3 Days Private Istanbul Tour

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Private Guided Tour of Istanbul

Istanbul was the capital of the Roman (330–395), Byzantine (395–1204, 1261–1453), Latin (1204–1261), and Ottoman Empires (1453–1922). Founded by Constantine the Great, it was named Constantinople, meaning “the city of Constantine.” Its unique position between Europe and Asia makes it a cultural crossroads. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city is an open-air museum showcasing Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman remnants.

Sites You Will Visit:

The Hippodrome – Once a grand arena for chariot races, only the Egyptian Obelisk, Serpent Column, and Constantine Column remain.

Blue Mosque – Built by Sultan Ahmet (1609–1616), it’s famous for its blue-tiled interior.

Topkapi Palace – The 15th-century administrative center of the Ottoman Empire, now a museum.

Hagia Sophia – Built by Emperor Justinian (532–537), it was the world’s tallest and largest cathedral before becoming a mosque. In 2020, it was converted back into a mosque.

Basilica Cistern – A vast underground Roman water reservoir with iconic Medusa head columns.

Grand Bazaar – The world’s oldest covered market, home to over 4,000 shops. Your guide can assist in finding authentic Turkish art and souvenirs.

Day 2: Private Guided Bosphorus Cruise Tour

Istanbul is the only city between two continents and two seas, the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara. The 31 km-long Bosphorus Strait divides its Asian and European sides, where palaces, mosques, and charming waterfront homes line the shores.

Tour Highlights:

Bosphorus Cruise – A two-hour scenic cruise from the Golden Horn. You’ll see Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, Rumeli Fortress, Küçüksu Palace, and the Maiden’s Tower.

Dolmabahçe Palace – Built between 1843–1856 as the residence of the Ottoman royal family, with 285 rooms and 46 halls.

Taksim Square & Istiklal Street – Istanbul’s lively heart, a pedestrian avenue filled with cafes, restaurants, and historic landmarks.

Spice Market (Egyptian Bazaar) – Established in the 1660s, this bustling market offers Turkish delights, baklava, and a variety of spices.

Day 3: Istanbul Asian Side Tour

Designed for those who’ve explored the historic Old City, this tour introduces Istanbul’s charming Asian-side neighborhoods, rich with Roman and Ottoman heritage.

Key Stops:

Kadikoy – One of Istanbul’s oldest settlements, predating the Byzantines, and now a vibrant local hub.

Uskudar – Known in ancient times as “Khyrsopolis” (“golden city”), this district is famous for Ottoman mosques and the iconic Maiden’s Tower.

Kuzguncuk – A historic Jewish neighborhood known for its colorful wooden houses and peaceful streets.

Beylerbeyi – Home to Beylerbeyi Palace, stunning seafood restaurants, and scenic Bosphorus views.

Çengelköy – Once famed for its cucumbers, it features Ottoman-era waterfront homes, now charming cafes.

Anadolu Hisarı – A medieval fortress built by Sultan Bayezid I in 1393, with the nearby 19th-century Küçüksu Pavilion. This Asian-side tour offers a glimpse into the lesser-known but equally captivating parts of Istanbul, blending history with authentic local life.