Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Private tourOnly your group will participate
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below
Overview
⭐ OVERVIEW
Discover the historic heart of Istanbul on this private Old City walking tour with a licensed local guide. Explore the most iconic landmarks of the former Byzantine and Ottoman capital including Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace and the famous Grand Bazaar.
This tour offers a relaxed and personalized experience focused on history, culture and storytelling. As this is a private tour, the itinerary can also be customized according to your interests and pace.
⭐ TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
• Explore Istanbul’s historic Old City with a licensed local guide
• Visit Hagia Sophia and learn about its 1500-year history
• Discover the beauty of the Blue Mosque
• Walk through the ancient Hippodrome of Constantinople
• Experience the underground marvel of the Basilica Cistern
• Visit Topkapi Palace, residence of Ottoman sultans
• Explore the vibrant atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar
• Flexible itinerary that can be customized to your interests
What's included
Professional Private Guide
Gratuities (suggested)
Lunch
Basilica Cistern
Hagia Sophia
TopkapI Palace
No pick up services with any vehicle
Air-conditioned vehicle
What to expect
Hippodrome
Pass by
Once the beating heart of Byzantine social life — imagine a stadium where 100,000 people gathered to cheer chariot races and witness imperial ceremonies. Today, we walk its echoes and uncover stories hidden beneath the stones.
Blue Mosque
35m
An architectural gem blending grace and grandeur. With its six minarets and iconic blue tiles, the Blue Mosque isn’t just beautiful — it tells a story of faith, ambition, and artistic mastery.
Basilica Cistern
40m · Admission ticket not included
A mysterious underground world right beneath your feet. We’ll admire the entrance and talk about how this 6th-century water reservoir kept the city alive — and how Medusa ended up at the bottom!
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
45m · Admission ticket not included
A church, a mosque, a museum, and again a mosque — Hagia Sophia is a mirror of Istanbul’s soul. From outside, we’ll explore its epic transformations and its powerful symbolism across empires.
TopkapI Palace
1h 30m · Admission ticket not included
This was no ordinary palace — it was the center of Ottoman power for over 400 years. From the outside, we’ll talk about sultans, secrets, and the centuries of drama that unfolded behind its walls.
Grand Bazaar
40m
The Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. With thousands of shops and historic streets, it has been the center of trade and commerce in Istanbul for centuries and remains one of the most vibrant places in the city.
Meeting and pickup
Meeting point
In front of German fountain
End point
In front of German fountain
Pickup details
Tour guide will pick you up from the Hotels or Istanbul cruise Port or Airbnb locations.
Topkapı palace is closed on Tuesday
Grand baazar is closed on Sunday
Additional information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
