
Istanbul Old City Private Full Day Guided Tour
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 3 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Istanbul Old City Private Full Day Guided Tour worth booking?
Istanbul Old City Private Full Day Guided Tour is a 8-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from €300 per person. It scores 54 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 3 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 54 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (3)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- €300 per person
Explore Istanbul’s timeless treasures with your own personal guide and private transfers.. Step into the soul of Istanbul on this private full-day tour through the city's most iconic landmarks. With your own expert guide and comfortable hotel transfers, explore the historic heart of the city at your own pace. From the grandeur of the Hagia Sophia to the underground mystery of the Basilica Cistern, and from the shimmering domes of the Blue Mosque to the imperial courts of the Topkapi Palace, this journey reveals the layers of history, culture, and beauty that define Istanbul. Whether it's your first visit or a return to your favorite city, this curated experience promises unforgettable insights and memories.
What you get
About this experience
Explore Istanbul’s timeless treasures with your own personal guide and private transfers.. Step into the soul of Istanbul on this private full-day tour through the city's most iconic landmarks. With your own expert guide and comfortable hotel transfers, explore the historic heart of the city at your own pace. From the grandeur of the Hagia Sophia to the underground mystery of the Basilica Cistern, and from the shimmering domes of the Blue Mosque to the imperial courts of the Topkapi Palace, this journey reveals the layers of history, culture, and beauty that define Istanbul. Whether it's your first visit or a return to your favorite city, this curated experience promises unforgettable insights and memories.
What's included
Included
- Personalized, flexible itinerary
- Local tips and shopping guidance in the Grand Bazaar
- Private transportation
- Professional, licensed private guide
Not included
- Entrance fees
- Lunch
- Gratuities for guide and driver (optional)
- Personal expenses
What you'll see and do
Hippodrome
The Hippodrome of Constantinople was a circus that was the sporting and social centre of Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine Empire. Today it is a square named Sultanahmet Meydanı in the Turkish city of Istanbul, with a few fragments of the original structure surviving.
30 minutes here
German Fountain
The German Fountain is a gazebo styled fountain in the northern end of old hippodrome, Istanbul, Turkey and across from the Mausoleum of Sultan Ahmed I. It was constructed to commemorate the second anniversary of German Emperor Wilhelm II's visit to Istanbul in 1898.
10 minutes here
Obelisk of Theodosius
The Obelisk of Theodosius is the Ancient Egyptian obelisk of Pharaoh Thutmose III re-erected in the Hippodrome of Constantinople by the Roman emperor Theodosius I in the 4th century AD.
10 minutes here
Serpent Column
The Serpent Column, also known as the Serpentine Column, Plataean Tripod or Delphi Tripod, is an ancient bronze column at the Hippodrome of Constantinople in what is now Istanbul, Turkey
10 minutes here
Blue Mosque
Sultan Ahmed Mosque is a historic mosque located in Istanbul, Turkey. It remains a functioning mosque, while also attracting large numbers of tourist visitors. It was constructed between 1609 and 1616 during the rule of Ahmed I. Its Külliye contains Ahmed's tomb, a madrasah and a hospice.
45 minutes here
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
Hagia Sophia is the former Greek Orthodox Christian patriarchal cathedral, later an Ottoman imperial mosque and now a museum in Istanbul, Turkey. Built in AD 537 in the Middle Ages, it is famous for its massive dome. It was the world's largest building and an engineering marvel of its time.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
TopkapI Palace
The Topkapı Palace, or the Seraglio, is a large museum in the east of the Fatih district of Istanbul in Turkey. In the 15th and 16th centuries it served as the main residence and administrative headquarters of the Ottoman sultans.
180 minutes here · Admission not included
Basilica Cistern
The great underground water depot of Eastern Rome and Ottomane Empires.
45 minutes here · Admission not included
Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with 61 covered streets and over 4,000 shops on a total area of 30,700 m², attracting between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily.
