Istanbul Old City Full-Day Private Guided Tour
About Istanbul Old City Full-Day Private Guided Tour
This private tour covers the main sights of Sultanahmet, Istanbul’s Old City, with your own professional guide. It has 1,641 reviews and a 5.0 rating.
The tour lasts about 6 to 8 hours, with prices from about $85 per person. It is a good choice for first-time visitors and cruise passengers with limited time.
Itinerary
- Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque (1 hours)
- Blue Mosque (30 minutes)
- Hippodrome (30 minutes)
- TopkapI Palace (2 hours)
- Basilica Cistern (30 minutes)
- Sultanahmet District (1 hours)
- Grand Bazaar (2 hours)
- Sultanahmet District
What’s included
- Unique time to discover Turkish Handicrafts & Traditional Arts Gallery
- Private Tour & Professional Guide
- Guide will have fast track tickets, You will pay to guide for tickets to skil the lines
- Guide will meet you at central Istanbul Hotels, Airbnb Locations or ISTANBUL CRUISE PORT GALATAPORT
What to expect on the day
Your guide meets you at a central Istanbul hotel, an Airbnb or the Galataport cruise port. You visit Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque with its six minarets and Iznik tiles, and the Hippodrome with the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpent Column and the German Fountain. Then you tour Topkapı Palace, the former home of the Ottoman sultans, and go down into the Basilica Cistern with its Medusa heads. The day ends at the Grand Bazaar, with time to shop. A stop at a Turkish handicrafts and traditional arts gallery is also part of the day.
Prices and extra costs
- Included: A private professional guide and a visit to a handicrafts and traditional arts gallery.
- Not included: Museum entrance fees (paid in cash to your guide, who arranges fast-track entry), lunch, tips and transport by air-conditioned vehicle, which depends on the option you choose.
What to bring
- Cash for entrance fees.
- A scarf to cover your head in the mosques (for women).
- Comfortable walking shoes.
Tips for a better day
- Meeting your guide: Your guide meets you at your central Istanbul hotel, your Airbnb or the Galataport cruise port.
- Check the day: Topkapı Palace is closed on Tuesdays and the Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays. Your guide swaps in other sights, such as the Spice Market.
- Holidays: The Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market close during the Ramadan and Sacrifice holidays.
Who it’s best for
Best for: First-time visitors, cruise passengers and travelers who want a private guide for the big sights in one day.
Consider another option if: You would rather spend the day eating your way across the city. The Taste of Two Continents food tour takes you from Europe to Asia by ferry.
Restrictions
The tour is mostly walking but suits all fitness levels. Strollers are fine, and infant seats are available. If the tour starts at 12:00, it lasts about 6 hours.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time.
FAQ about Istanbul Old City Full-Day Private Guided Tour
How long is the Istanbul Old City private tour?
About 6 to 8 hours. A tour starting at 12:00 lasts about 6 hours.
Which sights does the tour visit?
Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, Topkapı Palace, the Basilica Cistern and the Grand Bazaar.
Are entrance fees included?
No. You pay the entrance fees in cash to your guide, who arranges fast-track entry.
Is it a private tour?
Yes. You have your own professional guide.
Where does the guide meet me?
At central Istanbul hotels, Airbnb locations or the Galataport cruise port.
Is lunch included?
No. Lunch and tips are not included.
What happens if Topkapı Palace is closed?
Topkapı Palace is closed on Tuesdays, so your guide replaces it with another sight.
Is the Grand Bazaar open every day?
No. It is closed on Sundays and during the Ramadan and Sacrifice holidays. On Sundays, the Spice Market can replace it.
Do I need to cover my head?
Women should bring a scarf to cover their heads in the mosques.
What is the cancellation policy?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
