01
Full day
Major Sights of Istanbul
Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Topkapı Palace, and Grand Bazaar.
Tour Guide Metin Koca
See Istanbul beyond the checklist.
Personal guided days through the Historic Peninsula, explore Istanbul with me. One of the most impornt structures in the world is Hagia Sophia and visiting it with me is one of the best gift you can give yourself....
Explore the toursISTANBUL
A guide with hunderds of 5* reviews on Tripadvisor and recommended by Rick Steves Istanbul Guide Book.
Guided experiences
Metin Koca recommended by Rick Steve's Istanbul Guide Book
02
Full day
Major Sights & Backstreets
Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Grand Bazaar, Süleymaniye Mosque, and Spice Market.
03
Full day
Chora Church
Chora Church, Ancient City Walls, Fatih Mosque, Aqueduct of Valens, Süleymaniye Mosque, and the Bazaar.
For independent travellers
Not keen on a full-day guide?
Some travellers prefer to explore the city on their own — and that makes perfect sense. But Hagia Sophia is a place where depth matters. Fifteen centuries of history, layers of Byzantine and Ottoman meaning, and details that are easy to walk past without knowing what you're looking at.
I offer a focused private Hagia Sophia tour of around 1.5 hours — just the two of us (or your group), moving at your pace, with the full story behind what you're seeing. No full-day commitment, no rushed group, no checklist. Just one extraordinary building, properly understood.
Hagia Sophia — Istanbul
Built in 537 AD · 15 centuries of continuous history
Featured in a trusted guidebook
Recommended in Rick Steves’ Istanbul guidebook
I am proud to be recommended in Rick Steves’ Istanbul guidebook — a trusted resource for travelers who want to experience the city with more context, care and local insight.
Read the recommendationWatch before you come
Movies and TV Shows I recommend seeing before you come.
Series
Rise of Empires: Ottoman
A dramatic introduction to the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople, its rulers, and the city’s pivotal place between empires.
Film
From Russia with Love
James Bond’s classic Istanbul adventure, filled with memorable scenes across the city’s historic streets, stations, and waterfront.
Film
Inferno
Dan Brown’s Istanbul-set thriller offers a cinematic glimpse of the Basilica Cistern and the city’s dramatic underground world.
Documentary
Kedi: Cats of Istanbul
A warm, intimate portrait of Istanbul through its street cats, neighbourhoods, markets, and the people who care for them.
Local recommendations
Other Tours and Activities You Should Do
These services are recommendations only. You can contact the relevant agencies and service providers directly.
01
Sunset Cruise
02
Dinner Cruise
03
Turkish Bath Experience
04
Food Tours
First visit notes
Practical guidance, shared like a local recommendation.
Getting around
Use an Istanbulkart for trams, ferries, metros, and buses. It keeps the city easy to navigate.
Visiting mosques
Dress modestly, bring a light scarf if needed, and plan around prayer times for a more comfortable visit.
A good pause
Leave room for tea, breakfast, and a ferry crossing. These are often the moments visitors remember most.
Timing
Early mornings and late afternoons offer softer light, calmer streets, and a more relaxed pace.
Guest notes · Tripadvisor
What guests remember most.
A few words from travelers who explored Istanbul at an unhurried pace.
Recent Google reviews
K
Kayla Rutter
May 13, 2025
With 2 full-days to explore Istanbul, we reached out to Metin based on reviews, and spending our time in Istanbul with Metin was the best decision we made for our trip to Turkey. We were able to cover so much ground, including the major sites and some off the beaten path experiences, maximizing our time and yet at a relaxing pace.
Google Review
R
Ron Feeley
May 13, 2025
Do not hesitate to take a tour with Metin Koca! We had a private tour for six adults of Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, and it was fantastic! He has a great depth of knowledge and a wonderful enthusiasm which made the sites come alive for us.
Google Review
M
Mike & Lauren
March 23, 2025
We had an amazing day with Metin! He is incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and made our experience unforgettable. We learned so much from him while exploring most of the top attractions in Istanbul. Would highly recommend him.
Google Review
J
John Dambrosio Author
July 17, 2024
Best guide ever! In the business for 15 years. Highly knowledgeable, friendly, polite, and a great way to get familiar with Istanbul for day-long treks. In this man you will meet a lifelong friend. Amazing!
Google Review
D
Dennise Terry
June 25, 2023
Metin was a treasure. We learnt more than we would have on our own or reading brochures, or googling. His wide knowledge of history, art, politics and culture were exceptional. He was humorous, friendly, and advised us beyond Hagia Sophia. Highly recommend.
Google Review
J
John Alveus
December 18, 2022
Metin is the GOAT. Aside from the convenience of meeting at the start of the line, the stories he told about the history were easy to absorb and I will remember them forever. Highly recommend. Thank you, Metin!
Google Review
Plan your day
Tell me what you want to see, and we will shape the route together.
Share your dates, interests, and travel pace. I will help you create a guided Istanbul day that feels personal from the start.
Personal replies for guided Istanbul experiences.
Bosphorus line