Istanbul à la Carte - Design Your Own Perfect Istanbul Days

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Istanbul à la Carte - Design Your Own Perfect Istanbul Days

Istanbul à la Carte - Designe Your Own Perfect Istanbul Days

Not everyone wants to follow a fixed 3-day program. Maybe your flights and hotel are already booked, maybe you’ve been to Istanbul before, or you simply prefer to keep your plans flexible. Our Istanbul à la Carte concept is designed exactly for that kind of traveller: modular private day tours that you can combine freely – book just one day, add a second, or create your own 3+ day Istanbul experience.

Each day is a self-contained “module” with its own theme: from the imperial highlights of the Old City to the Golden Horn neighbourhoods and the Bosphorus with its palaces and skyline views. You decide how intense or relaxed your stay should be. Choose the days that match your mood – classics, hidden streets, food & culture, Bosphorus & two continents – and we turn them into a tailor-made private program just for you.

Your personal guide meets you at your hotel or cruise port and stays with you throughout the day, sharing stories, context and local tips you won’t find in any guidebook. Add optional extras such as a private van, airport transfers or a Bosphorus yacht cruise if you wish – or keep it simple with a walking-focused day in one district. With Istanbul à la Carte you are not locked into a package; you build your own Istanbul, one perfectly curated day at a time.

Whether it is your first time in the city or your fifth, you can mix and match our à la carte day modules to fit the time you have, the people you travel with and the way you like to explore. Pick one, combine two, or design a long weekend – the choice is entirely yours.

Mix & Match
Combine daily modules to perfectly fit your preferences and schedule!

Select Date

Preferred pick-up time

Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome & Sultanahmet Square

Your private guide will meet you in the hotel lobby or at the cruise port and together you’ll set off for your Istanbul Old City experience.

Topkapi Palace Museum – Seat of the Sultans: Topkapi Palace was home to the Ottoman sultans until the reign of Sultan Abdulmecid and served as the main seat of the Imperial Council for almost 400 years. Located just behind Hagia Sophia, it stands as a powerful symbol of the might and refinement of the Ottoman Empire.

Sultanahmet Square – The Heart of the Old City: Today’s Sultanahmet Square marks the historic center of the Old City. In Roman and Byzantine times, this was the Hippodrome where thrilling chariot races took place. Nowadays, landmarks such as the German Fountain recall the historic ties between empires.

Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya, Santa Sophia): Originally built in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian as a church and later converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest, Hagia Sophia plays a key role in both the Christian and Islamic worlds. It has come to symbolize both the meeting point and the contrast between two great faiths.

Blue Mosque: Standing at the very heart of Sultanahmet, the Blue Mosque was built in the early 1600s for Sultan Ahmed I. Its elegant domes and six minarets shape Istanbul’s skyline, while the interior – decorated with thousands of blue Iznik tiles – continues to fascinate visitors from all over the world.

Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı): Dating back to the 15th century, the Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. With its maze of alleyways and hundreds of shops, it offers a memorable shopping and browsing experience.

At the end of your private Imperial Classics tour, your guide will accompany you back to your hotel or cruise port.

*This itinerary can be operated as a walking tour, as the main sites are located close to each other. However, if your hotel is not centrally located, we recommend booking a private van for the transfers to and from the Old City.
*If one of the main mosques cannot be visited (e.g. due to prayer times or restoration), the Basilica Cistern will be included as a substitute visit.

Transportation by Private Van (Optional)

Select Date

Preferred pick-up time

Grand Bazaar courtyards, Süleymaniye Mosque area, Spice Market, Fener & Balat

Your private guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel or at the cruise port and together you’ll set off for your Istanbul Golden Horn tour.

Süleymaniye Mosque: Rising on Istanbul’s historic third hill in the Fatih district, Süleymaniye was built for Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent. It is the largest mosque complex in the city and impressive both inside and out. From its terraces you enjoy beautiful panoramic views over the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus.

Fener District: In Fener you explore Istanbul’s rich religious and cultural heritage, including a visit to the Church of St. George, seat of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and spiritual center of the Eastern Orthodox Church.

Balat District: In neighboring Balat you feel the rhythm of local life among centuries-old Ottoman houses leaning into one another in shades of red, blue and green. The area is also known for its small art galleries, vintage stores and design shops.

St. Stephen Church: Located on the shores of the Golden Horn, St. Stephen is often called the “Iron Church” because it was prefabricated entirely from cast iron in the 19th century and assembled on site – a unique landmark in Istanbul.

