Gay Friendly Istanbul City Tours From Leading Gay Travel Agency of Turkey

NO ADVANCE PAYMENT/CREDIT CARD INFORMATION IS REQUESTED FOR BOOKING ISTANBUL CITY TOURS

When you decide booking these city tours, remember only the entrance fees of major museums or a simple lunch will cost you about 10$ for each item. You will also be protected from being overcharged by taxi drivers and any hassling during shopping. Your tickets will be bought before hand, and you will not wait in long queues. For private tours we work with experienced gay/gay friendly guides and we will also provide you a free gay guide & map of Istanbul. Group version of city tours are not exclusively gay and are organized in cooperation with other companies. Similar group tours are organized by many travel agencies but we are hoping you will prefer our company, trying to develop an exclusive gay and lesbian tourism in Turkey.
 

GAY EXCLUSIVE ISTANBUL INTRODUCTION & SHOPPING TOUR

Free offer gay exclusive tour if you book any hotel or Turkey tour package directly from Pride Travel.

Where will you eat to best price ? Where and what to shop without being overcharged or hassled ? How do you go to major districts of Istanbul by public transportation ? What are the hidden places of the city that are not included in major tours. What are the risks awaiting you in a city of mysteries ? You can make sure that we know better than your guide books !

Price: 25 to 30 Euro per person (depending on the location of your hotel)

Click here for more details and reservation:
 

TOUR 1: ISTANBUL CLASSIC – HALF DAY MORNING TOUR

This tour cover Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, Hippodrome area and the monuments around it such as Theodosius (Egyptian) Obelisk, Serpentine Column, and German Fountain.

Hagia Sophia was, for nearly a thousand years, the largest enclosed space in the world, and still seen as one of the world’s most important architectural monuments. It is one of Turkey’s most popular attractions, drawn by the sheer spectacle of its size, architecture, mosaics and art. Built in the 6th century by Byzantine Emperor Justinian.

Blue Mosque: This mosque was built by Sultan Ahmet I during 1609-1616 in the town carrying his name in Istanbul. It is the only mosque in Turkey with six minarets. Due to its magnificent hand-dyed blue, green and white tiles it has been named the "Blue Mosque" by Europeans. The central dome is 43 m in height and is 33.4 m in diameter. 260 windows surround the mosque.

Hippodrome: The ancient Hippodrome, scene of chariot races and the centre of Byzantine civic life. Of the ornaments which once decorated it, only three remain: The Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column, and the Column of Constantine. Theodosius Obelisk is originally an Egyptian piece of art erected in 1547 BC and originally 60m tall. German fountain is also within the hippodrome area, constructed in Germany to mark German Emperor Wilhelm II’s second visit to Istanbul, it was imported and officially opened on January 1 1901. The fountain’s three domes are decorated with gold mosaics.

Grand Bazaar:  The oldest and biggest closed bazaar in the world, also known as Kapali Carsi (Covered Bazaar) has around 4000 shops and over 60 alleyways, covering a huge labyrinth in the city centre. Apart from the usual shops selling clothes, textiles, jewelry and carpets, there are small workshops where craftsmen cast and beat silver or brass, in a skilled trade handed down through the generations.

Closed: Mondays: Hagia Sophia, replaced with Kariye (St.Savior in Chora) Museum, City Walls and Yedikule Dungeon. Sunday Grand Covered Bazaar
Departure for group tours: You will be picked up from your hotel at approximately 08:00-08:30, depending on the location of your hotel. Tour ends at approximately 13:00-13:30

Price : 40 Euro per person including hotel pick-up, guide, entrance fees.


Note: Half day morning group tours terminate at Sultanahmet center, in front of Santa Sophia. We kindly request our guests to be ready 10 minutes before the departure.

PRIVATE VERSION: Gay/gay friendly private experienced tour guides
Departure: You will be picked up from your hotel at 09:30
(or at 13:00 if you prefer this tour in the after noon)
Price including private guide, entrance fees, 2 way hotel transfers.
60 Euro per person for 1 pax
50 Euro per person for 2-5 pax
45 Euro per person for 6-10 pax
40 Euro per person for bigger groups

Optional recommendation: Either Cemberlitas Hamam or Cagaloglu Hamam can be included to private tours, if clients pay the entrance fee themselves, because they are private owned venues. They are best remaining samples of historical Turkish baths, and you may try traditional Turkish massage.


