
Highlights of Istanbul Old City Tour for Cruise and Hotel Guests
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 201 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Highlights of Istanbul Old City Tour for Cruise and Hotel Guests worth booking?
Highlights of Istanbul Old City Tour for Cruise and Hotel Guests is a 6-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from $79 per person. It scores 83 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 201 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 83 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (201)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $79 per person
A full-day tour with all the highlights of the old city of Istanbul. You'll see Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar ,Basilica Cistern and more. Explore the historical traces of the two greatest epochs – Byzantine and Ottoman Empire in the heart of Istanbul! FOR CRUISE GUESTS : Pick up and drop off will be from Galata Port ( Cruise Port) The pick-up and drop-off by public transport such as tram, etc... If your hotel is located in the main attraction area, the guide will pick you up by walking from your hotel. Our main attraction visits are close to each other, therefore you will walk between every attraction you will visit. There is no any other vehicle usage except pick-up and drop-off. During the tour you are able to visit some shops such as Carpet showroom, leather, turkish delight, jewelry, etc... Stores to visit: Carpet Showroom Leather Factory
What you get
About this experience
A full-day tour with all the highlights of the old city of Istanbul. You'll see Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar ,Basilica Cistern and more. Explore the historical traces of the two greatest epochs – Byzantine and Ottoman Empire in the heart of Istanbul! FOR CRUISE GUESTS : Pick up and drop off will be from Galata Port ( Cruise Port) The pick-up and drop-off by public transport such as tram, etc... If your hotel is located in the main attraction area, the guide will pick you up by walking from your hotel. Our main attraction visits are close to each other, therefore you will walk between every attraction you will visit. There is no any other vehicle usage except pick-up and drop-off. During the tour you are able to visit some shops such as Carpet showroom, leather, turkish delight, jewelry, etc... Stores to visit: Carpet Showroom Leather Factory
What's included
Included
- Public Transport Such as Tram
- Galata Port Cruise or Hotel Pick Up & Drop Off
- Professional Licensed Tour Guide
- Discover the Art of Turkish Handcrafts: Carpets, Leather, Ceramics & Jewelry
Not included
- Food & Drinks
- Guide Tips – Gratitue
- Entrance fees
- Entrance fees
- Entrance fees
What you'll see and do
Hippodrome
Hippodrome. It was the center of sport activities of Constantinople. Famous with 4 monuments, The German Fountain of Wilhelm II, Egyptian Obelisk, Serpentine Column, Column of Constantine.
30 minutes here
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
Haghia Sophia, is the most famous museum in Turkey and one of the greatest marvels of architecture. Haghia Sophia was built as a church in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian then in 1453 renovated into a mosuqe by Ottoman Emperor Fatih Sultan Mehmet. It was converted into a museum in 1935 and welcoming both local and foreign visitors.
90 minutes here · Admission not included
Blue Mosque
Blue Mosque, as known as the Sultanahmet Mosque (under renovation now), this breath-taking building is one of the most majestic Ottoman mosques in all of Turkey. Also, it was built with unique 6 minarets. (Closed on Friday)
60 minutes here
TopkapI Palace
Topkapi Palace, which has been home to the Ottoman dynasty for many years, was used educational administrative and art center of state. Get knowledge about the imperial treasury sacred islamic relics, palace kitchens, weapons. (Closed on Tuesday)
90 minutes here · Admission not included
Basilica Cistern
Basilica Cistern Discover Istanbul’s largest surviving Byzantine underground water reservoir, famous for its impressive columns, mysterious atmosphere, and Medusa head sculptures dating back to the 6th century
45 minutes here · Admission not included
Hagia Irene Museum
Hagia Irene also called as “St. Eirene” or “St.Irene’s” Church. It is one of the oldest Byzantium churches in Istanbul, was the 2nd largest church of the Eastern Roman Empire after Hagia Sophia. (Closed on Tuesday)
45 minutes here · Admission not included
Feshane Rugs
Visit a traditional carpet weaving village to discover the art of handmade Turkish carpets, watch local artisans at work, and learn about centuries-old weaving techniques and natural dyes.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Grand Bazaar
Grand Bazaar
30 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
PRIVATE TOUR WITH VAN
This option: Included private guide and vehicle. You can customise tour with your guide Pİck up and drop off: Its included. We can pick up from Galata Port Istanbul or Hotels in Istanbul Duration: 6 hours: This tour usually takes 5-6 hours byt according your request can be shorter or little bit longer Food and Drinks: They are NOT INCLUDED. Your local guide can recommend you best traditional or international cuisine for you Starting and Ending: ISTANBUL CRUISE PORT-GALATA PORT-ISTANBUL HOTELS ( SHOULD BE IN PICK UP POINTS) New Brand Mercedes: If you choose this option, you'll be picked up and dropped off with Mercedes Vito/Sprinter. Cultural Stops: Visit authentic Turkish workshops showcasing handwoven carpets, fine leather goods, ceramics, jewelry, and local handicrafts Pickup included
Public & Walking Guided Tour
This Option: Provide semi private-private tour with local expert tour guide and using public transport Pick up and Drop off: Istanbul Galataport -Cruise Port and Istanbul Hotels ( Should be in pick up points and near by public transport) Duration: 6 hours: This tour it takes 5-6 hours Food & Drinks: NOT INCLUDED . Your tour guide help you about best food and options Starting and Ending: Galata Port of Istanbul -Istanbul Hotels Public: Using public tram or bus Cultural Stops: ISTANBUL CRUISE PORT-GALATA PORT-ISTANBUL HOTELS ( SHOULD BE IN PICK UP POINTS) Pickup included
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 14 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Turkey Tours Company
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Topkapi Palace entrance fee is 2750 TRY. You can pay to the guide for skip-the-line tickets.
