cool shore excursions®
Top activities
Top landmarks
Trip ideas
Nearby places
  • Tours by category
  • Tours by accessibility
  • Tours by feature
  • Tours by time
  • Tours by the numbers
  • Top attractions
  • Istanbul travel guides
  • Istanbul travel calendar
  • Tours in nearby places
  • Explore Turkey tours
Language $Currency
Login / Sign up
Bookings
Bookings
Wallet
$0.00
Wishlists
Wishlists
Cool Rewards Rewards
Gift cards
Profile
Help Center
Language
Log out
Start your search
Change your search
Place or activity
Select Dates
You booked this experience
You're departing on
Google Calendar
Apple Calendar
Microsoft Outlook
Make your trip unforgettable

Istanbul Half Day Private Old City Tour with Optional Tickets

35 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 35 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 100% of reviewers
100% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
|
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards. Istanbul, Turkey
Book online or call us

from $16.67 per person

Lowest Price Guarantee
Blue Mosque Interior
Spice Market
Blue Mosque
Blue Mosque
Grand Bazaar
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 17 (0) days in advance.
3 to 4 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
and 1 more
Spanish
Instant confirmation

Overview

*Since Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays, the visit will be switched to Spice Bazaar.
Explore best of Istanbul’s Old City on a half-day private tour including Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. Discover the heart of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires with your licensed guide.
Begin in Sultanahmet Square and step inside the iconic Blue Mosque, famed for its six minarets and stunning blue tiles, then explore the magnificent Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture that has stood as cathedral, mosque, and museum through the ages.
(On Fridays, Blue Mosque is closed until 13:45 because of Friday prayers. Tours departing at 09:00, the mosque will be explained by your guide from the outside.)
Visit unique Basilica Cistern and continue to the bustling Grand Bazaar, where your guide will introduce you to Turkish trade traditions and local artisans.
Your tour ends in Eminonu Square, with a view of the Galata Tower, leaving you with lasting impressions of Istanbul’s vibrant history.

What's Included

  • Private Tour with a Licensed Professional Tour Guide
  • Skip-the-Line Tickets: Your guide will arrange priority tickets (If option is selected)
  • Entrance Tickets (If option is not selected)
  • Gratuities (Suggested)
See 2 more

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
Pickup details

*If van service is not booked your guide will pick you up ONLY at centrally located hotels or Galataport ON FOOT. The meeting point will be the German Fountain if the hotel is not centrally located.*If private van service is booked, we pick up from all central hotels, please note that there will be a surcharge if your hotel is outside the city center or on the Asian Side.

OR
Meeting point

Binbirdirek
At Meydanı Caddesi, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Hobyar
Büyük Postane Cd. No:42, 34112 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
Read more

Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

Hippodrome

Begin your journey at the legendary Hippodrome of Constantinople, once the vibrant center of Byzantine public life. Discover how this grand arena served as both a cultural stage and a political battleground for centuries.Marvel at the ancient Obelisk and the mysterious Serpent Column, two iconic relics of the past. As you explore their rich histories—from sacred rituals to imperial symbolism—uncover the timeless stories that continue to shape the soul of Istanbul’s historic heart.
Read more

30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Blue Mosque

Take in the breathtaking beauty of the Blue Mosque, renowned for its six soaring minarets and the mesmerizing blue İznik tiles that adorn its interior. This architectural masterpiece blends grandeur and serenity, offering a glimpse into the artistic and spiritual legacy of Ottoman Istanbul.
Read more

45 minutes Admission Ticket Free

The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, Istanbul

Step into the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture that has stood at the crossroads of empires for over 1,500 years. With your guide, explore its magnificent domes, mosaics, and rich layers of history that reflect its transformation from cathedral to mosque to museum—and now, once again, a place of worship.
Read more

45 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Basilica Cistern

The Basilica Cistern is an atmospheric underground reservoir from Byzantine Constantinople, famous for its forest of marble columns, dim lighting, and haunting reflections in shallow water.
Read more

45 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Grand Bazaar

Wander through the vibrant maze of the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets, as you uncover the rich tapestry of Turkish trade, craftsmanship, and centuries-old traditions woven into every corner.
Read more

