Istanbul Small Group Old City Tour with Local Guide

5.0 (200 reviews) Istanbul, Turkey
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Duration3h 30m
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Group sizeUp to 12 travelers

Overview

*Please note that the Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays. On Sunday tours, the Spice Market will be visited instead and will serve as the final stop of the tour.

Discover Istanbul’s Old City on a small-group walking tour. Discover the mystery of Hagia Sophia and explore Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar.

Take in everything by admiring the beauty of the buildings, the priceless history behind each monument, and the undeniable fact that this place was the heart of both Christian and Islamic civilizations at one point.

You will feel like you have been in a time travel machine where you have explored all the different periods that shaped Istanbul within the blink of an eye.

What's included

  • Private Tour with a Licensed Professional Tour Guide
  • Skip-the-Line Tickets: Your guide will arrange priority tickets, you will pay directly to the guide
  • Transportation with Private Van
  • Lunch
  • Gratuities (Suggested)
  • Hagia Sophia Entrance Tickets

What to expect

  1. German Fountain
    Pass by
    The German Fountain, located in Sultanahmet Square, was a gift from German Emperor Kaiser Wilhelm II in 1901 and is a neo-Byzantine style fountain commemorating his visit to Istanbul, symbolizing the friendship between the Ottoman and German Empires.
  2. Sultanahmet Square
    10m
    We will see the Ancient Hippodrome and 3 obelisks which are located along the central spine of the ancient Hippodrome in Sultanahmet, just steps away from the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.
  3. Blue Mosque
    40m
    It’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Istanbul and we will take a look at the mosque from inside to see a blend of Ottoman and Byzantine styles, with a massive central dome, elegant arches, and cascading semi-domes.
  4. Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
    1h · Admission ticket included
    Hagia Sophia, originally built in 537 as a Byzantine cathedral, later converted into a mosque, then a museum, and now a mosque again, is an architectural masterpiece that reflects the rich layers of Istanbul’s religious and imperial history.
  5. Basilica Cistern
    40m · Admission ticket not included
    Descend beneath Istanbul’s streets to explore a remarkable Byzantine reservoir, where ancient columns, soft lighting, and shimmering reflections create an unforgettable atmosphere.
  6. Grand Bazaar
    1h
    The Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı), dating back to the 15th century, is one of the world’s largest and oldest covered markets, featuring over 4,000 shops offering everything from carpets and jewelry to antiques and ceramics.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Your guide will welcome you at the exit gate and then you will head to the main meeting point. (German Fountain) to pick up the rest of the travellers.

Meeting point

Meeting point is in front of German Fountain where Hippodrome Square starts. Tour guide will hold a sign with our Company Logo and Tour Name. (Small Group Tour: Best of Istanbul) Tour guide can only wait until 9:15am to start the group tour. You are kindly asked to be present at 9:00am on time.

End point

Please note that the Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays. Therefore, Sunday tours will be switched to Spice Market visit instead, which will also be the final stop of the tour.

End point

The tour will end at Grand Bazaar. Please note that the Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays. Therefore, Sunday tours will be switched to Spice Market visit instead, which will also be the final stop of the tour.

Additional information

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Minimum participants to run this tour is 2 people.
  • On Fridays, the Blue Mosque is closed to visitors until 13:45 because of Friday prayers. Therefore, for tours departing at 09:00, the mosque will be explained by your guide from the outside, and the tour will continue with the remaining itinerary as scheduled. Please note that the Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays. On Sunday tours, the Spice Market will be visited instead and will serve as the final stop of the tour.

Cancellation policy

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

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5.0 (200)
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Operated by Guided Istanbul Tours · Booked through Viator
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