Top Notch Istanbul: Private Guided Old City Istanbul Tour
Historical Istanbul Highlights
Begin your day with a professional tour guide who will bring Istanbul’s rich history to life. Start at the grand Topkapi Palace, once home to Ottoman sultans, where you’ll explore its opulent rooms and the fascinating Harem.
Next, visit the architectural marvel of Hagia Sophia, followed by the elegant Blue Mosque, famous for its striking blue tiles and six minarets.
Walk through the historic Hippodrome, the ancient sporting arena of Byzantium, before descending into the mysterious Basilica Cistern, an underground wonder with atmospheric lighting and ancient columns.
End your day wandering through the bustling Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets—perfect for shopping and soaking in the local culture.
Options
PRIVATE GUIDED TOUR
Duration: 8 hours
Pickup included
What's included in Top Notch Istanbul: Private Guided Old City Istanbul Tour
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
IstanbulPass-by Only
Embark on a personalized journey through Istanbul, tailored to your schedule and interests. Choose between a private guide only, Hotel, Airbnb or port pickup drop off by minivan or full day guide and minivan options. Your guide meets you at your centrally located hotel, allowing for flexible departure times and a fully customizable itinerary. Immerse in the UNESCO-listed Historic Areas, visiting landmarks like Hagia Sophia, TopKapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, Hippodrome, Extend your adventure with a Bosporus cruise and the Grand Bazaar. Your guide's insights deepen your connection with each site.
Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque is not only a religious site but also a masterpiece of art and architecture. Taking the time to explore its beauty and historical significance can be a highlight of your layover in Istanbul.
Sultanahmet District
You will start to visit main attraction from Sultanahmet District.
Inclusions
- 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
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 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
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
Choose to be picked up from a list of locations
Please arrive at the pick up point 10 minutes before departure time.
Additional Information
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.
