Enjoy Istanbul Like
Istanbulians Do
We offer two types of private tours in Istanbul:
VIP Tours
Regular Tours
VIP Vehicles
Why Visit Istanbul with Guides of Istanbul VIP Tours
Rates
Early Reservation Advantages
Private Bosphorus
Cruise
Comparison of Regular & VIP
Tours:
|
What is Offered |
Regular Tours |
VIP Tours
|
|
Vehicle |
2006-model
Mercedes Vito |
2008-model, VIP-designed
Mercedes Vito or Viano
|
|
Knowledgeable & Friendly Guide
|
Yes |
Yes |
|
Driver
|
Yes |
Yes |
|
No Waiting in Line at Sites
|
Yes |
Yes |
|
Itineraries Chosen By You
|
Yes |
Yes |
|
Airport Transfers
|
No |
Yes* |
|
Evening Transfers
|
No |
Yes* |
|
Private Bosphorus Cruise
|
No |
Yes** |
|
Reservations
|
No |
Yes |
|
24-Hour Concierge Service
|
No |
Yes |
|
Mobile Phone & Laptop
|
No |
Yes |
*Airport and
evening transfers are offered as part of at least 2-day VIP Package.
**Private Bosphorus Cruise is offered as part of at least 3-day VIP
Package.
SUGGESTED ITINERARIES:
If
you visit Istanbul by yourself or with a group, you will never get
to see the Istanbul we will show you. Most tourists visiting
Istanbul only see some of the monuments in the Sultanahmet area and
Historic Peninsula; they can never go further because of the
geographic size of the city. They have no idea what they are
missing. Although the Historic Peninsula has must-see monuments,
Istanbul has many other must-see districts not visited or discovered
by many tourists. Istanbul is much, much more than Topkapi Palace or
Hagia Sophia.
Our
itinerary will of course include visiting monuments but you will
also see and live the lovely local atmosphere in different districts
far from the Historic Peninsula. We divide the city into 4 main
areas:
Historic
Peninsula:
Amazing
monuments.. where the Byzantines and the Ottomans ruled from. This
is Constantinople, capital of the Eastern Roman Empire for more than
1,100 years.. Largest church in the world for over 1,000 years..
Where Enrico Dandolo, Venetian dodge who led the 4th crusade is
buried.. This is Istanbul, the capital of the great Ottoman Empire..
The palace where Mozart abducts the girl from.. History must have
been written here.. Sites to see include:
Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Archeology
Museum, Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Turkish and
Islamic Arts Museum, Grand Bazaar.
Golden
Horn:
Has
everything.. From the largest mosque of the city to the head of the
Greek Orthodox world.. From 5th century walls to the hill where the
French author Pierre Loti wrote of his love for a Turkish woman..
Where Leonardo Da Vinci came and drew a project for a bridge.. Where
Master Sinan presented his incredible Suleymaniye Mosque to the
humanity on behalf of the "Magnificent". A natural seaport: Why
Istanbul was for centuries the largest and wealthiest city in the
world.. This is where history and architecture create a romance..
Sites to see include:
Suleymaniye
Mosque, Galata Bridge, Eyup Sultan Mosque, Monastery of the Holy
Savior in Chora, Greek Patriarchate, Theodosian Walls, Valens
Aqueduct, Cafe Pierre Loti.
Bosphorus:
The
glorious Bosphorus.. For many, by far the most beautiful place in
the world.. Two continents.. Palaces, mansions, fortresses, cafes,
restaurants.. Where once the Ottoman Sultans lived.. Where now the
creme de la creme of the country live in early 19th century yalis,
some of which are among the most expensive houses in the world..
Jason and the Argonauts sailed through here.. Bosphorus: Ford of the
Cow.. Io, the lover of Zeus, ran away as a cow from the horse fly
sent by his wife Hera who had caught them.. Sites include:
European
Side: Dolmabahce Palace, Sakip Sabanci Museum, Ortakoy, Rumeli Fortress, Yildiz Palace,
Emirgan.
Asian
Side:
Beylerbeyi Palace, Camlica Hill, Hidiv Kasri, Bagdat Street.
Leander
or Maiden Tower
Taksim:
Once
known as Pera, the center of the Europeans living in Istanbul..
Still the heart and soul of the city.. Lots of everything: Cafes,
restaurants, bars, bookstores, shops, theatres.. Accompanied by a
14th century Genose tower, a nostalgic tram, 18th and 19th century
Catholic churches, the second oldest subway in the world, huge
consulates and beautiful 19th century apartments.. Istiklal Avenue
lives for 24 hours.. And the posh Nisantasi with its Rolex, Tiffany,
Armani type stores, young professionals sitting in outdoor cafes,
Ferraris and Porsches parked side by side.. Sites include:
Beyoglu, Galata Tower, Pera Palas,
Church of St. Anthony, Flower Passage, Pera Museum, Istiklal Caddesi, Galatasaray, Tunel, Nisantasi, Macka.
SPECIAL SERVICES:
Whether you are coming
to Istanbul on a cruise ship, to celebrate your honeymoon or wedding
anniversary, or as a family, we have exactly the right suggestions
for you.
Cruise Ship Passengers:
Istanbul
is one of the main cruise ship destinations and definitely the
favorite stop for the passengers. However, given the extremely short
duration of the visit and the mandatory pace of group tours with
lots of other people you don't know, most cruise ship passengers see
nothing but just a couple of monuments, which gives them just a
little taste of the beauty of the city. However, with our private
services and efficient itinerary combining various districts, you
will see much more than just a couple of monuments.
With
us, you will truly enjoy the city.
Couples and Honeymooners:
What
could be more romantic than watching the sunset from the Galata
Bridge? Or counting the stars on a wonderful boat on the Bosphorus
while passing by a beautifully-lit 15th century fortress? Or walking
around thousands of tulips -an original Turkish flower and one of
the symbols of the city- in a breathtaking palace yard in April? Or
enjoying Turkish coffee or apple tea from the exact spot where
Monsieur Pierre Loti wrote his countless poems while looking down
the timeless Golden Horn? Or dining in a posh restaurant overlooking
the lights on the Bosphorus while listening to the violins and harp?
We
will surely give you other ideas and make them happen for you.
Families:
Discovering
a foreign city may be challenging for families -especially for those
with little children. They may get bored in the museums or may not
do well with the local cuisine. We understand these challenges. With
our completely private services, you will be able to go anywhere you
prefer, always consult your guide and agent and make sure that you
have a great time as a family.
QUALITIES:
Safety and Comfort:
Although
Istanbul is a beautiful city, it is a huge metropolis with a
population of more than 12 million, which, like other large cities,
can be hectic and crowded at times. With us, you will feel safe and
comfortable all times as if you were home while discovering one of
the most exotic cities in the world.
Language:
We
offer our services in all languages.
Knowledge:
We
know the city very well because it is our city. And we will happily
share our knowledge with you in a friendly and polite manner.
Reputation:
We
are proud to have served numerous guests from the USA, Canada, UK,
Australia and many other countries. Please check our
References. We guarantee you that you
will highly recommend Guides of Istanbul to your friends.
5-Star Hotels
in Istanbul
Istanbul in the
News
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