Private Car Tour of Istanbul Old City and Top Attractions

Explore Istanbul’s captivating Old City with a private car tour that immerses you in the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. This flexible tour offers 3 to 7-hour options, allowing you to customize your experience. You’ll visit top attractions like the Topkapi Palace Museum and the iconic Hagia Sophia, all with the convenience of included admission and comfortable, wheelchair-accessible transportation. With excellent reviews and an expert guide, this tour promises an unforgettable journey through Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks. What will you discover?

Key Points

• This private guided tour of Istanbul’s Old City offers 3, 6, or 7-hour options covering 3 to 7 key attractions, including Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia.
• Admission tickets to Topkapi Palace are included, and the 6 and 7-hour options provide free entry to Hagia Sophia.
• Private transportation with pickup and drop-off at your accommodation is available, and the tour is accessible for wheelchair users and stroller-friendly.
• The tour has a maximum group size of 25 guests per licensed guide, with two guides for groups over 26.
• The tour features excellent reviews, a flexible booking process, and various inclusions and restrictions based on the selected duration.

Tour Overview and Options

This private guided tour of Istanbul’s Old City offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the top attractions, with options ranging from 3 to 7 hours.

Depending on the package selected, the tour includes 3, 6, or 7 key sites such as Topkapi Palace Museum and Hagia Sophia. Admission tickets to Topkapi Palace are included, and the 6 and 7-hour options provide free entry to Hagia Sophia.

Galata Tower tickets are available for all tour durations. Private transportation with pickup and drop-off at your accommodation is provided, and the tour is accessible for wheelchair users and stroller-friendly.

Meeting and Pickup Information

Travelers can select a convenient pickup point for the private guided tour of Istanbul’s Old City.

The tour includes private transport arranged either in a standard car for 1-4 people or a larger van/minibus for groups of 5 or more. The transportation is wheelchair accessible and stroller-friendly, and it’s located near public transit.

Infants must sit on laps during the tour. The tour guide and vehicle can accommodate a wide range of group sizes, with a maximum of 25 guests per licensed guide and two guides for groups over 26 for a better experience.

Tour Inclusions and Restrictions

The tour includes admission to the Topkapi Palace Museum, which grants access to all exhibitions except the Imperial Harem.

The 3-hour option doesn’t cover tours inside Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Galata Tower.

At Hagia Sophia, non-Muslims can’t enter during prayer times due to its status as an active mosque.

All visitors must adhere to a modest dress code.

The Topkapi Palace Museum is closed on Tuesdays, replaced with entry to the Blue Mosque or a similar attraction.

Galata Tower features two elevators for accessibility.

The maximum group size per licensed guide is 25, with two guides for groups over 26.

Tour Duration and Attractions

Topkapi Palace Museum is closed on Tuesdays, in which case visitors will be granted entry to the Blue Mosque or a similar attraction instead.

The Galata Tower offers two elevators for easy accessibility.

Tours inside Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Galata Tower aren’t included in the 3-hour option, but are available in the 6 and 7-hour options.

Due to Hagia Sophia’s status as an active mosque, non-Muslims can’t enter during prayer times, and a modest dress code is required for all visitors.

The maximum group size per licensed guide is 25, with two guides for groups over 26 for a better experience.

Booking Information and Reviews

The price for this private car tour of Istanbul’s Old City starts at $303.11 per person, with the final cost varying based on group size.

Customers can secure their spot with a reserve now, pay later option. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to the start.

Reviews for this tour are excellent, with a 5.0 rating based on 1 review. The provider performs checks on all reviews to ensure authenticity.

With its private transport, diverse itinerary, and convenient booking process, this tour is an excellent choice for exploring Istanbul’s top attractions.

Highlights of Topkapi Palace Museum

Towering above Istanbul’s historic Sultanahmet district, Topkapi Palace Museum stands as a testament to the grandeur of the Ottoman Empire. As the primary residence of the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years, this sprawling complex boasts an array of exquisite treasures and architectural marvels. Visitors can explore the opulent Imperial Harem, marvel at the dazzling jewels in the Treasury, and discover the sacred relics housed in the Sacred Safekeeping. To enhance your experience, consider the [CURRENT SUBTOPIC] highlights detailed in the table below.

| Attraction | Description | Highlight |

| — | — | — |

| Harem | Private living quarters of the sultan’s family | Intricate tile work and opulent decor |

| Treasury | Vast collection of jewels, gold, and other valuables | The Spoonmaker’s Diamond, one of the world’s largest |

| Sacred Safekeeping | Home to Prophet Muhammad’s personal belongings | Relics include the Prophet’s cloak, sword, and hair |

| Imperial Council Chamber | Venue for government meetings and decisions | Ornate ceiling and marble throne |

Exploring the Iconic Hagia Sophia

Visitors to Istanbul’s Old City are captivated by the iconic Hagia Sophia, a monumental structure that seamlessly blends Byzantine and Ottoman architectural elements.

This former church-turned-mosque-turned-museum offers a profound glimpse into the region’s rich history. While non-Muslims can’t enter during prayer times, the 6 and 7-hour tour options provide free entry, allowing guests to:

1. Marvel at the intricate mosaics and Byzantine-era artwork.

2. Discover the building’s transformation from a Christian place of worship to an Islamic mosque.

3. Appreciate the architectural genius that has withstood the test of time.

4. Gain a deeper understanding of Turkey’s cultural and religious heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Tour to Visit Specific Sites?

Yes, the tour can be customized to visit specific sites. Customers can select the 3, 6, or 7-hour tour option and coordinate with the tour operator to include the attractions they’re most interested in seeing.

Are There Any Dress Requirements for the Tour?

A modest dress code is required for all visitors on this tour. Specifically, visitors must wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees. This is due to the tour’s inclusion of active religious sites.

What Languages Do the Tour Guides Speak?

The tour guides speak English, Turkish, and other languages upon request. They’re licensed professionals who can provide multilingual guidance to ensure a seamless and informative experience for all participants.

Can I Get a Discount for Booking Multiple Tours?

Yes, you can get a discount for booking multiple tours. The tour provider offers package deals that provide savings when you book several tours together. Contact them for details on their multi-tour discount options.

Are There Any Activities for Children on the Tour?

The tour doesn’t specifically include activities for children, but it’s stroller-friendly and has wheelchair accessibility. The Galata Tower features elevators for easy access. Parents can adapt the tour to engage kids during the sightseeing.

The Sum Up

This private car tour of Istanbul’s Old City offers an immersive experience, allowing you to explore the city’s rich history and cultural heritage. With flexible durations, convenient pickups, and admission to top attractions like Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia, it’s an excellent way to discover the iconic landmarks of this vibrant metropolis. Comfortable transportation and personalized guidance ensure an unforgettable journey through Istanbul’s captivating past.