 

TOUR 2: OTTOMAN RELICS  –  HALF DAY AFTERNOON TOUR

This tour covers Topkapi Palace and Suleymaniye Mosque

Topkapi Palace:
In fact only the palace is a subject of a single tour with so much to be seen and to be told. A guided tour is a must to really understand the meaning of the Istanbul's most popular highlight. Briefly, Topkapi Palace was the imperial residence of the Ottoman Sultans, starting with Fatih Sultan Mehmet, the conqueror, until 1856. It was converted to a museum in 1924. Parts of the Palace such as the Harem, Baghdad Pavilion, Revan Pavilion, Sofa Pavilion, and the Audience Chamber distinguish themselves with their architectural assets, while in other sections artifacts are displayed which reflect the palace life. The museum also has collections from  imperial treasury, Chinese porcelain, weapons, calligraphy etc.

Suleymaniye Mosque: The cascading domes and four slender minarets of the Imperial Suleymaniye Mosque dominate the skyline on the Golden Horn's west bank. It is considered the most beautiful of all imperial mosques in Istanbul, it was built between 1550 and 1557 by Sinan, the renowned chief architect of the Ottoman Empire's golden age in the name of Sultan Suleiman The Magnificent.

Departure : Everyday in the afternoons. You will be picked up from your hotel at approximately 13:00-13:30, depending on the location of your hotel. Tour ends at approximately 16:30-17:00
Price : 40 Euro per person including transportation, guide, entrance fees.
Closed: Tuesday, Topkapi Palace, replaced with Archaeological Museum

PRIVATE VERSION: Gay/gay friendly private experienced tour guides
Departure: You will be picked up from your hotel at 13:00 (or at 09:30 if you prefer this tour in the morning)
Price including private guide, entrance fees, 2 way hotel transfers.
60 Euro per person for 1 pax
50 Euro per person for 2-5 pax
45 Euro per person for 6-10 pax
40 Euro per person for bigger groups

Optional recommendation: Either Cemberlitas Hamam or Cagaloglu Hamam can be included to private tours, if clients pay the entrance fee themselves, because they are private owned venues. They are best remaining samples of historical Turkish baths, and you may try traditional Turkish massage.


 

TOUR 3: BYZANTINE & OTTOMAN RELICS – FULL DAY TOUR

This is a combination of Istanbul Tour #1 and Tour #2 + lunch
This tour covers Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpentine Column, Constantine Column, German Fountain of Wilhelm II, Grand Bazaar, Topkapi Palace, Suleymaniye Mosque.

Departure : You will be picked up from your hotel at approximately 08:00-08:30, depending on the location of your hotel. Tour ends at approximately 16:30-17:00
Closed: Monday: Hagia Sophia, replaced with Kariye (St.Savior in Chora) Museum, City Walls and Yedikule Dungeon (Golden Gate)
Tuesday: Topkapi Palace, replaced with Archaeological Museum
Sunday: Grand Covered Bazaar
Price : 58 Euro per one person, including transportation, tour guide, entrance fees and lunch.

PRIVATE VERSION: Gay/gay friendly private experienced tour guides
Suleymaniye Mosque is skipped during the private version because of its location.
Departure: You will be picked up from your hotel at 09:30. Flexible pick-up time upon your request.
Changes and additions can be made at places to be visited upon request.
Price including private guide, entrance fees, 2 way hotel transfers and lunch.
80 Euro per person for 1 pax
70 Euro per person for 2-5 pax
65 Euro per person for 6-10 pax
55 Euro per person for bigger groups

WINTER PRICE: (JANUARY 01-MARCH 31, 2010)
50 Euro per person, regardless of total number of participants.  Valid for private tour #3 only.


Optional recommendation: Either Cemberlitas Hamam or Cagaloglu Hamam can be included to private tours, if clients pay the entrance fee themselves, because they are private owned venues. They are best remaining samples of historical Turkish baths, and you may try traditional Turkish massage.


 

TOUR 4:  BOSPHORUS CRUISE ON BOAT- HALF DAY TOUR (Morning or Afternoon)

Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar), Mystical smells of different aromas of various spices. Shops selling fruits, vegetables, flowers, fish etc.,
Bosporus Boat Cruise, thorough the waterway separating the two continents, Europe and Asia, with a possibility to take photographs of marble palaces, ancient wooden villas of Ottoman architecture besides modern residential of luxurious apartments.
Rumeli Fortress: A monument-art built in the narrowest and flowing section of Bosporus, covering 30.000 m2 area. In preparation to the conquest of Istanbul, the castle was built in about four month period which is a considerably short period. In some historical documents it has been stated that 1000 masters and 2000 workers  were employed for construction.

Also seen during the tour from the boat: Imperial Gardens of Royal Yildiz palace, Ciragan Palace, Dolmabahce Palace, Bosphorus Bridge connecting Europe and Asia, Beylerbeyi Palace..

