Laure C.United Kingdom
Ali was wonderful, very flexible and gave us a memorable tour of this beautiful city. Highly recommended!
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Private tour in Istanbul Ali S
Private Istanbul Highlights & Skip The Ticket Lines
4.9
(113) 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
Ali S.
5.0
Guide rating
263
Reviews
Tours delivered
2 hrs
Avg. response time
I believe a good guide is not only to tell about museums and history, but also to inform the guests about everything of the local people lives. That is why now I am ready to customize very special tours for my Tours by Local guests with full of knowledge and experience, any kind of tour for you due to your preferences. Since 1995 I guided guests from all over the world to let them get to know my hometown Istanbul which is the unique city of the world settled on two continents. I am a tourist guide with a lot of experience who can figure out and deal any unexpected surprise which may occur during a tour. It is my responsibility to value every moment of you during our tour. I aspire to show and tell you about Istanbul in the best manner. If you have any further inquiries, please let me know. Official Professional Tourist Guide Licence from Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Republic of Turkey. Member of the Union of Tourist Guide Chambers. Please be informed that all my tours are guaranteed and comply with the laws of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. So please note that the tours quaranteed here are to be by means of an officially registered A class Tourism Travel Agency. ALI SUREYYA TOURS TURİZM Licence nr.14941. The tours are not appropriate to wheelchair.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Ali S.
Best of Istanbul- Skip the Lines- for Cruise Travellers, with a lot of history,culture & private guiding.
Overview of your Istanbul tour
If you only stay one day in Istanbul this is what you should do. Being a local and an experienced licensed tour guide I will give yo a true insight into this wonderful city & its people. You will explore the history of two different Empires. We will have a short walk in the ancient Byzantine Hippodrome square and start our journey in the past. We will visit the Haghia Sophia which was built 1500 years ago as a Roman Orthodox church although it is a Muslim mosque now still famous with its mosaics made in 10th century. Blue Mosque with its six minarets facing Haghia Sophia is another marvel of architecture. Spoon maker diamond and the famous Topkapi Dagger which you will remember from the movie of James Bond will orne your dreams at the night of the day.
Recent Reviews
John B.United States
Ali was a very competent, patient and knowledgeable tour guide who helped us tremendously! Thank you for a great tour! Very nice to meet you, Ali!
Tom N.United States
Ali was awesome and catered to everyone's needs.
Louis C.Canada
Ali met us in the hotel for our group of eight for a private tour of Istanbul Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia & Cistern of Theodosius. Very knowledgeable of subject matter, answered our questions. Shown us how to use Istanbul card and top up. Very helpful.
Rich N.United States
Ali was beyond excellent, from beginning to end of our amazing tour. He is a great communicator and is passionate about Istanbul. He met us at our hotel exactly on time, was flexible with our interests and shared, without being at all pushy, to get us to the right shopping spots after he led us through the city’s historical venues. Should we be fortunate to again visit Istanbul, we would love to employ Ali again. Highly, highly recommend! PS it is worth mentioning that Ali was also very responsive in pre-tour communications via the Tours by Locals website!
Tristan S.Canada
Ali was great ! He was very accommodating and knowledgeable. We enjoyed our day with him in Istanbul and would recommend him.
Your Istanbul tour itinerary
This itinerary is the classic of Istanbul and is highly suggested. Please let me know if you have another itinerary in your mind so that I can customize the tour for you. - Ancient Hippodrome of Constantinople - Blue Mosque (on Fridays can be visited in the afternoon) - Hagia Sophia - Topkapi Palace (closed on Tuesdays) - Basilica Cistern - Grand Bazaar (closed on Sundays and holidays) * Lunch/coffee break upon request. BEST ITINERARY FOR THE CRUISE TRAVELLERS. This itinerary is the classic of Istanbul and is highly suggested. Please let me know if you have another itinerary in your mind so that I can customize the tour for you. There is a dress code to visit the Blue Mosque and Haghia Sophia and appropriate clothes can be provided at the entrance.
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 to visit are within walking distance of each other. In case needed cab or public transportation will be used.
What's included
Private Guide
What's not included
Other
Public Transportation
Tickets: Topkapi Palace EURO.50 Hagia Sophia EURO.30 Basilica Cistern EURO.45
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location
Istanbul, İstanbul, Türkiye
Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide:
- You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
History
Architecture
Art And Culture
Religious Sites
City Highlights
Tour reference number
540658
Languages
Turkish
French
EnglishActivity level
Moderate
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
Traveller reviews
4.9
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's rich history and culture with the convenience of skipping ticket lines. It's especially suitable for cruise ship passengers looking for a shore excursion, as well as anyone interested in connecting with a local guide like Ali S. for deeper insights into Istanbul's past and present.
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
-
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
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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.