighlights of Asiatic Istanbul with droolworthy upto 16 specials sampling menu option2 Full Day Private Istanbul Tour Between 2 Continent360 Istanbul Tour! Hidden Beauties combined with Food TourA perfect day in IstanbulIstanbul Private Half Day Customized TourHighlights of Istanbul - Half Day Private ExperienceIstanbul full-day Private Walking Tour with Main HeritagesVIP Private Half-Day Istanbul Tour: Highlights & Basilica Cistern with Your Local Guide - Private Transportation with Separate DriverPrivate multi-day tour in Istanbul / 3 daysPrivate Walking Tour of Istanbul - Full DayCustomize your own tour 😃of ISTANBUL 👍Skip the Lines: Istanbul Highlights – Hagia Sophia, Topkapi & MoreIstanbul Old City Private Tour2-Day Private Tour in IstanbulThe Highlights of IstanbulDesign Your Own Istanbul Day Tour – Private & Customizable ExperienceHistorical Old City and Local Lively Areas in 2 Days
Book with a deposit
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!
How it works
- Your credit card will be authorized only for the deposit amount.
- Funds will not be withdrawn until your tour booking is fully processed.
- The remaining balance will automatically be charged to your credit card 30 days before your tour date.