Departure : Daily
Price : 40 Euro including transportation, tour guide, entrance fees.
Closed: In the afternoon tours Spice Bazaar may be substituted with Bedesten, exhibiting the traditional silk weaving girls at the carpet weaving courses authorized by the Ministry of National Education.
Departure: Daily
Morning: You will be picked up from your hotel at approximately 08:00-08:30, depending on the location of your hotel. Half day morning tours terminate at Sultanahmet center in front of Santa Sophia.
Afternoon: You will be picked up from your hotel at approximately 13:00-13:30, depending on the location of your hotel. Tour ends at approximately 16:30-17:00

NOTE: Bosphorus Tours are practiced with regular boats if minimum number of attendants is not provided for the private boat.

PRIVATE VERSION: Gay/gay friendly private experienced tour guides
Please ask for price for groups..


 

TOUR 5:  DOLMABAHCE PALACE & TWO CONTINENTS ( EUROPE & ASIA ) – HALF DAY AFTERNOON TOUR

Dolmabahce Palace, the last residence for Ottoman Sultans with 365 rooms and 22 saloons. Famous with the great collection of European antiquity, furniture and 4.5 tons chandelier.
Bosporus Bridge, unique chance to step from one continent (Europe) to another (Asia) in 2 minutes.
Camlica Hill, exposing a panoramic view of Istanbul and Bosporus from the best point of view.
Departure : Daily. You will be picked up from your hotel at approximately 13:00-13:30, depending on the location of your hotel.
Price  : 40 Euro including transportation, tour guide, entrance fees.
Closed: Dolmabahce Palace on Monday and Thursday Replaced with Imperial Yildiz Park and Yildiz Porcelain Factory (Golden Gate)

PRIVATE VERSION: Gay/gay friendly private experienced tour guides
Please ask for price for groups..

 
 

TOUR 6:  BOSPHORUS TOUR WITH CRUISE  – FULL DAY TOUR

This is a combination of Tour 4 (Morning Bosphorus cruise) and Tour 5 (Two continents)
Lunch Included

This Tour covers Spice Bazaar, Bosphorus Boat Cruise, Rumeli Fortress (from outside), Lunch, Dolmabahce Palace, crossing Bosporus Bridge (from Europe to Asia), Camlica Hill on the Asian side which provides the best panoramic view of Istanbul..

Departure: Daily
You will be picked up from your hotel at approximately 08:00-08:30, depending on the location of your hotel. Tour ends at approximately 16:30-17:00
Price: 55 Euro per person including transportation, guide, entrance fees and lunch. Courtesy transfer from/to hotels
Closed: Dolmabahce Palace on Monday and Thursday Replaced with Imperial Yildiz Park and Yildiz Porcelain Factory (Golden Gate) Rumeli Fortress on Wednesday, Spice (Egyptian) Bazaar on Sunday.
Note: We kindly request our guests to be ready 10 minutes before the departure.

PRIVATE VERSION: Gay/gay friendly private tour guide.
Departure: You will be picked up from your hotel at 09:00 am. Flexible pick-up time upon your request.
Price: 100 Euro per person for minimum 3 people, or extra 50 Euro for 1 participant, extra 60 Euro (total) for 2 participants.
Price includes: English speaking private guide, entrance fees, necessary transfers and lunch.
Please ask for discount for private bigger groups.


 

TOUR 7:  PRINCES' ISLANDS- FULL DAY TOUR  

Lunch Included

Cruise in Marmara Sea to Princes' Islands, stop at Buyukada, the popular summer resort with sandy beaches and pinewood scenery, once the pleasure island of Byzantines Princes. You will take a tour of the island with horse-drawn carriages before lunch at a fish restaurant.
Evening return to Istanbul and transfer to hotels.
 
Also viewed during the tour Topkapi Palace, Leander's Tower, Uskudar from the ferryboat.

Departure: Daily- Operates all year long
Minimum 4 person is required for organizing this group tour.

You will be picked up from your hotel at approximately 08:00-08:30, depending on the location of your hotel.
Price: 50 Euro per person including transportation, guide, lunch. Courtesy transfer from/to hotels
Note: We kindly request our guests to be ready 10 minutes before the departure

PRIVATE VERSION: Gay/gay friendly private experienced tour guides.
Please ask for price for groups !


 

TOUR 8:  BOSPHORUS DINNER & CRUISE ON THE BOAT BY NIGHT

Note: This tour is available from the beginning May until the end of September. Not available in winter.

