Is this a private tour, even though we use public transport?
Yes. Your licensed guide is reserved exclusively for your party. Only the transport is shared with other passengers when using public trams, metro lines and scheduled ferries.
Is a private car or hotel transfer included?
No. This is a guide-only walking and public transport service. Your guide meets you at a confirmed central Istanbul meeting point; meeting at a centrally located hotel may be possible by prior agreement. There is no airport transfer or chauffeur-driven vehicle in the standard service.
Do we pay for trams, ferries and other public transport?
Yes. Public transportation fares are separate from the guiding fee and are normally paid as you travel. Your guide can advise on using an Istanbulkart or other accepted payment methods.
Can entrance fees be included in our quotation?
Absolutely. Tell us which museums and monuments you would like to enter. We can add the relevant tickets, subject to current prices, rules and availability. Otherwise, you may buy them yourself.
Is lunch included?
No. Lunch, snacks and drinks are excluded. If you want a meal break, your guide can suggest an area or a suitable restaurant, while your food and drinks are paid for separately.
Can we book several days or two half-day tours on one day?
Yes. Use the planner to add up to ten sightseeing days. For each date, choose one full-day itinerary, one morning or afternoon half-day itinerary, or two different half-day routes on the same date. We will check the logistics and confirm the final program with you.
Can we choose our own places to visit?
Yes. You can choose from the suggested routes or ask for a custom itinerary. We will help prioritize the stops that fit your chosen hours, walking comfort and the opening days of each attraction.
How much walking is involved?
The service is primarily walking-based, usually with local transit when necessary. Some historic neighborhoods have cobblestones, uneven surfaces, steps and hills. Please tell us about mobility requirements before booking so we can discuss an appropriate plan.
Does the guide enter every attraction with us?
Guided access depends on each site's current regulations, prayer times and entry arrangements. Some locations restrict guiding inside or require explanations in designated areas. We will clarify what is feasible for your selected route before confirmation.
What is the private guide price? Is a half day cheaper?
The guiding fee is €275 per group per sightseeing day for an English-speaking licensed guide, or €325 per group per sightseeing day for Spanish, Italian or Portuguese. The guiding fee is the same for a half-day or a full-day tour. Multi-day guiding totals are calculated by the number of selected sightseeing days, not by the number of routes. Entrance tickets, public transport fares and meals are extra.
How are prices and reservations confirmed?
The planner shows your guiding subtotal based on guide language and number of sightseeing days. Optional admission fees and other exclusions are not included in that subtotal. Your WhatsApp enquiry is not a confirmed reservation; we will confirm guide availability, service hours, any optional tickets and booking conditions before you book.
