Exploring the historic heart of Istanbul has never been easier. The Istanbul Old City Tour provides a comprehensive private experience, allowing visitors to explore the city’s rich culture and heritage. Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour grants skip-the-line access to the iconic Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque. With a perfect 5-star rating, it’s an unforgettable way to discover the city’s top attractions. What makes this tour stand out, however, is its ability to offer an immersive experience that goes beyond the surface.
Key Points

- Explore Istanbul’s historic heart with a private tour, including skip-the-line access to the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque.
- Benefit from a knowledgeable guide who provides insights into the city’s history and culture.
- Enjoy a complimentary lunch during the tour, which is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
- The tour is available year-round from April 18, 2023, to March 5, 2026, with daily operation.
- The tour is highly rated, with 100% of reviewers giving it 5 stars and positive feedback on accessibility.
Tour Overview

The Istanbul Old City Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the historic heart of Istanbul, Turkey. Supplied by Shiiman Travel, this private tour allows your group to discover the city’s iconic landmarks at your own pace.
The tour takes you to the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, where you’ll skip the line to enter. Along the way, you’ll enjoy the expertise of a knowledgeable guide who’ll provide insights into the region’s rich history and culture.
The tour includes all necessary fees, taxes, and tickets, as well as a complimentary lunch. With a flexible schedule and top-rated reviews, this tour is an excellent way to learn about the wonders of Istanbul.
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Meeting and End Points

The meeting point for the Istanbul Old City Tour is the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, located at Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı No:1, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye. The tour returns to the same meeting point after the activity. This is a convenient location, as it’s near public transportation and accessible for wheelchair and stroller users.
| Meeting Point | End Point |
| — | — |
| Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque | Returns to the meeting point |
| Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı No:1, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye | Same as meeting point |
| Wheelchair accessible | Wheelchair accessible |
| Near public transportation | Near public transportation |
Tour Schedule
The Istanbul Old City Tour is available year-round, operating from April 18, 2023 to March 5, 2026.
Tours run daily from 9 AM to 3 PM, except Fridays when they start at 11 AM and end at 4 PM. On Saturdays, the tour hours are 9 AM to 3 PM. Guests should confirm the exact start time with the local provider.
The tour includes skip-the-line entry, a professional guide, all fees and taxes, tickets, and lunch.
This private tour is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, and it’s located near public transportation.
Inclusions

The Istanbul Old City Tour includes a professional guide to lead the group, providing invaluable insights and historical context throughout the excursion.
The tour also includes:
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Skipline entrance, allowing participants to bypass long queues.
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All necessary fees and taxes.
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Tickets to various attractions.
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A delicious lunch to refuel during the day.
These inclusions ensure a seamless and enriching experience for all participants, allowing them to fully enjoy the history and culture of Istanbul’s Old City without the hassle of logistics or additional expenses.
Accessibility and Additional Information

According to the information provided, the Istanbul Old City Tour is wheelchair accessible and stroller accessible.
It’s also near public transportation, and the surfaces are wheelchair accessible. Most travelers can participate in this tour.
Confirmation is received at booking, and there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Guests have the flexibility to reserve now and pay later.
The tour operates from April 18, 2023, to March 5, 2026, Monday through Sunday from 9 AM to 3 PM, except on Fridays which run from 11 AM to 4 PM and Saturdays from 9 AM to 3 PM.
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Reviews and Ratings

Based on the information provided, the Istanbul Old City Tour has been highly rated by its participants.
With a total of 1 review and an average rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars, it appears that the tour has impressed those who’ve experienced it.
The reviews also indicate that the tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, near public transportation, and that most travelers can participate.
Some key highlights include:
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100% of reviewers rated the tour 5 stars.
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The tour provides a skip-the-line entrance, guiding, and inclusive tickets.
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Flexible booking options with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
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Lowest price guarantee offered by the tour provider.
Exploring the Highlights of Istanbul’s Old City

Although Istanbul’s Old City is renowned for its historical and cultural significance, the Istanbul Old City Tour offers visitors a captivating and comprehensive exploration of this enchanting district.
The guided tour takes guests through iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, the Topkapi Palace, and the Blue Mosque, providing in-depth insights into their architectural wonders and rich histories.
The guided tour takes guests through iconic landmarks, providing in-depth insights into their architectural wonders and rich histories.
Participants also wander through the vibrant Grand Bazaar, seeing the bustling atmosphere of one of the world’s largest covered markets.
The tour’s carefully curated itinerary ensures travelers experience the highlights of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Benefits of Joining a Private Tour

Joining a private tour of Istanbul’s Old City offers several distinct advantages over a more generic group tour.
With a private tour, you’ll enjoy personalized attention from your guide, allowing for a more customized and enriching experience. Plus, private tours typically move at a more flexible pace, catering to your specific interests and needs.
Some key benefits of a private Istanbul Old City tour include:
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Tailored Itinerary
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Intimate Group Size
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Undivided Attention from the Guide
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Flexibility to Explore at Your Own Pace
These factors combine to create a more immersive and memorable exploration of Istanbul’s historic and cultural treasures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Customize the Tour to My Interests?
According to the tour details, the Istanbul Old City Tour is a private tour, which means you can customize it to your interests. The local provider will work with you to tailor the experience to your preferences.
What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
There’s no strict dress code, but visitors should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing. Modest attire is recommended when visiting religious sites, such as covering shoulders and knees. Comfortable walking shoes are also advised for the walking tour.
Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment?
No special equipment is required for this tour. Participants just need to wear comfortable walking shoes, as the tour involves exploring the historic sites on foot. Beyond that, no additional equipment or supplies are necessary to fully enjoy the experience.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?
The tour provider doesn’t offer any discounts for seniors or students. The price is $70 per group of up to 12 people, regardless of age or student status. However, the overall tour cost may still be reasonable for groups.
Can I Take Photos During the Tour?
Yes, you can take photos during the tour. The tour allows participants to capture the stunning sights and landmarks at their own leisure. There are no restrictions on photography, so you’re free to snap away as you explore the city.
The Sum Up
With its comprehensive coverage of Istanbul’s iconic sights, skip-the-line access to Hagia Sophia, and an expert guide, the Istanbul Old City Tour provides an immersive and hassle-free way to explore the historic heart of the city. Offering a convenient schedule, accessibility, and exceptional reviews, this tour is an excellent choice for visitors seeking an unforgettable experience in Istanbul’s captivating Old City.
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