
PRIVATE GUIDED Exploration Tour of İstanbul Old City Tour
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 7 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is PRIVATE GUIDED Exploration Tour of İstanbul Old City Tour worth booking?
PRIVATE GUIDED Exploration Tour of İstanbul Old City Tour is a 7-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from $249 per person. It scores 56 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 7 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 56 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (7)
- Duration
- 7 hours
- From
- $249 per person
Get your professional tour guide and together decide the places you would like to see. This enables you to use your time in the most efficient way away from stress. This tour is designed as a full day walking tour and at some points you can use public tram and subway metro to avoid the heavy traffic of Istanbul.
What you get
About this experience
Get your professional tour guide and together decide the places you would like to see. This enables you to use your time in the most efficient way away from stress. This tour is designed as a full day walking tour and at some points you can use public tram and subway metro to avoid the heavy traffic of Istanbul.
What's included
Included
- Professional licensed tour guide
- All sightseeings mentioned in the itinerary
Not included
- Food and drinks (optional)
- Admision Fees to the historical sites
- Personal Expenses
What you'll see and do
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
Meaning Divine Wisdom, Hagia Sophia was the largest building on earth barring the Egyptian Pyramids or the Great Wall of China. Today's Hagia Sophia was built by Emperor Justinian in 537AD. It was the religious center of the city during the Byzantine period. It was used as a church for 916 years and as a mosque for 481 years, In 1934, by the order of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, it was converted into a museum and has since been open to visitors
60 minutes here · Admission not included
TopkapI Palace
As well as being the imperial residence of the Sultan, the palace was also the seat of government for the ottoman empire. It housed the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years until the Dolmabahçe palace was built. In 1924 it was converted into a museum. Today it is famous with a harem, royal treasury, and holy relics sections.
2 minutes here · Admission not included
Basilica Cistern
is the size of a cathedral; it is 143m long and 65m wide and can hold up to 80,000 cubic meters (or 17.5 million gallons) of water. There are 336 giant columns (mostly Ionic or Corinthian in style) supporting the structure in 12 rows of 28 columns.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Blue Mosque
Built by the Ottoman Sultan Ahmet I in the year 1616, it is located opposite the Hagia Sophia. Blue mosque today is one of the most famous landmarks of the old city with its famous six minarets and magnificent dome. Although it is officially named Sultanahmet Mosque, the (nıck) name Blue Mosque was given to it by the visitors because of the amazing blue tiles decorating the interior walls.
60 minutes here
Hippodrome
Built by the Roman Emperor Septimus Severus in 203AD, during the Roman period hippodrome was the civil center for the people of the city where once 100,000 spectators could be held. Located in the heart of Sultanahmet surrounded by Blue mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace, today it is home to The Egyptian Obelisk (Dikilitaş), The Serpentine Column(Burma sütun), The Constantine Column, and German Fountain.
Pass by without stopping
Grand Bazaar
With 18 entrances and more than 4000 shops, it is one of the greatest bazaars in the world. It was built between 1455-1461 by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror. Today, shops selling the same kind of merchandise tend to be congregated in their own streets or inns as it was the original Ottoman system.
120 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Istanbul
Meet with your tour guide in front of Hagia Sophia
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Ends at
-The tour ends in Grand Bazaar or Sultanahmet. Your guide will help you to get the easiest way to back your hotel&port. -Please contact to provider for the pick-up and drop-off option by vehıcle.
Options you can book
Walking Tour
Walking tour: >> Meet your guide at Sultanahmet square where you start your walking tour. Duration: 6 hours Istanbul Old City: (Sultanahmet) Walking Tour
Tour with pick up and drop off
Tour by Private Vehicle: In this option, we pick you up from your hotel or Istanbul Port and return you to the same location at the end of the tour Duration: 6 hours Istanbul Old City: The tour focus the visit sites in Istanbul Old City (Historical Peninsula) Mercedes Vito & Sprinter Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- ru, ja, en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Tour Altinkum Travel
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Entry fees to historical sites are excluded.
- Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays
- Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays
- Blue Mosque is closed on Fridays due to Friday prayer we will visit from the garden.
- Free entry for chıldrens below 8yr. Please take passport for children if any.
- We guarantee that you will be dropped off at the port before your ship onboard time. (for cruise guests)
- Pick-up times will be updated according to your cruise arrival&departure times. (for cruise guests)
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 7 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
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Small groups
3 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
7 verified traveler reviews for PRIVATE GUIDED Exploration Tour of İstanbul Old City Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great Tour for small groups
Our group of 4 Canadian ladies enjoyed our day with our extremely well knowledgeable guide. Ege not only a great history lesson while leading us through all the highlights, her personality & humour was a great delight which made all the difference. Highly recommend this tour ... It's ideal for a small group who doesn't want to feel like a tourist in much larger group.
via Viator
We enjoyed the tour
The guided tour was fun and informative . We visited Topkapi palace and Hagia Sophia, unfortunately basilica cistern was closed due to private event so our tour was cut a bit short. However, there were teens and seniors in our group and it was just enough for them. Our guide was Hodi and everyone liked him and his storytelling style, the price is very reasonable too.
