Istanbul
Istanbul Old City Tour
Discover the timeless heart of Istanbul on a guided journey through the city's Historic Peninsula, where the legacies of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires come together in one of the world's most extraordinary cultural landscapes.
Your experience begins in Sultanahmet, accompanied by your professional local guide, as you explore the city's most iconic historical landmarks and gain fascinating insight into nearly two thousand years of history.
Visit the magnificent Hagia Sophia, one of the greatest architectural masterpieces ever built. Learn about its remarkable transformation over the centuries—from a Byzantine cathedral to an imperial mosque, later a museum, and today once again a functioning mosque—while admiring its extraordinary architecture and enduring historical significance.
Continue to the magnificent Topkapı Palace, the former residence of the Ottoman sultans and the administrative center of the empire for nearly four centuries. Wander through its elegant courtyards, imperial chambers, and beautifully landscaped gardens as your guide shares captivating stories of royal life, imperial ceremonies, and the remarkable history of one of the world's most powerful empires.
As you stroll through the historic streets of Sultanahmet, discover the unique atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, where ancient monuments, lively squares, and centuries-old architecture create an unforgettable setting. Along the way, your guide will bring Istanbul’s rich past to life through engaging stories and local insights.
Combining world-famous landmarks, fascinating history, and authentic cultural experiences, this guided Old City Tour offers the perfect introductio
Included
Excluded
Highlights
Itineraries
Your full-day Istanbul Old City private tour begins with a comfortable hotel pick-up and a warm welcome from your professional guide. Discover the city's most famous historical landmarks while exploring the rich heritage of both the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires.
Visit the magnificent Blue Mosque, renowned for its elegant architecture and stunning blue İznik tiles. Continue to the historic Hippodrome, once the social and political center of Constantinople, where you will see the Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpentine Column, and Walled Obelisk.
Next, admire the exterior of the world-famous Hagia Sophia, one of Istanbul’s most iconic monuments. The tour then continues to Topkapi Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans and home to centuries of imperial history and treasures.
Enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch at a local restaurant before exploring the legendary Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. Here, you will have free time to browse shops offering Turkish delights, leather goods, handmade carpets, and authentic souvenirs.
At the end of the tour, relax on your return transfer to your hotel after experiencing the highlights of Istanbul’s historic Old City.
Summaries
DAY 1
Questions
These times may vary depending on hotel locations and traffic conditions. You will be informed 1 day prior to the tour. Please note that a delay of 5 to 10 minutes may occur.
Reviews
RAINA PL.
Tourist
Thanks to our guide's commentary, we felt as if we were in the Byzantine and Ottoman eras. Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque were mesmerizing. Highly recommended.
Hans S.
Picked up right on time from our hotel. Entering Topkapi Palace without waiting in long lines was a huge advantage. Seeing Hagia Sophia only from the exterior was a bit disappointing, but it was already stated in the program.
Sarah M
We joined with our kids, and they never got bored. Our guide was very patient, polite, and knowledgeable. A classic tour that first-time visitors to Istanbul should not miss.
FP
The places visited are architecturally amazing. However, the Blue Mosque and the square were so crowded that sometimes it was hard to hear the guide's voice. Still a nice day.
Kenjı N
Since the Sultanahmet area is closed to traffic, we walked constantly throughout the day after the vehicle dropped us off. If your shoes are not comfortable, your legs might ache at the hotel in the evening, be prepared."
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