Private İstanbul Tour

Discover Istanbul in Unparalleled Luxury: Bespoke Daily City Tours Await

The call of the horizon has returned, stronger than ever. After a period of pause, travelers, replete with pent-up wanderlust, now turn their sights to destinations as rich and varied as Turkey—where a single day can span four seasons. If the weight of these times has been bearing down on you, perhaps the eclectic charm of Istanbul beckons as the balm to your traveler's soul.

At Cab Istanbul, accredited by the Istanbul Travel Agencies Association (TURSAB), we understand the nuances of modern travel. Adapting to today’s world, we’ve reimagined our offerings to cater exclusively to personalized private tours, minimizing potential risks and maximizing satisfaction. Enjoy the privileges of a dedicated vehicle, an informed chauffeur, and the expertise of a professional guide, ensuring an intimate exploration of this historic city with those closest to you.

The gates to the world's favorite destinations, including Istanbul, are once again open. Why wait?

For the discerning traveler with a penchant for the finest, our private Istanbul tour is the quintessential choice. If, however, the thrill of solo adventures with a modest budget calls out to you, we have resources to guide your path. Even in such pursuits, allow our English-speaking airport transfer drivers to enrich your journey with invaluable insights.

Luxury Car and Chauffeur Service for the Ultimate City Exploration

Straddling Europe and Asia, Istanbul is more than a city; it's where epochs converse, where every mosque, palace, park, and mansion hums with tales. It's a city immortalized in films, series, poems, and songs. But understanding its depths is not as daunting as it might seem. Cab Istanbul promises an engagement with the city led by our proficient, amiable drivers in vehicles that epitomize modern luxury.

Our pricing structure, crafted for transparency and ease:

• For groups up to 6: Opt for the Mercedes Vito or a similar caliber vehicle, available for up to 10 hours at a daily rate of 150 Euros.
• Desire the companionship of an English-speaking guide? (Other languages available upon request) A mere 100 Euros for up to 8 hours daily.

Experience Istanbul in its fullest grandeur: a luxurious vehicle, an adept driver, and an erudite guide—all for a special rate of 250 Euros per day. Revel in Istanbul; embrace the luxury, history, and culture that only a bespoke tour can offer.

Rediscovering the Heartbeat of Istanbul: A Day in Sultanahmet

• Begin your Istanbul journey in the ancient embrace of Sultanahmet, often referred to as the Old City. Here, time stands still and the echoes of the bygone eras whisper tales of grandeur and romance.
• Step into the royal sanctum of the Topkapi Palace, where every stone and mosaic tells the story of emperors and their unparalleled legacies. A stone's throw away, the Hagia Sophia awaits. Recently reborn as a mosque, its entrance is now free, inviting all to bask in its transcendent beauty.
• Delve deeper into history at the Basilica Cistern. In its hauntingly beautiful recesses, witness a magical world where reflections dance in the still waters, mirroring ancient architectural marvels.
• Nearby, the azure tiles and domes of the Blue Mosque beckon, hinting at stories of faith and architectural prowess. Following this, meander through the verdant pathways of Gulhane Park. Here, amidst its tranquility, take a moment to enjoy a simit and tea, letting the vista of the city wash over you.
• The aroma of the renowned meatballs from Sultanahmet Köftecisi (Meatballs) will inevitably draw you in, offering a culinary trip back in time. Post your gastronomic indulgence, let the labyrinthine alleys of the Grand Bazaar envelop you, where treasures hide in plain sight.
• Venturing down the Mahmutpaşa bazaar, the history embedded in the ancient inns whispers tales of travelers past. A quick detour to the Egyptian bazaar promises the fragrances of exotic spices before guiding you to the serene New Mosque.
• Cross the storied Galata bridge, pausing for an obligatory snapshot with the iconic Galata Tower as a backdrop. Ascend the hill to the Suleymaniye Mosque, a testament to Ottoman opulence.
• In the heart of Fatih, the remnants of a once-glorious aqueduct deserve your attention. Let the Fatih Mosque allure you next, and be sure to indulge in the local dishes offered at the nearby women's market.
• Last, but by no means least, stands the Dolmabahçe Palace. As the last abode of sultans before Turkey embraced its republic era in 1924, its architecture is a dance between Western baroque, rococo, neoclassical designs, and traditional Ottoman grace. This monument of splendor, built by the decree of Sultan Abdulmecid, boasts sprawling halls, regal chambers, and the stories of four architects from the Ottoman era. And while the palace itself is a narrative, its transformation into a museum in 1984 added yet another layer to its storied past.