Response from the operator: Dear benn Thank you for sharing your experience with us. It's a great pleasure for us to hear that you enjoyed your trip with us. The feedback always motivates us to serve you better. Thank you very much once again and we are looking forward to seeing you again. Kind Regards, TOUR ALTİNKUM TRAVEL
via Tripadvisor
A Relaxed 2nd Day in Istanbul
The meeting time was at 830AM; we were early and we didn't mind that. We went to the Dolmabahce Palace but since they open at 9am, we took a sneak at the mosque beside it. Twas not as grand as the Hagia Sofia but beautiful nonetheless. The Dolmabahce palace was surprisingly captivating as well. After that, Fuat led us to the port for the Bosphorus Cruise... this was al unforgettable and interesting. Fuat would occasionally speak about the places that we'd pass by. Then, after that a stop at the Spice Bazaar. Twas an activity that wasn't really hurried buy it took us to several places before we had to leave on our cruise ship. We are very grateful for Fuat's Guided tour..Twas really well worth the money.
Response from the operator: Dear Thank you for sharing your experience with us. It's a great pleasure for us to hear that you enjoyed your trip with us. The feedback always motivates us to serve you better. Thank you very much once again and we are looking forward to seeing you again. Kind Regards, TOUR ALTİNKUM TRAVEL
via Tripadvisor
A must for anyone visiting Istanbul
Our tour guide was amazing! So happy we did this our first day and saw so much. We also asked questions for the remaining days and she took care to make sure we had the best time in Turkey plus offered to text and help after the tours. Saw amazing sites and got a robust explanation- would recommend to anyone visiting Istanbul.
Response from the operator: Dear Vanya Thank you for sharing your experience with us. It's a great pleasure for us to hear that you enjoyed your trip with TOUR ALTİNKUM TRAVEL. Your feedbacks always motivate us to serve you better. We are looking forward to seeing you again. Kind regards, TOUR ALTİNKUM TRAVEL
via Tripadvisor
Very good services & tour guides for the whole customized program
We decided to choose Kusadasi Tour Company, because of recommendation by others Thai tourists who have used this company before. And we definitely found that we made a right decision to let Kusadasi Tour Company arrange private tour program for us to Ephesus / Pamukkale / and Cappadocia. 1st - Quick respond when we ask questions through website and e-mails. 2nd - Deposit cost prior the trip happen is more reasonable than other company offers. 3rd - We found that all tour guides ( we got 3 for each places ) are very friendly and professional. We really enjoy our vacations in Turkey. 4th - Vehicles & Drivers they arrange for us also very good size and Drivers also friendly. For anyone who looking for spending your vacation in Turkey, we highly recommended to consider Kusadasi Tour Company.
Response from the operator: Dear Sura; Thank you for share your experience. It's a great pleasure for us to hear that you enjoyed your trip with us. Your feedback always motivates us to serve you better. We are looking forward to seeing you again. Kind regards, TOUR ALTİNKUM TRAVEL.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 7 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $249 to $349
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Tour Altinkum Travel, who run 42 experiences we rank across 9 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 60.0.
See everything Tour Altinkum Travel runsWhy this scores 56
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
PRIVATE GUIDED Exploration Tour of İstanbul Old City Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Istanbul.
How much does PRIVATE GUIDED Exploration Tour of İstanbul Old City Tour cost?
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Prices start at $249 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 GUIDED Exploration Tour of İstanbul Old City Tour take?
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Plan for about 7 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 GUIDED Exploration Tour of İstanbul Old City Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 56 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 7 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 GUIDED Exploration Tour of İstanbul Old City 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 PRIVATE GUIDED Exploration Tour of İstanbul Old City Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 7-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book PRIVATE GUIDED Exploration Tour of İstanbul Old City Tour?
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Around 2 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 7-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does PRIVATE GUIDED Exploration Tour of İstanbul Old City 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 PRIVATE GUIDED Exploration Tour of İstanbul Old City Tour?
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Included: Professional licensed tour guide; and All sightseeings mentioned in the itinerary. Not included: Food and drinks (optional); Admision Fees to the historical sites; and Personal Expenses. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does PRIVATE GUIDED Exploration Tour of İstanbul Old City Tour include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 3 listed pickup locations in and around Istanbul. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time.
What languages is PRIVATE GUIDED Exploration Tour of İstanbul Old City Tour offered in?
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It is offered in Russian, Japanese, English 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 PRIVATE GUIDED Exploration Tour of İstanbul Old City 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 PRIVATE GUIDED Exploration Tour of İstanbul Old City Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to PRIVATE GUIDED Exploration Tour of İstanbul Old City Tour 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 PRIVATE GUIDED Exploration Tour of İstanbul Old City Tour?
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Across 7 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, small groups. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for PRIVATE GUIDED Exploration Tour of İstanbul Old City Tour?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Walking Tour, Tour with pick up and drop off. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
Ready to lock in your spot?
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