⚡ Private Day Tour 🕒 Full Day 📍 1 destinations DEX516

From Istanbul

Istanbul Private Day Tour: Sultanahmet, Balat & Bosphorus Cruise

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💶
From, per person
€220
🕒
Duration
Full Day
📍
Destinations
4 stops
⚡
Tour type
Private Day Tour
📅
Departure days
Every day
🗣️
Guide
All languages available
19 languages · private & licensed

Discover the Timeless Magic of Istanbul on an Exclusive Private Excursion

Immerse yourself in the rich history, vibrant cultures, and breathtaking vistas of Turkey's cultural capital with our expertly curated Istanbul day tour. Designed for travelers who value comfort, personalized attention, and depth, this daily excursion lets you uncover ancient monuments, artistic neighborhoods, and legendary waterways in a single unforgettable journey.

  • Sultanahmet Square: Stand at the historic heart of the Old City where empires once clashed and traded.
  • The Blue Mosque: Admire the striking architecture and iconic cascading domes of this masterwork.
  • The Basilica Cistern: Descend into the atmospheric underground Roman reservoir featuring mysterious Medusa heads.
  • Balat Neighborhood: Wander through steep, cobbled alleys lined with vividly painted historic wooden houses.
  • Pierre Loti Hill: Ride up for sweeping panoramas of the Golden Horn while enjoying a traditional hot drink.
  • The Grand Bazaar: Navigate one of the planet's oldest and most expansive covered trading markets.
  • The Spice Market: Awaken your senses with fragrant aromas, local sweets, and exotic seasonings near the Galata Bridge.
  • Bosphorus Cruise: Glide along the legendary strait dividing Europe and Asia to conclude your daily tour.

Your comprehensive Istanbul day trip begins in the historic Sultanahmet district, surrounded by globally renowned structures. A dedicated English-speaking expert will guide you through the monumental square and introduce you to the grandeur of the majestic Blue Mosque. Afterward, you will step beneath the city streets to explore the cool, subterranean chambers of the Basilica Cistern, an engineering marvel constructed during the Byzantine era.

The adventure continues as you transition from ancient history to artistic charm in the historic Greek and Jewish quarters of Balat. Colorful facades and cozy cafes provide a delightful backdrop for a leisurely stroll. Following this, you will ascend Pierre Loti Hill to absorb panoramic views of the Golden Horn. The journey then plunges into the bustling heart of commerce at the Grand Bazaar and the aromatic Spice Market, before culminating in a serene boat journey along the Bosphorus Strait.

Quick facts

Tour typePrivate · day tour
DurationFull Day
PriceFrom €220 per person
DeparturesEvery day
GuideLicensed guide in your language
Stops4
Entrance feesIncluded
BookingInstant request online, confirmation within 24 hours · TÜRSAB-licensed operator (A-5751)

Tour Programme

Your full day programme — click to see every stop.

Tour Programme ▾

Full Day Private Exploration of Istanbul's Icons and Waterways

Your day begins in the historic heart of the Old City, where your professional guide introduces the rich legacy of Sultanahmet Square. You will visit the magnificent Blue Mosque and step down into the subterranean wonders of the Basilica Cistern to view its legendary carved Medusa heads. Next, discover the colorful streets of Balat, featuring vibrant historic houses, steep cobblestone lanes, and local artistic flair. Afterward, take a scenic drive or cable car ride up to Pierre Loti Hill for breathtaking vistas over the Golden Horn while relaxing with Turkish tea. Continue your private journey through the maze of more than four thousand shops inside the massive Grand Bazaar, followed by an aromatic stroll through the historic Spice Market near the Galata Bridge. Conclude your comprehensive daily excursion with a peaceful cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, admiring palaces, fortresses, and the stunning skyline bridging Europe and Asia from the water.

What's Included

✓ Included

  • English speaking local guide for the full day
  • Private transfers via Mercedes Vito Van
  • All entrance tickets mentioned in the itinerary

✕ Not Included

  • Accommodation
  • Flights
  • Meals
  • Insurance
  • Additional Services

Your Route Across Turkey

Istanbul → Istanbul Private Sultanahmet → Balat → Bosphorus

Our Tour Vehicles

Modern, comfortable and fully-equipped vehicles — the same fleet we use on your tour.

