Istanbul Private Tours

• Istanbul Private Tours provides a private tour with a professional tour guide.

• Local taxes are included in the package.

What's not included:

• Entrance fees to the museums are not included.

• Public transport fees are not included.

• Meal expenses are not covered.

• Gratitude is suggested but not included.

• The package does not cover admission to the following attractions: Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, Bosphorus Strait, Dolmabahce Palace, Galata Tower, and Basilica Cistern.

This itinerary takes you on a tour of Istanbul's most famous landmarks and attractions. You will begin at the Topkapi Palace, the former imperial residence of the Ottoman Empire, where you can explore the treasury collections of the Ottoman Royal Family. From there, you will visit the 6th-century church of Hagia Sophia, known for its Byzantine architecture and intricate mosaics.

You will proceed to explore the Basilica Cistern, which is renowned for its Medusa heads and is the most extensive water storage facility from the Byzantine era located underground. Afterwards, you will head to the Hippodrome, which was once the epicentre of sports and politics in Constantinople. Here, you can observe the Obelisk from Egypt, the Serpentine Column from Delphi, and the fountain of Wilhelm II.

Subsequently, you will proceed to the Grand Bazaar, which is recognized as the world's largest and oldest covered marketplace, comprising over 4,000 shops. Additionally, you will get a chance to witness two of Istanbul's most magnificent imperial mosques: the Suleymaniye Mosque, built by the renowned Ottoman architect Sinan in 1557, and the Blue Mosque, which is one of the most significant mosques globally and embellishes the Istanbul skyline with its blue Iznik tiles and stained glass.

You will then visit the Spice Market, famous for Turkish delights and spices, and take a Bosphorus Cruise, where you can enjoy the unique natural water strait filled with palaces, old Ottoman houses, historical mosques, and many other buildings. Another attraction on the itinerary is the Rustem Pasha Mosque, known for its exquisite display of Ottoman Tile artwork embellishing the interior walls.

Afterwards, your tour will take you to explore the lively and authentic Kadikoy district, known for its vibrant atmosphere and local vibe, and then to Uskudar Pier, located on the Asian side of Istanbul. You will also have the chance to visit Taksim Square, the city's main square, and the Dolmabahce Palace, a stunning palace built between 1843 and 1858, featuring a blend of Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical styles.

Finally, you will see the Galata Tower from outside and visit the commercial site of old Istanbul in Karakoy before returning to the Basilica Cistern for one last look at the Medusa heads.

Istanbul Private Tours are designed to be accessible for individuals with mobility needs. The tours are wheelchair and stroller-accessible, and transportation is available that accommodates wheelchairs. Additionally, the tours are located near public transportation and all surfaces are accessible.

• A booking confirmation will be sent upon booking.

• This tour is not recommended for individuals with serious medical conditions, heart problems, or back problems.

• As Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays, the tour will include a visit to Dolmabahce Palace instead.

• The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays, but the Spice Market will be visited instead.

• Kid-friendly tour guides are available.

• If you're a cruise passenger, it's advisable to opt for public transportation (tram) since there's often heavy traffic in and around the old city. The old city is only a 10-minute tram ride away, so please take this into account when reserving the tour.

• Moderate physical fitness is required for this trip.

• Extra charges may apply if your hotel/apartment is on the Asian Side or far from the city centre, so keep that in mind when booking a private van.

• This is a private tour/activity, which means that only your group will be participating.

To get a full refund, the experience must be cancelled at least 24 hours before it starts.

What are the attractions included in the Istanbul private tours?

The tour includes visits to Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia Mosque, Hippodrome, Misir Carsisi (Spice Market), and Topkapi Palace.

How much does Istanbul Istanbul have private tours?

The price for the tour starts at 3894.09 TRY.

What are the cancellation terms for Istanbul private tours?

If the tour is cancelled at least 24 hours before the start date, a full refund is possible.

Which company offers Istanbul private tours?

The tour is hosted by 'Things to Do In'. Renowned for their exceptional commitment to customer satisfaction, 'Things to Do In' is a highly reputable tour company with extensive experience in the industry. They have been awarded five distinguished honours from Trip Advisor, recognizing their excellence. Their tour packages are diverse and cater to a wide range of interests, including bespoke private tours of some of the world's most famous tourist destinations.

Breaking into the male-dominated industry has not been easy for female tour guides in Istanbul. Women have traditionally been underrepresented in the tourism sector, and there are many challenges that they face. Some of these challenges include:

• Gender: The societal perception of women as having a limited role in domestic affairs continues to exist in many societies, which often results in the belief that women are not competent enough to become tour guides. This gender bias creates obstacles for women who aspire to become tour guides, making it challenging for them to secure employment in the field.

• Lack of support: Women who want to become tour guides often face a lack of support from their families and communities. There is a perception that tour guiding is not a suitable profession for women, which can create a lot of resistance.

• Safety concerns: Tour guiding can be a risky profession, particularly in countries like Turkey where there have been security concerns. Female tour guides may feel particularly vulnerable when working alone, and this can be a significant barrier for women who want to enter the profession.

Despite these challenges, many women in Istanbul have managed to break through and make a name for themselves as tour guides. They have proven that women can be just as competent as men in this profession, and they are changing the face of tourism in Istanbul.

Having more female tour guides in Istanbul has many benefits. Here are some of the advantages:

• Diversity of perspectives: Female tour guides bring a unique perspective to their work. They can share insights into women's experiences, which are often different from men's experiences. This diversity of perspectives can enrich the tour experience for visitors.

• Empowerment: By becoming tour guides, women can gain economic independence and empowerment. This can help them to break free from traditional gender roles and become role models for other women.

• Breaking stereotypes: Female tour guides can help to break down stereotypes about women and their abilities. They can show that women are just as capable as men in this profession and can do the job just as well.

• Enhancing the tourist experience: Female tour guides in Istanbul are helping to enhance the tourist experience. Visitors can learn about the city's culture and history from a female perspective, and this can add depth and nuance to the tour experience.

Conclusion

Female tour guides in Istanbul are breaking barriers and changing perspectives. Despite the challenges they face, women are making strides in the tourism industry and proving that they can be just as competent as men. Having more female tour guides in Istanbul is beneficial for everyone involved. It can provide visitors with a unique and enriched experience, empower women economically, and help to break down stereotypes. As the tourism industry continues to grow, it is essential to ensure that women have equal opportunities to participate and thrive.