Private tour in Istanbul Semih G

Off-the-Beaten-Path Istanbul & Bosphorus Cruise Private Tour

5.0

(8) reviews

-
Hours icon 6 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 6 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Semih G.

5.0

Guide rating

73

Reviews

Tours delivered

2 hrs

Avg. response time

As a devoted father and husband, my world revolves around my family. Travel and cultural exploration are my passions, as they expand my perspectives and enrich my life. Guiding since 2007, I owe my career to an unforgettable mentor, my high school English teacher, whose guidance was instrumental in my journey. My experience also includes teaching English at a distinguished Istanbul university. While I love showcasing the city's famous sites, I have a special fondness for its hidden treasures. I invite you to view Istanbul through the eyes of a true local, an Istanbulite. Here, you can witness the sunset over Europe from Asia and sip coffee by the Bosphorus. Istanbul's unique blend of history and culture, shaped by Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires, is unparalleled. As an enthusiastic Istanbulite, I offer you a personalized journey through this magnificent city, promising an unforgettable experience. Feel free to contact me if you want to have a personalized experience of this great city. Together we can make it a memorable one ! Licenced by Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Member of the Union of Tourist Guide Chambers I am not a driver. I can accompany you in your vehicle or I can arrange for a separate car and driver. All my vehicled tours are operated and managed by Sophora Travel, a fully licensed and registered tour company in Türkiye, holding "TURSAB" license number "7338".

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Semih G.

Overview of your Istanbul tour

Sometimes you want to take a break from the crowds of the main tourist attractions. You would like to see the offbeat sights and see how the locals live but you are a complete stranger to the city and have no idea where to begin. A true experience of Istanbul should definitely include a visit to the most beautiful mosque in the city, Suleymaniye Mosque, a heritage from the heyday of the Ottoman Empire. If you think Blue Mosque is the one with the most beautiful tiles on the inside it means you haven't been to the Rustem Pasha Mosque yet. Where else in the world you can enjoy your tea during an intercontinental ferry ride ? Bosphorus is the strait, or should we call it the Cow's Passage, linking Black Sea to the oceans while gifting it's beauty to Istanbul.

Recent Reviews

Janelle M.United States
April 2026

Semih is a fantastic guide! He put together a wonderful walking tour for four of us, and it was fun to take the public tram rather than have a car and driver. He knows about some very good shops, too.

Carrie D.United States
November 2025

Semih our guide was absolutely the very best you can get. My wife and I had him for an all day guide 2 years ago...Now i was doing a trip with my son and his friend. I, Dawson and Bernie really enjoyed our time with Semih on all the highlights of Istanbul. He brought Energy and Excitement to his tour that we have not seen from others. We were impressed with Semih. He made Turkey history and knowledge quite impressive. I have had many guides from all over the world and Semih is the first guide we have come back too....You will be pleased with this tour do not hesitate to book with Semih. Also an amazing part about Semih he went over time from the tour expected time. He was so generous and we don't see that in others. He wanted us to experience more then expected. So kind!! Thank you very much Semih.

Doug L.Canada
November 2025

Semih took us on a ferry ride to Kadikoy on the Asian side and showed us around the market area. We had a nice lunch, then ferry back to Eminonu. We visited the spice market and Rustem Pasa Camii mosque. We then took the tram to the dock for the Boshphorus Boat Tour. Semih found us a great spot on the upper deck for excellent viewing and gave us a running dialogue describing what we were seeing. After the tour he gave us directions to a nice fish restaurant in Karakoy with instructions how to get back to our hotel via tram. Semih is very organized, highly knowledgable, informative, pleasant and easy to understand. We highly recommend him as a guide.

Dawn M.United States
May 2025

Semih was an amazing guide! Very engaging and easy to talk with. Quite interested in our questions and enjoyment of the day, customizing as needed. He had lots of wonderful facts and knowledge of the areas we explored to share. Highly recommend!!

Renee C.United States
April 2025

Semih really knew his way around Istanbul, and we were able to see many more sites than if we had been alone or in a group. We especially appreciated his introducing us to authentic Turkish food. Recommended!

Carrie D.United States
October 2023

We have now left Turkey and would like to now do a review on our second day in Istanbul which we had Semih for our 4 hour tour in the big city of Istanbul. Semih was the BEST and were so happy with such a gentleman!!!! He was kind and wanted to do the very best for us during the whole duration of our trip....You will be so happy with Semih if you have the chance to tour with him..... WE really thank him for giving us such a complete tour to a huge and complex City of Istanbul. He has GREAT!!!

Your Istanbul tour itinerary

- Meet at the Hotel/Port or agreed spot in the city - First stop will be Suleymaniye Mosque - Next visit will be the Rustem Pasha Mosque - Visit to the Spice Market - Lunch in a Local Restaurant - Taking a 1. 5 Hours Public Cruise in Bosphorus - Concluding the day at the Hotel/Port or agreed spot in the city. Please feel free to contact me if you would like to customize this tour !

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 as all the sights are easy to reach by public transportation. We will use tram/subway/ferry. If the hotel you are staying is far from the old city private transportation can be arranged upon your request. Private Yacht for the Bosphorus Cruise can be arranged upon your request.

What's included
Other: Local Taxes
Private Guide
What's not included
Other: Personal Expenses
Public Transportation
Food Drinks Snacks
Tickets: Bosphorus Cruise by Public Boat: 250 Turkish Lira Per Person (~8 USD)
Meeting location

No:1 Profesör Sıddık Sami Onar Caddesi, İstanbul, İstanbul, 34116, Türkiye

Airport ,Cruise , Hotel, Cruiseport, ByGuide: Adamar Hotel

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
City Highlights
Architecture
Boat
Tour reference number
1021914
Languages
English
Turkish
Activity level
Light
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 city beyond the typical tourist attractions and experience local life. It's ideal for those interested in visiting lesser-known sites like the Suleymaniye Mosque and Rustem Pasha Mosque, as well as enjoying a unique intercontinental ferry ride on the Bosphorus. The tour is also suitable for families, 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?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 6 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 6 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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