Innovation Tour
During our visit to Taksim, the heart of Istanbul, we will explore Galata Tower, a significant landmark from the Middle Ages. Afterwards, we’ll head to Dolmabahçe Palace, the former residence of the last six sultans of the Ottoman Empire. Our day will conclude with a visit to the Karaköy district.
About this activity
- Free cancellationCancel up to 48 hours in advance for a full refund minus the payment processing fee (up to 5%)
- Duration5-6 hours daily
- Live tour guideEnglish
- Pickup includedIf your hotel is centrally located, your guide meets you at your hotel
- On foot & public transportOr a private van for the whole tour (+$150)
Where you’ll visit
- Dolmabahçe Palace (optional to enter with additional entrance fee – Closed on Mondays): A lavish 19th-century palace blending European styles with Ottoman splendor, once the administrative center of the empire.
- Taksim Neighborhood: The heart of modern Istanbul, known for its lively atmosphere, shops, restaurants, and the famous Istiklal Street.
- Galata Tower (from outside): A medieval stone tower offering panoramic views of the city, standing as one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks.
- Karaköy: A trendy waterfront district where history meets hip cafés, street art, and boutique shops, perfect for a relaxed stroll.
What’s included
- <Professional licensed tour guide
- Private Tour
- Meet at your hotel (if centrally located)
- Lunch
- Public transportation fees (tram,metro)
- Admission fee – Dolmabahçe Palace (skip-the-line access, 45 USD per person). Entrance is optional and can be paid at the site with skip-the-ticket line access.
- Private car
- Tips for your guide — not mandatory, but recommended if you are happy with the tour
Good to know
- Walking level: moderate. 5–6 hours on foot and by public transport, including the 1.4 km İstiklal Avenue and the steep streets around Galata Tower. Prefer to walk less? Add the private van (+150 USD for your group) when booking. If your hotel isn't in Taksim, Galata, Karaköy or Sultanahmet, you'll reach the meeting point by tram or metro.
- Closing days: Dolmabahçe Palace is closed on Mondays.
- Entrance tickets: Dolmabahçe Palace is optional and paid at the entrance, with skip-the-line access.
Prices
| Group size | Price for the group |
|---|---|
| 1–8 people | $240 |
| Private vehicle for the whole tour (optional) | +$150 per group |
Private tour: the price is for your group only, no strangers join. Your exact total is shown in the booking form before you pay.
Groups of more than 8 people: please contact us
Guest reviews
Guides our guests mention on this tour: Kaan, Bery
- Gisele PMay 2025
I was recently in Istanbul for medical treatment. I wanted to experience the city while there, but I speak very little Turkish and was traveling solo. I reached out to Kaan at Reminder Tour at the last minute in hopes he could fit me in. Thankfully, Kaan was able to schedule two private tours for me on consecutive days. Kaan is knowledgeable and kind. He showed me the sights at my own pace and was even able to personalize the tour a few times as it was just the two of us. I told Kaan that I fostered animals for my local humane society in the United States, and he took a detour to show me the Istanbul Street Cat Museum! I told Kaan I was a pescatarian so we made a stop to eat some fried fish wraps on day two. It was personalized touches like this that make tours with Reminder Tours unique and a can’t miss while visiting Istanbul.
- Helena CoffeltApril 2024
Awesome tour! Our guide was the fantastic Kaan. He was very informative, hospitable, kind, enjoyable host. My family was happy with our experience learning and seeing great parts of Istanbul. We highly recommend to anyone. I have watched many of Bery and Kaan’s videos before our visit and was so excited to tour this way! Thank you!
- MonicaFebruary 2024
100% recommend we had our tour with our lovely guide Seda and it was an amazing experience. She is super knowledgeable and me and my mom enjoyed learning about the places we visited. This was our second time in Türkiye and it was our best trip yet, I can’t wait to plan our next trip. Thank you Reminder Tour for an amazing guide and experience.
Show all 5 reviews
- MIGUEL PLAZA DE LOS REYESAugust 2023
Disfrutamos mucho este tour. Tuvimos un excelente guía que hablaba perfecto español. Además, aprendimos mucho de la historia de los lugares que visitamos. Muy recomendable!
- ClaudiaNovember 2022
I can’t thank you enough. It was a great experience. Taksim, galata tower and Karaköy was so beautiful. We’ll definitely book a tour with Reminder tour again.
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