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Private Guided Istanbul Old City Tour

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
100% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
| Istanbul, Turkey
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from $260 per group (up to 12)

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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 28 (0) days in advance.
7 to 8 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

Istanbul has always been a unique city with a heritage of 3 Empires and a true melting pot! I would love to share my experience of 17 years as a Professional Licensed Tour Guide in Istanbul and lead the way for a sophisticated experience of old town for all my guests!
During our tour day together, we will have a chance to explore some of the top historic highlights of Istanbul such as 'Hagia Sophia' , 'Blue Mosque' , 'Basilica Cistern' , 'Hippodrome of Constantinople' and the first Baroque Mosque of the ciy from 1755(Nuruosmaniye Mosque)! And finally we will wonder around the alleys of the oldest mall of the world with thousands of shops, The Grand Bazaar! A unique experience with all the hidden gems of the worldwide famous market place! You will have a lovely taste of Istanbul from all different perspectives! History, culture, food, trading, social life and more! The tour would be a great option for first time visitors as well as couples and families!

What's Included

  • Professional Tour Guide
  • Lunch
  • Gratuities
  • Basilica Cistern optional (800 TRY)
See 1 moreSee 4 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

Alemdar
Prof. Kazım İsmail Gürkan Cd. No:24, 34110 Fatih/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

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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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Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

The landmark and masterpiece of Istanbul Old Town since 537! One of the most important churches of Orthodox Christianity ever! Once the seat of Greek Orthodox Patriarch! Currently and active mosque and a partial museum! It offers best examples of Byzantine mosaic art from different centuries! The first architecture of the world with pendentives and flying buttresses! And it used to be the largest Christian cathedral for almost 11 centuries!
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1 hour 15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Hippodrome

Once the center of chariot races with a capacity of 30.000 people! And the exact location of Nika Riot in 532 resulted the massacre of thousands and destruction of Constantinople! Adorned with beautiful monuments from all over the Roman Empire and it still holds several special pieces from those days like 'Egyptian Obelisk', 'Column of Serpent' etc.
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35 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Basilica Cistern

The largest water reservoir of the Roman Era with its amazing architecture from 4th century! And definitely an unexpected historic beauty for every visitor. In Istanbul, we have 150 of those cisterns and it had to be the largest among all becuse the Basilica Cistern was the major water reservoir of the royal buildings! A natural set of movies and a great location for special events!
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50 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Blue Mosque

One of the brilliant historic symbols of Istanbul! The most famous mosque of the world known for its unique tile decorations and frescoes! Built up in 1616 by the 16th Sultan of the Ottoman Empire(Ahmed the 1st) and it has six minarets which can be classified as the highest number for an Ottoman mosque! On the inside, it is decorated with thousands of Iznik tiles and painted floral motifs in predominantly blue colours, which give the mosque its popular name. The mosque's külliye (religious complex) includes Ahmed's tomb, a madrasa, and several other buildings in various states of preservation. Its charming beauty is always worthseeing at any time of the day.
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50 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Nuruosmaniye Camii

Designed by a Greek non-Muslim architect named Simeon Kalfa, the Nuruosmaniye mosque was the first monumental Ottoman building to exemplify the new Ottoman baroque style, which introduced baroque and neoclassical elements from Europe. The construction of the mosque complex was commissioned on the order of Sultan Mahmud I in 1748 and completed under his brother and successor, Sultan Osman the 3rd in 1755. It was named as Nuruosmaniye, meaning "The holy light of Osman", after Osman the 3rd!
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35 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Grand Bazaar

The first shopping mall of the world located at one end of the Silk Road! The top reason what makes the city of Istanbul so unique is; Location Location Location!!! The hub of trading culture since 1461 with its thousands of shops! We will go for a very special walking tour of the famous market place with its hidden spots! Bunch of HAN(old business centers located on the sides of the market) buildings would be the part of our walking tour to explore!
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3 hours Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Private Guided Istanbul 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-314469P2

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
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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 28 (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 Istanbul 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:
  • Professional Tour Guide.
The following is NOT included:
  • Lunch.
  • Gratuities.
  • Basilica Cistern optional (800 TRY).
  • Hagia Sophia Mosque optional (25 euros ).
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 Private Guided Istanbul Old City Tour is as follows:

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • 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 Istanbul 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

  • Professional Tour Guide
  • Lunch
  • Gratuities
  • Basilica Cistern optional (800 TRY)
  • Hagia Sophia Mosque optional (25 euros )

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Report Product Issue

Activity name