Istanbul Private Old City Walking Tour

Exploring the historic heart of Istanbul is a must for any visitor. The Private Old City Walking Tour offers an immersive experience, guiding guests through iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar. Led by a professional, the tour promises a worry-free day, covering meals and museum fees. With a convenient meeting point and stroller-friendly access, this six-hour excursion provides a personalized window into Istanbul’s rich cultural heritage. What’s included may surprise you.

Key Points

• This private walking tour in Istanbul’s Old City is led by a professional guide and includes visits to iconic landmarks like Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.
• The tour is priced from $260 for groups up to 8 people and includes lunch, museum fees, private transportation, and gratuities.
• The tour departs from the Imperial Travel office near the Basilica Cistern and is not wheelchair accessible but is stroller-friendly.
• Participants must have a moderate fitness level, as the tour involves walking, and confirmation is provided upon booking.
• The tour has a flexible cancellation policy with a "reserve now, pay later" option, allowing for easy planning and budget-friendly scheduling.

Tour Overview

The Istanbul Private Old City Walking Tour offers an immersive exploration of Istanbul’s historic center.

Enjoy the historic center of Istanbul with a private walking tour of the old city.

Priced from $260 for a group of up to 8 people, this private tour is led by a professional guide and includes lunch, museum entrance fees, and private transportation.

With a 4.7 rating based on 3 reviews, the tour departs from Imperial Travel, next to the Basilica Cistern.

It’s not wheelchair accessible but is stroller-friendly. Guests should have a moderate fitness level, as the tour involves walking.

The experience is private, with only the booking group participating.

Inclusions

This private tour includes a professional guide to lead the way through Istanbul’s historic center.

The guide will provide insights into the city’s rich cultural heritage as you explore iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar.

Lunch is included, as well as all necessary museum entrance fees.

You’ll also have private transportation to and from the meeting point, ensuring a seamless experience.

Gratuities are covered, allowing you to fully learn about the tour without worrying about additional costs.

This inclusive package offers a comprehensive introduction to Istanbul’s Old City.

Meeting and Pickup

The tour meets at Imperial Travel, located at Alemdar Cd. 5A, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye, next to the Basilica Cistern entrance.

Pickup from selected points is optional. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

The start time is 9:00 AM, and confirmation is received at booking.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is stroller accessible.

It’s near public transportation and requires a moderate physical fitness level.

This is a private experience, with only your group participating.

Tour Details

A typical Istanbul Private Old City Walking Tour lasts approximately 6 hours, beginning promptly at 9:00 AM.

Participants receive confirmation of their booking and the tour isn’t accessible for wheelchair users, though strollers are allowed.

The tour takes place near public transportation, and a moderate level of physical fitness is required.

As a private experience, only the group members participate, ensuring a personalized exploration of Istanbul’s historic sites.

Key features of the tour include:

• Professional guide

• Private transportation

• Entrance fees to museums

• Lunch included

Cancellation and Payment

Customers enjoy Imperial Travel’s free cancellation policy, which allows them to cancel their reservation up to 24 hours before the experience starts without incurring any fees. This provides flexibility and peace of mind for those who may need to change their plans.

Plus, Imperial Travel offers a "Reserve now, pay later" option, enabling customers to book their tour in advance without immediate payment. This convenient payment method helps accommodate budgets and schedules.

Exploring the Historic Old City

Immersing visitors in the captivating history and vibrant culture of Istanbul’s Old City, the private walking tour curated by Imperial Travel offers an unparalleled exploration.

Immersing visitors in the captivating history and vibrant culture of Istanbul’s Old City, the private walking tour offers an unparalleled exploration.

Guiding guests through the maze of bustling streets, the knowledgeable local experts unveil the enchanting landmarks and hidden gems that define this iconic district.

Key highlights include:

• Marveling at the grand Hagia Sophia, a stunning architectural masterpiece that bears witness to the city’s Byzantine and Ottoman legacies

• Wandering through the opulent grounds of the Topkapi Palace, once the seat of the Ottoman sultans

• Discovering the vibrant Grand Bazaar, a labyrinth of shops brimming with traditional handicrafts and spices

• Exploring the serene Sultanahmet Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, with its magnificent domes and intricate tilework.

Highlights of the Tour

One of the premier highlights of the Istanbul Private Old City Walking Tour is exploring the magnificent Hagia Sophia. This architectural masterpiece, once a Byzantine church and then an Ottoman mosque, now stands as a museum showcasing its stunning Byzantine mosaics and grand interior.

Another highlight is visiting the 17th-century Blue Mosque, known for its iconic blue tiles and six minarets.

The tour also includes a stroll through the Hippodrome, the site of ancient chariot races, and a stop at the bustling Grand Bazaar, where visitors can enjoy the vibrant Turkish marketplace.

Preparing for the Walk

Travelers should wear comfortable walking shoes and dress appropriately for the weather.

Istanbul’s Old City is known for its uneven cobblestone streets and hills, so proper footwear is essential. Plus, sun protection such as hats and sunscreen is recommended, as the tour may involve extended periods of time outdoors.

The tour includes visits to several historical sites, so modest attire covering shoulders and knees is advised.

Participants should also bring the following:

• Water bottle

• Snacks

• Camera

• Small backpack or purse

The tour’s moderate physical fitness level requires guests to be able to walk for extended periods.

The Sum Up

Enjoy Istanbul’s rich cultural heritage with this private walking tour. Explore iconic landmarks like Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, and experience the bustling Grand Bazaar. Led by a professional guide, the tour includes lunch and museum fees, ensuring a worry-free and personalized exploration of the historic old city. This stroller-friendly tour promises an unforgettable journey through Istanbul’s captivating past.