I Have One Day in Istanbul

“We highly recommend Istanbul Tour Studio, which absolutely contributed to our amazing time in Istanbul and Turkey. While we are generally highly independent travellers, it was totally worthwhile to spend two days of private touring with Ms. Yasemin, a wonderful, charming, knowledgeable, fantastic, and savvy guide.”  Read more on Tripadvisor

I Have One Day in Istanbul

This is the ultimate tour for first time visitors to Istanbul. We visit the most fascinating sights of historical Istanbul (Sultanahmet area) on this specially curated day: A perfect introduction to our bewildering imperial city and its thousands of years old history. 

From the soaring grandeur of the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque to the mystic world of the ancient underground cisterns and the world’s largest covered markets, this tour takes in Istanbul’s most spectacular sights and goes beyond them to show you the bustling energy of the city’s coffee houses, tea gardens, bazaars, and traditional workshops.

Take a journey through one of the world’s greatest cities with a professional guide, who will  bring its secrets to life. 

Highlights

The Hippodrome: Obelisk of Theodosius (Egyptian Obelisk), Serpent Column, German Fountain, Walled Obelisk (Tower of Brass):  This 4th century Hippodrome was the center of chariot racing as well as celebrations, protests and festivals during the Byzantine Empire. It was also the symbol of imperial power, decorated with large monuments brought from all over the empire that are still surviving. With its capacity for 40,000 people, Hippodrome was the center of urban life.

Blue Mosque: Also known as Sultan Ahmed Mosque, this breath-taking building is one of the most majestic Ottoman mosques in all of Turkey. It is dubbed the Blue Mosque because of over 20,000 handmade ceramic Iznik tiles that decorate the interior, featuring many different tulips, rose, carnation, and lily designs, well lit by 260 windows.

Hagia Sophia: Often referred to as the eighth wonder of the World, the Hagia Sophia is among the most celebrated structures in the world with its 1500 years of history. Think about this - for a thousand years, it was the largest building on the planet! 

Mystic world of ancient cisterns: There’s something almost mystical about entering the underground world of the historic cisterns that hide underneath the city. Unlike the world above-ground, these grand ruins are dressed in a deep silence that embraces visitors and very quietly tell the tale of their past grandeur. It is estimated that there have been more than 200 underground cisterns in Istanbul and a few are open to visitors. You get to choose between two largest and most famous ones: Basilica Cistern, (Yerebatan Sarnıcı in Turkish) or Theodosius Cistern (Şerefiye Sarnıcı in Turkish) where there is also a 3D mapping light show. 

Grand Bazaar (together with Cevahir Bedesten and Zincirli Han, two of most historic caravanserais): Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. Of course, not all of its more than 4,000 shops are worth your time, but getting lost in this shopping labyrinth, only to discover exactly what you’re looking for, is pretty special nonetheless.

Tea or Turkish Coffee Break at a traditional Madrasa (Muslim religious school) complex.

Important Notes:

• If you have any particular interests or have already seen some of these sights and want to see different ones, get in touch and we can tailor made the tour, just for you.

• Istanbul Tour Studio reserves the right to adjust ticket prices in case of an official change/increase in ticket prices. We will notify you prior to your tour if there is such a change. 

• We kindly remind our female guests to bring a headscarf or pashmina to cover their head and shoulders when visiting a mosque.
  

• As of 15 January 2024 the visitors are required to purchase a ticket when entering Hagia Sophia Mosque. The ticket price is 25 EUR per person. On this program, you can either choose to visit Hagia Sophia Mosque from outside and/or purchase a ticket with the assistance of your guide (skipping the ticket line) and visit the temple from the inside. In other words, the tour price does not cover Hagia Sophia Mosque tickets. 

Why should I book this tour?

• This is a private tour which means you can:
• Choose your own tour day and starting time
• Tailor the tour to your own requirements
• We work with best English speaking guides available in town (we also organize tours in other language/s of your preference)
• Easy access: Museum ticket fees are already included in the price, so you will not have to wait in ticket lines

Who is this tour for?

• Anyone interested in the imperial history of Istanbul (Byzantine Empire, Christianity, Ottoman Empire, Islam)
• One day visitors to Istanbul
• Congress participants 
• Cruise ship passengers traveling to Istanbul who want to discover the historical Istanbul and monuments
• Expats living and working in Istanbul
• Private wedding or bachelor/bachelorette groups traveling to Istanbul 
• Educational trips to Istanbul (MBA students, high-school students or international schools)

Why book with Istanbul Tour Studio?

• Istanbul Tour Studio is rated "Excellent" on Tripadvisor. Click to read the latest reviews about us.
• We make you feel at home! Our tours give you the feeling that you are walking around Istanbul with local friends. 
• A team of knowledgeable staff that are trustworthy, friendly and always on time.
• Fast-track at museum entrances and no waiting in ticket lines.

How much is the private I Have One Day in Istanbul tour per person?

• Our private I Have One Day tour price is $150 USD/person for two people. ($300 USD/total for two adults) Please bear in mind that our rates do not include 20% Value-Added tax.
• Our prices are quoted per person. We require minimum two participants to organise this private tour. Please contact us if you'd like to book a private tour for one person. The prices include English speaking professional guidance and museum entrance fees. We offer dynamic pricing which means as the number of people on your private group increase, our per person prices decrease. 
• This tour costs $150 USD/person for two people; $125 USD/person for three people; $105 USD/person for four people; $95 USD/person for five people and $87.50 USD/person for six people. You will automatically get the dynamic pricing at the booking phase once you select the total number of people. 
• We give 50% discount for children between 7-12 years old; meanwhile our tours are free for kids under 7 years old.
• The prices quoted above are for the walking tour. If you are staying at Beşiktaş, Beyoğlu (Taksim) or Karaköy areas you can use public transportation such as tram, ferry or taxi. It would cost between $15 to $25 USD/total. Alternatively, we also offer private transportation with luxury Mercedes vans with professional drivers for $250 USD/day.
• Please contact us for custom pricing for groups over six people.

 Contact us for more information