Private Istanbul Old City tour covers the main Byzantine and Ottoman landmarks of Sultanahmet with a licensed local guide and a flexible itinerary. Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace and Grand Bazaar can be included according to opening hours and the time available.
The oldcity tour is designed for guests who prefer to visit Istanbul at their own pace without joining a regular group. You can also see our private Istanbul tours for other itinerary options.
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Highlights of Your Private Old City Tour
| Highlights | Istanbul Old City |
| Duration | Full Day, Approximately 7-8 Hours |
| Included | Licensed Private Tour Guide |
| Entrance Fees | Not Included |
| Transportation | Walking Tour; Private Vehicle Can Be Arranged Upon Request |
| Pick Up | Your Hotel or an Agreed Meeting Point |
| Tour Style | Private and Flexible |
| Tips | Tips for the Guide Are Not Included |
What is Included: Professional tour guide in your own language.
Cost: 1 to 6 people totally 200 USD and 7 to 14 people totally 250 USD.
Check our 2 Day Istanbul itinerary if you think 1 day is not enough to explore the city.
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Tour Info & Itinerary
Private Istanbul Old City Tour Itinerary
Your private guide will meet you at your hotel or an agreed meeting point in Istanbul. The sightseeing program focuses on Sultanahmet, where many of the most important Byzantine and Ottoman landmarks are located within walking distance of each other.
The order of visits can change according to opening hours, prayer times, ticket queues and your preferred pace. Guests who visit the museums with a licensed guide have priority to enter the museums.
Hippodrome of Constantinople
Start in the heart of the old city at the former Hippodrome of Constantinople. The area was once the center of public life during the Byzantine period and still contains monuments such as the Egyptian Obelisk, Serpent Column and German Fountain.
Blue Mosque
Visit the Blue Mosque, one of Istanbul’s best known Ottoman landmarks. Your guide will explain the history, architecture and decorative details of the mosque before entering the prayer hall when visitor access is available.
Hagia Sophia
Continue to Hagia Sophia, a landmark that has served as a Byzantine church, Ottoman mosque and museum during different periods of Istanbul’s history. Your guide will explain its architecture and the historical changes that shaped the building.
Visitor access and entrance arrangements may change according to current regulations and prayer times.
Topkapi Palace
Visit Topkapi Palace, the administrative and residential center of the Ottoman sultans for several centuries. The palace complex includes courtyards, imperial collections and views over the Bosphorus and Golden Horn.
The Harem section can be visited if requested and if enough time is available. Additional entrance tickets may apply.
Grand Bazaar
Finish the sightseeing program at the Grand Bazaar, one of Istanbul’s oldest covered markets. Your guide can help you navigate its streets and explain the history of the bazaar, its traditional trades and different sections.
The Grand Bazaar is normally closed on Sundays and some public holidays. When it is closed, the itinerary can be adjusted with another suitable stop in the Old City.
A Flexible Private Istanbul Tour
The daily program does not have to follow a fixed order. More time can be spent at the places that interest you most, and short breaks can be added during the day.
Most of the Old City is explored on foot. If you prefer a vehicle for hotel transfers or want to combine Sultanahmet with other parts of Istanbul, private transportation can be arranged upon request.
Looking for a Different Istanbul Itinerary?
For more options, see our private Istanbul tours, including multi day itineraries and private sightseeing with a chauffeured vehicle.
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What Is Included?
Included:
✓ Licensed private tour guide
✓ Hotel or agreed meeting point pickup by your guide
✓ Flexible private sightseeing program
Not Included:
✓ Museum and attraction entrance tickets
✓ Meals and drinks
✓ Private vehicle unless requested separately
✓ Personal expenses
✓ Tips for the guide
Who Is Oldcity Tour Suitable For?
Private Oldcity tour is suitable for travelers who want to focus on the historic center of Istanbul with a private guide. It works well for first time visitors, couples, families and small private groups who prefer a flexible walking itinerary.
If you prefer to visit different parts of Istanbul with a private vehicle and driver, see our Istanbul Discovery by Private Car.
Have More Time in Istanbul?
If you have two full days in the city, our 2 Days Istanbul Itinerary gives you more time to combine the Old City with other parts of Istanbul.
You can also see all our private Istanbul tours and choose the itinerary that best fits your travel schedule.
Plan Your Private Istanbul Tour
If you need a different route, additional sightseeing or private transportation, you can customize your Turkey tour or contact us with your travel dates and number of guests.
Whatsapp : +90 544 657 3616
iMessage : +90 507 943 6858
E-mail : info@eurekatravelturkey.com
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Below, you can find a short summary of the places you shall be visiting during the tour.
What is Included: Professional tour guide in your own language.
Cost: 1 to 6 people totally 200 USD and 7 to 14 people totally 250 USD.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a private tour?
Yes. The tour is arranged for your own group with a licensed private guide.
Is this mainly a walking tour?
Yes. Most of the main sights in Sultanahmet are located within walking distance of each other. A private vehicle can be arranged separately if required.
Are entrance tickets included?
No. Museum and attraction entrance tickets are not included unless stated separately in your confirmed booking.
Can the itinerary be changed?
Yes. The order of visits and the time spent at each place can be adjusted according to opening hours, prayer times, local conditions and your interests.
Can we visit Topkapi Palace Harem?
Yes, if enough time is available. The Harem requires an additional entrance ticket.
What happens if the Grand Bazaar is closed?
The Grand Bazaar is normally closed on Sundays and some public holidays. When it is closed, your guide can adjust the itinerary and suggest another suitable stop in the Old City.
Where does the tour start?
Your guide can meet you at your hotel or at an agreed meeting point in central Istanbul. The exact meeting details are confirmed before the tour.