Guided tours of Istanbul
Istanbul was the capital of two empires for more than 1,500 years, and a good guide makes all the difference. Our licensed guides know the stories behind every dome and courtyard, the quiet hours at the busiest sights and the places where locals eat. Join a guided group tour and pay per person, or book a private tour with your own guide and car, planned around your interests.
First time in the city? The Old City tour covers Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace and the Grand Bazaar in a day, and the Sultanahmet tour and sunset cruise ends that day on the Bosphorus. Arriving by ship? Our shore excursions start at the Galataport terminal and get you back on time.
All our Istanbul tours
Istanbul Old City TourHagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapı and the Grand Bazaar, with lunch.From €140 · Full day
Private Istanbul TourYour own guide and car, for a full day or a half day.Get a quote · 4 or 8 hours
Sultanahmet Tour and Sunset CruiseThe old city by day, then 2.5 hours on a yacht at sunset.From €155 · 10 hours
Dolmabahçe Palace and Bosphorus CruiseThe sultans' palace, a cruise with lunch and two hilltop views.From €110 · 9 hours
Istanbul Food TourBreakfast, street food, a kebab lunch and dinner with a local guide.Get a quote · 8 hours
Islamic Istanbul TourEyüp Sultan, the tombs of the Sahaba and the great mosques.Get a quote · Full or half day
Istanbul Shore ExcursionA private tour from Galataport, back in time for your ship.Get a quote · 4 or 7 hours
Yacht Tour for Cruise PassengersA private Bosphorus cruise close to the cruise port.Get a quote · 2 to 4 hours
Princes' Islands TourThree car-free islands with lunch on the boat.From €45 · 9 hours
Group tour or private tour?
| Tour | Type | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old City tour | Guided group | 8 hours | From €140 |
| Sultanahmet and sunset cruise | Guided group | 10 hours | From €155 |
| Dolmabahçe and Bosphorus | Guided group | 9 hours | From €110 |
| Private Istanbul tour | Private | 4 or 8 hours | On request |
| Food tour | Private or small group | 8 hours | On request |
| Islamic tour | Private | Full or half day | On request |
| Shore excursion | Private | 4 or 7 hours | On request |
Group tours have a fixed programme and a price per person. Private tours are planned for your group alone, with your own guide and car; send us your date and group size for a written price.
Combine a tour with the Bosphorus
Istanbul is best seen from both land and water. Add a shared Bosphorus cruise on another day, or end your private tour with your own yacht: see our private Bosphorus cruises and our fleet. Travelling with a company or a large group? We also plan corporate events with tours, transfers and a yacht.
What our guests say about our cruises
468 reviews on Tripadvisor
Read all reviews“Very nice and friendly staff. Thank you!”
M A · September 2026
Sunset Cruise with Wine on a Luxury Yacht
“Fantastic tour. Guides were incredible. Service was great. Highly recommend.”
Patrick M · September 2026
Bosphorus Sunset Cruise
“it was a great tour. We were very satisfied. reliable tourism business.”
558beyza_ · April 2023
Acetes Travel
Reviews from Tripadvisor, shown as written by guests.
Istanbul tours FAQ
What is the best tour for a first visit to Istanbul?
The full-day Old City tour covers Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, Topkapı Palace and the Grand Bazaar. If you have one day only, the Sultanahmet tour and sunset cruise adds the Bosphorus at sunset.
Do your tours include hotel pickup?
Yes. Our group tours include pickup from central hotels, and private tours include pickup from your hotel, the airport or the cruise port.
Are entrance fees included?
On the Old City, Sultanahmet and Dolmabahçe tours, entrance fees for the sights on the itinerary are included. For private tours, we list what is included in your quote.
Can I book a private guide in my language?
Yes. English is standard, and guides in many other languages are available on request.
What should I wear for mosque visits?
Clothes that cover shoulders and knees; women also need a scarf to cover their hair. Shoes are taken off inside.
Do you offer tours for cruise passengers?
Yes. Our private shore excursions start at the Galataport terminal and are planned around your ship. You can also take a private yacht tour close to the port.
How do I book and pay?
Send us your date and group size here or on WhatsApp. We confirm, usually within the hour, and you pay on the day. There is no online payment.
