Private Istanbul Old City Tour | Walk, Transfer or Full Day

5.0 (47 reviews) 5–8 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

47 reviews

5.0

Private Istanbul Old City Tour | Walk, Transfer or Full Day — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Private Istanbul Old City Tour | Walk, Transfer or Full Day, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

What Makes Our Tour Unique

️ Locally Guided by Experts – Your tour is led by a licensed, professional local guide who knows not only the history, but also the hidden stories and everyday life of Istanbul.

Warm & Personalized Experience – Our tours feel like walking with a well-informed local friend — casual, comfortable, and tailored to your interests and pace.

Scenic, Relaxed & Flexible – We keep things stress-free. There’s no rush — plenty of time for questions, breaks, photos, and spontaneous discoveries along the way.

⏩ Skip-the-Line Access – Spend less time waiting and more time exploring. We offer priority entry at major landmarks to make the most of your visit.

Rich Storytelling – Expect more than dates and facts. We bring history to life through engaging stories, local legends, and cultural insights that make every step meaningful.

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At a glance

Duration: 5–8 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–30
Guide: English
Operated by: İstanbul Heritage Walks

Ages: Infants (0–3 years) · Children (4–12 years) · Adults (13–100 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Blue Mosque and Hippodrome free entrance
Included: Private Tour
Included: Fast Track Ticket Avaible
Included: Private transportation: Guide will meet you at central istanbul Hotel,Airbnb locations or İSTANBUL CRUISE PORT GALATAPORT
Included: The guide will meet you at the meeting point of your choice.

Not included

Not included: Lunch: Meals and refreshments are not included in the tour price. However, your guide will be happy to recommend local spots if you'd like to take a break during the tour.
Not included: Museums Entrance Fees

Itinerary

Hippodrome

15 min

The Hippodrome was the social and sporting center of the Byzantine Empire, where chariot races, celebrations, and public events took place. Today, you can still see historic monuments such as the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpent Column, and the German Fountain.
Blue Mosque

30 min

Built in the early 17th century, the Blue Mosque is famous for its beautiful blue İznik tiles, impressive dome, and six minarets. It remains an active mosque and is one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks.

Dress Code: Modest clothing is required. Women should cover their hair, shoulders, and knees. Men should wear clothing below the knees. Scarves are available at the entrance if needed. Children under 12 do not have a strict dress code.
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

45 min Admission not included

Built in 537 AD by Emperor Justinian I, Hagia Sophia served as a church, a mosque, a museum, and today is once again a mosque. Famous for its massive dome and unique blend of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture, it is one of the most important landmarks in Istanbul and a symbol of the city’s rich history.

Dress Code: Modest clothing is required. Women should cover their hair, shoulders, and knees. Men should wear clothing below the knees. Scarves are available at the entrance if needed. Children under 12 do not have a strict dress code.
TopkapI Palace

2 h 30 min Admission not included

Home to the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years, Topkapi Palace was the political and administrative heart of the Ottoman Empire. It offers beautiful courtyards, imperial treasures, sacred relics, and breathtaking views of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn.
Stop 5

25 min Admission not included

Built in the 6th century during the reign of Emperor Justinian I, the Basilica Cistern is the largest ancient underground water reservoir in Istanbul. Famous for its atmospheric lighting, marble columns, and mysterious Medusa heads, it is one of the city’s most fascinating Byzantine sites.
Grand Bazaar

one hour

One of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, the Grand Bazaar dates back to the 15th century. With thousands of shops spread across dozens of streets.

Before entering the Grand Bazaar, your guide can recommend trusted local shops for Turkish carpets, ceramics, jewelry, leather goods, and spices. This can help you learn about traditional craftsmanship, compare quality, and enjoy a more comfortable shopping experience. Afterward, you will have free time to explore the Grand Bazaar on your own.

Meeting point and pickup

You can be picked up from your accommodation or go straight to the meeting point.

Meeting point

End point

Pickup points

Legacy Ottoman Hotel
Swissotel The Bosphorus, Istanbul
Port Bosphorus Hotel
Istanbul International Airport
The Marmara Taksim
Radisson Blu Hotel, Istanbul Sisli
Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus
Hilton Istanbul Bomonti Hotel & Conference Center

Pickup & Start Time Information:

We offer flexible pickup options to make your experience as convenient as possible. Travelers can be picked up from any location of their choice within central Istanbul, including hotels, apartments, or popular landmarks.

The tour can also begin at any preferred time — just let us know what works best for you, and we’ll tailor the schedule accordingly.

Your comfort, timing, and convenience are our priority.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Options

Istanbul Private Tour with Car

Duration: 8 hours

Mercedes Vito or Peugeot

Guide And Vehicle: Your licensed guide and a comfortable, air conditioned and comfortable van will pick you up from your preferred location.

Pickup included
Old City Tour Walking Distance

Tour With Professional Guide: The guide will meet you at the agreed meeting point. Transportation during the tour will be by public transport or taxi.

Pickup included
İstanbul Tour with trasnfer

Old Town City Tour : Explore the highlights of Istanbul's Old City with a licensed local guide. Visit the Old Town City of Sultan Ahmet area .

Transfer to Old Town City : You will be picked up from your preferred location and dropped off at the same location at the end of the tour ( Return ).

Pickup included