Why Travel to Istanbul?
Private Guided Tours of Istanbul by Serhat Engul
Istanbul is a city steeped in deep and rich history. It was initially founded by the Greeks as Byzantium in 638 BC, later becoming Constantinople under Roman rule in 324, then officially becoming Istanbul many years later. It was ruled by Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans. It goes without saying that Istanbul is one of the most diverse cities in the world.
To really learn more about the history of the Istanbul and its unique traditions, cuisine and culture, it’s important to take a closer look at individual neighborhoods such as Sultanahmet, Beyoglu, Fener-Balat and Kadikoy. These are iconic areas in Istanbul and excellent locations for a walking tour.
Private Istanbul Tours by Serhat Engul
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Half-Day Tour of Istanbul Old City
This tour gives you a great insight about the Istanbul’s history, culture and hidden treasures. It’s easy to combine this tour with your other activities.
It usually starts at 10:00 O’clock in the morning. Duration of the tour is 3 to 4 hours.
Private half day tour cost: 120 USD (same price up to 4 people)
-Entrance fees are not included-
Hagia Sophia entry fee 60 TL, Basilica Cistern 20 TL
Half Day Tour Includes:
- Hippodrome of Constantinople
- Blue Mosque
- Hagia Sophia Museum
- Basilica Cistern
- Spice Bazaar
More information on Half Day Old City Tour here
Half Day Tour by Serhat Engul
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Full-Day Tour of Istanbul Old City
This is by far the bestselling and common tour. It is easy to see one attraction over another by walking and discover 2600 years old history of Istanbul.
It usually starts at 09:00 O’clock in the morning. Duration of the tour is 6 to 8 hours.
Private full day tour cost: 180 USD (same price up to 4 people)
-Entrance fees are not included-
Hagia Sophia entry fee 60 TL, Topkapi Palace 60 TL, Basilica Cistern 20 TL
Full Day Tour Includes:
- Hagia Sophia
- Blue Mosque
- Topkapı Palace
- Hippodrome
- Basilica Cistern
- Grand Bazaar
More information on Full Day Old City Tour here
Full Day Tour by Serhat Engul
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Full-Day Byzantine Tour in Istanbul
Byzantine Tour will give you the opportunity to see more of the wonderful city of Constantinople and marvel at the beautiful architecture that the Byzantines imbued the city with.
It usually starts at 09:00 O’clock in the morning. Duration of the tour is 6-7 hours.
Private full day tour cost: 180 USD (same price up to 4 people)
-Entrance fees are not included-
Hagia Sophia 60 TL, Chora Church 45 TL, Mosaic Museum 20 TL, Cistern 20 TL
Constantinople Tour of Istanbul Includes:
- Hippodrome of Constantinople
- Hagia Sophia
- Basilica Cistern
- Great Palace Mosaics Museum
- Greek Orthodox Patriarchate
- Valens Aqueduct
- Chora Church
More information on Byzantine Sites in Istanbul here
Byzantine Tour by Serhat Engul
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Fener Balat Walking Tour
You visit Fener and Balat neighborhoods to enjoy history, architecture and food. Greek and Jewish communities of Istanbul lived in Fener and Balat during the Ottoman era.
Nowadays there are art galleries, antique shops, cafés and restaurants in the oldish streets of Fener-Balat. You would definitely enjoy the off the beaten path Istanbul while walking through these streets.
It usually starts at 10:00 O’clock in the morning. Duration of the tour is 4 hours.
Private full day tour cost: 100 USD (same price up to 4 people)
There is no entrance fee cost for this tour.
More information on Fener Balat Walking Tour here
Fener Balat Walking Tour
References
Serhat is a local guide who was born and raised in Istanbul. He has been a licensed tour guide for 15 years. You may find some references about him on travel surveys, magazines and blogs.
Recommended on TripAdvisor
Serhat Engul on TripAdvisor
You may check my TripAdvisor reviews from here
The Culture Trip
The Culture Trip Author
You may browse my articles on TheCultureTrip.com
GoBackpacking.com
GoBackpacking.com Author
The 8 Most Instagrammable Places in Istanbul
Dave’s Travel Corner
Dave’s Travel Corner Author
Istanbul’s Secret Gems on Dave’s Travel Corner
Contact to Serhat Engul
E-Mail 
serhateng@gmail.com
Mobile Phone ✆
Whats App Available: +90 532 256 93 12
You may also fill up the form on my personal website
You may also visit serhatengul.com
Licensed Tour Guide Serhat Engul
6 Comments
Levan Chkhikvadze
Dear Serhat, we are fro Georgia, Tbilisi and planing open new package Tbilisi-Turin-Trier-Istanbul and in Istanbul we wanted for your help. By our proggram in Turckey ur travelers must seen Chora Church, Aya Sofia, Orthodox other places, also St.George church which located on one of the icelands of Turckey icelands named “Principle Icelands”. We will be appreciate if you help us in above cases.
Serhat Engül
Hello Levan, Thank you for reaching out, I will be replying your questions and requests through personal e-mail. All the best!
Abhijit Purohit
Dear Serhat
I write to you in regards to our visit to Istanbul couple of days back
I would like to thank you for a memorable tour of Istanbul. I am very glad to have engaged your services. You have extensive knowledge of Istanbul history which kept us engaged at all times. We had a fantastic time seeing the various historic places in the Old city.
Warm Regards
Serhat Engül
Dear Abhijit,
I am very happy to see your great review. It was a pleasure and honour for me to accompany you during your visit to Istanbul. Thank you for your kind words.
Warm regards,
Serhat Engul.
akua lum-reeser
We are starting to plan our trip to turkey. I have saved your information for over a year and now ready to correspond.
We are a couple, aged 60 and 64. 1/2 and full day price for guided tour through you? Best time of year to come to avoid largest crowds or holidays.
Do you have connection in central turkey? We will stay i istanbul for 2 or 3 days then go to the north coast then central.
Serhat Engül
Dear Akua Lum-Reeser, It’s nice to hear from you. I remember your comment on my blog post related to Sultan Suleiman. Yes the half and full day tours are guided by me.
I think you may consider Winter to avoid the crowds. Because Istanbul’s high season starts at April and ends by the end of October. November might be also a good choice. December, January and February is really calm in Istanbul, if you don’t mind about the cold weather.
I am a tour guide based in Istanbul, but I have connections with other parts of Turkey through my collaboration with Turkland Travel Agency.