Private licensed guides · Istanbul

Your own private guide in Istanbul.

A licensed local guide all to yourself — from €200, half or full day (up to 8 hours). Just your party, up to 15. Never a shared group tour.

✓ Every guide licensed & verified · your guide only, never a shared group

We usually reply within an hour · 09:00–21:00 (GMT+3)

No upfront payment — and we never ask for your card details in advance. Pay on the tour day: cash or transfer (card too, if you prefer).

€200From · half or full day
Hand-pickedLicensed & verified guides
Up to 15Your party only, never shared
Why Mavilin

A private guide — without the agency in between

Mavilin connects you with a hand-picked, licensed Istanbul guide. No call centres, no shared coaches, no surprise extras — one price, agreed before you confirm, and your own expert for the day.

How it works

Three steps, no guesswork

01

Tell us your day

Hours, language and what you'd love to see. Takes a minute.

02

We match your guide

A hand-picked licensed local, with the exact price. No payment yet.

03

Confirm & enjoy

Pay on the day or by transfer, then simply meet your guide.

Your guides

Hand-picked local guides

We do not list profiles for you to gamble on. Here is exactly how the guide who meets you is chosen.

1
State-licensed

Every guide holds a professional tour guide licence and a valid work card. We check it before the tour — no exceptions.

2
Personally known to us

We only send guides we have worked with ourselves. A small, trusted circle — never an open marketplace where anyone can sign up.

3
Matched to your day

Your guide is chosen for your language, your interests and the pace you want — and introduced to you by name before you confirm anything.

You meet your guide by name — with their licence details — before you confirm.

Reviews

What travellers say

★★★★★
“We had a wonderful time! Our guide Eytan really took his time to give us the best experience possible. I'd recommend this team to anyone looking for an honest, beautiful experience in Istanbul.”
Kian N · Oct 2025
★★★★★
“Like touring Istanbul with a friend of a friend. It covered all the highlights I wanted to see and the timing was perfect — plenty of time at Hagia Sophia, never hurried.”
Barbara K · Aug 2025
★★★★★
“The most knowledgeable and trustworthy guides and organizers. My trip went flawless — they adapt to every wish and take care of every detail.”
AR · Miami, FL · Aug 2025
★★★★★
“Our guide has deep knowledge of history. We saw the most important sites, each detail explained, no long lines, and our drivers were always on time.”
Maria C · Aug 2025
★★★★★
“A perfect tour — a mini-bus and lots of walking combined. Her professionalism, knowledge and the way she weaves stories about Istanbul are without par. One of my most cherished memories of the city.”
Irena S · Sep 2025
★★★★★
“Bellissimo tour, in famiglia. Tutto perfetto. Consiglio!”
Michela P · Jan 2026
Pricing

Simple, honest pricing

€200 from / total

A private licensed guide for your party. Half day (up to 4h) or full day (up to 8h). You'll always see the exact price before paying anything.

Prices may vary by language and season.

Included

  • Your private licensed guide for the day
  • A route built around your interests
  • Meet-up at or near your hotel

Not included

  • Museum & site entrance fees
  • Transport & taxis
  • Food & drinks

Pay the guide in cash on the day, or by bank transfer. No payment until you confirm.

Good to know

Questions, answered

Are entrance fees included?+

No — museum and site tickets are paid separately. Your guide helps you get them and skip the queues where possible.

How do I pay?+

Cash to your guide on the day, or by bank transfer beforehand. Nothing is charged until you confirm.

Is it really private?+

Always. It's just your party — up to 15 people — and never a shared group tour.

Can I cancel?+

Yes — free cancellation up to 48 hours before your day. Just message us on WhatsApp.

Which languages do you guide in?+

Ten and counting — English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Arabic, Chinese and Japanese. Tell us yours when you request and we will confirm availability.

Plan my day

Tell us about your day

We'll confirm your private licensed guide and the exact price.

3 hoursChoose 1 to 8 · €200 minimum, whatever the length

You'll be taken to WhatsApp with your request ready — just hit send. We reply with your guide and the exact price. No payment until you confirm.