Mercedes-Benz Tourismo 👥 54 Seats
Luxury Coach
Mercedes-Benz Tourismo
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Mercedes-Benz Tourismo VIP (2+1) 👥 37 Seats (2+1 VIP)
VIP Coach
Mercedes-Benz Tourismo VIP (2+1)
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Mercedes-Benz Tourismo 👥 55 Seats
Coach
Mercedes-Benz Tourismo
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Temsa Safir Plus 👥 54 Seats
Coach
Temsa Safir Plus
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Temsa Safir Plus 👥 50 Seats
Coach
Temsa Safir Plus
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Temsa Maraton 👥 50 Seats
Coach
Temsa Maraton
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Mercedes-Benz Tourismo 👥 50 Seats
Luxury Coach
Mercedes-Benz Tourismo
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Mercedes-Benz Tourismo Standard 👥 46 Seats
Coach
Mercedes-Benz Tourismo Standard
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Isuzu Grand Toro 👥 37+2 Seats
Midibus
Isuzu Grand Toro
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Isuzu Grand Toro 👥 37 Seats
Midibus
Isuzu Grand Toro
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Otokar Sultan Mega 👥 35 Seats
Midibus
Otokar Sultan Mega
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Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 👥 16+1 Seats
VIP Minibus
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
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Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 👥 16+1 Seats
Minibus
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
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Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Ultra VIP 👥 12+1 Seats
Ultra VIP Minibus
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Ultra VIP
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Mercedes-Benz Vito 👥 6+1 Seats
VIP Minivan
Mercedes-Benz Vito
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Find Similar Tours

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Book This Tour

Fill in your details and we confirm your private departure within 24 hours.

🔒 Secure · ✔ TURSAB A-5751 · ↩ Free cancellation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the Istanbul Private Day Tour: Sultanahmet, Balat & Bosphorus Cruise?▾
This excursion includes: English speaking local guide for the full day, Private transfers via Mercedes Vito Van, All entrance tickets mentioned in the itinerary. Personal expenses, drinks and tips are not included. It is a single-day excursion, so no accommodation is involved.
Where does the tour start and how does it work?▾
This daily excursion starts from Istanbul. It runs as a single-day trip and you return the same day; we confirm the exact start time and meeting details after you book.
Do you provide hotel pick-up and drop-off?▾
Yes — this daily excursion includes pick-up from your hotel in the morning and drop-off back at your hotel afterwards. Just enter your hotel name or address in the "Pick-up point" field when you book, and we confirm your exact pick-up time in advance.
In which languages is the guide available?▾
As a private excursion, we provide a licensed guide in your preferred language — English, German, Russian, Spanish, Italian, French, Arabic and many more. Tell us your language when you book.
How do I book and what is the cancellation policy?▾
Use the reservation form on this page with your date and number of travellers; we confirm within 24 hours. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.

What Our Travellers Say

Real, verified reviews from travellers who explored Turkey with us.

★★★★★
“A perfect honeymoon experience”

My husband and I chose Inca Tour for our honeymoon and we are so glad we did. The boutique hotel selection was beautiful and the Bosphorus dinner cruise was so romantic. Thank you for making our trip special!

S Sophie LaurentFrance
★★★★★
“Russian-speaking guide was excellent”

It was important for us to have a guide who spoke Russian, and Ender was wonderful. He explained every detail at Dolmabahce Palace. The Princes Islands day trip was a beautiful break from the busy city.

A Anna PetrovRussia
★★★★★
“Unforgettable Cappadocia hot-air balloon!”

Our guide Ender was incredibly knowledgeable about Turkish history. The hot-air balloon ride at sunrise in Cappadocia was the highlight of our trip. Everything was perfectly organized — from airport pick-up to the last d...

M Maria SchmidtGermany
★★★★★
“Italian-speaking guide made it perfect”

Ender was our Italian-speaking guide and we felt like family. He took us to local spots tourists never see. The hotel choice in Sultanahmet was perfect for walking everywhere.

E Elena RossiItaly
★★★★★
“Our 2013 trip is still talked about”

10+ years later we still talk about our Cappadocia balloon ride and the Bosphorus sunset cruise. Some memories are timeless. Thank you Inca Tour!

O Ole HansenNorway
Read all reviews →