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Need a Last-Minute Private Guide in Istanbul?

We’ve Got You Covered

Soner Dursun by Soner Dursun
May 1, 2025
in Istanbul Daily Tours, Istanbul Tours, Istanbul Travel Blog, Tips & Tricks, Tour Guide
Reading Time: 11 mins read
A A
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You’ve just landed in Istanbul — or maybe you’ve been here for a few days, and now you’re realizing how much this city has to offer. One problem: you haven’t booked a guide yet.

Table of Contents

Good news: you don’t need to plan months ahead to experience Istanbul like a local. With The Other Tour, you can secure a private guide within a few hours — and still dive deep into the wonders of this magical city.

Whether it’s Byzantine ruins, Ottoman architecture, Bosphorus villages, or vibrant local markets, we’ll build an experience tailored to you. Even at the last minute.

Why Book a Last-Minute Private Guide?

Life doesn’t always go as planned — and travel shouldn’t be rigid either. Here’s why last-minute tours with The Other Tour are not just possible, but actually ideal:

  • You get flexibility: No cookie-cutter itineraries. Just your day, your way.
  • You avoid the crowds: Our guides know the right hours, backstreets, and local hacks.
  • You go beyond the obvious: We offer storytelling, spontaneity, and soul — not scripted tours.
  • You save time: See more in less time with a professional by your side.
  • You gain context: Istanbul is overwhelming without someone to connect the dots.

What We Offer — Even on the Same Day

We specialize in crafting private, personalized tours with very short notice. Some guests reach out in the morning and meet their guide by lunch. Here’s what’s possible:

🔹 Old City Tour: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Basilica Cistern, and hidden corners nearby.
🔹 Asian Side Tour: Ferry to Kadıköy or Üsküdar, explore Kuzguncuk, eat where the locals eat.
🔹 Thematic Tours:
– Jewish Heritage (Galata, Balat, Kuzguncuk)
– Armenian Heritage (Kumkapı, Samatya, Beyoğlu)
– Culinary Market Tours (Street food, bazaars, breakfast feasts)
🔹 Private Bosphorus Cruise: Combine land and sea — with optional stops in Kanlıca, Bebek, and Anadolu Kavağı.
🔹 Custom Requests: Want to focus on photography, architecture, religious landmarks, or politics? Just say the word.

All itineraries are tailored from scratch, even if you reach out just hours before. We’ll respond within 15 minutes.

Our Guides: Real People. Real Passion.

With The Other Tour, you don’t just get someone who memorized a script — you get a human connection. Our guides are carefully selected for their knowledge, empathy, humor, and soul. Most of them are full-time locals, artists, photographers, or cultural experts. Here are just a few of our amazing team members:

🔹 Ömer Çelik:Detail-oriented, peaceful presence with a love for lost civilizations.
🔹 Rubil Gündüz: Artist and photographer who captures Istanbul in all its light and shadow.
🔹 Damla Arslan: Compassionate, calm, and full of insider knowledge — especially on the Asian side.
🔹 Tayfun Yalçın:
Licensed historian-guide with infectious energy and street smarts.
🔹 Kardelen Uyar: Deep thinker and natural poet, blending storytelling with social insight.
🔹 Ece Duluk: An academic with a love for Ottoman architecture and art.
🔹 Furkan: Young, witty, and plugged into both Istanbul’s history and Gen Z culture.

👉 Learn more about our private guiding services.

Real-World Scenarios

Not everyone plans their Istanbul adventure months in advance — and that’s perfectly okay. Many of our most memorable tours have started with a last-minute message: a quick WhatsApp in the late morning, a call from a cruise terminal, or an email sent over breakfast. Within a few hours, these travelers found themselves on immersive, private journeys across the city — guided by locals who turned spontaneity into magic.

