Custom Private Istanbul Old City Tour with Local Guide

Istanbul, Turkey
Duration8h
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

Explore Istanbul's rich history on a custom private tour tailored to your interests. With a personal licensed guide, discover Byzantine and Ottoman relics like Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and the Blue Mosque at your own pace. Enjoy expert insights into Turkish craftsmanship across historic neighborhoods. Perfect for solo travelers, couples, and families.

Private guiding service for up to 6 guests

Tailored itineraries focusing on history and culture

Explore major landmarks, including Grand Bazaar and Hippodrome

Flexible 09:00–17:00 duration with local lunch recommendations

What's included

  • Private Tour
  • Guide meets you at central hotels and Cruiseship
  • Professional Licensed Tour Guide
  • Lunch is not included, allowing you the freedom to choose local delicacies based on your taste, with your guide providing the best authentic restaurant recommendations
  • Topkapi Palace Entrance Fee (closed on Tuesdays)
  • Hagia Sophia Museum Section (Upper Galery) Entrance Fee
  • We meet at your hotel or Sultanahmet Square, exploring the pedestrianized historic heart entirely on foot, using local tram when needed.
  • Gratuities

What to expect

  1. Sultanahmet Square
    30m
    Discover the captivating charm of Sultanahmet, the historic heart of Istanbul. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of history, culture, and architectural wonders that define this vibrant district. Explore the iconic Sultanahmet Square, surrounded by architectural marvels like the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia, the majestic Blue Mosque, and the ancient Roman Hippodrome. Wander through the narrow cobblestone streets, lined with charming cafes, artisanal shops, and local bazaars. Indulge in the flavors of Turkish cuisine and delight in the warm hospitality of the locals. Immerse yourself in the captivating ambiance of Sultanahmet, where the ancient and the modern blend seamlessly to create an unforgettable experience.
  2. TopkapI Palace
    2h · Admission ticket not included
    After the conquest of Istanbul in 1453, the construction of Topkapi Palace started in 1460 at the request of Fatih Sultan Mehmet and was completed in 1478, expanding with additional structures until the 19th century.

    Admission Ticket: €50.00 per person (Skipping the main ticket lines with your official licensed guide).

    CLOSED ON TUESDAYS: Since Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays, it will be replaced with a visit to the magnificent Basilica Cistern. Enjoy skip-the-line access with your official guide. (Basilica Cistern admission ticket is not included — €40.00 per person).
  3. Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
    1h · Admission ticket not included
    Hagia Sophia is the most famous landmark in Istanbul. As the largest church built by the Eastern Roman Empire, it was constructed three times in the same location and served as the capital's grandest cathedral where emperors were crowned throughout history.

    Admission Ticket: €25.00 per person for the Museum Section (Upper Gallery) (Skip the main ticket lines with your official licensed guide).
  4. Blue Mosque
    45m
    Sultanahmet Camii as known as Blue Mosque is one of the most magnificent buildings in Turkey. The building is not just a mosque, it is also a social life complex. Its name comes from blue Iznik tiles covered interior of the mosque.
  5. Hippodrome
    30m
    You will see 4 amazing monuments in the ancient Hippodrome which was the center of Byzantine civic life; Egyptian Obelisk, The German Fountain of Wilhelm II, Serpentine Column and Column of Constantine.
  6. Pass by
    Lunch break 30 - 45 minutes you can choose any of the restaurant in the area
  7. Pass by
    Lunch break 30 - 45 minutes you can choose any of the restaurant in the area
  8. Pass by
    Lunch break 30 - 45 minutes you can choose any of the restaurant in the area
  9. 5K Rug Store
    30m
    Explore the intricate art of weaving through a live demonstration by professional and exceptional weavers. This is a unique opportunity to witness master artisans at work in an informal setting, gain insight into the meticulous techniques behind each rug and even try your hand at weaving
  10. Pass by
    Witness the mesmerizing art of traditional Iznik tile making and pottery through an exclusive live demonstration at TESTI Quartz. Discover the vibrant history of hand-painted ceramics and master techniques passed down through generations in the historic heart of Istanbul.
    30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
  11. Grand Bazaar
    1h
    The Grand Bazaar, which was founded in 1461, resembles a giant scale labyrinth thanks to its aesthetic design. The historical shopping area with nearly 60 streets and more than 3600 shops covers a total area of 30,700 square meters. Closed on Sunday.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

We meet at your hotel, Galataport (Cruise Port), or Sultanahmet Square, exploring the pedestrianized historic heart entirely on foot, with local tram used when moving between specific points for your maximum comfort.

End point

We meet at your hotel, Galataport (Cruise Port), or Sultanahmet Square, exploring the pedestrianized historic heart entirely on foot, with local tram used when moving between specific points for your maximum comfort.

Pickup details

We meet at your hotel, Galataport (Cruise Port), or Sultanahmet Square, exploring the pedestrianized historic heart entirely on foot, with local tram used when moving between specific points for your maximum comfort.

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
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
From
$80.00 $56.64 per person
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  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • Instant confirmation
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
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