Pierre Loti Hill & Cable Car: Pierre Loti Hill offers one of the most iconic views over the Golden Horn. You ride the cable car up to the hilltop and enjoy the scenery while sipping Turkish tea or coffee at the historic café.

Chora Church (Kariye Mosque): Situated in the Edirnekapı district, the former Chora Church is one of the most remarkable surviving examples of late Byzantine art, famous for its mosaics and frescoes. It is among the rare monuments that have withstood the passage of centuries.

After completing your private Golden Horn tour, your guide will accompany you back to your hotel or cruise port.

*For this day, we recommend booking a private vehicle, as transportation is required between the different sites.

If you would like to add another day or customize your Istanbul program, please contact us – we will be happy to tailor an itinerary to your interests.

We sincerely hope to welcome you as our guest again!

Transportation by Private Van (Optional)

Select Date

Preferred pick-up time

Bosphorus cruise, Üsküdar, Kadıköy or Kuzguncuk, photo stops & café breaks

Your private guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel or at the cruise port and you will set off together for your Istanbul Bosphorus tour.

Spice Market (Egyptian Bazaar): Located in Eminönü, the Spice Market is a colorful covered bazaar filled with stalls selling spices, teas, nuts, sweets and local delicacies. It is a vibrant, aromatic and historic marketplace in the very heart of Istanbul.

Bosphorus Cruise: Take a break from the city’s hustle and enjoy a relaxing Bosphorus cruise, usually operated with a public ferry, to see both the European and Asian shores of Istanbul.
Along the way you will admire landmarks such as the Galata Tower, Dolmabahçe Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace and many elegant waterfront mansions. For many visitors, the Bosphorus becomes one of the most memorable highlights of Istanbul.

*If you prefer a more exclusive experience, a private yacht option can be arranged for your Bosphorus cruise.

Dolmabahçe Palace: Situated in the Beşiktaş district on the Bosphorus shoreline, Dolmabahçe Palace served as the main administrative center of the late Ottoman Empire. The palace fascinates visitors with its grand halls, crystal chandeliers, rich furnishings, paintings and fine porcelains – all reflecting 19th-century European-influenced Ottoman taste.

Taksim Square: Considered the heart of modern Istanbul, Taksim Square has witnessed many important moments in the history of the Turkish Republic. Today it is one of the city’s liveliest areas, surrounded by shops, restaurants, cafés and bars frequented by both locals and visitors.

Çiçek Passage: Originally known as Cité de Péra, Çiçek Pasajı is a historic arcade that reflects a mix of Ottoman and European architectural styles. It is one of Beyoğlu’s classic meeting points, lined with meyhanes (traditional taverns), eateries, cafés and bars, and surrounded by many other venues in the Taksim area.

Istiklal Street (İstiklal Caddesi): This is the bustling pedestrian avenue that runs through Beyoğlu from Taksim Square towards Galata. As you stroll along, you will see historic buildings, consulates of several European countries and have the chance to view the iconic Galata Tower from different angles.

At the end of your private Bosphorus & City tour, your guide will accompany you back to your hotel or cruise port.

*For this day, we recommend booking a private car, as transportation is required between several different areas along the Bosphorus and in the city.

Transportation by Private Van (Optional)

Included services

Guiding

Services not included

Entrance Fees
All excursions as per the itinerary (entrance fees may be payable on-site)
Tips
All transfers in the destination

Option 1: The Imperial Classics
Topkapi Palace Museum: The historic seat of the Ottoman Sultans
Sultanahmet Square: The heart of the Old City and former Roman Hippodrome
Hagia Sophia: An architectural marvel serving both Christianity and Islam
Blue Mosque: Famous for its six minarets and blue Iznik tiles
Grand Bazaar: One of the world's oldest and largest covered markets
Option 2: Bazaars & Hidden Alleys
Süleymaniye Mosque: The largest mosque complex with panoramic views
Fener District: The spiritual center of the Eastern Orthodox Church
Balat District: Colorful Ottoman houses, vintage shops and local life
St. Stephen Church: The unique prefabricated "Iron Church"
Pierre Loti Hill: A scenic cable car ride to iconic Golden Horn views
Chora Church: Famous for its remarkable Byzantine mosaics and frescoes
Option 3: Bosphorus & Two Continents
Spice Market: A colorful bazaar filled with exotic aromas and delicacies
Bosphorus Cruise: A relaxing journey between the European and Asian shores
Dolmabahçe Palace: The grand administrative center of the late Ottoman Empire
Taksim Square: The lively heart of modern Istanbul
Çiçek Passage: A historic arcade lined with traditional taverns
Istiklal Street: A bustling avenue leading towards the Galata Tower

