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PRIVATE GUIDED Exploration Tour of İstanbul Old City Tour

7 Reviews 4.86 out of 5 stars Based on 7 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.
| Istanbul, Turkey
Book online or call us

from $249 per group (up to 12)

Lowest Price Guarantee
PRIVATE GUIDED Exploration Tour of İstanbul Old City Tour Image 1
Istabul
Grand bazaar
PRIVATE GUIDED Exploration Tour of İstanbul Old City Tour Image 4
PRIVATE GUIDED Exploration Tour of İstanbul Old City Tour Image 5
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 14 (0) days in advance.
7 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
and 3 more
Spanish, Russian, Japanese
Instant confirmation

Overview

Discover Istanbul your way on a full-day private walking tour focused on Sultanahmet's historic sights. Meet your dedicated guide at the agreed meeting point, or select hotel pickup when booking. Together, create an itinerary around your interests, from iconic landmarks and museums to vibrant markets and local flavors. Hear captivating stories of the city's past, uncover architectural details, and gain insight into everyday life. Browse for souvenirs or stop at a local restaurant recommended by your guide. Enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace, ask questions, pause for photos, and take breaks without keeping up with a larger group. Walk through atmospheric streets and, where helpful, use the tram or metro to cover longer distances and avoid traffic. Whether you love history, culture, or simply discovering unique places, enjoy a personal introduction to Istanbul shaped around you

What's Included

  • All sightseeings mentioned in the itinerary
  • Professional licensed tour guide
  • Food and drinks (optional)
  • Admision Fees to the historical sites
  • Personal Expenses
See 3 more

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point

Included with the option “Tour with pick up and drop off”.

istanbul port

Pickup details

-Meet with your guide in front of the Hagia Sophia for a walking tour option -Meeting times will be updated according to your cruise arrival&departure times. -We ensure your timely return to the cruise (for cruise guests) -Please contact to the provider to confirm your meeting time.-Pick up&drop off by vehıcle is available for the ''by vehıcle optıon''. Please contact to local provider for your pick up time.

OR
Meeting point

For the option “Meet at Meeting Point”.

Sultan Ahmet
Ayasofya Meydanı No:1, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

Show on Google Maps

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

End point

Beyazıt
34126 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.
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Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

Meaning Divine Wisdom, Hagia Sophia was the largest building on earth barring the Egyptian Pyramids or the Great Wall of China. Today's Hagia Sophia was built by Emperor Justinian in 537AD. It was the religious center of the city during the Byzantine period. It was used as a church for 916 years and as a mosque for 481 years, In 1934, by the order of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, it was converted into a museum and has since been open to visitors
Read more

1 hour Admission Ticket Free

TopkapI Palace

As well as being the imperial residence of the Sultan, the palace was also the seat of government for the ottoman empire. It housed the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years until the Dolmabahçe palace was built. In 1924 it was converted into a museum. Today it is famous with a harem, royal treasury, and holy relics sections.
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2 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Basilica Cistern

is the size of a cathedral; it is 143m long and 65m wide and can hold up to 80,000 cubic meters (or 17.5 million gallons) of water. There are 336 giant columns (mostly Ionic or Corinthian in style) supporting the structure in 12 rows of 28 columns.
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1 hour Admission Ticket Free

Blue Mosque

Built by the Ottoman Sultan Ahmet I in the year 1616, it is located opposite the Hagia Sophia. Blue mosque today is one of the most famous landmarks of the old city with its famous six minarets and magnificent dome. Although it is officially named Sultanahmet Mosque, the (nıck) name Blue Mosque was given to it by the visitors because of the amazing blue tiles decorating the interior walls.
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1 hour Admission Ticket Free

Hippodrome (pass by)

Built by the Roman Emperor Septimus Severus in 203AD, during the Roman period hippodrome was the civil center for the people of the city where once 100,000 spectators could be held. Located in the heart of Sultanahmet surrounded by Blue mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace, today it is home to The Egyptian Obelisk (Dikilitaş), The Serpentine Column(Burma sütun), The Constantine Column, and German Fountain.
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Grand Bazaar

With 18 entrances and more than 4000 shops, it is one of the greatest bazaars in the world. It was built between 1455-1461 by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror. Today, shops selling the same kind of merchandise tend to be congregated in their own streets or inns as it was the original Ottoman system.
Read more

2 hours Admission Ticket Free

Show 5 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • This is a private guided walking tour focusing on the historical sights in Istanbul’s Sultanahmet district.
  • Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the PRIVATE GUIDED Exploration Tour of İstanbul Old City Tour?

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-39776P77

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.86
7 reviews

Average 4.86 out of 5 stars based on 7 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
6
4 stars
1
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 14 (0) days in advance.
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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 PRIVATE GUIDED Exploration Tour of İstanbul Old City Tour?
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:
  • All sightseeings mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Professional licensed tour guide.
The following is NOT included:
  • Food and drinks (optional).
  • Admision Fees to the historical sites.
  • Personal Expenses.
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..

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 PRIVATE GUIDED Exploration Tour of İstanbul Old City Tour is as follows:

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
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 PRIVATE GUIDED Exploration Tour of İstanbul Old City Tour 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

  • All sightseeings mentioned in the itinerary
  • Professional licensed tour guide
  • Food and drinks (optional)
  • Admision Fees to the historical sites
  • Personal Expenses

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • This is a private guided walking tour focusing on the historical sights in Istanbul’s Sultanahmet district.
  • Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays
  • Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays

Report Product Issue

Activity name