Bosporus:  A stay in Istanbul is not complete without a traditional and unforgettable boat trip up the Bosporus, the winding strait that separates Europe and Asia. Its shores offer a delightful mixture of past and present, grand splendor and simple beauty, decorated with beautiful shorefront wooden villas, marble imperial palaces, stone fortresses, small fishing villages both on the European and Asian sides.

Bosporus night cruise is from 20:30 pm until Midnight. Pick up time depends on the location of your hotel. An enchanted night cruise will start while you sip your welcome drink as the sun sets on Istanbul. We will pass beneath the Bosphorus Bridge by moonlight, watching Ciragan and Dolmabahce Palaces on the European shores and Beylerbeyi Palace and Anatolian Fortress on the Asian shores. A rich variety of specialties from Turkish cuisine and Barbecue accompanied by live classical Turkish music. A rich menu in dinner will be served which includes salad, hors d'oeuvres, main meal, fruit, dessert and unlimited local drinks.

Departure: Daily from May to September. Please make your reservation as early as possible. A certain number of people is required to make this tour. We will let you know the availability on the tour for the day you requested, or else we will suggest you alternative date nearer the date you requested. Saturday nights are especially recommended for availability and being more busy and entertaining.

Price: 70 Euro including hotel transfers, boat cruise meal and shows as mentioned above.

PRIVATE BOAT CRUISE ON BOSPHORUS: We can book a private boat for Bosphorus Cruise and organize dinner or other shows for you. The price of this cruise will depend on the number of participants, the size and capacity of the boat, duration of the cruise, extra activities requested, quality of the meal and drinks. Please ask..


 

TOUR 9:  GOLDEN HORN and EYUP TOUR

Full day tour with lunch
A new but very popular point of interest is miniature park at the shore of the Golden Horn in Istanbul called Miniaturk exhibiting miniature models of most famous Ottoman and Byzantine period monumental attractions from all over Turkey. Koc museum is the first private museum of Turkey where you can observe the industrial history of Turkey by the help of a great collections. After lunch you will visit Eyup town by the far end of Golden Horn famous with its mosques and religious mausoleums, still reflecting perfectly the traditional atmosphere of Ottoman period life style.

Departure: Daily
You will be picked up from your hotel at approximately 08:00-08:30, depending on the location of your hotel. Tour ends at approximately 16:30-17:00

Price: 50 Euro per person including transportation, guide, lunch. Courtesy transfer from/to hotels
Note: We kindly request our guests to be ready 10 minutes before the departure

PRIVATE VERSION: Gay/gay friendly private experienced tour guides
Please ask for price for groups..

TOUR 10:  DOLMABAHCE PALACE and PERA TOUR - Half Day Morning

Daily half day morning tour. Pera (historical name of Beyoglu/Taksim district) was the mostly populated by non-Muslims in 19th century, and it is the best sample of Westernization period of Ottoman Empire. There are Catholic, Orthodox, Armenian Churches, Jewish Synagogues dotted around Pera. Today it is the most busy nightlife and shopping area of Istanbul. A walking discovery of this quarter and visit of Dolmabahce Palace the last residence for Ottoman Sultans with 365 rooms and 22 saloons. Famous with the Great collection of European antiquity, furniture and 4,5 tons chandelier.

Departure: Daily except Monday and Thursday.
You will be picked up from your hotel at approximately 08:00-08:30, depending on the location of your hotel. Tour is about 4 hours. Dolmabahce Palace can be replaced with Beylerbeyi Palace when it is closed for visits or on too busy days.

Price: 40 Euro per person including transportation, guide, hotel transfers.
Note: We kindly request our guests to be ready 10 minutes before the departure

PRIVATE VERSION: Gay/gay friendly private experienced tour guides
Please ask for price for groups..

TOUR 11:  1001 NIGHTS SHOW (TURKISH NIGHT WITH DINNER)

 
Price is  50 Euro per person with 2 way transfers from Taksim, Sultanahmet or Sirkeci Hotels.
Hotel pick up at around 20:00, show ends at around midnight.
Do not miss this experience. With the price of a good meal you will also enjoy the best samples of traditional Turkish entertainment.
Menu includes main meal, aperitif plates, 2 local alcohol-drinks and either fruit or desert plate,
Show includes belly dancers, live music from various languages including traditional Turkish music as well as traditional shows, asuk-masuk show (body theater) and Turkish folk dance groups etc. We highly recommend you to choose "raki" for your local drink option.



 

TOUR 11/A:  DAILY BURSA TOUR FROM ISTANBUL

Daily tour from Istanbul to Bursa, the first capital of Ottoman Empire. A visit to Uludag (Olympus Misos) mountain is included in the tour.

Click here for tour details and reservation.