Full-Day Istanbul Old City Tour
Istanbul, Turkey

Full-Day Istanbul Old City Tour

Outty Ranking 61 4.8 · 13 traveler reviews7 hoursFrom $200
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Outty Ranking

61/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.8/5

Based on 13 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Full-Day Istanbul Old City Tour worth booking?

Full-Day Istanbul Old City Tour is a 7-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from $200 per person. It scores 61 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 13 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
61 / 100
Rating
4.8/5 (13)
Duration
7 hours
From
$200 per person

Full-Day Istanbul Ottoman and Byzantine Historical Sites Tour You will follow the traces of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires in Istanbul. Have the opportunity to visit all the historic sites of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar, Topkapi Palace, and Little Hagia Sophia Mosque are the most popular historical places. You will visit these historic sites on the guided tour and information about their history. Entrance fee and Lunch Included.

What you get

    About this experience

    Full-Day Istanbul Ottoman and Byzantine Historical Sites Tour You will follow the traces of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires in Istanbul. Have the opportunity to visit all the historic sites of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar, Topkapi Palace, and Little Hagia Sophia Mosque are the most popular historical places. You will visit these historic sites on the guided tour and information about their history. Entrance fee and Lunch Included.

    What's included

    Included

    • Lunch
    • English speaking tour guide
    • Pick up and Drop off from the hotels (by air-conditioned mini buses)
    • Entrance fees.

    Not included

    • Personal expenses
    • Tips
    • Beverages

    What you'll see and do

    1. Sultanahmet District

      This tour is the best way to discover Byzantine and Ottoman Traces. These are Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome and Obelisks, Grand Bazaar, Topkapi Palace, and Little Hagia Sophia Mosque.

      420 minutes here · Admission included

    2. Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

      Visit Hagia Sophia : Hagia Sophia, Turkish Ayasofya, also called Church of the Holy Wisdom or Church of the Divine Wisdom, cathedral built at Constantinople (now Istanbul, Turkey) in the 6th century CE (532–537) under the direction of the Byzantine emperor Justinian I. By general consensus, it is the most important Byzantine structure and one of the world’s great monuments.

      45 minutes here · Admission included

    3. Blue Mosque

      Visit the Blue Mosque : The Mosque is known as the Blue Mosque because of the blue tiles surrounding the wall's interior design. Mosque was built between 1609 and 1616 years, during the rule of Ahmed I. Just like many other mosques, it also comprises a tomb of the founder, a madrasa, and a hospice. Besides still being used as a mosque, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque has also become a popular attraction in Istanbul.

      45 minutes here · Admission included

    4. Hippodrome

      Visit Hippodrome and Obelisks : The Hippodrome (At Meydani) was an of course a horse-racing track, what's in the name. But during the Byzantine Empire, the hippodrome was not only used for chariot races. Court ceremonies, coronations, and parades also took place at the hippodrome, making it the sporting and social center of Byzantine life for over 1000 years. The reason why some refer to it as the Hippodrome of Constantinople.

      60 minutes here · Admission included

    5. Grand Bazaar

      Grand Bazaar (Covered Bazaar) : As the Ottoman Empire grew larger, the Grand Bazaar also kept up with the development of the capital. The Bazaar that initially was comprised of two Bedestens now occupies an area of about 47 thousand square meters. Today there are around 400 shops in the Grand Bazaar. You will have a shopping opportunity for carpets, rugs, ceramics, hookah, etc.

      60 minutes here

    6. TopkapI Palace

      Visit Topkapi Palace : The Topkapi Palace is located in Turkey Istanbul, which was the official and primary residence in the city of the Ottoman Sultans for 400 years of their 600-year reign, from 1456 to 1856. Today containing the holiest relics of the Muslim world such as the prophet Muhammed's cloak and sword. Topkapi Palace is among those monuments belonging to the "Historic Areas of Istanbul" which became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. It is the best example of ensembles of palaces of the Ottoman period.

