5-6 Hour
Private Tour
Flexible
English
Want to skip the airport lounge and stretch your legs in one of the world’s most fascinating cities? This quick, efficient private tour is perfect for an overview before your next flight.
Arrival Airports: Arrive at IST – SAW
Tour Duration: 5–6 hours including transfers
This private afternoon tour is ideal for travelers arriving midday and flying out in the evening or night time. It’s a comfortable way to enjoy the city during your layover without feeling rushed.
After landing and clearing passport control, you’ll be greeted by our welcome host at the arrival terminal. From there, enjoy a private transfer to the Old City. You’ll meet your expert local guide in Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet) and start exploring iconic landmarks by foot. If you’re hungry, we can include a casual Turkish lunch or street food stop. After sightseeing, you’ll be transferred back to IST Airport with plenty of time to clear security and board your flight.
Arrival & Welcome (Estimated Timeline)
Land at Istanbul Airports
+45–60 min: Passport control & baggage storage (if needed)
+10 min: Meet & Greet with welcome host outside of Arrival Terminal Exit Door
+50–60 min: Private transfer to Old City
Meet guide & begin walking tour
Optional Food Stop
Pause for a relaxed Turkish lunch or sample street bites like döner, gözleme, or simit from local vendors.
Blue Mosque – Interior visit
Hagia Sophia – Optional visit (US $28 pp)
Basilica Cistern – Optional visit (US $33 pp)
Spice Market (open until 19:00 PM)
Grand Bazaar (open until 6:30 PM, closed Sundays)
Optional Ferry Ride
Your driver will meet you in the Old City and return you to IST at least 2 hours before your departing flight.
Year-Round: Available all weekdays
Pickup Time: Between 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Valid Dates: 01 Feb 2024 – 04 Oct 2026
1 Person: $220 USD
2 People: $120 pp ($240 total)
3 People: $87 pp ($260 total)
4 People: $70 pp ($280 total)
5 People: $60 pp ($300 total)
6 People: $53 pp ($320 total)
If you require more than the standard airport/hotel transfer and prefer to keep a private vehicle and driver at your disposal throughout the entire tour, you may choose one of the following options according to your group size.
Mercedes Vito Minivan (up to 6 passengers): + $100 USD per group
Mercedes Sprinter Large Van (up to 14 passengers): + $150 USD per group
Minibus (up to 27 passengers): + $250 USD per group
Yes. With 8–9 hours, this half-day tour fits well — giving you about 5–6 hours including an hour ride per way. It allows for comfortable transportation, a brief but meaningful tour, and a timely return for your next flight.
US, Eu and Canadian passport holders are exempted from visa requirements.
No — the driver and guide are separate. Our Meet & Greet host welcomes you outside Exit Door 13 after passport control and escorts you to your private vehicle. After the transfer, your guide meets you in the city center to begin the tour.
You may store your luggage at both Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW). Each airport offers 24/7 left-luggage (baggage storage) services located in the arrivals area. You can leave your bags securely for a few hours or for the full duration of your layover and pick them up with your claim receipt upon return.
For solo or light travelers (or those storing bags at the airport), the standard tour with airport transfers is enough. Choose the full-time van only if you’re a larger group with cabin bags/luggage or prefer extra comfort and extended panoramic driving.
Yes, we do adjust the pickup time if your flight arrives in Istanbul later than scheduled.
Yes. If your flight is canceled, delayed, or rescheduled, you may cancel the tour and receive a refund of your deposit, as long as you notify us before your flight’s original take-off time.
Yes. We pick up from both Istanbul airports as well as layover hotels, including those arranged by Turkish Airlines. Just share your hotel details when booking.
Yes, absolutely. Simply mention it in the booking form or inform your guide, and we’ll arrange a hotel drop-off for you.
Not necessarily. Most places accept credit cards, but having a small amount of Turkish Lira is helpful for small purchases, tips, or markets. ATMs are widely available throughout Istanbul.
Mostly yes, Basilica Cistern provide mobility lift and Hagia Sophia provide access to first floor for those using wheelchair.
Modest clothing is expected. Shoulders and knees should be covered, and women are asked to wear a headscarf. Most mosques offer scarves or coverings at the entrance if needed, but Hagia Sophia does not provide them, so please bring your own.
| # | Discount group | From adult | To adult | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | $200.00 |
| 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | $400.00 |
| 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | $600.00 |
| 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | $800.00 |
| 5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | $1,000.00 |
| 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 | $1,200.00 |
| 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 | $1,400.00 |
| 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | $1,600.00 |
| 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | $1,800.00 |
| 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | $2,000.00 |
| 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | $2,200.00 |
| 12 | 13 | 13 | 12.98 | $2,400.00 |
| 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | $2,600.00 |
| 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 | $2,800.00 |
| # | Discount group | From children | To children | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | $20.00 |
Member Since 2016
Exceptional Istanbul Layover Experience