1 hour Admission Ticket Free

Eminonu Square (pass by)

End the tour in Eminönü meydanı with a view of the distinctive Galata Tower.
Read more
Show 5 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Specialized infant seats are available

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Istanbul Half Day Private Old City Tour with Optional Tickets?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (+03). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-11522P35

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.00
35 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 35 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
35
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 17 (0) days in advance.
Istanbul Tours
Attractions
Guides
Calendar
View more

Similar Tours & Activities

Private Walking Tour of Topkapi Palace and the Harem
5.0 (1)

Private Walking Tour of Topkapi Palace and the Harem

Step into the opulence of the Ottoman Empire with our exclusive private tour of Topkapi Palace and the Harem. This 3-hour journey will take you...

3 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (1)
from
$185
Have Your Own Private Guide in Istanbul
5.0 (19)

Have Your Own Private Guide in Istanbul

* Time to explore the Highlights of Istanbul, its people, history, culture and cuisine with expert local Professional Guides. * Customize the itinerary according to...

5 to 8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (19)
from
$195
Hagia Sophia Skip-the-Line Ticket with Audio Guide
Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out
5.0 (4)

Hagia Sophia Skip-the-Line Ticket with Audio Guide

Explore the iconic Hagia Sophia in Istanbul without waiting in long lines. This skip-the-line ticket provides instant access, allowing you to enter the magnificent structure...

1 to 3 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (4)
from
$44
From Istanbul: Gallipoli Private Full-Day Tour
5.0 (36)

From Istanbul: Gallipoli Private Full-Day Tour

You should join this tour to experience the Gallipoli Front of WW1 and keep the memories of the heroic soldiers who fought and shed their...

15 hours Hotel pickup offered
5.0 (36)
from
$242
Private Walking Tour of Topkapi Palace and the Harem

Step into the opulence of the Ottoman Empire with our exclusive private tour of Topkapi Palace and the Harem. This 3-hour journey will take you …More

5.0 (1)

Private Walking Tour of Topkapi Palace and the Harem

5.0 (1)

Step into the opulence of the Ottoman Empire with our exclusive private tour of Topkapi Palace and the Harem. This 3-hour journey will take you...

3 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (1)
from
$185
Have Your Own Private Guide in Istanbul

* Time to explore the Highlights of Istanbul, its people, history, culture and cuisine with expert local Professional Guides. * Customize the itinerary according to …More

5.0 (19)

Have Your Own Private Guide in Istanbul

5.0 (19)

* Time to explore the Highlights of Istanbul, its people, history, culture and cuisine with expert local Professional Guides. * Customize the itinerary according to...

5 to 8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (19)
from
$195
Hagia Sophia Skip-the-Line Ticket with Audio Guide

Explore the iconic Hagia Sophia in Istanbul without waiting in long lines. This skip-the-line ticket provides instant access, allowing you to enter the magnificent structure …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out
5.0 (4)

Hagia Sophia Skip-the-Line Ticket with Audio Guide

5.0 (4)

Explore the iconic Hagia Sophia in Istanbul without waiting in long lines. This skip-the-line ticket provides instant access, allowing you to enter the magnificent structure...

1 to 3 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (4)
from
$44
From Istanbul: Gallipoli Private Full-Day Tour

You should join this tour to experience the Gallipoli Front of WW1 and keep the memories of the heroic soldiers who fought and shed their …More

5.0 (36)

From Istanbul: Gallipoli Private Full-Day Tour

5.0 (36)

You should join this tour to experience the Gallipoli Front of WW1 and keep the memories of the heroic soldiers who fought and shed their...

15 hours Hotel pickup offered
5.0 (36)
from
$242

Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

Bosphorus Cruise Boat Tour in Istanbul
Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out
4.8 (1,047)

Bosphorus Cruise Boat Tour in Istanbul

Discover the beauty of Istanbul on a relaxing Bosphorus Cruise Tour and enjoy spectacular views from the water as you sail between Europe and Asia....

