Private Istanbul Full Day ( 7 to 9 hours ) Tour - Skip the line

Actually, it was a private three-day tour of Istanbul. Our guide met us with minivan and driver at the Galataport Cruise Terminal, but on the upper level. We were not advised to go up to the street level and we waited over thirty minutes at the lower, disembarkation level. Only after a couple of phone calls, did we get straightened out. Leyla was very knowledgeable and thorough, very attentive to our circumstances. My only comment would be that either Curio or Leyla made too many assumptions about American tourists. At times, I felt programed and on the last day, after seeing some attractive shops in a non-tourist area of Istanbul, I asked if perhaps we would not have found just as good and maybe less expensive gifts items here, rather than in the Grand Bazaar. She said, yes, but everyone needs to visit the Grand Bazaar. Maybe so, but she could have at least asked what we were looking for. We had requested a visit to a hammam and she recommended a lovey 300 year old Turkish bath, where we had a fabulous experience. The next day, I told her how much we enjoyed it. She said she thought we would, as it's preferred by tourists, who might not withstand a genuine Turkish bath experience, whatever that means. I can't complain, it was great, but again, we were never offered any options. It was just assumed that we wanted a more gentle (and I guess more expensive) experience. Curio might reconsider that aspect of their service. Not all "tourists" are created equal. Otherwise, we had a wonderful "first visit" to Istanbul, thanks to Leyle. She was patient and always prompt and knowledgeable.

Our favorite was the Hagla Sophia and the history of it as well as the overwhelming excitement and shopping of the Grand Barzzar.

Our guide Ulku was fabulous. We traveled throughout the city with her and she brought the city to life. It was such a good experience we booked her for the following day to continue our experience.