Princess Island Excursion

Depart from the historic Eminonu pier and set sail towards the tranquil embrace of Heybeliada. As the ferry dances with the waves, share your bagels with the ever-enthusiastic seagulls – a simple gesture that'll anchor a timeless memory. If you opt for a fleeting stop at Burgazada, know that Kınalıada's whispers and Sedef Island's tales await you on the next ferry before culminating at the grandeur of Buyukada, the Prince's Island.

Once there, let the wind guide you. Rent a bicycle or an eco-friendly electric car to navigate the island's secret trails. Seek solace at the Aya Triada Monastery, find forgotten tales in the Abandoned World Church, and let the harbor's vista from the monastery leave you spellbound. For an enriched experience, don't miss our detailed video guide.

Anatolian Side: A Tapestry of Time

The vibrant Bagdat Street in Kadıkoy is a siren call for those with a penchant for shopping. Yet, for the souls yearning for history's embrace and scenic wonders, a voyage from Moda to Haydarpasa Train Station and onto the iconic Maiden's Tower on Uskudar Beach becomes essential. Before the day ebbs, find yourself at the majestic Beylerbeyi Palace, and then ascend to Camlica, letting the sunset paint you in its golden hues. For those seeking nature's embrace, the verdant expanses of Polonezkoy Nature Park, Mihrabat Grove, or Anadolu Kavagi beckon.

Effortless Istanbul Journey

Touchdown in Istanbul? Elevate your first-time experience in this sprawling metropolis by securing your transportation with a mere click on our Istanbul airport transfer link. Navigate the city's rich tapestry comfortably in a VIP vehicle, helmed by our adept drivers, ensuring you savor every moment of your Istanbul sojourn.

Contemplating a cost-benefit analysis for your transfers? Delve into the details below and contrast our exceptional service offerings.

Istanbul: A Shopper's Paradise

A week in Istanbul invariably beckons a shopping escapade. Catering to varied tastes and wallets, the city offers both bustling street markets—where discerning shoppers can unearth branded treasures at astonishingly discounted rates of up to 20%—and sophisticated shopping promenades for more curated purchases.

For those seeking a blend of high street fashion and local flair, Bagdat Street, the Nisantasi district, Laleli, and Merter are unbeatable. Those pressed for time but keen on pocket-friendly buys will find Viaport Mall, conveniently located adjacent to Sabiha Gokcen airport, irresistible. Meanwhile, the chic and discerning shopper can indulge at the plush corridors of Istinye Park and Zorlu Shopping Center. On the city's Asian facet, Akasya Mall stands out, while on the European side, shopping aficionados are often seen frequenting Kanyon Shopping Center in Levent and the bustling Cevahir Shopping Center.

The Fragrant Corners of Istanbul: The Egyptian Bazaar

To truly say you've breathed in Istanbul, one must meander through the atmospheric alleys of the Egyptian Bazaar. Also celebrated as the Spice Bazaar, this market is a kaleidoscope of colors and fragrances, where you can taste, touch, and embrace the very essence of the city.

Dating back to 1664, and an integral part of the New Mosque complex, the Egyptian Bazaar, sometimes called the Spice Market by foreign travelers, is where Istanbul's heart pulses. Here, history mingles effortlessly with the vibrant present, making every visit an unforgettable tapestry of memories.

Suleymaniye Mosque: A Crowning Jewel

Perched atop one of Istanbul's iconic seven hills, the Suleymaniye Mosque stands as an eloquent testimony to the city's storied past, casting a poetic silhouette against the Golden Horn's shimmering waters. While not the largest Ottoman marvel, its majestic charm is undeniable, further enriched by the beautifully preserved structures that punctuate its precincts.

Commissioned by the formidable Sultan Suleyman, often referred to as the Magnificent, this architectural gem has intriguing tales woven into its minarets and domes. Legend suggests its four resplendent minarets and the ten balconies adorning them symbolize Suleyman's reign as the fourth Ottoman sultan in Istanbul and the tenth since the empire's inception. This grand edifice, an embodiment of the empire's golden age, was the genius of Mimar Sinan, arguably the finest imperial architect of his time. Its construction, which spanned between 1550 and 1557, is a testament to the era's architectural prowess and innovation.

