PRIVATE CUSTOM TOUR
Your Dates. Our Planning and Expertise.

DAY 1 -  ARRIVE ISTANBUL, TURKEY

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We will meet you at the gate of the plane (with a sign reading your names) and you will be assisted during the passport formalities and escorted through the customs. And at the exit gate of the customs, Sightseeist’s licensed English speaking representative will meet you to escort you to your hotel.

  

DAY 2 - ISTANBUL

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Your private guide will meet you at the lobby of your hotel at 9 am for your private sightseeing tour of Istanbul. 

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You will then board a Private Boat for a private cruise on the Bosphorus, the narrow strait of water separating the Asian and European continents and the life blood of Istanbul.  Your private boat will cruise along the romantic Bosphorus visiting both the Europe Side and the Asia Side of Istanbul by the shores of local fishing villages, en route when it is possible to take memorable photos of the magnificent palaces, restored Ottoman villas, impressive fortresses and the waterside residences of Istanbul’s elite. During your cruise you will see a different perspective of Istanbul, described by a Byzantine visitor in the 12th century as “the city of the world’s desire”. Cruise will take approximately 1 ½ hours.

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You will then continue to the Old Town of Istanbul to visit World famous Hagia Sophia, the church of the Divine Wisdom, which is one of the most extraordinary constructions in the World.

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Lunch will be served at one of Sightseeist’s recommended local restaurants close to the sights, at your own cost.

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Your private tour will continue with a visit to 6th century Underground Cistern- an impressive 9,800 square meter cistern capable of holding 80,000 cubic meters of water. The mystery of Dan Brown’s “Inferno is solved here. Perhaps the most unusual structure in Istanbul!

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The last visit will be the Spice Market, a must-see for all first-time visitors to Istanbul, especially foodies. 

Originally devoted to spices and herbs, it now sells a great variety of goods in 88 vaulted rooms. You enter from a large city square and see before you a lengthy, tunnel-like building with 19 stalls on each side. At the end, the 'tunnel' turns left 90 degrees where an even longer building stretches away, containing the other 50 stalls.

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At the end of the tour, you will be escorted to your hotel.

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DAY 3 - ISTANBUL

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Your private guide will meet you at the lobby of your hotel at 9 am for another private sightseeing tour of Istanbul.

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Your private tour will start with a visit to Topkapi Palace -  the main residence of the sultans for almost three centuries. Turks ruled most of Europe and the Middle East from here.

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Lunch will be served at one of Sightseeist’s recommended local restaurants close to the sights, at your own cost.

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Next visits will be to the Roman Hippodrome, the largest chariot race ground of the Byzantine Empire and Sultanahmet Mosque, Blue Mosque - the masterpiece of 17th century Ottoman Architecture, famous for its unique handmade Iznik tiles impressing the guests with their rich dominant blue colors and oriental patterns. They have become collectors’ items today, auctioned at celebrated houses like the Sotheby’s.

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Last, visit the Grand Bazaar, the largest and oldest covered Bazaar in Turkey with more than 4,000 shops. A variety of handicrafts, gold and silver jewelry, carpets, rugs, antiques, tiles, leather, ceramics and souvenirs all sold in small shops next to each other. 

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At the end of the tour, you will be escorted to your hotel.

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DAY 4 - ISTANBUL

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Your private guide will meet you at the lobby of your hotel at 9 am for another private sightseeing tour of Istanbul.

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Your private tour will start with a visit to Imperial Dolmabahce Palace, which was built in 19th century by Sultan Abdulmecit I. 

 The facade stretches for 600 meters along the European shore of the Bosphorus and was the last home of the Ottoman Sultans.

Then you will continue to modern part of the city and visit Taksim Square. Walk the “Istiklal Street” which is closed to traffic except the trams where you can explore many shops and book stores and enjoy a tram ride. You will then visit the Galata Tower which was built in 1303 by immigrants from Genoa, Italy. While sipping your Turkish coffee, you will be amazed with the spectacular view of the Golden Horn and the old buildings located on its shores.

  

At the end of the tour, you will be transferred to Galataport Istanbul cruise port to board on your ship with a stop for some baklava tasting.