Enjoy the best of Istanbul with your local licensed guide. Discover the highlights and the hidden gems of the city.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
Covid-19 precautions: Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
Mobile ticketing: Use your phone or print your voucher
Duration 5 hours: Check availability to see starting times.
Skip the ticket line
Instant confirmation
Live tour guide: English
Private group

Highlights

Taste the rich and diverse Turkish cuisine at the local food market
Experience the ferry cruise from the Europen side to the Asian side
Visit the 1,500-year-old Hagia Sofia that hosts Islam and Christianity
Explore the 15th century Grand Bazaar with 4,000 shops
See the Blue Mosque and experience the live call to pray

Full description

Go on this tour and explore the city instead of waiting at the airport during your layover. With your friendly local guide, feel like you have done a lot in a short amount of time. Your itinerary will be redesigned according to your landing time and your guide will confirm the best itinerary for you when you meet at the airport. If your flight lands before 4:00 PM, you will be able to go inside the sights but if your flight lands after 4:00 PM, you will not be able to go inside the sights but you will see Istanbul at night. The sights you can see included the Hagia Sofia, Blue Mosque, Roman Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, Topkapı Palace, Basilica Cistern, Galata Bridge, Bosporus Bridge, Bosporus to Kadıköy cruise, Maidens Tower, Kadıköy food market, Karaköy neighborhood, Taksim Square, and Istıklal Avenue. You can choose the additional activities of a Turkish bath for 50 Euro, dinner at a local restaurant for between 10 and 20 Euro, or a baklava tasting for between 5 and 10 Euro.

Includes

Round-trip transfer to and from Istanbul Airport
Professional English-speaking guide
Fees for the tram in the center
Fees for the ferry cruise to and from the Asian side

Food or drink
Entrance fees
Fees for the optional activities
Gratuities, between €10-20 is suggested

Covid-19 precautions

Safety measures in place

All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
You must keep social distance while in vehicles
The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds

Traveler requirements

You are required to bring and wear a mask

Prepare for the activity

Meeting point

• After you get off the plane and pass through the passport controls and custom checks, please walk to the exit (inside the airport) where you'll find the Meet and Greet point. • As soon as you exit, you will see many people holding signs. Please keep your eyes out for the sign M44. Tell your name to this person and he will accompany you to the driver. • Please note that, the sign holders are a third party and their English is limited. If you have any issues, make them call Salih + 90 535 200 5565. • The next step is that he will accompany you to the driver who will bring you to the center where you will meet your guide. Driving duration to the center is approximately 1 hour.

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Important information

What to bring

Warm clothing
Visa, if required
Scarf

Know before you go

Women must bring a scarf to cover their hair when visiting the mosque or borrow one at the mosque
You can leave any bags that you do not wish to carry during the tour in the vehicle or at the airport luggage store for a small charge
Wi-Fi is available at some cafes
Please note that you might need a visa to leave Istanbul airport; please apply for an e-visa to save time at the airport

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4 /5

based on 2 reviews

Review summary

Guide
5/5
Transportation
5/5
Value for money
3.5/5

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I had a 19-hour layover in Istanbul and decided not to spend the time at the airport. I spent the day touring the city, walking approximately 9 miles. Incredible experience.

November 21, 2019

The local guide was great however the experience with booking through your company was not great. You gave a incorrect phone number and flight itinerary to the guild. My like up time was 2 hours delayed. So The 5 hour tour that I paid for was only 3 hours :( Also I called many times to ask a lot of questions about your tours in it Order to choose a tour and your phone reps have a very low English comprehension or knowledge about travel. Also the original price that was listed on your web site was increased by almost double when I tried paying for it. I felt this was unethical. The excuse I was given was that it was due to one traveler but never mentioned until time of payment.

December 31, 2019

Istanbul: Private Layover Tour from New Istanbul Airport

Istanbul: Private Layover Tour from New Istanbul Airport

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