Istanbul Private Old City Tour from Cruise Ship & Hotels
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 2 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Istanbul Private Old City Tour from Cruise Ship & Hotels worth booking?
Istanbul Private Old City Tour from Cruise Ship & Hotels is a 8-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from €120 per person. It scores 59 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 2 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 59 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (2)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- €120 per person
If you don't like to be too organized and dependent on fixed itineraries then read on! You can book a private tour of Istanbul using one of our professional licensed guides. The itinerary will be fully flexible. Our Guides know every corner of the city and our professional guide will give you detailed information about places that you want to visit. This is true flexibility, this is freedom! You choose what to see and how long to stay there. An experienced private local tour guide, who is licensed by the Turkish Ministry of Tourism and Culture will be at your service from 8:30 am until 5:30 pm in Istanbul to show you around. This will be an 8-hour-long private tour with your personal tour guide in Istanbul. It is the best solution if you would like to explore Istanbul in your way.
What you get
About this experience
If you don't like to be too organized and dependent on fixed itineraries then read on! You can book a private tour of Istanbul using one of our professional licensed guides. The itinerary will be fully flexible. Our Guides know every corner of the city and our professional guide will give you detailed information about places that you want to visit. This is true flexibility, this is freedom! You choose what to see and how long to stay there. An experienced private local tour guide, who is licensed by the Turkish Ministry of Tourism and Culture will be at your service from 8:30 am until 5:30 pm in Istanbul to show you around. This will be an 8-hour-long private tour with your personal tour guide in Istanbul. It is the best solution if you would like to explore Istanbul in your way.
What's included
Included
- Hotel & Cruise pickup and drop-off
- Professional guide
Not included
- Food & Drinks
- Entrance fees for the Museums
What you'll see and do
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
Hagia Sophia Museum, a one-time mosque converted from a 6th-century Christian basilica built by Emperor Justinian I. Marvel at the incredible building and admire the interior’s glimmering, handcrafted mosaics and rich decoration.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Blue Mosque
Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque). Take in the immense, flat dome and famous minarets, and explore inside with your guide. Absorb the ocean of over 20,000 Iznik tiles that lend the mosque its name, and behold the magnificent, rich carpets and windows.
60 minutes here
Hippodrome
The Constantinople Hippodrome ( nowadays Sultanahmet Square) is a place where different cultures converge, showcasing the rich history of several great eras. It has always been a favorite center for entertainment, sports, and cultural events in the old city of Istanbul. The elite of society used to hold meetings and communicate with each other in this place. Local attractions include the Obelisk of Theodosius, a pink granite column from Egypt, one of the city's oldest monuments., Serpentine Column, and a unique fountain gifted to the city by the German Kaiser Wilhelm II.
Pass by without stopping
Basilica Cistern
The cistern was built by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I was connected to the Hadrian Aqueducts, supplying water to the areas between the first and second hills of the city. After the Ottoman conquest of Istanbul, it served as a water distribution center. Although it was no longer in use after the Ottomans established their own water facilities in the city, it became a physical symbol representing the neighborhood it was located in. The cistern was named after the palace, the grand vizier's stables, the street, and the neighborhood it represented. The Basilica Cistern is a rectangular structure made of bricks, resting on rocky ground. It has a water storage capacity of approximately 100,000 tons. The cistern is supported by 336 columns that carry its brick-vaulted ceiling. The building features reused materials, such as decorated columns, Corinthian column capitals, and Medusa head sculptures that have been turned upside down.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Misir Carsisi
The Spice Bazaar, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, was built in the 1660s as part of the New Mosque complex and is one of Istanbul's oldest covered markets. The bazaar was named after the exotic spices, medicinal herbs, and other products that were brought from Egypt and sold here. The Spice Bazaar has an L-shaped design and consists of 88 vaulted rooms. The part of the bazaar situated at the Haseki Gate has two floors. During Ottoman times, the upper floors were used as a court, where the merchants resolved their disputes with customers and amongst themselves. In the past, the Spice Bazaar was known for preparing and selling herbal medicines according to old prescriptions. Today, the bazaar offers traditional flavors such as spices, herbal teas, dried fruits, pastes, and Turkish delight, as well as jewelry, textiles, baskets, and various souvenirs.
60 minutes here
Grand Bazaar Jewelers
The Grand Bazaar, also known as Kapalıçarşı in Turkish, is a historic covered market located in Istanbul. It is considered to be one of the largest and oldest markets in the world, featuring 61 covered streets and over 4,000 shops. Interestingly, the Grand Bazaar is known to be one of the earliest shopping centers in the world. The construction of the core of the Grand Bazaar took started in 1961, shortly after the Ottoman Empire conquered Constantinople. Sultan Mehmed II ordered the construction of a trading center for textiles and jewels near his palace in Constantinople. In addition to the valuable belongings of the former rich people, such as jewelry, precious metals, furs, and bespoke weapons, most of the state treasury was also kept in safes here.
