Private Istanbul Old City Tour with Local Expert Guide
Istanbul, Turkey

Private Istanbul Old City Tour with Local Expert Guide

Outty Ranking 54 5.0 · 2 traveler reviews8 hoursFrom €249
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Outty Ranking

54/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 2 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Private Istanbul Old City Tour with Local Expert Guide worth booking?

Private Istanbul Old City Tour with Local Expert Guide is a 8-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from €249 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 2 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 (2)
Duration
8 hours
From
€249 per person

We pick-up from your hotel at around 09:00 for full day walking old city tour, prepare yourself to be charmed with history and architecture of the breathtaking city, Istanbul. You will be amazed with the most famous historic monuments and sights in Old City area. These are 1500 year old Hagia Sophia Museum, Gigantic Blue Mosque with its famous blue tiles, Hippodrome area where the Byzantium era chariot races used to be once held, Caferaga Medresesi, a foundation for serving Turkish Culture, that organizes various workshops about handicrafts and music, Topkapi Palace one of the largest palaces in Istanbul which was the primary residence of the Ottoman Sultans for approximately 400 years and Grand Bazaar which is the world’s oldest indoor market. After the tour you will be dropped off at your hotel at around 17:00.

What you get

    About this experience

    We pick-up from your hotel at around 09:00 for full day walking old city tour, prepare yourself to be charmed with history and architecture of the breathtaking city, Istanbul. You will be amazed with the most famous historic monuments and sights in Old City area. These are 1500 year old Hagia Sophia Museum, Gigantic Blue Mosque with its famous blue tiles, Hippodrome area where the Byzantium era chariot races used to be once held, Caferaga Medresesi, a foundation for serving Turkish Culture, that organizes various workshops about handicrafts and music, Topkapi Palace one of the largest palaces in Istanbul which was the primary residence of the Ottoman Sultans for approximately 400 years and Grand Bazaar which is the world’s oldest indoor market. After the tour you will be dropped off at your hotel at around 17:00.

    What's included

    Included

    • Turkish local lunch
    • Hotel pickup and drop-off
    • Lunch
    • Professional local expert guide

    Not included

    • Drinks
    • Gratuities

    What you'll see and do

    1. Blue Mosque

      Blue Mosque

      30 minutes here

    2. Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

      Hagia Sophia

      45 minutes here · Admission included

    3. TopkapI Palace

      Topkapı Palace

      60 minutes here · Admission included

    4. Hippodrome

      We visit Istanbul hipodrome.

      30 minutes here

    5. Caferaga Medresesi

      Caferağa

      30 minutes here

    6. Grand Bazaar

      We visit Grand bazaar.

      60 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 45 minutes before departure.

    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, Sat, Sun
    Group size
    Up to 8 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Turista Travel Agency

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • A moderate amount of walking is involved, not recommended for participants with walking difficulties.
    • Children 18 years and under must be accompanied by an adult
    • Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays, will be replaced with Basilica Cistern.
    • St. Sophia is closed on Mondays 30 October to 01 April winter period. Will be replaced with the Underground Cistern.
    • Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.
    • During religious holidays, some of the attractions are closed.

    Photos

    Private Istanbul Old City Tour with Local Expert Guide, photo 2Hagia Sophia, Private Istanbul Old City Tour with Local Expert GuideGrand Bazaar, Private Istanbul Old City Tour with Local Expert GuidePrivate Istanbul Old City Tour with Local Expert Guide, photo 5Private Istanbul Old City Tour with Local Expert Guide, photo 6

    Traveler reviews

    2 verified traveler reviews for Private Istanbul Old City Tour with Local Expert Guide. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
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    MoKay2013 · August 2022

    Wonderful experience

    This was a great sightseeing tour seeing all the main attractions. The tour guide was simply amazing and explained things. She was very knowledgable and answered questions. This whole day tour had lots to offer so was also great value for money.

    Response from the operator: Thank you very much, we would like to see you again.

    via Tripadvisor

    c0shj · December 2021

    Excellent historical tour and guide - Old Istanbul

    We had a full day walking tour with very knowledgeable, and passionate guide TÜLAY SANLIDAL. Her tour was well planned and enriched by her knowledge of the local history and the different groups that occupied the area and sites. Our tour started with a pick up at the Hena Hotel and dropped off at our starting point - at the hippodrome. From there we went to the Blue Mosque which was carefully explained before taking a break to look around at the bizarre, and then for some Turkish coffee. After that we headed to the Hagia Sophia and learned about its 3 different phases including the religious and political topics surrounding its transformations over the years. After a nice local lunch we finished off our day with a detailed tour of the Topkapi Palace museum. We highly recommend seeking out TÜLAY’s service if you want a true local interpretation and expertise of the history of these must see attractions in Old Istanbul.

    Response from the operator: Thank you very much, we would like to see you again.

    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, Sat, Sun
    Price range
    €249 to €350
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    1
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Turista Travel Agency, who run 19 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 48.7.

    See everything Turista Travel Agency runs

    Why this scores 54

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)80
    Review evidence (18% weight)17
    Booking momentum (14% weight)13
    Value for money (12% weight)39
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)53
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Private Istanbul Old City Tour with Local Expert Guide: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does Private Istanbul Old City Tour with Local Expert Guide 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 Istanbul Old City Tour with Local Expert Guide 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 Private Istanbul Old City Tour with Local Expert Guide 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 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 Private Istanbul Old City Tour with Local Expert Guide?

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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 Istanbul Old City Tour with Local Expert Guide 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 Private Istanbul Old City Tour with Local Expert Guide?

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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 Private Istanbul Old City Tour with Local Expert Guide 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 Istanbul Old City Tour with Local Expert Guide?

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    Included: Turkish local lunch; Hotel pickup and drop-off; Lunch; and Professional local expert guide. Not included: Drinks; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Private Istanbul Old City Tour with Local Expert Guide include hotel pickup?

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    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 859 listed pickup locations in and around Istanbul. Be ready about 45 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Private Istanbul Old City Tour with Local Expert Guide 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 Private Istanbul Old City Tour with Local Expert Guide?

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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 Istanbul Old City Tour with Local Expert Guide wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Private Istanbul Old City Tour with Local Expert Guide 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.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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