Old Istanbul Gems: Full-Day Private Tour
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 17 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Old Istanbul Gems: Full-Day Private Tour worth booking?
Old Istanbul Gems: Full-Day Private Tour is a 8-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from $250 per person. It scores 65 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 17 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 65 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (17)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $250 per person
Sultanahmet is where ancient empires converge. You’ll explore landmarks from the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman eras, offering a rare chance to witness the seamless layers of history in one place. Hagia Sophia: A masterpi
What you get
- Professional guide
- Guaranteed to skip the long lines
About this experience
Sultanahmet is where ancient empires converge. You’ll explore landmarks from the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman eras, offering a rare chance to witness the seamless layers of history in one place. Hagia Sophia: A masterpiece that transitioned from a Byzantine cathedral to an Ottoman mosque and now a modern mosque, showcasing architectural genius and cultural harmony. Blue Mosque: Renowned for its six minarets and stunning blue İznik tiles, it's a masterpiece of Ottoman design. Topkapı Palace: The opulent home of sultans, filled with treasures and sacred relics. Hippodrome:This ancient social center hosted chariot races and political events, bringing the Roman and Byzantine past vividly to life. Grand Bazaar: One of the world’s oldest covered markets, offering an immersive shopping experience and a chance to witness Turkish craftsmanship firsthand.
What's included
Included
- Professional guide
- Guaranteed to skip the long lines
Not included
- Drinks during lunch
- Tips / Gratuities
- All else not specifically mentioned in the inclusion section
- Lunch
- Entrance fees
What you'll see and do
TopkapI Palace
Explore the sprawling former residence of Ottoman sultans: wander through its four courtyards, visit the Imperial Treasury and gaze upon the Sacred Relics. Don’t miss the opulent Harem quarters and panoramic views over the Golden Horn.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Marvel at this 1,500‑year‑old masterpiece, once the world’s largest cathedral and later an imperial mosque. Admire its soaring dome, intricate mosaics and the seamless blend of Christian and Islamic art.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Hippodrome
Once the social and sporting center of Constantinople, the ancient chariot‑racing stadium is now an open square dotted with monuments: the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpent Column and the German Fountain.
30 minutes here
Blue Mosque
Stand beneath six elegant minarets and a cascade of domes in this living house of worship. Inside, over 20,000 hand‑painted İznik tiles in shades of blue lend the mosque its popular nickname.
60 minutes here
Grand Bazaar
Lose yourself in one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets. Browse over 4,000 shops offering carpets, ceramics, jewelry, spices and souvenirs, and practice your haggling skills in the labyrinthine alleys.
120 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Istanbul
Meeting point
Istanbul
Your guide will welcome you with the BarefootPlusTravel flag.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Ends at
Your guide will welcome you with the BarefootPlusTravel flag.
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
- Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- BarefootPlus Travel
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 17 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
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
5 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Good for families
3 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
17 verified traveler reviews for Old Istanbul Gems: Full-Day Private Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Exceptional experience with BarefootPlus!
We were a group of 8 and had a blast the whole day. Baredootplus is equipped with highly qualified staff and Guler — our main contact — was excellent in responding in a detailed a courteous manner to our into distance correspondence. The price was fair for a tour of 3 major attractions followed by a late lunch at a great restaurant topped at the end of the day with a 2-hour yacht tour. Everything was booked by Guler and professionally handled upon arrival. The driver was on time to pick us up from the airport and drop us back. I will not leave out our guide Diana, a knowledgeable and very pleasant personality. I would recommend her in a heartbeat! Thank you guys!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind review! It was truly a pleasure to organize a tour for such a wonderful group. Your lovely words mean a lot to us. We would be delighted to welcome you and your group back to Türkiye in the future. Thank you once again for choosing us! Best Regards
via Tripadvisor
Saw great spots in old and new town
Eda was so friendly and showed me all the best spots!! She was very considerate about taking some short breaks if I needed to, so we never got too tired of all the walking. I had a great time and learned so much! She was very knowledgeable about all the history and was able to answer any questions I asked. I felt very safe though it was my first time traveling solo. She offered to take photos of me periodically as well!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your lovely review. It was a great pleasure to host you in Istanbul. We’re so happy to hear that you felt comfortable and safe throughout the tour. We truly hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back to Türkiye in the future. Thank you once again for choosing us!
via Tripadvisor
Outstanding Day Tour of Istanbul Sights and Local Foods
Guler of Barefoot Plus Travel was a pleasure to work with when coordinating our day trip for a group of 12 - very accommodating, timely replies and terrific recommendations re: sights, local food and activities. We had an excellent tour with Diana Misir who was very knowledgeable in art and history. Topkapi Palace was closed the day of our tour and Diana told us to plan at least a half day at Topkapi Palace - well worth it! We will surely use Barefoot Plus Travel again!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind review! It was truly a pleasure to organize a tour for such a wonderful group. Your lovely words mean a lot to us. We would be delighted to welcome you and your group back to Türkiye in the future. Thank you once again for choosing us! Best Regards,Güler
via Tripadvisor
“Two Day Istanbul Walking History Tour”
First Day: Istanbul mosques: Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, as well as the gardens surrounding them. The incredible sunken Cistern- amazing! Enjoyed local ethnic luncheon menu, family style, delicious! Second Day: The Dolmabhace Palace (WOW!), the newly restored Galata Tower- spectacular views!!! Again enjoyed a lunch at a wonderful restaurant with delicious family-style food! Our guide was a lovely young woman, intelligent, articulate, warm welcoming personality- Diana. *Highly recommend requesting her Our family is having a wonderful trip here in Turkey because we’re together with a heightened experience with the help of our guide Diana.
via Tripadvisor
Great experience
Everything was great! Dianna gave us 2 days tour and she has been amazing all the time! Me and my family came from USA and Dianna was very welcoming, friendly, helpful every single time. If we ever need a tour again we would love to work with her! She is the best. Highly recommended!!!
Response from the operator: It means so much to hear such kind words from you. Thank you very much for your lovely review. It was truly a pleasure to host you. We would be delighted to welcome you again if your travels bring you back to our country.
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
- Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 6
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 65
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Old Istanbul Gems: Full-Day Private Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Istanbul.
How much does Old Istanbul Gems: Full-Day Private Tour cost?
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Prices start at $250 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 Old Istanbul Gems: Full-Day Private 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 Old Istanbul Gems: Full-Day Private Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 65 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 17 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 Old Istanbul Gems: Full-Day Private 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 Old Istanbul Gems: Full-Day Private 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 Old Istanbul Gems: Full-Day Private Tour?
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Around 6 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 Old Istanbul Gems: Full-Day Private 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 Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour, Istanbul Luxury Bosphorus Yacht Cruise with Asian Side Stop, ISTANBUL BEST: Iconic Landmarks Full Day PRIVATE Guided City 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.
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