Exploring the rich history of Istanbul has never been easier. The Old City Sightseeing Walking Tour offers a chance to discover the city’s iconic attractions with a professional guide. From the grand Topkapi Palace to the stunning Hagia Sophia, this private tour provides skip-the-line access, ensuring a seamless experience. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this tour promises to unveil the city’s captivating stories in a way that’s both informative and enjoyable.
Key Points

- This walking tour covers major attractions like Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia in Istanbul’s Old City, with skip-the-line access.
- The tour is priced at $169.24 per person and is a private tour with a professional licensed guide.
- Entrance fees for Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia are not included in the tour price and must be paid separately.
- The meeting point is at the German Fountain in Sultanahmet, and participants are responsible for their own transportation to/from the location.
- The tour offers a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the start and a reserve now, pay later option.
Tour Overview

This walking tour of Istanbul’s Old City offers visitors a comprehensive sightseeing experience. Priced from $169.24 per person, the private tour ensures that only your group participates.
The tour includes a professional licensed guide, insurance, and covers personal expenses and gratuity. Guests must reach the meeting point at the German Fountain in Sultanahmet independently, as no pickup or drop-off service is provided.
The tour covers major attractions like Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia, with skip-the-line tickets arranged. While entrance fees aren’t included, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but suitable for most travelers.
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Inclusions and Exclusions

The walking tour includes a professional licensed guide, insurance, and covers personal expenses and gratuity.
A professional licensed guide, insurance, and coverage of personal expenses and gratuity are included in the walking tour.
However, entrance fees to Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia aren’t included and must be paid separately to the guide for skip-the-line access. Food and drinks are also not part of the package.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s near public transportation. Infants must sit on laps. Most travelers can participate, and there’s a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the start.
A "Reserve now, pay later" option is available as well.
Meeting and Pickup

The meeting point for the tour is the German Fountain in Sultanahmet. Guests must reach the meeting point independently as the tour doesn’t provide pickup or drop-off service.
It’s important for participants to arrive at the designated meeting point on time, as the tour won’t wait for latecomers. The tour guide will be stationed at the German Fountain, easily identifiable by their tour company uniform or badge.
Once the group is assembled, the guide will lead the walking tour through the historic Old City of Istanbul. Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from the meeting location.
Entrance Fees

Two key entrance fees are required for this tour.
Visitors must pay the guide for skip-the-line tickets to Topkapi Palace (2000 TRY) and Hagia Sophia (25 €). These fees aren’t included in the tour price.
Visitors must pay the guide for skip-the-line tickets to Topkapi Palace (2000 TRY) and Hagia Sophia (25 €). These fees aren’t included in the tour price.
Guests should budget for:
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Topkapi Palace: 2000 TRY
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Hagia Sophia: 25 €
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Any other optional entrance fees
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Food and drinks during the tour
The tour guide will handle the ticket purchases to avoid long lines, providing a more efficient and enjoyable experience.
Entrance fees are paid directly to the guide and aren’t part of the overall tour cost.
Additional Information

Although the tour is not wheelchair accessible, it is located near public transportation for easy access. Infants must sit on laps during the walking tour. Most travelers can participate, with the exception of those with mobility issues. The tour offers a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience, providing flexibility. Plus, a reserve now, pay later option is available for booking convenience.
| Accessibility | Transportation | Age Policies |
| — | — | — |
| Not wheelchair accessible | Near public transportation | Infants must sit on laps |
| Most travelers can participate | – | – |
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Reviews

With a total of 2 reviews, the Istanbul Old City Walking Tour has a stellar 5.0-star rating.
Travelers rave about this immersive experience:
Travelers rave about this immersive experience, praising the knowledgeable guide and personalized attention.
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The tour guide’s deep knowledge and passion for Istanbul’s history brought the sites to life.
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The small, private group size allowed for personalized attention and flexibility.
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Skip-the-line access to top attractions like Hagia Sophia saved valuable time.
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Overall, reviewers deemed the tour an excellent value and highly recommended it for first-time visitors to Istanbul.
Booking and Payment

Guests can book the Istanbul Old City Walking Tour through the tour provider’s website. The tour is priced at $169.24 per person and offers a private experience for just your group. Payment options include a reserve now, pay later option. The tour includes a professional licensed guide, insurance, and all personal expenses, but entrance fees, food, and transportation are not covered. See the table below for a breakdown of what’s included and excluded:
| Included | Excluded |
|———-|———-|
| Professional licensed guide | Entrance fees |
| Insurance | Food and drinks |
| Personal expenses | Air-conditioned vehicle |
| Guide tips (gratuity) | |
Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Average Group Size for This Tour?
The tour is a private experience, so the group size is determined by the number of people in the customer’s party. There is no set group size, as it’s tailored to the individual booking.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?
The tour information does not mention any discounts for seniors or students. Customers must pay the full per-person price, though the tour allows for private groups to participate without sharing with other travelers.
How Much Time Is Allocated for Exploring Each Attraction?
The tour typically allocates 1-2 hours for exploring each major attraction, allowing guests ample time to take in the highlights and soak up the atmosphere. The exact timing may vary depending on the pace of the group.
Can the Tour Be Customized to Include Additional Sites?
Yes, the tour can be customized to include additional sites. The tour provider offers flexibility to tailor the itinerary based on the group’s interests and preferences, though additional fees may apply for any added attractions.
What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy for This Tour?
The tour has a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Guests can cancel and get a full refund if they need to do so. There’s also a reserve now, pay later option available.
The Sum Up
The Istanbul Old City Sightseeing Walking Tour provides a comprehensive exploration of the city’s rich history, with skip-the-line access to iconic attractions like Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia. Priced at $169.24 per person, the private tour led by a professional guide offers a valuable experience for travelers looking to enjoy Istanbul’s cultural heritage. While entrance fees to the sites are additional, the tour’s flexible cancellation policy ensures convenience for visitors.
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