from 165,00€ per group
Booking Request

1 Day Istanbul Old City Private Tour

Excellent

About This Activity

Take advantage of the flexibility of 1 day a private tour to discover old city Sultanahmet. Meet your tour guide at the hotel loby and visit Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and Grand Bazaar or you can customize your itinerary with your guides in same area.

Free cancellation

Cancel up to 3 days in advance.

Live tour guide

English

Duration

7 Hours

Reserve now & Pay later

No required advance payment, you can pay it at the tour.

Private tour & Good for avoiding crowds

Private group tour & Customize the itinerary according to your schedule.

Skip the ticket line & NO HIDDEN COST

Preready ticket for skip the line.

Select participants, date

Ian

01/14/2025 - Verified booking
Murat was a fantastic guide. He picked me up from my hotel for a solo tour of basilica cistern, Topkapi palace, Hagia Sophia, the blue mosque, and the grand bazaar. He was very knowledgeable and I learned a ton about each site’s history and how they are used / viewed in modern Turkey. The weather was rainy but he even loaned me an umbrella. Skipping the line was also totally worth it. Thanks for making my stopover so special!

Itinerary & How We'll Meet

We will be meeting you at your hotel lobby in Istanbul or at the Sultanahmet Tram Station. If you haven’t book your hotel yet, you can inform us hotel address couple of days before tour starts.

Tour– 1 Day Istanbul Old City Private Tour
 
  We will meet you at where our meeting point. ( Sultanahmet Tram Station )
Start to walk to Hippodromme and Obelisks
Blue Mosque ( 45 minutes )
Topkapi Palace ( 2 hours )
Hagia Sophia ( 1 hour )
Lunch Break ( according to your preference )
Basilica Cistern ( 45 minutes )
Grand Bazaar ( 30 minutes )
Tour ends at Grand Bazaar, at the end of the tour, you will have the chance to visit the Grand Bazaar as much as you want. ( It is closed about 19:30 )
END OF SERVICE.

*For reference only. Times are subject to change.

Included

  • Istanbul Old City Tour with Private Tour Guide
  • Professional local guide
  • Hagia Sophia Entrance Fee
  • Topkapi Palace Entrance Fee
  • Basilica Cistern Entrance Fee
  • All local taxes and services

 

Excluded

  • Pickup and Drop off Services
  • Lunch

 

View Full Itinerary

Why Choose This Tour

  • This tour covers Istanbul’s must-see landmarks in just one day, including Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, and the bustling Grand Bazaar.
  • With Skip the Ticket Line access, you’ll avoid long queues at top attractions like Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Basilica Cistern.
  • Learn fascinating stories and historical insights from a knowledgeable, friendly guide who will bring the history of Istanbul’s Old City to life.
  • Capture stunning photos of iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, as well as the intricate beauty of the Basilica Cistern and the colorful hustle of the Grand Bazaar.

Full Experience

1 Day Istanbul Old City Private Tour

Explore Istanbul's most beautiful sights with private tour guide. Take in UNESCO World Heritage sites and famous monuments in Istanbul including the stunning Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome , Basilica Cistern and Grand Bazaar.

Begin your day with a visit to the iconic Blue Mosque, a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. Admire its striking blue tiles and serene atmosphere. Next, explore the magnificent Hagia Sophia, a marvel of Byzantine engineering and artistry. Witness its grandeur and historical significance.

Descend into the mysterious depths of the Basilica Cistern, an ancient underground reservoir with intriguing history.

Step into the opulent world of the Topkapi Palace, once home to Ottoman sultans. Discover its ornate rooms, courtyards, and the priceless treasures within.

Conclude your tour at the Grand Bazaar, a bustling market where you can shop for a wide array of Turkish goods, from carpets to spices. This tour offers a rich tapestry of Istanbul's heritage, art, and culture, making it an unforgettable exploration of the city's most iconic landmarks.