Here are just a few stories from travelers who booked their guide the same day:

“I messaged them around 9:30 in the morning after realizing I had just one free day in Istanbul. Within an hour, they confirmed a private guide. By noon, I was wandering through the streets of Kuzguncuk, learning local stories, and drinking tea in a hidden garden café. I didn’t expect such warmth and depth on such short notice.”
Rachel📍USA
“Our cruise ship docked earlier than planned, and we suddenly had an entire afternoon free. We reached out at 10:45 AM hoping for the best. By 1:00 PM, a professional guide met us at the pier and gave us a walking tour of Sultanahmet that was both informative and relaxed. We were blown away by how quickly everything came together.”
Lina📍Sweden
“I found The Other Tour online while having breakfast. It was already past 11 AM, but they responded instantly. We agreed on a custom half-day tour, and by 2 PM we were exploring Balat, trying street food, and chatting about Turkish culture with our guide. It felt less like a tour, more like spending the afternoon with a smart local friend.”
Carlos & Maya📍Mexico/Spain
“I was traveling solo and had only one afternoon left in Istanbul. I sent a message at 10:30 AM and honestly didn’t expect much. But by 1 PM, I was walking through the Grand Bazaar with Kardelen, talking about Turkish poetry and politics. She even helped me find the perfect gift for my father. It felt truly personal.”
Fatima📍UK
“We’re a family with two young kids, and by mid-morning they were already bored at the hotel. I reached out around 10:15 AM, and by lunchtime, we were on a kid-friendly walking tour through Karaköy, tasting simit, visiting a toy museum, and riding a tram. It saved our day and gave us memories we’ll never forget.”
Jennifer📍Canada
“I was in town for a photography project and had just a few hours of good light left. I contacted The Other Tour around 11:00 AM, and by 1:30 PM, Rubil took me to some lesser-known rooftops and alleyways along the Golden Horn. He knew exactly where to go and when. The shots I got that day made the whole trip worth it.”
Koji📍Japan
“We’re professors attending a conference and had one afternoon free. At 10:20 AM, we asked if a specialized guide could focus on Byzantine art and city planning. Not only did they say yes, but by 1 PM, we were walking the old aqueduct routes with a brilliant guide who brought centuries of history to life.”
Thomas & Elena📍Germany

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Can I book a private guide just a few hours in advance?

Yes. We regularly organize tours on the same day — even just 2–3 hours ahead. We move fast and keep things simple.

❓ Is a half-day tour cheaper than a full-day tour?

No — the guiding fee is fixed. Whether you book a 3–4 hour tour or spend the whole day with your guide, the price remains the same.

❓ Can you arrange last-minute transportation?

Absolutely. We can provide a private vehicle with a driver for airport transfers, full-day tours, or just getting around comfortably.

❓ What do you need from me to confirm a tour?

Just your full name, current location, and preferred start time. That’s all we need to get started.

❓ Can you meet us at our hotel, Airbnb, or cruise ship?

Yes. We’ll meet you wherever is most convenient — your hotel lobby, pier, airport, or any central location.

❓ Can you offer tours in other languages besides English?

Yes. We can arrange tours in Spanish, German, French, Italian, and more — depending on availability.

❓ Can I request a specific guide from your team?

Of course. If you’ve seen a guide you like on our website, just mention their name and we’ll do our best to match you.

❓ What if the weather is bad? Do you still operate?

Yes. Rain or shine, we adapt the route accordingly — adding indoor stops, museum visits, or a cozy café break if needed.

Contact & Booking

Need a private guide today? Just reach out — we’ll take care of the rest.

Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or on a quick business trip, we can organize a fully personalized tour in just a few hours. No fuss, no forms, no stress.

📲 Fethi Karataş: +90 530 086 2588 (📞Call or WhatsApp)

📲 Soner Dursun: +90 531 911 1128 (📞Call or WhatsApp)

✉️ Or email us at info@theothertour.com

We respond quickly. You’ll have a confirmed guide and a custom plan in no time.

👇 Fill out the form below — and let’s start planning your Istanbul experience.

Tags: Asian sideCultureDay tripsEuropean SideHistoric LandmarksIstanbulIstanbul ToursIstanbul travelIstanbul TripIstanbul VisitThe Other TourTurkey
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Soner Dursun

Soner Dursun

Soner Dursun, co-founder of The Other Tour, has been shaping its unique approach since 2011. With a strong background in hotel management, he ensures seamless operations and top-tier hospitality, bringing a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of guest satisfaction. Born and raised in the Black Sea region, he carries its renowned resourcefulness and charm, making every experience with The Other Tour feel warm and welcoming. A lifelong football enthusiast, Soner’s passion for the game matches his energy for crafting meaningful connections. Whether on the pitch or sharing stories over tea, his competitive spirit and love for teamwork shine through. His lifelong friendship with Fethi, built since childhood, is the foundation of their collaboration. Together, they have grown The Other Tour into a travel agency known for organizing unique tours in Istanbul and across Turkey, driven by authenticity, adventure, and Soner’s vibrant leadership.

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