Sultanahmet Walking Tour of Istanbul

5.0 (6 reviews) Istanbul, Turkey
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Duration7h - 8h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Group sizeUp to 20 travelers
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

The tour combines the most important highlights of Istanbul’s historic Old City in one carefully organized experience with hotel transfers, a professional local guide, and a traditional Turkish lunch included. Unlike standard tours, we focus on storytelling and cultural insights while visiting iconic landmarks such as Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, the Hippodrome, and the Grand Bazaar, allowing guests to truly understand the history of Byzantium and the Ottoman Empire in a comfortable, well-paced itinerary.
During the tour, you will learn about the history of the Ottoman and Byzantine eras, the stories behind each monument, and the meaning of the calligraphy and daily life inside the mosques.

Dress code (important):
As we will enter mosques, female guests are kindly requested to bring a headscarf and wear clothing that covers chest and legs. Male guests’ shorts must cover the knees.

Options

With Entrance fees

Pickup included

Without Entrance fees

Pickup included

What's included

  • Professional Licensed Guide
  • Lunch
  • Group Tour
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Pick up and Drop off
  • Gratuity (suggested)
  • Hagia Sophia - Pay on Site
  • Topkapi Palace - Pay on Site

What to expect

  1. TopkapI Palace
    2h · Admission ticket not included
    Topkapı Palace
    Finally, the tour ends at Topkapı Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans. You will explore the palace grounds and learn about Ottoman court life, traditions, and imperial history. (Topkapı Palace is closed on Tuesday, replaced with Basilica Cistern.)
  2. 30m
    A short stop at Bilgins Cagaloglu, a well-known shop boutique in the historic Sultanahmet area. Guests can browse a selection of high-quality Turkish leather jackets and fashion items before continuing the tour.
  3. Grand Bazaar
    45m
    Enjoy a short visit to the historic Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets. With thousands of shops selling carpets, jewelry, ceramics, leather goods, and souvenirs, it offers a unique opportunity to experience traditional Turkish shopping and culture.
  4. Blue Mosque
    45m
    Blue Mosque
    Next, you will visit the Blue Mosque, one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks. The guide will explain its history, architecture, and famous blue İznik tiles that decorate the interior.
  5. Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
    2h · Admission ticket not included
    Hagia Sophia
    The tour then proceeds to Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of world architecture. Originally built as a cathedral, later used as a mosque and museum, the guide will share its fascinating history and significance through different eras.
  6. Hippodrome
    1h
    Hippodrome of Constantinople
    From the German Fountain, the guide will lead you to the Hippodrome, the ancient social and sporting center of Constantinople. Here, you will see historic monuments such as the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpent Column, and the Walled Obelisk while learning about the city’s Roman and Byzantine past.
  7. German Fountain
    Pass by
    German Fountain (Meeting Point)
    The tour starts at the German Fountain, located in Sultanahmet Square. Your guide will meet you here and give a brief introduction to the day’s itinerary before the walk begins.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

we can pick you from here at 08.00 o'clock

Meeting point

In front of 3.Ahmet Fountain

End point

we can pick you from here at 08.00 o'clock

End point

In front of 3.Ahmet Fountain

Pickup details

- Guests can wait in front of The Marmara Taksim Hotel. Your guide will talk to them before. Share the meeting details and time.

- Guests can meet the guide at Fountain of Sultan Ahmed III, Sultan Ahmet Square, which is also called Sultanahmet Meydanı in Cankurtaran, 34122 Fatih / Istanbul, Turkiye at the time we say.

- Guests can also choose to have us pick them up and drop them off at their hotel and your shuttle will get them with people on the tour.

Your guide will talk to the guests before the tour to say where to meet and give them instructions.

Additional information

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

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

Reviews

5.0 (6)
From
$80.00 per person
Check availability & book
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
Operated by Turkey Local Tours · Booked through Viator
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