Istanbul Reiseleiter
EN

Private tours · since 1989

Your private guide in Istanbul

Hagia Sophia, Topkapı, the Bosphorus – discover Istanbul with a state-licensed guide who is there for your family or group alone. Fixed price, your own pace, no sales detours.

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Istanbul at the blue hour with mosques and the Bosphorus
  • 1989founded
  • 200,000+guests guided
  • 25languages
  • 100%private

Why travel with us?

In Türkiye, only state-licensed guides may lead visitors inside museums and archaeological sites. Our guides hold that licence – and decades of experience.

Licensed guides

State-certified guides who tell the story behind the stones instead of reciting dates.

Truly private

Just your family or your own group. We never combine you with strangers.

No shopping stops

No carpet, jewellery or leather showrooms. Cheap tours paid for by sales commissions are not what we do.

Skip the queue

If you prepay the entrance fees, we buy the tickets at the guides' counters – you skip the line.

Popular private tours

All prices are fixed prices for your whole group of up to 3 people. Each additional adult +€10, children 3–12 +€8, infants 0–2 +€5. Entrance fees are not included.

Booking is handled securely on MeinReiseleiter.de (English, German, Turkish). We guide in 25 languages – just tell us yours.

How it works

  1. 1

    Choose a tour

    Pick a tour or let us put together your own programme.

  2. 2

    Book

    Pay a 30% deposit by PayPal or bank transfer – your date is then confirmed.

  3. 3

    Get your documents

    You receive the booking confirmation, a service contract and our tips on what to bring.

  4. 4

    Enjoy Istanbul

    Your guide meets you at your hotel, the ship or the meeting point. The balance is paid in cash in euros on the day.

Insider tips from our guides

What we tell our guests before every tour – so your day in Istanbul runs smoothly.

Know the closing days

Topkapı Palace is closed on Tuesdays, Dolmabahçe Palace on Mondays and the Grand Bazaar on Sundays.

Respect the mosques

No visits during prayer times – especially Friday noon. Cover shoulders and knees; women wear a headscarf.

Start early

Hagia Sophia and Topkapı are quietest in the morning. When several cruise ships are in port, midday gets busy.

Skip the taxis

We advise against taxis. A private car with driver saves time and hassle – especially outside the Old City.

Check the Museum Pass

With several museums the Museum Pass Istanbul often pays off. We tell you honestly whether it suits your plan.

Comfortable shoes

The Old City is hilly and cobbled. Good shoes, water and a scarf for the mosques belong in every bag.

The people behind Istanbul Private Guide

Founded in 1989 by Mehmet Humayunoğlu, a state-licensed guide since 1990 and member of TUREB, IRO and BVGD. Today a team of experienced, licensed colleagues – historians among them – guides our guests through Istanbul. We have shown the city to more than 200,000 people so far.

  • Specialists in Byzantium, the Ottoman Empire and biblical sites
  • Partner offices in Istanbul and Kuşadası
  • Personal contact before your trip – via WhatsApp or e-mail

Frequently asked questions

Are the tours really private?

Yes. You travel only with your family or your own group. We do not combine guests who don't know each other.

How much does a private tour cost?

Prices are fixed for the whole group of up to 3 people, e.g. from €240 for the full-day tour. Each additional adult costs €10, children €8, infants €5. Entrance fees are paid separately.

Which languages do you guide in?

We guide in 25 languages. Online booking is available in English, German and Turkish – simply state your preferred language when booking.

Do you pick us up at the hotel or the ship?

Yes. With a vehicle booked we collect you from hotels within 20 km. Cruise guests meet their guide right at Galataport.

How do I pay?

A 30% deposit by PayPal or bank transfer when booking. The balance is paid in cash in euros before the tour starts.

Are there shopping stops?

No. Carpet, jewellery or leather showrooms are not part of our tours. Only if you explicitly ask, we arrange shopping separately.

Can tours be wheelchair accessible?

Yes. We offer wheelchair-friendly tours with a minivan and electric lift, and rent out wheelchairs in Istanbul.

Questions? Write to us.

We reply quickly – usually the same day. WhatsApp is the easiest way.

WhatsApp +49 176 62157259

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