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Tours/Istanbul/İstanbul: Full Day Guided Old City Tour

İstanbul: Full Day Guided Old City Tour

5.0(25)Istanbul8 hours
VIATOR5.0(2)TRIPADVISOR5.0(23)
İstanbul: Full Day Guided Old City Tour
İstanbul: Full Day Guided Old City Tour
İstanbul: Full Day Guided Old City Tour
İstanbul: Full Day Guided Old City Tour
İstanbul: Full Day Guided Old City Tour
+30 photos
İstanbul: Full Day Guided Old City Tour
İstanbul: Full Day Guided Old City Tour
İstanbul: Full Day Guided Old City Tour
İstanbul: Full Day Guided Old City Tour
İstanbul: Full Day Guided Old City Tour
İstanbul: Full Day Guided Old City Tour
İstanbul: Full Day Guided Old City Tour
İstanbul: Full Day Guided Old City Tour
İstanbul: Full Day Guided Old City Tour
İstanbul: Full Day Guided Old City Tour
İstanbul: Full Day Guided Old City Tour
İstanbul: Full Day Guided Old City Tour
İstanbul: Full Day Guided Old City Tour
İstanbul: Full Day Guided Old City Tour
İstanbul: Full Day Guided Old City Tour
İstanbul: Full Day Guided Old City Tour
İstanbul: Full Day Guided Old City Tour
İstanbul: Full Day Guided Old City Tour
İstanbul: Full Day Guided Old City Tour
İstanbul: Full Day Guided Old City Tour
İstanbul: Full Day Guided Old City Tour
İstanbul: Full Day Guided Old City Tour
İstanbul: Full Day Guided Old City Tour
İstanbul: Full Day Guided Old City Tour
İstanbul: Full Day Guided Old City Tour
İstanbul: Full Day Guided Old City Tour
İstanbul: Full Day Guided Old City Tour
İstanbul: Full Day Guided Old City Tour
İstanbul: Full Day Guided Old City Tour
İstanbul: Full Day Guided Old City Tour
İstanbul: Full Day Guided Old City Tour
İstanbul: Full Day Guided Old City Tour
İstanbul: Full Day Guided Old City Tour
İstanbul: Full Day Guided Old City Tour

At a glance

Duration
8 hours
Price from
$103 / person
Location
Istanbul, Türkiye
Rating
5.0 / 5 · 25 reviews
Languages
EN
Group
Small group, up to 10
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Confirmation
Instant
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operator
Bosphorus Cruise Tours Istanbul
Meeting point
The guest who stays out of our pick up route, can meet our guide at the meeting location at 8.45 am.

Description

Istanbul Old City Tour with Art Historian Tour Guide Experience Istanbul's timeless sights on a full-day tour of the city's stunning historic places. Listen for the ancient echoes of pounding hooves and charioteers at Hippodrome Square and spot the distinctive tiles of the Blue Mosque. See the Byzantine mosaics and minarets of Hagia Sophia, then follow in the footsteps of powerful sultans, courtiers, and generals at Topkapi Palace. Continue your tour in the vibrant Grand Bazaar, browsing bright displays of handicrafts, carpets, and souvenirs. We will visit Hippodrome, Hagia Sophia Museum, Blue Mosque, Grand Covered Bazaar, Topkapi Palace, Sultan Tombs. End of the tour we will drop you off at your hotel. Let's start to explore Istanbul. The first visit is to Ancient Hippodrome. It was the center of sports activities in Constantinople. Blue Mosque, as known as the Sultanahmet Mosque, is a breath-taking building is one of the most majestic Ottoman mosques in all of Turkey.

Schedule & prices

Runs
Every day
Start times
9:00 AM
Next available
Wed, Oct 14
Adult (ages 10–70)
$103
Child (ages 3–9)
$86
Infant (ages 0–2)
Free

Prices change with the date; the lowest is shown.

From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 13.

Tour Options

Without Hotel Transfer

Without Hotel Transfer

İstanbul: Full Day Guided Tour to Old City

Pickup included

Itinerary

Hippodrome
30 min

The Hippodrome of Constantinople was a circus that was the sporting and social centre of Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine Empire. Today it is a square named Sultanahmet Meydanı in the Turkish city of Istanbul, with a few fragments of the original structure surviving.

German Fountain
10 min

The German Fountain is a gazebo styled fountain in the northern end of old hippodrome, Istanbul, Turkey and across from the Mausoleum of Sultan Ahmed I. It was constructed to commemorate the second anniversary of German Emperor Wilhelm II's visit to Istanbul in 1898.

Obelisk of Theodosius
10 min

The Obelisk of Theodosius is the Ancient Egyptian obelisk of Pharaoh Thutmose III re-erected in the Hippodrome of Constantinople by the Roman emperor Theodosius I in the 4th century AD.

Serpent Column
10 min

The Serpent Column, also known as the Serpentine Column, Plataean Tripod or Delphi Tripod, is an ancient bronze column at the Hippodrome of Constantinople in what is now Istanbul, Turkey

Column of Constantine
10 min

The Column of Constantine, also known as the Burnt Stone or the Burnt Pillar, is a Roman monumental column constructed on the orders of the Roman emperor Constantine the Great in 330 AD. It commemorates the declaration of Byzantium as the new capital city of the Roman Empire.