      1 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 25 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Acetes Travel Istanbul and Turkey Tours

    Know before you go

    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

    Photos

    Istanbul Historical Sightseeing Tour, Full-Day Istanbul Old City TourIstanbul Historical Sightseeing Tour, Full-Day Istanbul Old City TourIstanbul Historical Sightseeing Tour, Full-Day Istanbul Old City TourIstanbul Historical Sightseeing Tour, Full-Day Istanbul Old City TourIstanbul Historical Sightseeing Tour, Full-Day Istanbul Old City TourIstanbul Historical Sightseeing Tour, Full-Day Istanbul Old City Tour

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 13 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    3 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Food and drink

    3 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    The guide

    2 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Traveler reviews

    13 verified traveler reviews for Full-Day Istanbul Old City Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    11
    4 star
    1
    3 star
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    2 star
    0
    1 star
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    Sort
    flyerkris · October 2024

    An excellent experience in Istanbul

    Acetes Travel provided me with an excellent experience in Istanbul, with detailed explanations of the city's history from the Hippodrome and Hagia Sophia to the Topkapi Palace Museum and the Bosphorus cruise. The tour guide and drivers were fantastic, and 100% I would suggest their services!!!

    Response from the operator: Thank you for your nice comment. Thank you for choosing us. We wish you a nice day. See you next time!

    via Tripadvisor

    andrewbL7610BZ · April 2024

    Quite literally the highlight of my entire life

    Best tour in Istanbul. We had such a a great time. Knowledgable hosts. Great food. Amazing experience. I would love to do it again

    Response from the operator: Thank you for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear you had such a great time and enjoyed the knowledgeable hosts and delicious food. We look forward to having you join us again for another amazing experience!

    via Tripadvisor

    Rebecca A · April 2024

    Great tour of the Old City

    Great tour! Very knowledgeable and extensive. Enjoyed all the sights and history. Make sure you have good walking shoes :)

    Response from the operator: Thank you for the great review! We're glad you enjoyed the tour and the sights. Good walking shoes are definitely a must! Looking forward to seeing you again!

    via Tripadvisor

    ADAMCARSLEN · August 2022

    nice trip organization

    very nice trip organization for Istanbul it's great city I've enjoyed my stay staffs were very friendly and helpful.

    Response from the operator: Hello, Thank you for your nice comment, we wish you a good day.

    via Tripadvisor

    407emelu · August 2022

    Very good

    We had a very nice full day with my family. Professional understanding and service. Thank you for everything! My recommendation for those happy to consider.

    Response from the operator: Bizi tercih ettiğiniz için biz de teşekkür ederiz. Umarız bir daha ailenizle sizi teknemizde ağırlarız. İyi günler dileriz.

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    Good to know

    Duration
    7 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    5
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Acetes Travel Istanbul and Turkey Tours, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 59.3.

    See everything Acetes Travel Istanbul and Turkey Tours runs

    Why this scores 61

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)81
    Review evidence (18% weight)40
    Booking momentum (14% weight)33
    Value for money (12% weight)44
    Listing quality (10% weight)72
    Local standing (8% weight)55
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Full-Day Istanbul Old City Tour: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Istanbul.

    How much does Full-Day Istanbul Old City Tour cost?

    +

    Prices start at $200 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Istanbul usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Full-Day Istanbul Old City Tour take?

    +

    Plan for about 7 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Istanbul is not rushed.

    Is Full-Day Istanbul Old City Tour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 61 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 13 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Istanbul, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Full-Day Istanbul Old City Tour?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Full-Day Istanbul Old City Tour suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 7-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Full-Day Istanbul Old City Tour?

    +

    Around 5 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Istanbul can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Istanbul and add a light layer if any part of the 7-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Full-Day Istanbul Old City Tour start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Istanbul within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Istanbul?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Istanbul experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Princes Islands Blue Journey from Old City Istanbul, Famous Istanbul Pub Crawl #1 Nightlife Experience, Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Istanbul?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Istanbul?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Full-Day Istanbul Old City Tour?

    +

    Included: Lunch; English speaking tour guide; Pick up and Drop off from the hotels (by air-conditioned mini buses); and Entrance fees. Not included: Personal expenses; Tips; and Beverages. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Full-Day Istanbul Old City Tour include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 457 listed pickup locations in and around Istanbul. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time.

    What languages is Full-Day Istanbul Old City Tour offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Full-Day Istanbul Old City Tour?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Full-Day Istanbul Old City Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers; and Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Full-Day Istanbul Old City Tour if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Full-Day Istanbul Old City Tour?

    +

    Across 13 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, food and drink, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Full-Day Istanbul Old City Tour.

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