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Istanbul Old City Private Tour with a Local Guide

48 Reviews 4.98 out of 5 stars Based on 48 reviews collected by Key West Private Charters and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 100% of reviewers
100% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
|
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards. Istanbul, Turkey
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from $125 per person

Lowest Price Guarantee
Istanbul Old City Private Tour with a Local Guide Image 1
Istanbul Old City Private Tour with a Local Guide Image 2
Istanbul Old City Private Tour with a Local Guide Image 3
Istanbul Old City Private Tour with a Local Guide Image 4
Istanbul Old City Private Tour with a Local Guide Image 5
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 17 (0) days in advance.
5 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

1. Skip all ticket purchase lines, giving you fast-track entry to every major site—no time wasted.
2. Fully licensed guides ensure accurate, up-to-date historical information at every stop.
3. Expert, field-specialized guides provide deep insights you won’t hear on standard tours
4. Explore Hagia Sophia with expert commentary that reveals hidden details and symbolism
5. Enjoy Basilica Cistern with priority access and immersive storytelling under the columns
6. Walk through Sultanahmet hipodrome Square while uncovering its imperial, Byzantine, and Ottoman layers
7. Blue Mosque with cultural context that connects architecture, history, and tradition
8. Navigate the Grand Bazaar efficiently with insider guidance in the world’s oldest market.
9. A private experience, allowing you to adjust the pace, questions, and photo stops freely
By Septillion Travel Agency
TÜRSAB A-Class License No: 18212

What's Included

  • Skip the Ticket Purchase Line
  • Private Licensed Tour Guide
  • Lunch Lunch & personal expenses
  • Hagia Sophia Mosque Ticket
  • Basilica Cistern Entry Ticket
See 1 moreSee 4 more

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
Pickup details

We can Pick you Up from GALATAPORT

OR
Meeting point

Cankurtaran
34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Beyazıt
34126 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
Read more

Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia, located in Istanbul, Turkey, is one of the world’s most remarkable architectural masterpieces. Originally built in 537 AD as a Byzantine cathedral by Emperor Justinian I, it later became a mosque under the Ottoman Empire, then a museum in the 20th century, and once again a mosque in 2020. Its massive dome, stunning mosaics, and unique blend of Byzantine and Ottoman styles make it a symbol of cultural and religious history. Today, Hagia Sophia continues to inspire millions of visitors from around the globe.
Read more

40 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Basilica Cistern

The Basilica Cistern, built by Byzantine Emperor Justinian in the 6th century, is a vast underground water reservoir that once supplied the Great Palace and surrounding buildings in Constantinople. Measuring about 140 by 70 meters, it covers nearly 10,000 square meters and could store around 100,000 tons of water. Inside, 336 marble columns, many reused from earlier Roman structures, rise from shallow water and create the atmospheric setting that inspired the nickname “Sunken Palace.” The famous Medusa Heads and the “Weeping Column” add a touch of myth and mystery, making the cistern one of Istanbul’s most evocative historic sites.
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40 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Hippodrome

The Sultanahmet hippodrome is located at the heart of Istanbul’s historic peninsula, is renowned for its dense concentration of iconic landmarks that reflect the city’s rich Byzantine and Ottoman heritage. As the core of the Old City, it is home to monumental sites such as the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome, all positioned within walking distance of one another. The area’s narrow streets, traditional architecture, and archaeological remains illustrate centuries of cultural transformation. Today, Sultanahmet serves as both a major tourism hub and a living historical landscape, offering visitors a direct encounter with Istanbul’s layered past.
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Blue Mosque

( Closed only on Fridays untill 2:30 PM ) Located in the heart of Istanbul’s historic peninsula, the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii) is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, famous for its striking blue İznik tiles, elegant domes, and six slender minarets. Built in the early 17th century, it continues to function as both a place of worship and a cultural treasure, welcoming visitors from all around the world. Step inside to admire its vast prayer hall, intricate calligraphy, and the harmony of Ottoman architecture that stands directly opposite the Hagia Sophia, offering travelers a timeless glimpse into Istanbul’s rich heritage.
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Grand Bazaar

( Closed on Sundays ) The Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı) is one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets, a vibrant maze of more than 4,000 shops spread across dozens of streets in Istanbul’s historic center. Dating back to the 15th century, it offers visitors a unique chance to experience the atmosphere of Ottoman-era trade, with stalls selling everything from handmade carpets, jewelry, and antiques to colorful ceramics, textiles, and spices. Beyond shopping, the bazaar is a cultural experience in itself, filled with bustling energy, traditional tea houses, and centuries of history woven into its walls.
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1 hour Admission Ticket Free

Show 4 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Strollers and wheelchairs are not allowed upstairs. Baby Strollers must be carried by hand. ———————————————————- 8. - Since we will visit the upper gallery of Hagia Sophia, please note that the stairs are steep and may be hard to manage for those with walking difficulties.
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Istanbul Old City Private Tour with a Local Guide?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (+03).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

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

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-165880P8

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.98
48 reviews

Average 4.98 out of 5 stars based on 48 traveler reviews collected by Key West Private Charters and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
47
4 stars
1
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 17 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Key West Private Charters customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Istanbul Old City Private Tour with a Local Guide?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (+03).
  • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Skip the Ticket Purchase Line.
  • Private Licensed Tour Guide.
The following is NOT included:
  • Lunch. Lunch & personal expenses.
  • Hagia Sophia Mosque Ticket.
  • Basilica Cistern Entry Ticket.
  • Tip for the Tour Guide ( Optional ).
Apr 2025
Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?
A:

This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

The minimum age to participate is 8..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Istanbul Old City Private Tour with a Local Guide is as follows:

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Strollers and wheelchairs are not allowed upstairs. Baby Strollers must be carried by hand. ———————————————————- 8. - Since we will visit the upper gallery of Hagia Sophia, please note that the stairs are steep and may be hard to manage for those with walking difficulties.
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Istanbul Old City Private Tour with a Local Guide will be included in your confirmation email from Key West Private Charters. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

Oct 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • Skip the Ticket Purchase Line
  • Private Licensed Tour Guide
  • LunchLunch & personal expenses
  • Hagia Sophia Mosque Ticket
  • Basilica Cistern Entry Ticket
  • Tip for the Tour Guide ( Optional )

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Strollers and wheelchairs are not allowed upstairs. Baby Strollers must be carried by hand. ———————————————————- 8. - Since we will visit the upper gallery of Hagia Sophia, please note that the stairs are steep and may be hard to manage for those with walking difficulties.
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Report Product Issue

Activity name