Blue Mosque
45 min

Sultan Ahmed Mosque is a historic mosque located in Istanbul, Turkey. It remains a functioning mosque, while also attracting large numbers of tourist visitors. It was constructed between 1609 and 1616 during the rule of Ahmed I. Its Külliye contains Ahmed's tomb, a madrasah and a hospice.

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
Admission not included60 min

Hagia Sophia is the former Greek Orthodox Christian patriarchal cathedral, later an Ottoman imperial mosque and now a museum in Istanbul, Turkey. Built in AD 537 in the Middle Ages, it is famous for its massive dome. It was the world's largest building and an engineering marvel of its time.

TopkapI Palace
Admission not included180 min

The Topkapı Palace, or the Seraglio, is a large museum in the east of the Fatih district of Istanbul in Turkey. In the 15th and 16th centuries it served as the main residence and administrative headquarters of the Ottoman sultans.

Grand Bazaar
90 min

The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with 61 covered streets and over 4,000 shops on a total area of 30,700 m², attracting between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily.

What's included

Included
Lunch
Museum entrance tickets
Air-conditioned vehicle
Professional Tour Guide
Not included
Alcoholic Beverages
Museum Entrance Tickets (Topkapi Palace 2750 TRY, Hagia Sophia 25 Euro)

Pickup Locations & Times

We provide hotel pick - up and drop off services from hotels located in Taksim, Fatih areas of Istanbul if option selected.

Traveller Ratings

Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor

5.0
25 reviews
5
25
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0

How it compares in Istanbul

  • Rated higher than 80% of 987 reviewed tours in Istanbul
  • Starting price $103 is 28% below the typical $143 for tours of similar length in Istanbul

Excurgo comparison of 3,635 Viator tours, recalculated daily.

Important Information

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund

Frequently asked questions

How long does İstanbul: Full Day Guided Old City Tour take?

İstanbul: Full Day Guided Old City Tour lasts about 8 hours. The itinerary has 9 stops.

How much does İstanbul: Full Day Guided Old City Tour cost?

Prices start at $103 per person for this Istanbul experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There are 2 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.

What days does İstanbul: Full Day Guided Old City Tour run?

According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 9:00 AM.

How much does İstanbul: Full Day Guided Old City Tour cost for children?

Children aged 3–9 pay from $86, adults from $103. Infants go free.

Can I cancel İstanbul: Full Day Guided Old City Tour for free?

Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, pickup is offered. We provide hotel pick - up and drop off services from hotels located in Taksim, Fatih areas of Istanbul if option selected. Pickup points include Atlantis Royal Hotel.

What languages is İstanbul: Full Day Guided Old City Tour offered in?

The experience is available in EN.

Is this a private or a group tour?

It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 10 participants.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Will my booking be confirmed immediately?

Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.

Is İstanbul: Full Day Guided Old City Tour worth it?

Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 25 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Bosphorus Cruise Tours Istanbul.

Reviews(25)

Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor

A
Ageing_Fast
October 8, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Wonderful day out in Istanbul

On meeting our guide, Melih we found that we were his only customers for the day. We told him what we didn't want to do and he arranged the rest of our day around that. He was very mindful of our age and paced the day accordingly. We saw all the major sites of Istanbul that we wanted to see and Melih was very knowledgeable on them all, which filled out our experience. We had a wonderful, included lunch in a rooftop restaurant, at a leisurely pace which we all thoroughly enjoyed. We had a fantastic day and a fantastic guide in Melih, by the end of the day we felt like we'd made a friend for life. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend this tour the next time you're in Istanbul.

Operator response

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your Old City tour with Melih. It is especially rewarding to know that he tailored the itinerary to your preferences, ensured a comfortable pace, and made your day both informative and memorable. We are also pleased that you enjoyed the rooftop lunch and felt such a personal connection with Melih. Your kind words and recommendation mean a great deal to our entire team. We hope to welcome you back to Istanbul for another unforgettable experience!

A
AJinSeattle
September 28, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
A perfect day with a Great Guide!

Melih was my guide for a full day tour. He showed up at my hotel on time and was a wealth of information, kind and really easy to spend the day with touring Istanbul. Highly recommend Melih! Thank you.

2 people found this helpful
Operator response

Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re delighted to hear that Melih was punctual, knowledgeable, kind, and made your full-day tour of Istanbul so enjoyable. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope the day left you with many wonderful memories of the city.

H
holidaygirl2025
September 26, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Exhausting, but so very rewarding!

A wonderful day. Circumstances meant we had to cram as much as possible into one day. That, we certainly did. Melih, our guide, was extremely knowledgeable and great company all round. We will certainly be recommending him and the tour company to friends, family and our local travel agent back home in the UK. Thanks, chaps!

2 people found this helpful
Operator response

Thank you very much for sharing your experience. We’re delighted that you were able to make the most of your limited time in Istanbul and fit so much into one memorable day. It’s especially wonderful to hear your kind words about Melih—his knowledge, company, and ability to bring the city to life are greatly appreciated. Your recommendation to friends, family, and your travel agent in the UK means a great deal to us.

