Private Full Day Old City Tour of Istanbul
Istanbul, Turkey

Private Full Day Old City Tour of Istanbul

Outty Ranking 55 5.0 · 3 traveler reviews8 hoursFrom $275
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Outty Ranking

55/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 3 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Private Full Day Old City Tour of Istanbul worth booking?

Private Full Day Old City Tour of Istanbul is a 8-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from $275 per person. It scores 55 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
55 / 100
Rating
5/5 (3)
Duration
8 hours
From
$275 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

    1. 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

    2. 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

    3. 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

    4. 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

    5. 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

    6. 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

    7. 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

    8. Basilica Cistern

      The great underground water depot of Eastern Rome and Ottomane Empires.

      45 minutes here · Admission not included

    9. 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.

      60 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Istanbul

    The meeting time is 15 mins before the scheduled time at the entrance of Turkish and Islamic Art Museum.

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 45 minutes before departure.

    Ends at

    The meeting time is 15 mins before the scheduled time at the entrance of Turkish and Islamic Art Museum.

    Options you can book

    • 1-10 People

      Number of person Pickup included

    • Up to 15 people

      Number of person 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
    Velena Travel

    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
    • Museum Entra Fees: Hagia Sophia; 25 Euro, Topkapi Palace: 2.000 TL, Basilica Cistern: 1.300 TL

    Photos

    Private Full Day Old City Tour of Istanbul, photo 2Private Full Day Old City Tour of Istanbul, photo 3Private Full Day Old City Tour of Istanbul, photo 4Private Full Day Old City Tour of Istanbul, photo 5Private Full Day Old City Tour of Istanbul, photo 6Private Full Day Old City Tour of Istanbul, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 3 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    3 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    The guide

    2 mentions

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

    Photo opportunities

    1 mention

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Value for money

    1 mention

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Good for families

    1 mention

    Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.

    Traveler reviews

    3 verified traveler reviews for Private Full Day Old City Tour of Istanbul. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    3
    4 star
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    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
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    Sort
    mobyr2021 · October 2025

    Major Old City Attractions with Tour Guide

    Visited Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern over two days. Booking tickets was very straightforward via Velena Travel. I asked for a guide to accompany our family, which included elderly parents. We were so impressed with Fatih, our guide, on the first day that we requested him for the second day and Velena were very accommodating and met our request. Fatih was so knowledgeable and enthusiastic and very kind and patient to make things especially easy for my elderly parents. It made the experience better than we could have imagined.

    Response from the operator: Dear Guest, Thank you very much for sharing your wonderful feedback. We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed your visits to Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks and that the booking process through Velena Travel was smooth and easy. It’s especially rewarding to know that Fatih made such a positive impression on your family. His knowledge, enthusiasm, and care for your elderly parents truly reflect the spirit of our service. We’re glad we could accommodate your request for him on both days and that he helped make your experience even more memorable. We sincerely appreciate your kind words and look forward to welcoming you and your family again on your next trip to Istanbul. Kind regards, Velena Travel Team

    via Tripadvisor

    V5525YFpeters · August 2025

    Wonderful experience

    Wonderful tour with Murat. He showed us many great sights and helped explain the importance of all the wonderful history.

    Response from the operator: Dear Guest, Thank you for your kind review! We’re so glad to hear you enjoyed your tour with Murat. He truly loves sharing Istanbul’s rich history, and it’s wonderful to know you appreciated both the sights and his explanations. We hope to welcome you aboard again for another unforgettable experience. Kind regards, Velena Travel Team

    via Tripadvisor

    adrianaV8343XA · May 2025

    Couple tour with a lot of places visited and lots of history to learn

    The guide made our trip worth it. He lead us to the most typical places to visit while explaining in our language (Spanish) lots of interesting things. He was very pleasant and wait for our tourist photos. He even took us to a good local place for a quick bite (kebab). So we could make the most of our time with him. In the end we feel very tired because of all the places we visited but very happy with our new friend. The tour is perfect for couples or small groups. Large groups are more difficult to guide through the crowd

    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
    $275 to $320
    Hotel pickup
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    1
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Velena Travel, who run 5 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 59.7 and 1 in the 90+ Club.

    See everything Velena Travel runs

    Why this scores 55

    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)21
    Booking momentum (14% weight)13
    Value for money (12% weight)35
    Listing quality (10% weight)83
    Local standing (8% weight)55
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Private Full Day Old City Tour of Istanbul: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does Private Full Day Old City Tour of Istanbul cost?

    +

    Prices start at $275 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 Private Full Day Old City Tour of Istanbul take?

    +

    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 Private Full Day Old City Tour of Istanbul worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 55 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 Private Full Day Old City Tour of Istanbul?

    +

    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 Private Full Day Old City Tour of Istanbul suitable for kids and families?

    +

    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 Private Full Day Old City Tour of Istanbul?

    +

    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?

    +

    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 Private Full Day Old City Tour of Istanbul 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?

    +

    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 Private Full Day Old City Tour of Istanbul?

    +

    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 Private Full Day Old City Tour of Istanbul include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 1560 listed pickup locations in and around Istanbul. Be ready about 45 minutes before the start time.

    What languages is Private Full Day Old City Tour of Istanbul 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 Private Full Day Old City Tour of Istanbul?

    +

    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 Private Full Day Old City Tour of Istanbul wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    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 Private Full Day Old City Tour of Istanbul 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 Private Full Day Old City Tour of Istanbul?

    +

    Across 3 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, photo opportunities. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    What booking options are available for Private Full Day Old City Tour of Istanbul?

    +

    There are 2 options to choose from, including 1-10 People, Up to 15 people. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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

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