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Istanbul Old City Highlights Private Guided Skip the Line Tours

Recommended by 100% of travelers
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Istanbul, Turkey
  • 8 hours 10 minutes (approx.)
  • Pickup offered
  • Group discounts
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

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Overview

Get a great sense of Istanbul by exploring the city on foot in this private walking tour of the Old City. Learn about the Ottoman, Byzantine, and Roman empires’ influences on the area and how they shaped the city. Highlights include the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and the Blue Mosque, plus time to shop around the famous Grand Bazaar.
  • Get a comprehensive overview of Istanbul's top highlights in one day
  • Explore the city at your own pace and don’t feel rushed on a private tour
  • Enjoy hotel pickup for added convenience
  • See sights like the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar

What's Included

  • Professional licensed local guide
  • Private minivan pickup and drop off service from Hotel/Port/Airbnb if chosen options
  • Private Tour
  • Breakfast-lunch-dinner and drinks
  • Gratuities
  • Ferry-Museum Tickets
  • Public transportations during the tour

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Pickup details

For Last-Minute Bookings and Late Departures: Please note that museums and some sites close around 5:30 PM. Alternative tour options will be suggested by your guide during the tour. Meeting Points: Your tour guide will meet you at centrally located Istanbul hotels or Galata Port. If your hotel is not in the city center, the meeting point will be in front of the Basillica Cistern. Transportation: If you do not choose van service, your guide will meet you on foot at your hotel. If you book private van service, please be aware that a surcharge may apply for hotels located outside the city center or on the Asian Side.

Itinerary

Istanbul (Pass By)

1

Blue Mosque

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

2

Sultanahmet District

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

3

TopkapI Palace

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

4

Grand Bazaar

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

5

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

6

Basilica Cistern

45 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Historic Areas of Istanbul (Pass By)

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Infants must sit on laps
  • Transportation is wheelchair accessible
  • Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Most travelers can participate
  • Topkapı Palace is closed on Tuesday, Grand Bazaar is closed on Sunday
  • Please note that tour guides do not have skip-the-line priority at Hagia Sophia. To avoid waiting in the security line, we recommend departing tour early in the morning, ideally around 8:30 am or 9:00 am. This will give you a better chance of enjoying the site without long queues
  • If your tour begins after 11 am, please be aware that you might need to skip one or a couple of sites, as they close by 7 pm. Your guide will tailor the program to accommodate your priorities accordingly. Planning your visit earlier in the day ensures you have ample time to explore all the attractions without rush. If you have any specific preferences or questions about the tour, feel free to let us know!
  • This is a private tour/activities. Only your group will participate
  • This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
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Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)
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Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

5.0
based on 36 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
We perform checks on reviews

Ibrahim and Kenan are my new friends in Turkey.

Tian_L, Jan 2024
It feels like seeing the city with my old friend from Turkey. If you’re someone who is interested in learning more at the places you visit, an audio guide at each place is always a plus to add on. However, if you only have limited time in Istanbul and need someone to guide you to everything you needed to see. You’ve found the right place.

Response from Host, Jan 2024

Thank you very much for your great review and glad to hear that we gain your friendship. Thank you Tian, Thank you Michelle. Hope to see you and host you again

From $98.00

per person

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

Book ahead!
On average, this is booked 30 days in advance.

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