Istiklal Street

Our guide was punctual, flexible, polite, knowledgeable w good command of English. We discussed my wishes before the trip and he was able to show us everything. We went to see Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topika Palace first courtyard, Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, Galata Bridge, Galata Tower, and a few sights along the Main Street leading to Taksim Square. It was interesting to see the old and the new parts of Istanbul. We did a lot of walking, along w tram and metro. My kids who are teenagers got a bit bored half way. This is my first private tour, it delivered my expectation as i only had one day. However compared to free guided tour guides which i had quite a few tours with in various cities, I have to say the free guides are more animated and have a lot more interesting stories to keep the group excited and concentrated at all time. Cost aside, take a private guide if you want a customized tour w lot of personal attention. Go w the free tour if you want more animation.