• Places We'II Visit: Blue Mosque - Hagia Sophia - Topkapi Palace - Hippodromme and Obelisk - Grand Bazaar - Basilica Cistern

• Skip the line Tickets: Included

Included/Excluded

  • Istanbul Old City Tour with Private Tour Guide
  • Professional local guide
  • Hagia Sophia Entrance Fee
  • Topkapi Palace Entrance Fee
  • Basilica Cistern Entrance Fee
  • All local taxes and services
  • Pickup and Drop off Services
  • Lunch

Know Before You Go

  • During religious holidays Grand Bazaar is closed.
  • The Grand Covered Bazaar is closed on Sundays.
  • Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays.
  • Blue Mosque can be visited after 14:30 on Fridays.
  • Hagia Sophia can’t be visited between 12:00 – 14:00 Fridays.
  • Pick-up and dropped of service is also available from/to Istanbul Hotels and AIRBNB upon your requets with extra charge.
  • This tour is private activity with professional tour guide. Upon request, regular group tour is also possible.
  • We are member of Turkish Travel Agents ( TURSAB ) and all our tours are operated by Licensed Professional Tour Guides.

FAQs

What attractions are included in the 1-Day Istanbul Old City Private Tour?

This private tour covers Istanbul's most iconic landmarks, including Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, and the vibrant Grand Bazaar. Experience the perfect blend of history, culture, and shopping in one comprehensive day.

How much time do we spend at each location?

The itinerary is flexible, allowing you to spend as much time as you’d like at each site. Typically, we allocate:

  • Hagia Sophia: 1 hour
  • Topkapi Palace: 2,5 hours (including the Harem if preferred)
  • Blue Mosque: 30 minutes
  • Basilica Cistern: 30 minutes
  • Grand Bazaar: 1 hour

Your guide will ensure you make the most of each stop.

How do we skip the lines at the attractions?

Our private tour includes pre-arranged Skip Line tickets for key attractions like Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Basilica Cistern. This ensures a hassle-free experience and more time to explore rather than wait in queues.

Is the Blue Mosque open during prayer times?

The Blue Mosque is open to visitors outside of prayer times. During prayers, the mosque closes for about 30 minutes. Your guide will schedule the visit to avoid interruptions and ensure a smooth experience.

What is the best time of year to take this tour?

The spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) months offer pleasant weather and smaller crowds, making them ideal for touring Istanbul’s Old City. However, this tour is available year-round, with adjustments made for weather or seasonal changes.

What should I wear for the tour?

Modest clothing is recommended, especially for visiting religious sites like Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Women should bring a scarf to cover their heads, and everyone should wear attire that covers shoulders and knees. Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended as the tour involves walking through historic areas.

Is there time for lunch during the tour?

Absolutely. The tour includes a break for lunch at a local restaurant, where you can savor authentic Turkish cuisine. Your guide will recommend the best spots based on your taste preferences.

Is the Grand Bazaar open every day?

The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays and public holidays. On these days, your guide can suggest alternative shopping experiences or cultural stops to enrich your tour.

Reviews

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Ian

01/14/2025 - Verified booking
Murat was a fantastic guide. He picked me up from my hotel for a solo tour of basilica cistern, Topkapi palace, Hagia Sophia, the blue mosque, and the grand bazaar. He was very knowledgeable and I learned a ton about each site’s history and how they are used / viewed in modern Turkey. The weather was rainy but he even loaned me an umbrella. Skipping the line was also totally worth it. Thanks for making my stopover so special!

Norman M

01/02/2025 - Verified booking
Murat was our tour guide. He was so informative and explained to us in great details of each sight we went to. He brought us to the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia and Topkapi ending with the Grand Bazaar. He is warm and always taking care of our wellbeing. Will definitely recommend him! Hayati & Norman

Siok Kim L

11/03/2024 - Verified booking
Murat Demir from Eye Witness Travel done a very good job as our guide. We were very happy and enjoyed the tour despite a lot of walking. He gives very detail explanation about the tour sites. Murat made our visit not so tiring but we have fun as most of us are elderly and he follows our pace. Thank you Murat for being helpful and by the end of our visit we actually know Istanbul better.
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