- Hagia Sophia entarance fee is 25 €. You can pay to the guide for skip-the-line tickets.
- GUARANTEED ON TIME RETURN TO THE CRUISE
- Basilica Cistern entrance fee is 2250 TRY.You can pay to the guide for skip-the-line tickets.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 201 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
201 verified traveler reviews for Highlights of Istanbul Old City Tour for Cruise and Hotel Guests. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Walking Tour of Old Istanbul
Lots of walking, some in slippery surfaces. Very interesting history, spectacular architecture and Mosques. I loved Turkey and was pleasantly surprised. Best of all our rour guide Mert. So much knowledge from this pleasant guy
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We're happy to hear you enjoyed your time with us. Your feedback keeps us motivated to continually improve our service to you. We look forward to serving you again in the future. Kind regards, TURKEY TOURS COMPANY
via Viator
We could not have been more happy with the day we spent with Aisha Ozlem Yesildag
A friend and I (both in our 70’s) visited Istanbul in July, 2026, during one of the hottest spells on record. We had arranged a 7-hour “Istanbul in a Day” walking tour months before, in the comfort of our Coastal California homes. When we arrived in Istanbul, we feared that the heat and the exercise would be the end of us. On the morning of the tour, Aisha Ozlem Yesildag appeared at our hotel, which was located in the old section of town, near the public plaza, Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. When we expressed our concerns to her, she tailored the tour to our abilities and our specific interests. In addition to a few of the “must see” art & architectural treasures, she suggested that we explore places that would be missed by people rushing from one landmark & mosque to another. A guide for 30 years and a native of Istanbul, Aisha was masterful at satisfying our curiosity about everything, from various religious & social customs, rug-making, ancient Quran manuscripts and cuisine options. She negotiated with street vendors for us, ordered food we would have not otherwise known to try, and kept us cool and hydrated when she saw us failing. We could not have been more happy with the day we spent with Aisha.
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We're happy to hear you enjoyed your time with us. Your feedback keeps us motivated to continually improve our service to you. We look forward to serving you again in the future. Kind regards, TURKEY TOURS COMPANY
via Tripadvisor
Great Day Tour with a Amaxing Tour Guide
I would highly recommend this tour to see Istanbul main sites. We had the best tour guide. Her name was Asiha. She was absolutely amazing. There was supposed to be another couple but they canceled so she was our private tour guide the entire day. She took us everywhere. We ate at this great restaurant for real Turkish Food where all the locals eat. The food was so fresh and delicious. She took us on the tram to the spice market that was truly amazing and a great experience to see. Besides all the beautiful sites she took us too, her knowledge and history of everything we were seeing made the experience amazing. Aishait was our pleasure to have met you and spending the day with you showing us how beautiful Istanbul is. Asiha thanks again for a great day!
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We're happy to hear you enjoyed your time with us. Your feedback keeps us motivated to continually improve our service to you. We look forward to serving you again in the future. Kind regards, TURKEY TOURS COMPANY
via Tripadvisor
Exceptionally excellent and sincere service.
Excellent experience . The guide was very knowledgeable and understanding.
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We're happy to hear you enjoyed your time with us. Your feedback keeps us motivated to continually improve our service to you. We look forward to serving you again in the future. Kind regards, TURKEY TOURS COMPANY
via Tripadvisor
Great Guide
Aisha was fantastic! Knowledgeable, friendly. She knows all inside tips and tricks. Our family has a great time and enjoyed the day very much
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We're happy to hear you enjoyed your time with us. Your feedback keeps us motivated to continually improve our service to you. We look forward to serving you again in the future. Kind regards, TURKEY TOURS COMPANY
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $79 to $228
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 70
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Turkey Tours Company, who run 37 experiences we rank across 6 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 57.2.
See everything Turkey Tours Company runsWhy this scores 83
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Highlights of Istanbul Old City Tour for Cruise and Hotel Guests: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Istanbul.
How much does Highlights of Istanbul Old City Tour for Cruise and Hotel Guests cost?
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Prices start at $79 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 Highlights of Istanbul Old City Tour for Cruise and Hotel Guests take?
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Plan for about 6 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 Highlights of Istanbul Old City Tour for Cruise and Hotel Guests worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 83 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 201 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 Highlights of Istanbul Old City Tour for Cruise and Hotel Guests?
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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 Highlights of Istanbul Old City Tour for Cruise and Hotel Guests suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Highlights of Istanbul Old City Tour for Cruise and Hotel Guests?
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Around 70 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?
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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 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Highlights of Istanbul Old City Tour for Cruise and Hotel Guests start and how do I get there?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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 Highlights of Istanbul Old City Tour for Cruise and Hotel Guests?
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Included: Public Transport Such as Tram; Galata Port Cruise or Hotel Pick Up & Drop Off; Professional Licensed Tour Guide; and Discover the Art of Turkish Handcrafts: Carpets, Leather, Ceramics & Jewelry. Not included: Food & Drinks; Guide Tips – Gratitue; Entrance fees; and Entrance fees. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Highlights of Istanbul Old City Tour for Cruise and Hotel Guests include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 421 listed pickup locations in and around Istanbul. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Highlights of Istanbul Old City Tour for Cruise and Hotel Guests offered in?
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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 Highlights of Istanbul Old City Tour for Cruise and Hotel Guests?
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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 Highlights of Istanbul Old City Tour for Cruise and Hotel Guests wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; and Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Highlights of Istanbul Old City Tour for Cruise and Hotel Guests if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Istanbul. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Highlights of Istanbul Old City Tour for Cruise and Hotel Guests?
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Across 201 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Highlights of Istanbul Old City Tour for Cruise and Hotel Guests?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including PRIVATE TOUR WITH VAN, Public & Walking Guided Tour. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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