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Private Tour of Istanbul Old City, Hagia Sophia & Topkapi

1 Review 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 1 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers | Istanbul, Turkey
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 24 (0) days in advance.

2 to 6 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
and 5 more
French, German, Italian, Spanish, Turkish
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Overview

Where did empires meet and faiths transform? Explore Istanbul’s Old City, Grand Bazaar, Blue Mosque, Fast-Track Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace. Flexible options included.

HIGHLIGHTS:
- Discover Istanbul’s Old City with a 5-Star Licensed Guide
- Explore Sultanahmet Square, Grand Bazaar and Roman-era monuments
- Admire the Blue Mosque inside and out (in 3-, 4- and 6-hour options)
- Save time with Fast-Track Tickets to Hagia Sophia (in 4- and 6-hour options)
- Visit Topkapi Palace Museum and learn Ottoman history (in 6-hour option)

Istanbul is a treasure trove of Byzantine wonders and Ottoman splendor. Explore Sultanahmet Old City with a Licensed Private Guide, see iconic landmarks, and choose options with entry to the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia or Topkapi Palace. Walk through centuries of heritage with Rosotravel today!

This private tour is ideal for solo travelers, couples, families and history lovers who want to explore Istanbul’s heritage with expert insight and a flexible pace.

What's Included

  • Private Walking Tour of Istanbul's Old City Highlights
  • - (number of attractions depends on the option selected)
  • Hotel/accommodation pick up within 1,5 km away from the designated meeting point
  • Hotel/accommodation pick up (outside the Old City area)
  • Free entry to Blue Mosque and Nuruosmaniye Mosque (in the 2-hour option)
  • Fast-track tickets to Hagia Sophia Mosque (in the 2- and 3-hour options)
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Alemdar
34122 Courtyard/İstanbul, Türkiye

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

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

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.
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Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

Carpet Museum

Meet your guide in front of Halı Müzesi - the Carpet Museum (opposite Topkapı Cafe, behind Hagia Sophia), Foundations Regional Directorate Carpet Museum Sultanahmet Mosque, Alemdar, 34122 Courtyard/İstanbul, Türkiye. Please do not enter the building, it is only a meeting point and the staff is not informed about the tour.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Sultanahmet Square

Walking tour of Sultanahmet Old City and discover Istanbul's most iconic landmarks. Stroll through its charming streets, where East meets West in a mesmerizing blend of cultures. Our Expert Guide will bring history to life, beginning with the tales of royal intrigue hidden behind the walls of Topkapi Palace, once the opulent residence of Ottoman sultans.. Stand before the majestic Hagia Sophia and learn about the Byzantine-era Basilica Cistern built under the city. Pass by the legendary Stone of Million, a marker of the Roman Empire’s road network, and stroll through Sultanahmet Square, once the site of the Hippodrome, where chariot races thrilled Byzantine crowds
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2 hours Admission Ticket Free

Obelisk of Theodosius

Highlights include the circa-1400 B.C Obelisk of Theodosius, the Tomb of Sultan Ahmet, the one-of-a-kind Hagia Sophia Mosque and the Ottoman-style Topkapi Palace (exteriors only). You can tailor the experience to your needs and interests with the full attention of your Private Guide, who will help you discover your Istanbul and give you tips on shopping for spices, jewelry and other goods at the world famous Grand Bazaar!
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1 hour Admission Ticket Free

Blue Mosque

Admire the iconic domes of the Blue Mosque, the ornate fountains and the towering Obelisk of Theodosius, a relic of ancient Egypt. Continue to Çemberlitaş and admire the Column of Constantine, a symbol of the Fall of Constantinople. End your tour at the Grand Bazaar, where you'll learn about the city's rich history of trade while wandering through a labyrinth of alleys filled with vibrant stalls selling spices, textiles, jewelry, and exquisite Turkish craftsmanship. It's a must-do in Istanbul! with entry to the Blue Mosque, known as one of the most beautiful places of Islamic worship in the world. Step inside its breathtaking interior, adorned with 20,000 mesmerizing Iznik tiles, 6 minarets, exquisite calligraphy. Why is it so blue? Your Private Guide will reveal the secrets of its construction and architetcure, explaining the importance and symbolism of this sacred site.
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1 hour Admission Ticket Included

Hagia Sophia

Fast-track entry to the iconic Hagia Sophia. Bypass long lines and step inside this awe-inspiring monument, once a grand cathedral, then an imperial mosque, and now a UNESCO-listed masterpiece. Marvel at its soaring dome, shimmering mosaics, and breathtaking fusion of Christian and Islamic artistry. Learn about the site’s transformation over centuries and its significance in both Byzantine and Ottoman history. This extended tour offers a deeper dive into Istanbul’s spiritual and architectural wonders.
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1 hour Admission Ticket Included

Topkapi Palace Museum

Ultimate experience to gain fast-track access to the legendary Topkapi Palace Museum. Walk through its magnificent courtyards, once the seat of Ottoman power, where sultans ruled over vast territories. Admire the dazzling imperial collections, including precious jewels, royal garments, and sacred relics. Discover the fascinating stories of intrigue, ambition, and opulence that shaped the Ottoman Empire. This full-day journey offers an in-depth perspective on Istanbul’s regal past, making it the perfect choice for history enthusiasts.
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50 minutes Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • The itinerary depends on the selected option.
  • The Grand Bazaar is open Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm.
  • Mosque visitors must dress modestly. Headscarves for women are available on-site. Women are allowed in the visitors' area only. Entry is restricted during prayers.

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Private Tour of Istanbul Old City, Hagia Sophia & Topkapi?

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?

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Activity code: C-270904P295

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.00
1 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 1 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
1
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
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1 star
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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 24 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Private Walking Tour of Istanbul's Old City Highlights
  • - (number of attractions depends on the option selected)
  • Hotel/accommodation pick up within 1,5 km away from the designated meeting point
  • Free entry to Grand Bazaar (all options)
  • Fast-track tickets to Hagia Sophia Mosque (4- and 6-hour options only)
  • Free entry to Blue Mosque and Nuruosmaniye Mosque (3-, 4- and 6-hour options only)
  • Regular admission tickets to Topkapi Palace Museum, Hagia Irene & Harem (6-hour option only)
  • 5-Star Licensed Guide who is fluent in the language of your choice
  • Hotel/accommodation pick up (outside the Old City area)
  • Free entry to Blue Mosque and Nuruosmaniye Mosque (in the 2-hour option)
  • Fast-track tickets to Hagia Sophia Mosque (in the 2- and 3-hour options)
  • Tickets to Topkapi Palace Museum, (in the 2-, 3- and 4-hour options)
  • Food and drinks (ask the guide for local recommendations!)

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Please check your email the day before the tour for important details from your tour operator.
  • The itinerary depends on the selected option.
  • The Grand Bazaar is open Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm.
  • Mosque visitors must dress modestly. Headscarves for women are available on-site. Women are allowed in the visitors' area only. Entry is restricted during prayers.
  • Fast-track tickets skip the ticket office queue but not security or entrance checks.
  • Topkapi Palace admission includes the main palace and Hagia Irene. Imperial Harem tickets can be purchased on-site. Long queues and mandatory security checks apply at the entrance.
  • We limit our group size to 1–25 guests per guide. Additional guides will be arranged for larger groups.
  • Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather — the tour runs rain or shine.
  • Have a special request or need accessibility support? Let us know in advance — we're happy to help!

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