Istanbul · PRIVATE
The good private experiences fill up early and the best of them go first. Below: the 15 to book before you land, what each one includes and how they differ.
Spend three hours aboard a Mega Lüfer yacht, crossing between Istanbul’s European and Asian shores while enjoying a three-course meal, Turkish music, folk dance, flamenco, and a DJ. Choose standard or VIP dining, with optional hotel transfers and drinks.
“Good food, great show, excellent hospitality. Especially good was our server, Talip. He made the evening precious!”
Choose one to three private days with a licensed guide such as Mustafa, Merve, Burak, or Tuba. Walk Sultanahmet, visit Hagia Sophia and Topkapi, cruise the Bosphorus, explore Balat, and shape the schedule around your interests.
“Numan Taşdoğ is hands down the best tour guide we’ve ever had. His knowledge spans the city’s Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and modern history, and he has an incredible ability to read his guests—knowing when to go deep and when to keep things light. He treats his guests like people, not tourists, and never pushes a personal or commercial agenda. When we asked for authentic food, he took us off the beaten path to an amazing restaurant packed with locals. When we showed interest in art, he patiently stayed with us while we explored and customized pieces at a local lamp shop. He also guided us to a trusted jewelry store…”
Meet at Beethoven Senfoni Hotel in Istanbul’s Old City for a private hamam ritual with body scrub and foam massage. Add a 30, 50, or 75-minute massage, sauna, steam room, and face mask. Female therapists, towels, slippers, tea, coffee, and water are included.
“Everything was great....from the place till the manager and the masseur's!!”
Spend about three hours aboard a Mega Lüfer yacht, with a Turkish appetizer plate, grilled fish, mixed grill, or vegetarian meal, then folk dances, belly dance, flamenco, music, and a DJ. Board near Kabataş, or add hotel pickup from many central Istanbul districts.
“This was a really wonderful experience. We chose to be collected from our hotel. The ambience, food, wine, music and dance were all so enjoyable. I would absolutely recommend this experience.”
You are met at Istanbul Airport near the M55 sign outside Gate 14, then driven privately to your address in Fatih, Beyoglu, or Besiktas. The service runs around the clock, fits groups of up to six, and can provide infant seats and stroller space. Allow 10 to 20 minutes for the vehicle to arrive.
“Driver was playing on his phone the entire journey. We did not feel safe and we would not recommend.”
At the DoubleTree by Hilton Sirkeci, female therapists guide you through a private Turkish bath, sauna, foam massage, and optional scrub, facial, or 30 to 60-minute massage. The spa is English-speaking, wheelchair accessible, and limited to 10 people, with private treatment rooms for you or your group.
“it was so good / my skin Is soft AND feel Very relax! thanks”
At Acemoglu Hammam, a 15th-century bath near Istanbul’s Old City sights, you’ll choose a public, semi-private, or private setting for a clay mask, kese scrub, foam wash, and optional 30-minute massage. Mixed-gender bathing makes it suitable for couples and families.
“It was great. Staff was friendly and experience was relaxing.”
This 6 to 8 hour private Istanbul tour links Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, and Grand Bazaar. Your English-speaking guide can adjust the pace, suggest food and shopping stops, and help with practical details. Admissions and lunch cost extra.
“We booked this walking tour through viator and were gifted an incredible tour guide Zel. This was one of the best walking tours we’ve ever done and we’re so appreciative to have such a kind and knowledgable tour guide. Highly recommend doing this tour towards the beginning of your stay in Istanbul as you see the many of the large tourist attractions in a short amount of time leaving free time for other days. The only regret we have is not booking other tours with Zel around the city. If you don’t get her as a tour guide, you’re missing out! Thank you viator for putting us together! This tour…”
Pre-book a private, one-way minivan transfer between Istanbul Airport, cruise ports, and central hotels. An English-speaking representative meets you after customs, while flight monitoring, WhatsApp support, and detailed pickup videos help you find the vehicle. Taksim and Old City hotels are included city zones.
“Very friendly and efficient! They kept in touch with me throughout the entire process and answered all my questions.”
Spend three hours cruising between Europe and Asia aboard a dinner boat with a private table, Turkish meze, local drinks, and live folk dancing. You will pass Dolmabahçe, Rumeli Fortress, the Bosphorus bridges, Beylerbeyi Palace, and Maiden’s Tower while enjoying music and evening views.
“I loved the whole service,the food was fantastic,the live show was amazing, absolutely recommended to everyone who wants a good evening,in a brilliant place.”
Board at Galataport for a three-hour evening cruise with a private table, Turkish-inspired dinner, live music, folk dancing, and belly dancing. Ezgi and the English-speaking team coordinate optional hotel transfers, while the boat passes Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, the Bosphorus Bridge, Rumeli Fortress, and Beylerbeyi Palace.
“A fantastic experience in Istanbul! The dinner was tasty and the entertainment was high quality. Special thanks to Ezgi for being such a wonderful host. She was so patient with all my coordination and greeted me with such great enthusiasm. Her hospitality made the trip 10/10. Don't miss this tour!”
Explore Istanbul’s Old City with a private English-speaking guide, hotel or cruise-port pickup, and a route covering the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Grand Bazaar, Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace, and a rug-weaving demonstration. Guides such as Eylem, Kenan, Belgin, and Peri tailor the pace and stops to your interests.
“Be prepared for immersion in the history of old Istanbul. Also be prepared to walk. Our guide Kenan was both knowledgeable and fun to spend day with. It was a enjoyable as well as imformative day”
Spend 3.5 hours cruising between Europe and Asia with a private table, Turkish dinner, music, folk dancing, belly dancing, and views of Istanbul’s palaces and bridges. Hotel pickup and drop-off are available from central European-side hotels. Vegetarian meals require advance notice.
“It was everything very beautiful and the food was delicious, the views from the cruiser are wonderful. I would recommend it!”
Spend about six hours exploring Istanbul’s Old City with a private guide, driver, and air-conditioned Mercedes van. Guides such as Ozlem, Ayse, Hazal, and Isha tailor the pace, explain the sights, and help you handle the Grand Bazaar. Entrance fees and lunch cost extra.
“The sites in Istanbul were incredible! In particular, the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia were very beautiful and the Basilica Cistern was amazing. Our guide, Ozlem, was really knowledgeable and nice. We enjoyed the entire tour.”
Meet at the Grand Hotel de Pera in Taksim for a private Turkish bath with a 30-minute scrub and foam treatment. Add a massage, face mask, sauna, and pool time as your package allows. Female therapists provide the treatments, with towels, slippers, tea, coffee, and water included.
“We had a great experience! All of the staff from the receptionist to the therapists were excellent and took really great care of ua both. I would highly recommend booking when visiting Istanbul.”
A boat, a dome, a bathhouse or a coach out of town.