European Bosphorus: A Symphony of Senses

Begin your day with a sumptuous breakfast nestled under the towering Rumeli Fortress. Places like Hisar Cafe, Lokma, and Kale Cafe offer gastronomic delights with Bosphorus views that are nothing short of poetic. The path then winds towards the Rumeli Fortress Museum, echoing tales of yore.

A gentle saunter takes you to Bebek Park – perfect for an ice cream respite. The path from here meanders towards Arnavutkoy, a haven known for Istanbul's finest fish eateries nestled in Kurucesme.

Before the Ortakoy pier greets you, allow local bakers to enchant you with their baked wonders. The intricate handcrafted souvenirs dotting the stalls might just find a way into your heart (and bags!). For those seeking the river's embrace, a Bosphorus cruise (for a mere 5 Euros or less) is an experience par excellence. The juxtaposition of the July 15 Martyrs Bridge against the elegant Ortakoy mosque is an absolute photographer's dream.

Yıldız Park promises a day of discoveries. If opulence is what you seek, indulge in a coffee break at the Ciragan Hotel, capture moments against the palace backdrop, and let the Dolmabahce Palace's grandeur narrate tales of a time gone by. Looming in stark modern contrast, the Vodafone Arena stands as a testament to Istanbul's evolving tapestry, offering panoramic views against the backdrop of the Asian side.

Pierre Loti Hill: A Love Letter to Istanbul

Tucked away in the heart of Istanbul, Pierre Loti Hill stands as a testament to the city's magnetic allure, particularly to one French writer and naval officer - Louis-Marie-Julien Viaud, better known by his pseudonym, Pierre Loti. Enamored by Istanbul's ethereal beauty, it's said that this hill, with its enchanting panorama of the Golden Horn, served as the backdrop for Loti's inaugural novel, "Aziyade." Written in the then Rabia Kadın Kahvesi, now the historic café atop the hill, the novel unfolds a tragic love story that ends with the poignant demise of its lovers.

First stepping foot in Istanbul in 1876, Loti's fervor for the city was evident. Residing in Eyup during his initial visit, subsequent journeys saw him treated as an esteemed guest by the state, even earning him the accolade of "Honorary Citizen of the City of Istanbul." His unwavering support for Turkey's National Struggle resonated with the indomitable spirit and quest for independence that Istanbul symbolizes.

Today, that undying affection is immortalized as the Eyüp ridge, with its mesmerizing view of the Golden Horn, bears his name. The hill is more than just a geographic elevation; it's a confluence of history, literature, and captivating landscapes. It offers a vista that epitomizes the very essence of the city that Loti cherished.

For every visitor, a sojourn to Pierre Loti Hill is a journey through time, an opportunity to embrace the city's rich tapestry as seen through the eyes of one of its most ardent admirers. An Istanbul expedition, regardless of the season, feels incomplete without a moment of reflection on this historic hill. It's here that one truly grasps the timeless allure that the city holds.

Once you have traversed the iconic Galata bridge, let the nostalgic pull of the funicular transport you through history's tunnel and straight to Istiklal Street. Here, each cobblestone underfoot whispers tales of bygone eras and modern dynamism.

Commence your sojourn with a leisurely promenade down Istiklal Street. Along the way, let the aromatic allure of a traditional Turkish coffee from Hafız Mustafa invite you for a brief, but deeply satisfying pause. Enhance the flavor notes of your coffee with the sweet symphony of Gulluoglu baklavas. These delicate layers of phyllo and honey will play a beautiful melody on your palate.

As evening's soft light begins to drape Istiklal, find yourself enchanted by the vintage charms of Cicek Passage and Aznavur Passage. There's an old-world magic here, waiting to be rediscovered. The echoes of laughter and melodies from French Street will remind you of times when life was a timeless ballad. And if you're looking to discover fashionable treasures, Atlas Passage promises well-known brands at enticing prices.

Perhaps a short detour to Cihangir might delight you; keep your eyes peeled, for this is where the stars of Turkish screens often wander. As night deepens its embrace, consider letting the vibrant energy of Nevizade or Asmalımescit beckon. Here, clinking glasses celebrate life's myriad moments. For those whose hearts beat to faster rhythms, a nearby nightclub might just be the crescendo to your day.