Visiting Istanbul?

Hello dear Guests,
Are you interested in taking a sightseeing tour of Istanbul with your own experienced personal tour guide?

My name is Mustafa, I am a licensed tour guide offering private group walking and driving tours to Istanbul.
I was born in 1978, have studied tourism and foreign languages and I have been living in Istanbul for more than 20 years.  I have a passion for this brilliant city and all the wonderful things it has to offer! With so many historical sites, palaces, towers, fortresses, churches, mosques, shops, hamams, delicious food and much more, Istanbul is an exciting place to discover...

To have a private tour guide is the best way to fully appreciate the richness of Turkey's history, culture and cuisine. Unlike a guidebook, a private guide can answer any question that may pop into your head, explain what you're seeing right at that moment, and provide far more information than can fit in a book.  I can help you to buy the tickets as I have priority to buy them to touristic sites, so you don't waste your time waiting in lines; I know how to use your precious travel time most efficiently...

I look forward to meeting you, offering you unparalleled service and sharing the history and culture of my Country. I love this city, my favorite city in Turkey and I try to do my best for my guests so that they learn some about the history of the city, traditions of Turkish people, taste delicious food and feel the Turkish hospitality. I can take you wherever you want or I can recommend you some schedules which we can do daily. Please check out the schedules or we can do different programs together. If you have any suggestions or questions, please feel free to let me know. I will be happy to be your tour guide in this amazing city! 


When you arrive in Istanbul you must see these highlights below:

***Classic Istanbul Old City Walking Tour (Tour 1):

  This is a full day tour schedule in the old town where is now known as Sultanahmet area. This place is buzzing with history! Many of the historical sites are located in Sultanahmet making it easy to walk around and see all within a day. There is so much to see, hear, eat, buy, take in...

The highlights we will see are: 
*Blue Mosque: one of the most popular mosques of the city that was built in 1616, still active and popular with its original tiles.

*Hippodrome and the Obelisks: the center of the sportive events such as chariot races, athletics and political activities of the old city. Today it’s still possible to see the Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpent Column, German Fountain, Constantin Obelisk decorating the Hippodrome. 

*Aya Sofia: it was constructed by the Byzantines between 532-537 A.D. and was the biggest church of the Byzantine Empire. When Constantinople fell to the Ottoman Empire, it was converted into a mosque. Now it’s a museum. 

*Basilica Cistern: This is an amazing underground reservoir with a haunting, mysterious atmosphere built by the Byzantines in 532 A.D. used to store water for the Great Palace and other buildings. Its roof is supported by 336 columns arranged in 12 rows. 

*Lunch time in a local restaurant (if requested). 

*Topkapi Palace: this extraordinary and mystic palace was the residence of the Ottoman Sultans built in 1460ies and was the center of the Ottoman might for about 400 years. It is a typical example of Ottoman architecture and the rooms exhibit rich collections. The palace gives you a great view across the Bosphorus. 

*Grand Bazaar: it was the largest covered market of the world built by the Ottomans in this city with more than 66 streets and 4000 shops where you can find various souvenirs, clothes, rugs, antiques, jewellery etc. in an authentic oriental atmosphere. 

***The Bosphorus & 2 Continents Tour (Tour 2):

  This is a full day tour to see the highlights around Bosphoros, both on Asian and European sides of Istanbul. Depending on the guests we may rent a car or use public transportation such as tram or taxi on the tour to get to the certain places described in the schedule. A very good opportunity to see around and get information about the historical monuments and neighborhoods of Istanbul. I meet you at your hotel in the morning and the tour terminates at around 17:00. 

The highlights we will see are: 
*Spice Market (Egyptian Bazaar); it was built in 1664 by the Ottomans and was the second oldest covered bazaar of the empire. It's the place where you can find traditional Turkish delights, various spices, dried fruits, herbal teas, scarves etc. 




*Bosphorus Cruise; the Bosphorus strait connects the sea of Marmara to the Black Sea and separates Europe and Asia, making Istanbul one of the most beautiful cities in the world . During the boat trip you will be able to see the Dolmabahce Plalace, the Beylerbeyi Palace, the Ciragan Palace , Galatasaray Island, Rumeli Fortress, 2 suspension bridges connecting Europe and Asia, beautiful neighborhoods,wooden houses etc. from the boat. 


















*Driving to the Asian side of Istanbul and passing through the Bosphorus suspension bridge. 

*Camlica Hill & Lunch on the Asian side; one of the highest points in Istanbul,offering a panoramic view of the city and Bosphoros at top of the hill, you may have lunch in a local restaurant enjoying the wonderful view of the city. 



*Dolmabahce Palace; it was the first European style palace built by Ottomans between 1843-1856. This well-preserved palace has been serving as a museum now and it’s possible to see original furnitures, paintings, candle sticks, hand made carpets, crystal chandeliers, musical instruments etc. inside. 
 

Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of republic of Turkey, has passed away in this palace in 1938.

***The Golden Horn &Towers Tour (Tour 3):
  This is a full day tour to see the old and the new parts of the city. I will meet you at the hotel in the morning and the tour terminates at 17:00. 
On this tour, we will not only see some towers, a museum and the city walls but  some neighborhoods where local people spend their time to have some fun, for shopping, drinking, relaxing...You will enjoy your time by drinking a cup of Turkish coffee or tea in a traditional coffee house at the top of Pierre Loti hill that gives you a wonderful view of Golden Horn(river). You feel touch the history when you get to the fortress (7 towers), Chora church(museum now) and Galata tower... you'll be impressed when you walk on the busy Istiklal Street where only the pedestrians are allowed in. And the view from the highest skyscraper of Europe(Sapphire) is just fascinating! 

The highlights we will see are: 
*Pierre Loti Hill; it is a beautiful hill-top overlooking the river-inlet Golden Horn(Halic). We'll get there by taking the public cable-car to drink Turkish coffee and take beautiful pictures of the inlet and the old town.

*Chora Church(museum); it was used as a church built by the Byzantines in 11th century,then was converted into a mosque but now it’s a museum where you can see the best mosaics and  the frescoes  of Byzantine Empire. 



*The city walls and Castle of 7 towers(Yedikule); the city walls constructed by the Byzantines and restored by the Ottomans.The fortress was originally built by the Byzantines in 4th century then served as the garrison of the Ottoman Empire after 15th century, then used as a prison, zoo, art school and now it is a museum.



*Galata Tower; one of the most popular towers of Istanbul built by Geneoses in 14th century used as a lighthouse during the Ottoman era used as a fire tower, prison etc.now is a museum that has a round watch terrace.




*Istiklal Street in Taksim; walking in the  elegant long pedestrian street where there are old buildings,exquisite boutiques,music and book stores,art galleries,cinemas,theaters,cafeterias,pubs,night clubs,restaurants etc. We may have lunch there.




*Istanbul Sapphire; is a skyscraper, the tallest building of Europe(261 m.) constructed in Istanbul in 2011, located in the central business district of Levent. It has a nice terrace and is possible to try the Sky Ride(helicopter 5D animation about Istanbul).



*****Apart from these, if there is something you want to see, visit or experience and don't see it in my tours, then send me an email and I am sure I can take you wherever you'd like to see.


My enthusiasm will be just what you need to kick the jet lag and start exploring Istanbul!

Please feel free to contact me to get any information about the guiding service, tours, prices etc.

Thank you (Tesekkur Ederim) :)
Regards,
Mustafa.
Email address: tourguidemustafa@gmail.com