Private tour in Istanbul Mehmet D

VIP Private Half-Day Istanbul Tour: Highlights & Basilica Cistern with Your Local Guide - Private Transportation with Separate Driver

4.8

(20) reviews

-
Hours icon 5 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-8 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 5 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-8 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

Mehmet D.

4.9

Guide rating

135

Reviews

Tours delivered

1 hrs

Avg. response time

With 39 years of experience as a tour guide (since 1986), I’ve had the pleasure of guiding over 12,000 tourists from all over the world. Although I’m quite new to the ToursByLocals platform, I’m excited to share my passion for Istanbul with you! As a local who has lived in this vibrant city since childhood, I truly believe it is my responsibility to offer you an authentic experience that will become a treasured memory. My goal is for you to leave Istanbul with unforgettable moments. Having traveled to over 100 countries myself, I understand the joys and challenges of exploring new places. I’m dynamic, adaptable, and always eager to help solve any challenges you might face along the way, ensuring you have a wonderful and stress-free time. Feel free to reach out with any questions or if you'd like to know more about the tours I offer! Officially licensed Tourist Guide by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey. Member of the Association of Tourist Guide Chamber of Istanbul. All of my tours are fully guaranteed and comply with the laws of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, so you can feel confident and safe during your journey.

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Mehmet D.

Overview of your Istanbul tour

In a half day you will discover the city that was once the capital of two different Empires between 330 A. D. and 1923. We will visit Hagia Sophia which is over 1500 years old and was the largest church over 1000 years in the world till the construction of the St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. The Basilica Cistern has been water reservoir since 6th century. The basilica has been the venue for many famous movies among which is "Inferno" with Tom Hanks. The Blue Mosque is famous with its blue tiles, stained glasses and 6 minarets. The Hippodrome was the center of the cultural, political and sportive activities. Basically it was the heart of the city since the 3. century with Egyptian obelisk from 15th century B. C. The Grand Bazaar is huge. It has more than ancient 4000 shops from 15th century.

Recent Reviews

Heather M.United States
3 weeks ago

Mehmet was an amazing tour guide. His knowledge of the sights and the city/regions history was vast. He spoke as though he was telling an engaging story, which helped hold the attention of our two teens. We had only an afternoon to enjoy the city and we were able to see all the prominent spots. He was patient with us and answered all of our questions. We are already talking about our next trip to Istanbul and we would absolutely reach out to Mehmet again. The transportation was clean and air-conditioned and incredibly comfortable. We had a fantastic time.

Rebecca H.United States
3 weeks ago

Mehmet was an excellent guide that excelled in communication and organizing the perfect day in Istanbul with the limited amount of time we had before our cruise.

Helen Z.United States
May 2026

We learned so much and the level of passion from our guide was amazing. Highly recommend him!

John P.United States
November 2025

Good tour, on time and covered all the sites+ that were offered. Mehmet was very knowledgeable and pleasant to be with. Vehicle and driver were also excellent.

Sherry C.United States
November 2025

Mehmet met our family of 7 at the port on time and he had a great driver with a very nice, large Mercedes van. We saw the sites as planned and had time for a couple extra special things to see in Istanbul! He was very kind, caring and informative! Would highly recommend him for touring the vibrant city of Istanbul!

Mary Lee F.United States
October 2025

Our guide Mehmet was, of course, very knowledgeable about the sites but also knew the best times to go to the right sites. We always saw long lines after we had been somewhere! He was personable and attentive to our needs. Highly recommend

Your Istanbul tour itinerary

This is the most classical "must-see" of Istanbul. - Blue Mosque (on Fridays can be visited in the afternoon) - Hippodrome - Hagia Sophia - Basilica Cistern - Grand Bazaar (closed on Sundays and holidays) - On your request lunch in a traditional and/or luxury restaurant (up to Michelin) BEST ITINERARY FOR THE CRUISE AND CITY TRIP TRAVELERS. All the must-see's in a half day in the Old City of Constantinople. There is dress code for the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. * Lunch/coffee break upon request. *The itinerary is flexible, for any changes please let me know. *I'm able to purchase tickets in advance to skip the lines. If you desire to use a credit card to purchase tickets the lines may be very long.

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: Private Transportation / Category: Van

Private Van with A/C (Mercedes) and separate driver. We can pick you up/drop you off at pier, your hotel or any location in Istanbul. *Feel free to contact me if you want to be picked up/dropped off at airport

What's included
Private Guide
Private Transportation With Driver
What's not included
Food Drinks Snacks
Tickets: Cistern Basilica: 2250 TL, Hagia Sophia: € 30 (Euro), Blue Mosque: Free of Charge
Meeting location

İstanbul, İstanbul, Türkiye

Hotel, Cruise Ship Port (Galataport)

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Architecture
History
Art And Culture
City Highlights
Tour reference number
1161958
Languages
English
French
Turkish
Activity level
Light
Accessibility
Kid Friendly

Traveller reviews

4.8

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Istanbul best suited for?

This private tour in Istanbul is perfect for cruise and city trip travellers who want to explore the highlights of the Old City of Constantinople in a half day. It's also ideal for those who prefer a personalized experience with a local guide, like Mehmet D., who can offer deeper insights into the city's rich history.

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?

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

-
Hours icon 5 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-8 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 5 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-8 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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