S
stewartNQ
September 19, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Outstanding guide and organistion.

We booked directly with Velena for the all-day Old city tour and were not disappointed. The email communications during the booking process was faultless and professional. WhatsApp message prior to the tour again both appreciated and timely and the pickup was spot-on. Our tour guide Aysenur met my wife and myself and another American couple with the minibus driver and transported us initially to Palace where we had an extensive tour and provided with fascinating information and detail. Aysenur was very knowledgeable and answered all our questions and as we were only four on the tour made it much more informative. The mosques we visited were truly outstanding in architecture and history however, the Blue Mosque was very busy but still it’s a not to miss visit. The lunch which was included was in a hotel with a roof top restaurant overlooking the city and the service and food was excellent. We had booked with Velena for the sunset cruise and have to say the service offered from them was 5star. If you are going to Istanbul and want a tour guide do not pass over Velena Tour their service and staff are outstanding.

2 people found this helpful
Operator response

Thank you so much for this detailed and thoughtful review. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed both your Old City tour and sunset cruise with Velena Travel. It is wonderful to know that the booking process, communication, pickup arrangements, and overall organization met your expectations. We are especially pleased that Aysenur made the day informative and enjoyable with her knowledge, attention, and detailed explanations throughout the tour. We are also glad you enjoyed the historical sites, the rooftop lunch experience, and the benefit of exploring Istanbul in such a small group. Your kind words about our team and service mean a great deal to us. Thank you for choosing Velena Travel for two of your Istanbul experiences and for recommending us so highly. We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back to Istanbul again in the future.

5
52PaulK52
September 18, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Perfect one day tour to see everything

We had a great private tour seeing the main sites.Myself my wife and two friends.Murat our local guide was very very knowledgeable but also extremely accommodating so plenty times for breaks/ lunch along the way.This meant that we were able to go at our own pace. Thanks Murat !

3 people found this helpful
Operator response

Thank you very much for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed your private tour and appreciated the flexibility to explore Istanbul at your own pace. It’s especially nice to know that Murat’s knowledge, professionalism, and accommodating approach made the experience even more enjoyable for you, your wife, and your friends. We’ll be very happy to share your kind words with Murat. Thank you again for choosing us, and we hope to welcome you back to Istanbul in the future!

K
K2374DEvirginiap
September 18, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Great experience and a memorable one

I love this company, this is my second time doing Tours with then (4 tours) in total, Murat is the best, I request him every single time, he’s knowledgeable, friendly, patient and amazing. I really recommend this company. Don’t forget to ask for MURAT won’t disappoint. The Best tour guide.

2 people found this helpful
Operator response

Thank you so much for your incredible review and, most importantly, for choosing us again and again! It means a great deal to know that you have joined us for four tours and continue to trust our team for your experiences in Istanbul. We’re especially happy to hear your wonderful comments about Murat. His knowledge, patience, friendliness, and dedication to our guests are truly appreciated, and we will make sure he sees your kind words. Thank you for your continued support and recommendation. We look forward to welcoming you back for tour number five!

K
K7650SLsalimm
August 3, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Best

Best service and Melih is very polite and Nice person

2 people found this helpful
Operator response

Thank you very much for your kind review! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the service. We’ll be especially happy to share your lovely words with Melih. Your appreciation means a lot to us, and we hope to welcome you on board again in the future!

L
Lawrence B
June 22, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
AMAZING NEHED!!

NEHED WAS AWESOME!Very knowledgeable, friendly and patient. I would recommend her wholeheartedly to anyone visiting Istanbul. Teşekkürler very much Nehed! Harikaydın!!

1 people found this helpful
Operator response

Thank you very much for your wonderful review and recommendation. We are delighted to hear that Nehed made your Istanbul experience so special with her knowledge, friendliness, and patience. We will be very happy to share your kind words with her. Teşekkürler, and we hope to welcome you again in Istanbul.

M
martakV8503LS
June 4, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Absolutely worth money we paid

The tour was really fantastic. Murad our guide- full of energy , with great knowledge of culture and history of Stambul not only let us see but also feel the spirit of this vibrant city

4 people found this helpful
Operator response

Thank you very much for your fantastic feedback. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the tour and that Murat’s energy, knowledge of Istanbul’s culture and history helped you feel the true spirit of this vibrant city. Your kind words mean a lot to us, and we hope to welcome you again in Istanbul.

A
Alan_S
April 7, 2026 · via Viator
Our guide was excellent...

Our guide was excellent and gave us an informative and thorough tour. Fatih was a very knowledgeable guide with many insights to Istanbul.

Operator response

Thank you very much for your kind feedback. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the tour and found it informative. It is great to know that Fatih’s knowledge and insights made your experience even more special. We hope to welcome you on board again soon.

$103/ person
5.0(25)
Duration8 hours
LanguagesEN
ConfirmationInstant
Check availability on Viator →
Booked and paid on Viator.com
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

No booking fees from Excurgo
Payment and confirmation are handled by Viator
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