60 minutes here
TopkapI Palace
Topkapi Palace was home to the Ottoman court from the 15th to the 19th centuries. Now a museum, this grandiose palace is a testament to the lavish lifestyles of the sultans. Stroll through the ornate chambers, courts, and gardens, and behold some of the imperial treasures, ranging from precious Chinese porcelain to jewels and relics of the Prophet Mohammed. Your tour then concludes with a hotel drop-off.
120 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 120 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, it, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Daroute Travel
Know before you go
- 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
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos
Traveler reviews
2 verified traveler reviews for Istanbul Private Old City Tour from Cruise Ship & Hotels. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Excellent 👌
Amazing If you want to experience what Istanbul was like in the ancient times, then this tour is perfect for you. I would describe this walk as an interactive immersion into Istanbul's past. You can imagine how the Sultans lived. The Topkapı, Hague Sophia, mosque, the Cistern are incredibly impressive, I highly recommend visiting these places. Especially thanks a lot to the guide for interesting information.
via Tripadvisor
Worried about NOTHING but enjoying my vacation
A friend recommended using them for my trip to Turkey and they not only didn't disappoint but exceeded EVERY expectation. I told them which were the places in Turkey i was interested in visiting, the time i had for my trip and they customized a package for me and a friend: From Istanbul to Pamukkale, Ephesus, Cappadocia (the hot air balloon is a must!), Urfa (Gobeklitepe and Mount Nemrut) back to Istanbul. Perfectly organized, Mahmut did a great job fixing all of our domestic flights / transportation. We were always picked up on time by really friendly drivers and tour guides who showed us around the most amazing places, sharing the history in a pretty interesting way. They were keen to let us enjoy the place and always offered to snap some pics for my friend and I (perfect!). The hotels we stayed at were all so nice we wished we had had a bit more time to enjoy them (clean, well centered and really friendly staff). The food was delicious and always plentiful. We didn't have to worry about anything, it was all included in our package. If you plan on doing a trip to Turkey I highly recommend them and advise you to listen to them if they tell you it "would be good to have a few more days" (I was stubborn and now I wish I had given myself more than 9 days. So much to see!). Daroute Travel is definitely a company for you to have a vacation where you won't be worrying about anything but enjoying Turkey! Bring comfy shoes and prepare to be amazed!
Response from the operator: What a fantastic review! Your detailed feedback is greatly appreciated, and we are thrilled to hear that your trip to Turkey with Daroute Travel exceeded all expectations. It's wonderful that we could tailor a customized package for you and your friend, covering a diverse range of destinations from Istanbul to Pamukkale, Ephesus, Cappadocia, Urfa (Gobeklitepe and Mount Nemrut), and back to Istanbul. Mahmut and our team are delighted to have played a part in organizing your domestic flights and transportation seamlessly, ensuring you were always picked up on time by friendly drivers and knowledgeable tour guides. We're pleased to hear that you found the history shared during the tours interesting and that our guides were attentive to your needs, even offering to capture memorable moments for you. It's great to know that the hotels met your expectations with their cleanliness, central locations, and friendly staff. We understand the importance of a worry-free vacation, and we're glad to hear that everything, including delicious meals, was included in your package. Your advice to fellow travelers is much appreciated, and we always aim to provide honest recommendations regarding the duration of the trip to ensure that you can truly savor the beauty and history of each destination. Thank you for choosing Daroute Travel, and we hope to welcome you back for more amazing adventures in the future. Bring those comfy shoes, and get ready for more unforgettable experiences in Turkey! Safe travels, Daroute Travel Team
via Tripadvisor
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
- €120 to €270
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 59
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Istanbul Private Old City Tour from Cruise Ship & Hotels: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Istanbul.
How much does Istanbul Private Old City Tour from Cruise Ship & Hotels cost?
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Prices start at €120 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 Private Old City Tour from Cruise Ship & Hotels 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 Private Old City Tour from Cruise Ship & Hotels worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 59 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 2 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 Private Old City Tour from Cruise Ship & Hotels?
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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 Private Old City Tour from Cruise Ship & Hotels 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 Private Old City Tour from Cruise Ship & Hotels?
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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 Private Old City Tour from Cruise Ship & Hotels 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 Private Old City Tour from Cruise Ship & Hotels?
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Included: Hotel & Cruise pickup and drop-off; and Professional guide. Not included: Food & Drinks; and Entrance fees for the Museums. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Istanbul Private Old City Tour from Cruise Ship & Hotels include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 1443 listed pickup locations in and around Istanbul. Be ready about 120 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Istanbul Private Old City Tour from Cruise Ship & Hotels offered in?
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It is offered in English, Italian, French and Spanish. 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 Private Old City Tour from Cruise Ship & Hotels?
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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 Private Old City Tour from Cruise Ship & Hotels wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: 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 Private Old City Tour from Cruise Ship & Hotels 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.
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