Janet K.United States
Semih was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic and happy to share all that he knows about his City with us. We very much enjoyed our tour and happily recommend him.
Choose a currency
Private tour in Istanbul Semih G
Two Top Sites of Istanbul and Grand Bazaar Half Day Private Walking Tour
5.0
(7) reviews
-
4 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
-
4 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
Semih G.
5.0
Guide rating
78
Reviews
Tours delivered
3 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.
Half Day Journey to the Two Top Sites&Grand Bazaar
Overview of your Istanbul tour
This city, once the capital of three great Empires deserves a true companion and a memorable introduction. Istanbul is a multicultural crossroad between continents and we will explore the two must see places and the main market of this spectacular city together. We will be exchanging ideas not only on history but also on traditions, current events, religion, politics and cuisine of this charming city. A true experience of Istanbul should definitely include a visit to the most beautiful monuments in the city, Hagia Sophia, a heritage from the heyday of the Byzantine Empire. Have you ever wondered why did the Romans erected Medusa heads inside a Cistern ? Such questions will be answered through our half day journey. If such an experience is what you're looking for join me in this memorable adventure !
Recent Reviews
Michael W.United States
Amazing tour of Instanbul. Semih is so knowledgeable and personable, and arranged an incredibly educational and magical day for our family. Semih arranged everything in advance and we walked right into some of the busiest attractions in the city, including some behind the scenes access that only a true local would have. I highly recommend Semih! Thank you for such an awesome day!
Rhonda W.United States
Semih was amazing! Kind, knowledgeable, interesting, honest, and excited to share the great sites of Istanbul. The best tour guide I’ve ever had. I will share his contact information with friends and family. And I will contact him for additional tours when I come back. He was that good.
Nelson M.United States
Samih is an amazing guide as well as a wonderful person to be with. We had a great tour.
Joyce P.Canada
Semih provided us with an excellent and informative tour of the Topkapi Palace. He knows how to bypass long line ups, and points out which areas are worth seeing. Our cruise on the Bosphorus was made interesting by Semih's ability to point out important landmarks and by providing relevant stories related to the land around the Bosphorus. Semih can gear your tour to your interests and abilities. Excellent guide!
Joyce N.Canada
THE BEST OF THE BEST 1.5 Day tour with Semih G, an excellent guide. We are two elderly people, one with a heart condition. From pre-tour to the end of the tour he made sure that we were well taken care of. Nothing was too much trouble. He was patient, kind, thoughtful (standing in line for us, while we sat in the shade), courteous and personable with excellent communication skills, and a great depth of knowledge (both local, countrywide and world wide) and excellent English. We highly recommend him.
Your Istanbul tour itinerary
- Meet at the Hotel/Port or agreed spot in the city - First stop will be Hagia Sophia - Next visit will be Basilica Cistern - Lunch in a Local Restaurant (Optional) - Visit to the Grand Bazaar - 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
Public Transportation if necessary (Tram/Subway/Ferry)
What's included
Other: Local Taxes
Private Guide
What's not included
Other: Personal Expenses
Public Transportation
Food Drinks Snacks
Tickets: Hagia Sophia: 30 USD Per Person, Basilica Cistern: 35 USD Per Person (~25 USD)
Meeting location
No:37 Yerebatan Caddesi, İstanbul, İstanbul, 34110, Türkiye
Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide: In front of Adamar Hotel in Sultanahmet Area/Old City
- You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Art And Culture
History
City Highlights
Tour reference number
1069720
Languages
English
TurkishActivity 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's rich history and culture with a knowledgeable local guide. It's ideal for those interested in visiting iconic sites like Hagia Sophia and the Basilica Cistern, as well as experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar. The tour is also suitable for families, as it is kid-friendly and involves light activity.
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
-
4 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
-
4 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 Semih G.
Explore more of Istanbul
Multi-Day Istanbul Private Tour: Two Days of Discovery:Skip the line ticketsThe Wonders of Istanbul (full-day private tour)Full Day Private Istanbul City Tour For Cruise Ship Visitors with a Private Van+DriverHighlights of Istanbul - Skip the lines Highlights of IstanbulIstanbul Highlights: Exclusive Private Full-Day Tour :Skip the line ticketsPrivate Istanbul Highlights & Skip The Ticket LinesExplore Istanbul Highlights with your local guide - private walking tourTop five most visited sites of Istanbul full-day walking private tourTwo Wonderful Days in Istanbul & Best Private TourFull Day Private Istanbul Old City Walking TourIstanbul city exploring from Cruise ship Galataport Half Day Customized Tour in the Old City (Private Tour)Walking in Istanbul old city - Full-day tour in Istanbul2 Day Private Istanbul Tour with Hidden GemsMulti-day Istanbul Private Tour-Three Days:Skip the line ticketsMulti day Tour- 2 day Istanbul Tour by Private Guide : Best itinerary with VehicleBreakfast in Europe, lunch in Asia, and crème de la crème sites of Istanbul - upto 7hour Istanbul’s Must-See Spots: A Local’s GuideCustomize your own tour 😃of ISTANBUL 👍Multi-day tour: Istanbul Highlights in two daysPrivate tour of half day city tour Custom Made Tour with Private TransportationIstanbul-Private Culinary Walk on the Asian Side (Half Day Tour)VIP Private Half-Day Istanbul Tour: Highlights & Basilica Cistern with Your Local Guide - Private Transportation with Separate DriverHighlights of Istanbul - Half Day Private ExperienceIstanbul full-day Private Walking Tour with Main HeritagesHighlights of Asiatic Istanbul with droolworthy upto 16 specials sampling menu optionIstanbul Private Half Day Customized Tour2 Full Day Private Istanbul Tour Between 2 ContinentIstanbul Old City Private TourIstanbul Best : Private Guided Istanbul Tour Full day with vehiclePrivate full-day tour of Bosphorus strait, spice market new city and Asian side of IstanbulTwo Days of Private Istanbul Package Deal (multi-day tour)Multi day tour, 3 Days Istanbul Private TourSkip the Lines: Istanbul Highlights – Hagia Sophia, Topkapi & More360 Istanbul Tour! Hidden Beauties combined with Food TourThe Highlights of Istanbul2-Day Private Tour in IstanbulIstanbul’s Iconic Landmarks (by minivan)
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.