PERFECT FOR LAST-MINUTE BOOKINGS & LATE STARTS

Even if your flight arrives late or you decide at the very last moment, you can still enjoy a full and memorable day in Istanbul. Your guide will adapt the program to the time available and the opening hours of the sites.
- As museums and some sites close around 17:30, your guide will suggest suitable alternatives if a venue is no longer accessible, so you still make the most of your day.
- Your guide meets you at centrally located Istanbul hotels or at Istanbul Galataport. If your hotel is not central, the designated meeting point will be the German Fountain in Sultanahmet.
- If a private van is not booked, your guide will meet you on foot at centrally located hotels and use public transport or walking routes where appropriate.
- Please note that there may be an additional charge if your hotel is located outside the defined city center pick-up area.
Tour Info
- Destination: Istanbul
- Duration: Approx. 7 hours per day
- Start Point: Your Istanbul hotel or Galataport
- End Point: Your Istanbul hotel or Galataport
- Inclusions: Private tour, licensed professional tour guide
- Exclusions: Transportation by private van (optional), airport transfer (optional), private yacht (optional), museum & attraction tickets, meals & drinks, gratuities (optional but appreciated)
- Highlights you may visit: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace Museum, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, Bosphorus Cruise, Hippodrome Square, Spice Market (Egyptian Bazaar), Dolmabahce Palace, Suleymaniye Mosque, Pierre Loti Hill, Chora Church (Kariye Camii), Istiklal Street, Cicek Passage, Taksim Square, Galata Tower, Fener & Balat districts, St. Stephen Church (Iron Church)

24 Hour - Free cancellation

You are eligible for a full refund if you cancel your booking at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time of the experience.

However, if you cancel within 24 hours of the start time, no refund will be issued, and we will not be able to accept any modification requests during this period.

Please note that all cancellation deadlines are based on local time.

Reviews

5 Superb Number of ratings: 2

5 stars

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1 stars

Moha 28.11.2025

Best City Best Guide

I had the pleasure of being the very first guest on this tour, and honestly my wife and I are still talking about it. We were completely amazed by Istanbul. It’s one of those cities that gets under your skin in the best way, and I already know this won’t be our last visit.

We only had three days in Istanbul, so we wanted to make every moment count. Before we even arrived, we found this website and booked the package and that decision turned out to be one of the best parts of our trip. Everything felt well organized and easy, which was a big relief when you’re in a new city.

But what truly made the experience special was our guide. He wasn’t “just” a guide, he was a real insider. Friendly, calm, and full of stories, but also someone who knows the city beyond the usual postcard spots. He took us to places we would never have found on our own, and honestly… places we probably wouldn’t have dared to go without him. And that’s exactly what we were hoping for.

Of course we saw history, beautiful mosques, impressive sights, and so much heritage. But we also saw the real Istanbul: the everyday life, the backstreets, the hidden corners, the local vibes, the culture you simply don’t get when you stick to the main tourist routes.

Three days felt short, but thanks to this tour we experienced so much. Istanbul is truly an breathtaking city and this was the perfect way to discover it. Highly recommended, especially if you want something authentic, personal, and unforgettable.

Abdul 03.12.2025

From Brum to Hagia Sophia

As a Muslim Brit, I really rated this Istanbul à la carte tour. Me and my fam wanted to see the city properly, but still keep it easy and respectful for us especially around prayer times. This one absolutely smashed it.
And I’ve gotta say it: a real dream of mine came true. I got to pray Jumu’ah at Hagia Sophia. Massive moment for me. Our guide Hüseyin handled the timing perfectly, proper smooth. No rushing, no stress, no getting swallowed by mad crowds… just the right plan at the right time, and it all lined up around salah like it was meant to be. That meant a lot, because we could soak up the atmosphere, learn the history, and still feel comfortable as Muslims in a place that’s proper special.
It wasn’t just the usual tourist checklist either. Hüseyin took us off the main roads into real local areas, backstreets, proper neighbourhood spots, everyday Istanbul. Places we’d never find on our own, and honestly probably wouldn’t even risk without someone who knows what’s what.
He was calm, respectful, super knowledgeable, and he kept checking in the whole time, pace good? timing alright? need a break? It felt personal, not like some rushed group tour.
If you want something flexible, real, and culturally aware without compromising your comfort-this is the one. We left feeling grateful… and yeah, we’re already talking about coming back.

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Istanbul à la Carte - Design Your Own Perfect Istanbul Days

Istanbul à la Carte - Design Your Own Perfect Istanbul Days