Marble columns and gold calligraphy roundels inside Hagia Sophia

Tours designed by you

Tell us what you want from Istanbul and we build the day around it.

Some people arrive with a list. Others arrive with an interest, or a grandmother who cannot walk far, or four days and no idea where to start. All of them are easy to work with, and none of them fits a fixed departure.

Any of our tours can be run privately, and we are just as happy to build something that is not on the site at all. Ottoman architecture, textiles, photography, the Byzantine city, food only, a route your family can manage in the heat. Tell us and we will say honestly whether it works.

Start with the itinerary

The first thing we ask is the plainest one: where do you want to go, and what do you want to see. Answer it in whatever shape it arrives, a list of names, a half memory of a photograph, or nothing more specific than the old city and somewhere good to eat. We turn it into a route that works on the ground, in an order that does not have you crossing the city twice. If you would rather start from something concrete, read through our private tours and tell us which parts you want to keep.

Things worth telling us

Your dates, and whether they can move
How many of you, and the ages if children are coming
Where you are staying, so we can plan the start
What you would be disappointed to miss
How far you are happy to walk, and whether anyone needs a slower pace
Anything you cannot eat

A note on opening days

Several of the major sights close one day a week, which is worth knowing before you fix your dates. Topkapı Palace closes on Tuesdays and the Grand Bazaar closes on Sundays. Other closing days change with the season and with restoration work, so rather than print a list that goes stale we check what is open on your date and build the route around it.

How it works

Three steps, no checkout

There is no basket and no card form. You tell us what you are after, we write back with a plan and a price, and nothing is fixed until you say so.

Choose a direction

Pick a tour you like, or describe the day you have in mind.

Tell us the practical things

Dates, group size, hotel, walking pace, anything you cannot eat.

Get a plan and a price

A tailored itinerary with a clear price, adjusted until it fits.

Request a quote

The more you tell us, the more useful the first reply will be.

Or ask on WhatsApp first

Your name *

Email *

Phone or WhatsApp

Preferred date

Number of people

Preferred language

Tour or theme you are interested in

Hotel or pickup area

How did you find us? *

Where exactly, if you do not mind saying

Dietary needs, mobility, anything else we should know

Your details are used only to reply to you. Nothing is added to a mailing list.

Before you ask

Questions people ask about this

Can you build something that is not on the site?

Yes. Ottoman architecture, textiles, photography, the Byzantine city, food only, a route your family can manage in the heat. Tell us what you want and we will say honestly whether it works.

What do you need to know from us?

Your dates and whether they can move, how many of you and the ages if children are coming, where you are staying so we can plan the start, what you would be disappointed to miss, how far you are happy to walk and whether anyone needs a slower pace, and anything you cannot eat.

What if I do not know what I want to see?

That is the normal case and it is easy to work with. Answer in whatever shape it arrives: a list of names, a half memory of a photograph, or nothing more specific than the old city and somewhere good to eat. We turn it into a route that works on the ground, in an order that does not have you crossing the city twice.

Can you plan around someone who cannot walk far?

Yes. Tell us how far you are happy to walk and whether anyone needs a slower pace, and the route is built around that rather than trimmed on the day.

Do closing days change the plan?

Topkapı Palace closes on Tuesdays and the Grand Bazaar closes on Sundays. Other closing days move with the season and with restoration work, so rather than print a list that goes stale we check what is open on your date and build the route around it.

Every question guests ask

Free cancellation Cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the start time and you are refunded in full. Inside 24 hours we cannot refund. Tell us as early as you can and we will move your date rather than lose you.
Rain or shine Tours run in rain and in heat. If conditions make a tour unsafe we cancel it ourselves and refund you in full, or move you to another date, whichever you prefer.
Small groups Scheduled group tours need a minimum of three people to run. If the number is not met we offer you another date or a full refund, and we tell you at least 24 hours before.

Read the full terms

The record

out of 5, from 1,172 reviews on Tripadvisor

1,172 reviews on Tripadvisor since 2012, averaging 4.9 out of 5. The profile is public and the score is theirs, not ours.

years guiding in Istanbul: 14 Since 2012

Read all 1,172 on Tripadvisor What guests wrote

What guests say

In their own words

Left on Tripadvisor and Google after the tour.

Salih was an outstanding guide for this walking tour through Fener, Balat, and the old Greek and Jewish quarters. His knowledge of the neighborhoods' history was impressive; he brought the streets to life with stories about the different communities that shaped this part of Istanbul over the centuries. He was engaging, spoke excellent English, and clearly loved sharing his city with visitors. He also gave us great tips for exploring on our own afterward. Highly recommend this tour, and ask for Salih if you can. He made the experience truly memorable.

Lou, France, 11 August 2026

Exploring Balat in Istanbul was easily one of the highlights of my trip. The tour brought this historic neighborhood to life with its colorful streets, charming old houses, and deep cultural history. Walking through the narrow alleys felt like stepping back in time, with every corner offering something unique, from vibrant cafes to hidden churches and local artisan shops. What really made the experience special was the guide. They were incredibly knowledgeable, sharing stories about the neighborhood's diverse past, including its Jewish, Greek, and Armenian influences. It wasn't just sightseeing, it felt like understanding the soul of the area. I also loved how authentic Balat felt compared to more touristy parts of Istanbul. It's a perfect mix of history, culture, and everyday life. If you're looking for something beyond the typical attractions, this tour is absolutely worth it. Highly recommend for anyone visiting Istanbul, especially if you enjoy photography and history.

A GetYourGuide traveller, United States, 3 April 2026 Left on GetYourGuide

The tour was wonderful. Onder Denker is an excellent guide, kind, attentive, and he explains how other peoples, such as the Greeks and Jews, have been part of Istanbul's history. The Fener and Balat neighborhoods, with their hillsides and colorful houses, are delightful. The stop to have tea and a traditional dessert was wonderful. Having a guide on this tour is essential, as it's the only way to learn about the history of the area, including the churches we visited. I highly recommend it!

Virginia, Brazil, 13 March 2026