1 to 2 hours Free Cancellation
4.8 (1,047)
from
$7
Istanbul E-pass: Top Istanbul Attractions with Skip The Ticket Line
4.9 (1,420)

Istanbul E-pass: Top Istanbul Attractions with Skip The Ticket Line

Istanbul E-pass is a fully digital sightseeing pass that covers over 100 top Istanbul Attractions. Choose your E-pass 1,2,3,5 or 7 days and enjoy the...

1 to 7 days Free Cancellation
4.9 (1,420)
from
$143
Istanbul Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show & Exhibition
4.1 (437)

Istanbul Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show & Exhibition

Discover the history and culture of the famous Whirling Dervishes during this 1-hour at Istanbul’s Hodjapasha. Wander the Whirling Dervishes’ museum and learn about their...

1 hour Free Cancellation
4.1 (437)
from
$26
Istanbul Mega Lufer Dinner Cruise Bosphorus and Show Pvt Table
4.7 (2,609)

Istanbul Mega Lufer Dinner Cruise Bosphorus and Show Pvt Table

With the magical view of the Bosphorus, the historical silhouette of Istanbul, the sea and the unique beauty of the night, we are at your...

3 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.7 (2,609)
from
$32
Bosphorus Cruise Boat Tour in Istanbul

Discover the beauty of Istanbul on a relaxing Bosphorus Cruise Tour and enjoy spectacular views from the water as you sail between Europe and Asia. …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out
4.8 (1,047)

Bosphorus Cruise Boat Tour in Istanbul

4.8 (1,047)

Discover the beauty of Istanbul on a relaxing Bosphorus Cruise Tour and enjoy spectacular views from the water as you sail between Europe and Asia....

1 to 2 hours Free Cancellation
4.8 (1,047)
from
$7
Istanbul E-pass: Top Istanbul Attractions with Skip The Ticket Line

Istanbul E-pass is a fully digital sightseeing pass that covers over 100 top Istanbul Attractions. Choose your E-pass 1,2,3,5 or 7 days and enjoy the …More

4.9 (1,420)

Istanbul E-pass: Top Istanbul Attractions with Skip The Ticket Line

4.9 (1,420)

Istanbul E-pass is a fully digital sightseeing pass that covers over 100 top Istanbul Attractions. Choose your E-pass 1,2,3,5 or 7 days and enjoy the...

1 to 7 days Free Cancellation
4.9 (1,420)
from
$143
Istanbul Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show & Exhibition

Discover the history and culture of the famous Whirling Dervishes during this 1-hour at Istanbul’s Hodjapasha. Wander the Whirling Dervishes’ museum and learn about their …More

4.1 (437)

Istanbul Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show & Exhibition

4.1 (437)

Discover the history and culture of the famous Whirling Dervishes during this 1-hour at Istanbul’s Hodjapasha. Wander the Whirling Dervishes’ museum and learn about their...

1 hour Free Cancellation
4.1 (437)
from
$26
Istanbul Mega Lufer Dinner Cruise Bosphorus and Show Pvt Table

With the magical view of the Bosphorus, the historical silhouette of Istanbul, the sea and the unique beauty of the night, we are at your …More

4.7 (2,609)

Istanbul Mega Lufer Dinner Cruise Bosphorus and Show Pvt Table

4.7 (2,609)

With the magical view of the Bosphorus, the historical silhouette of Istanbul, the sea and the unique beauty of the night, we are at your...

3 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.7 (2,609)
from
$32

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Istanbul Half Day Private Old City Tour with Optional Tickets?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (+03).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Private Tour with a Licensed Professional Tour Guide.
  • Skip-the-Line Tickets: Your guide will arrange priority tickets (If option is selected).
The following is NOT included:
  • Entrance Tickets (If option is not selected).
  • Gratuities (Suggested).
Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Istanbul Half Day Private Old City Tour with Optional Tickets is as follows:

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Istanbul Half Day Private Old City Tour with Optional Tickets will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

Oct 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • Private Tour with a Licensed Professional Tour Guide
  • Skip-the-Line Tickets: Your guide will arrange priority tickets (If option is selected)
  • Entrance Tickets (If option is not selected)
  • Gratuities (Suggested)

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Specialized infant seats are available

Report Product Issue

Activity name