Exploring the historic heart of Istanbul has never been easier. The Istanbul Old City Tour, operated by Oligarch Tour, offers an immersive experience that takes visitors on a journey through the city’s iconic landmarks. With a licensed guide, public transportation, and inclusions like museum fees and lunch, this private tour provides a hassle-free way to uncover the rich cultural heritage of the Old City. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this tour promises to leave you with a deeper understanding of Istanbul’s captivating past.
Key Points

- Oligarch Tour offers a private guided tour of Istanbul’s Old City, covering approximately 7-8 km of walking.
- The tour includes licensed guide, public transportation, museum entrance tickets, lunch, and tips for a seamless experience.
- The meeting point is at the German Fountain near the Blue Mosque, with hotel pickup available along the main transportation route.
- The tour operates daily from 7:00 AM to 11:30 PM between December 25, 2024, and April 30, 2025.
- Pricing starts from $180.00 per group of up to 4 people, with a lowest price guarantee and free cancellation policy.
Tour Overview

The Istanbul Old City Tour provides visitors with a comprehensive exploration of the rich historical and cultural heritage of Istanbul’s Old City.
Operated by Oligarch Tour, the private tour has received 15 reviews with a 100% recommendation from travelers. The tour includes a licensed guide, public transportation, museum entrance tickets, lunch, and tips for the guide and driver.
Meeting at the German Fountain near the Blue Mosque, the tour covers approximately 7-8 km of walking and operates daily from 07:00 AM to 11:30 PM between December 25, 2024, and April 30, 2025.
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Inclusions

The Istanbul Old City Tour includes a licensed tour guide to lead the experience, providing visitors with valuable insights and historical context.
The tour also covers public transportation and provides entrance tickets to museums, ensuring a seamless and all-inclusive experience.
Plus, a delicious lunch is included, and tips for the guide and driver are taken care of, allowing guests to fully enjoy the tour without any hassle.
Key inclusions:
- Licensed tour guide
- Public transportation and museum entrance tickets
- Lunch and tips
Meeting and Pickup

The meeting point for the Istanbul Old City Tour is the German Fountain, located near the Blue Mosque.
Pickup is available for nearby hotels on the main transportation route. The tour guide will contact participants via WhatsApp to provide directions.
The tour ends at the same meeting point where it began. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but service animals are allowed.
Most travelers can participate in this walking tour, which covers a distance of 7-8 kilometers.
Tour Details

A 7-8 kilometer walking tour covers the highlights of Istanbul’s Old City. The tour operates daily from 7:00 AM to 11:30 PM, year-round from December 25, 2024 to April 30, 2025.
Guests can expect:
- The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but service animals are allowed.
- Most travelers can participate, though physical ability may vary.
- The tour starts and ends at the German Fountain near the Blue Mosque.
Local providers will confirm the exact start time. Hotel pickup is available for those along the main transportation route, and the tour guide will contact guests via WhatsApp for directions.
Booking Information
Pricing for the Istanbul Old City Tour starts from $180.00 per group of up to 4 people.
This tour offers a lowest price guarantee, ensuring travelers get the best deal. Customers can also take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience.
Plus, a reserve now and pay later option is available for added convenience.
The tour is operated by Oligarch Tour, which boasts a 100% recommendation rate from 15 past travelers.
With these booking options, visitors can easily secure their spot on this private walking tour of Istanbul’s historic sites.
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Highlights of the Tour
Setting out on a captivating journey, the Istanbul Old City Tour immerses visitors in the rich history and culture of this iconic destination.
Guided by licensed professionals, the tour covers approximately 7-8 kilometers, showcasing the city’s renowned landmarks.
Highlights include:
- Exploring the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture.
- Wandering through the vibrant Grand Bazaar, immersing in the bustling atmosphere of one of the world’s oldest covered markets.
- Discovering the serene beauty of the Blue Mosque, with its striking blue-tiled interior and magnificent domes.
Throughout the journey, travelers experience the city’s public transportation, gaining an authentic perspective of local life.
Exploring the Old City

Where does one’s journey begin when exploring the old city of Istanbul? The tour starts at the iconic German Fountain, near the Blue Mosque.
From there, the group sets out on a walking tour covering 7-8 kilometers, led by a licensed guide. Along the way, they’ll visit renowned historical sites like the Hagia Sophia, the Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar.
The guide provides insightful commentary, bringing the city’s rich history to life. Public transportation is utilized, and museum entrance tickets, lunch, and tips are all included.
The tour concludes by returning to the starting point at the German Fountain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Photography Opportunities Available During the Tour?
Yes, there are photography opportunities throughout the tour. The guide encourages participants to take photos at the various historical sites and landmarks visited during the walking tour.
Can the Tour Be Customized to Our Specific Interests?
Yes, the tour can be customized to the group’s specific interests. The tour provider offers flexibility to tailor the itinerary based on the participants’ preferences and focus areas within the Old City of Istanbul.
What Is the Dress Code or Recommended Attire for the Tour?
The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but comfortable, modest clothing is recommended. Lightweight, breathable fabrics are ideal for walking around the historic sites. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are also suggested for the tour’s walking component.
Are There Any Special Considerations for Children or Seniors?
Children and seniors can participate, though the tour involves significant walking over uneven terrain. Guests with mobility challenges may require assistance, and strollers or wheelchairs may be difficult to accommodate. It’s best to discuss any special needs with the tour provider.
What Is the Language Proficiency of the Tour Guide?
The tour guide is proficient in English, providing clear and informative commentary throughout the tour. They’re equipped to communicate effectively with English-speaking travelers and ensure they have an engaging and enlightening experience.
The Sum Up
The Istanbul Old City Tour with Oligarch Tour offers an immersive and hassle-free experience through the historical heart of the city. Participants can discover iconic landmarks, receive insightful commentary, and enjoy cultural context. With daily departures from December 25, 2024, to April 30, 2025, travelers can easily book this enriching journey into Istanbul’s rich history.
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