Istanbul Guide Services – Professional Tourist Guide Services

Service Details & Pricing

1. General Information

  • In Turkey, professional tourist guide fees are set annually in January by the Ministry of Tourism and TÜRSAB, based on inflation rates.
  • Legal Notice: Providing services below the official rates is prohibited and subject to penalties. Therefore, price negotiation is not possible.

2. Language-Specific Guiding Services

  • The prices listed on this website are for English guiding services only.
  • Other Languages (Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, German, French, Russian, etc.) have customized pricing.
  • For requests in other languages, please contact us for a quote.

3. Working Hours & Pricing

  • Half-Day (4 Hours): 120 USD(excluding VAT)
  • Full-Day (8 Hours): 150 USD (excluding VAT)
  • Tours under 4 hours are billed as a half-day (4-hour) service.
  • After-Hours Service (Outside 09:00-17:00): An extra 50% fee applies.

The prices listed on this website are valid for groups of up to 4 people.

For groups larger than 4 participants, please check the specific pricing indicated in each tour description or contact us for a customized quote.

4. Payment Terms

  • Prices are listed excluding 20% VAT.
  • Payments are processed via bank transfer, with an additional 5% bank fee charged to the guest.

5. Excluded Services

  • The guiding fee does not include transportation, museum entrance fees, meals, accommodation, or personal expenses.

Booking & Contact

  • For inquiries and quotes: contact us
  • A prepayment is required to confirm bookings.
    Note: Fees are updated annually in January. Please contact us for the most current rates.

Professional Tourist Guide Responsibilities & Tour Flexibility

  1. Pre-Arranged Itinerary
    • The professional tourist guide is responsible for preparing a suitable tour program that has been pre-arranged with the guest.
    • The guide ensures the tour follows a well-planned route and schedule.
  2. Flexibility Within Limits
    • New stops that do not disrupt the tour duration or main route may be added upon mutual agreement.
    • The guide reserves the right to refuse additions that would:
      • Significantly alter the planned route.
      • Extend the tour beyond the agreed duration.
  3. Unforeseen Circumstances
    • In case of unexpected events (traffic, closures, protests, weather, etc.), the guide may modify the route with the guest’s approval for safety and efficiency.
  4. Guest Cooperation
    • To ensure a smooth experience, guests are kindly requested to respect the guide’s expertise in time and route management.
      Our priority is your safety and a fulfilling Istanbul experience!
      For special requests, please discuss them with your guide in advance.

Meeting Point Policy & No-Show Procedure

  1. Arrival Expectations

    • Guests and guide must arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time.
  2. Waiting Period

    • If guests are not present at the scheduled time:
      • The guide will wait a maximum of 15 additional minutes
      • After this period, the guide will:
      • Record video proof or written documentation showing:
        ✓ Time/date stamp
        ✓ Meeting point location
      • Officially declare a no-show
  3. No-Show Consequences

    • No refunds will be issued for no-shows
    • The full tour amount remains due
  4. Late Arrivals

    • Guests arriving after the 15-minute grace period:
      • Will receive the remaining tour time (no time extension)
      • May need to pay additional fees to extend the tour

Important Notes:

  • This policy ensures fair treatment for both guests and guides
  • Documentation protects all parties in dispute cases
  • We recommend allowing extra time for Istanbul traffic/parking

For emergencies affecting your arrival, please contact us immediately at phone/email.


Cancelations

Full Refund: Cancellations made at least 72 hours before the start time are eligible for a full refund.

No Refund: Cancellations made less than 72 hours before the start time will not be refunded.

Changes: Modifications requested within 72 hours of the start time cannot be accommodated.

Weather-Related Cancellations: If the tour is canceled due to inclement weather, you may choose an alternative date or receive a full refund.