90 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Istanbul
Meeting time is 15 mins before the schedule time at the entrance of Turkish and Islamic Art Museum. The meeting point location link https://g.co/kgs/smnvGnT
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 45 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Meeting time is 15 mins before the schedule time at the entrance of Turkish and Islamic Art Museum. The meeting point location link https://g.co/kgs/smnvGnT
Options you can book
Up to 15 people
Number of person
Private Full Day Old City Tour of Istanbul
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 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Bosphorus Cruise Tours Istanbul
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Guests can buy museum entrance fees on the site.
- Entrance fees: Hagia Sophia: 25 Euro, Topkapi Palace: 2.750 TL, Basilica Cistern: 1.950 TL
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 3 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
3 verified traveler reviews for Istanbul Old City Private Full Day Guided Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Good tour in Istanbul with a good guide.
A very good tour to get to know some of the most important points of the old city of Istanbul; Melih, the guide, is very good.
Response from the operator: Muchas gracias por su reseña. Nos alegra saber que disfrutó del recorrido por algunos de los lugares más importantes de la Ciudad Vieja de Estambul. También agradecemos mucho sus amables palabras sobre Melih; estaremos encantados de compartirlas con él. ¡Esperamos volver a recibirle en Estambul!
via Viator (translated)
Great Istanbul tour with great tour guide
Excellent tour to visit Istanbul old city with a very knowledgeable and friendly tour guide; you’ll visit several amazing places and Melih’s explanations will help you understand the historical context of everything you see
Response from the operator: Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed exploring Istanbul’s Old City and found Melih both knowledgeable and friendly. Understanding the historical context makes these remarkable landmarks even more meaningful, so we’re especially pleased that his explanations added to your experience. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you again in Istanbul!
via Tripadvisor
Istanbul
It was a great experience. The guide was awesome and very knowledgeable. I would highly recommend him to anyone. Because if him, I learned a lot about Istanbul and Islam. Thanks!
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for your wonderful review. We are delighted to hear that you had a great experience and that our guide made such a positive impression on you. It is especially rewarding to know that you learned more about Istanbul and Islam during the tour. Your recommendation means a lot to us. We hope to welcome you again on board for another memorable experience in Istanbul.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- €300 to €450
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Bosphorus Cruise Tours Istanbul, who run 8 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 70.6 and 2 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Bosphorus Cruise Tours Istanbul runsWhy this scores 54
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Istanbul Old City Private Full Day Guided Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Istanbul.
How much does Istanbul Old City Private Full Day Guided Tour cost?
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Prices start at €300 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 Istanbul Old City Private Full Day Guided Tour take?
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Plan for about 8 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 Istanbul Old City Private Full Day Guided Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 54 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 3 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 Istanbul Old City Private Full Day Guided Tour?
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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 Istanbul Old City Private Full Day Guided Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Istanbul Old City Private Full Day Guided Tour?
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Around 1 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 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Istanbul Old City Private Full Day Guided Tour 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 Istanbul Old City Private Full Day Guided Tour?
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Included: Personalized, flexible itinerary; Local tips and shopping guidance in the Grand Bazaar; Private transportation; and Professional, licensed private guide. Not included: Entrance fees; Lunch; Gratuities for guide and driver (optional); and Personal expenses. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Istanbul Old City Private Full Day Guided Tour include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 1499 listed pickup locations in and around Istanbul. Be ready about 45 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Istanbul Old City Private Full Day Guided Tour 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 Istanbul Old City Private Full Day Guided Tour?
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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 Istanbul Old City Private Full Day Guided Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; 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 Istanbul Old City Private Full Day Guided Tour if the weather is bad?
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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 Istanbul Old City Private Full Day Guided Tour?
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Across 3 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Istanbul Old City Private Full Day Guided Tour?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Up to 15 people, Private Full Day Old City Tour of Istanbul. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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