Andrew L.Australia
Seyhan is accommodating and personable. We loved our day tour around the major sites.
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Private tour in Istanbul Seyhan Serhad B
Istanbul Old City Private Tour
5.0
(39) reviews
-
8 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-7 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
-
8 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-7 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
Seyhan Serhad B.
5.0
Guide rating
145
Reviews
Tours delivered
10 hrs
Avg. response time
Welcome to Istanbul! I’m Seyhan, and I can’t wait to show you the city through a local’s eyes. I am a professional tour guide, licensed by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Turkey after graduating from Istanbul Arel University’s Department of Tourist Guiding in 2016. One of my greatest passions is meeting people from around the world and introducing them to both the famous and hidden corners of the city where I was born and raised. I speak English, Turkish, Kurdish, and basic Spanish. However, I am officially licensed to guide only in English and Turkish. Due to legal regulations in Turkey, I am not authorized to conduct tours in Kurdish or Spanish at this time. I would be delighted to show you the best of my country. I offer both standard tours and fully customizable experiences tailored to your interests. Diplomas: – Istanbul Arel University, Tourist Guiding – Anadolu University, Public Administration – Istanbul University, History Fully insured, professionally operated tours licensed by TÜRSAB, Türkiye’s official travel authority. License No: 15854
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Seyhan Serhad B.
Let's join me for an unique tour of the highlights and hidden part of Istanbul.
Overview of your Istanbul tour
Istanbul, the cradle of beliefs and civilization. Explore thousands of years of Istanbul’s rich history in a single day with this guided Old City tour. Travel back in time through the Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and medieval eras, uncovering the many layers of this timeless city. On this tour, you’ll visit some of the world’s most iconic mosques, churches, and palaces, while hearing the fascinating stories behind them. As we walk together through the Hippodrome Square, I’ll share captivating tales — from the Persians to the Greeks, from the Egyptians to the Hurrians and Mitanis, and of course, the Ottomans. Within just 100 meters, each step will surprise you with a new piece of history. Looking forward to welcoming you on my tour!
Recent Reviews
John L.United States
We had a fantastic full-day tour in Istanbul visiting many of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and informative, and Seyhan took the time to really show us around rather than rushing through the experience. One of the highlights was his recommendation for a local lunch spot. We had asked for an authentic place mainly frequented by locals, and he delivered perfectly—the restaurant and food were both excellent and exactly what we were hoping for. By the end of the day, he also shared two dinner recommendations, and we chose one that turned out to be very good as well. Throughout the tour, he was patient in answering all of our questions and also shared personal insights and past experiences living in Istanbul, which made the experience feel more engaging and authentic. Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed our time with him and would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a well-rounded, insightful, and enjoyable tour of Istanbul.
Greg H.United States
One of our favorite tours ever!!! Seyhan is fantastic, and was totally accommodating to our interests and ideas on modifying the itinerary. The Cistern and Topkapi Palace were amazing highlights, while everything on the tour was totally wonderful. There's a bit of walking around, as one would expect, but nothing was rushed and we had plenty of chances to take breaks -- including a wonderful lunch. So while we got to see A LOT, it didn't feel fatiguing or overwhelming at all. We would like to fly back to Istanbul immediately, even if only to do another tour with Seyhan!
Ronny S.Belgium
Very nice tour with Seyhan as a very friendly and professional guide !!!!
Ricardo B.Argentina
Seyhan is very good and friendly. He adapted well to our interests. Was knowledgeable and efficient. He had a good pace. He also was very friendly with our children
Janelle D.United States
Seyhan is a wonderful tour guide! Very knowledgeable and personal. We felt we made a friend. He brought the city and history to life for us and you can tell how proud he is. We spent time shopping were he patiently waited for our decisions. Based on my experience with Seyhan I will look for a tours by locals in our other travels.
Your Istanbul tour itinerary
HAGIA SOPHIA: Built nearly 1,500 years ago as a Christian cathedral, later converted into a mosque, museum, and now a mosque again. SULTANAHMET MOSQUE: Known as the BLUE MOSQUE, one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks. HIPPODROME: Once the largest stadium of ancient Byzantium, holding 100,000 spectators with treasures from across the empire. BASILICA CISTERN: The largest of the many ancient cisterns beneath Istanbul. GRAND BAZAAR: One of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, built by Mehmet II in 1461. With 61 streets and 4,000 shops, it’s among the world’s most visited attractions. TOPKAPI PALACE can also be added to this itinerary, depending on your time and interests. ***** Don’t hesitate to book this tour if you are a CRUISE PASSENGER. After meeting you at the port, we can easily reach the Old City by tram.
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: Public Transportation / Category: Tram
Public Transportation
What's included
Private Guide
Public Transportation
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses.
Food Drinks Snacks
Tickets
Meeting location
Istanbul, İstanbul, Türkiye
Hotels in and around Old City, Galataport and Indicated places discussed with guest.
- You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
City Highlights
Art And Culture
History
Tour reference number
1038686
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 rich history of the city with a knowledgeable local guide. It's ideal for those interested in the Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and medieval eras, as well as iconic landmarks like Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Cruise ship passengers will also find it convenient as it can be arranged to start from the port.
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?
Is this private tour in Istanbul suitable for cruise ship passengers as a shore excursion?
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
-
8 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-7 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
-
8 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-7 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
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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.