Once Upon a Time in Istanbul: A Private Old City Tour
Overview
Discover the History of Istanbul with a Local& Licensed Guide!
Join us on a private 5-7 hours journey through Istanbul’s historic Old City. Explore the ancient Hippodrome and the magnificent Blue Mosque (free admission), with optional visits to Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, and Topkapi Palace (entrance tickets are extra). Complete your experience with a walk through the world-famous Grand Bazaar.
Led by a licensed local guide, this personalized experience brings the stories of Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Istanbul to life.
Choose Your Preferred Transportation
Walking Tour: If your hotel is within walking distance of the Old City, your private guide can meet you directly in your hotel lobby. No transportation is needed.
Hotel Pickup & Drop-Off: Staying farther away? Choose our private transfer option. We will pick you up from your hotel and return you to the same location after the tour.
What's Included
- Blue Mosque and Hippodrome free entrance
- Private Tour
- Traditional Turkish Arts & Handcrafted Experiences
- Fast Track Ticket Avaible
- Licensed Tour Guide
- The guide will meet you at the meeting point of your choice.
- Lunch Meals and refreshments are not included in the tour price. However, your guide will be happy to recommend local spots if you'd like to take a break during the tour.
- Museums Entrance Fees
Meeting and Pickup
Included with the option “With Hotel Pickup&Drop-Off”.
Pickup & Meeting Point Information:We offer two convenient options:Walking Tour: If your hotel is within walking distance of the Old City, your private guide can meet you directly in your hotel lobby. No transportation is needed.Hotel Pickup & Drop-Off: If your hotel is farther away, choose our private transfer option. We will pick you up from your hotel by private vehicle and drop you off at the same location after the tour.Please provide your hotel name and address after booking so we can arrange your pickup accordingly.
For the option “Old City Walking Tour”.
Binbirdirek
At Meydanı Cd No:53, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
Hippodrome
15 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Blue Mosque
30 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
45 minutes Admission Ticket Free
TopkapI Palace
2 hours 30 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Basilica Cistern
25 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Grand Bazaar
1 hour Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Frequently Asked Questions (7)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Once Upon a Time in Istanbul: A Private Old City Tour?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
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Activity code: C-5592706P2
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 58 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.
Filter by:
- 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).
- Blue Mosque and Hippodrome free entrance.
- Private Tour.
- Traditional Turkish Arts & Handcrafted Experiences.
- Fast Track Ticket Avaible.
- Licensed Tour Guide.
- The guide will meet you at the meeting point of your choice.
- Lunch. Meals and refreshments are not included in the tour price. However, your guide will be happy to recommend local spots if you'd like to take a break during the tour.
- Museums Entrance Fees.
There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..
Apr 2025If 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 2025Accessibility information for the Once Upon a Time in Istanbul: A Private Old City Tour is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Once Upon a Time in Istanbul: A Private 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 2024Once 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 2026What's Included
- Blue Mosque and Hippodrome free entrance
- Private Tour
- Traditional Turkish Arts & Handcrafted Experiences
- Fast Track Ticket Avaible
- Licensed Tour Guide
- The guide will meet you at the meeting point of your choice.
- LunchMeals and refreshments are not included in the tour price. However, your guide will be happy to recommend local spots if you'd like to take a break during the tour.
- Museums Entrance Fees
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
