Expert licensed guides, small group experience, and zero tourist traps. We focus on real history, local insights, and skip-the-script storytelling through Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks.
Tour Options
With Private Transportation
Mercedes Sprinter
Without Transportation
Itinerary
20 min
The Hippodrome; Serpentine Column, Egyptian Column, Tiled Column, German Fountain
30 min
Sultanahmet / The Blue Mosque
Admission not included60 min
You will visit the Hagia Sophia Museum
Admission not included60 min
Deraliye Restaurant has a unique menu, but you can also eat at other restaurants in the area if you wish. (Your restaurant bill is not included in the tour fee.)
Admission not included120 min
You will visit the Topkapi Palace and see the artifacts from Ottoman era, sacred leavings for muslim travellers, The Spoonmakers Diamond, the Harem
Admission included45 min
Before visiting the Grand Bazaar, you'll be briefed on Turkish carpets, the most important and well-known product of Turkish culture. Afterward, you'll likely want to own one yourself.
Note: Wherever you shop, make sure the carpet you're buying is genuine Turkish.
15 min
You can bid farewell to your guide to visit the world's oldest and largest bazaar.
Note: If there's a particular item you're looking for, you can ask your guide for assistance.
Highlights
Drinks, during the the Lecture in Istanbul Handy Craft Center
Guiding Service
What's included
Included
Drinks, during the the Lecture in Istanbul Handy Craft Center
Guiding Service
Not included
Lunch
Private transportation
Museum Entrance Fees
Traveller Ratings
5.0
10 reviews
5
10
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0
Important Information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Not recommended for travelers with walking problems (approx. 10-15K steps)
Frequently asked questions
How long does Old City Istanbul: Full-Day Tour with Licensed Guide take?
Old City Istanbul: Full-Day Tour with Licensed Guide lasts about 5–8 hours. The itinerary has 7 stops.
How much does Old City Istanbul: Full-Day Tour with Licensed Guide cost?
Prices start at $250 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.
Can I cancel Old City Istanbul: Full-Day Tour with Licensed Guide for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
What languages is Old City Istanbul: Full-Day Tour with Licensed Guide offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 12 travellers can book together.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Old City Istanbul: Full-Day Tour with Licensed Guide worth it?
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 10 verified reviews; it is run by Upper Crust Tours. Most-mentioned highlights: Drinks, during the the Lecture in Istanbul Handy Craft Center; Guiding Service.
Reviews(10)
K
kainath916
October 2, 2025
It was a good experience
Tour highlights: Visits to Topkapi Palace, and Bosphorus cruise.
Guide experience: Knowledgeable and friendly, explained historical and cultural context well.
Logistics: Smooth transport and well-organized schedule, though some spots felt a little rushed.
Group size: Comfortable number of people, made it easy to interact and ask questions.
Food experience: Authentic Turkish meals provided kebabs and baklava were a must-try.
Operator response
Thanks for your kind feedback. Glad to hear them from you.
9
949hinar
August 2, 2025
The program offered a perfect blend of structured itineraries and freedom to explore.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable travel experience that seamlessly connects you to the heart of 6 stunning cities, look no further than Upper crust tours by Akif, the best of the best tour guide program!This exceptional service truly lives up to its name offering a friendly and knowledgeable guide who transforms every moment in a delightful adventure.I will be travelling again and revisit my favourite spots.
Operator response
Thanks for your feedback, means a lot! Hope to meet in a near future again!
9
905arishk
September 27, 2022
Perfecttt!!!
I have reserved their services and I do not regret a single penny I gave them. They are very professional at what they do. Will definitely reserve their services again.
U
umairb91
September 27, 2022
SIMPLY SUPERB!!
Outstanding service. Very professional, super efficient and will go the extra mile to ensure their clients get the best out of their trip with adding additional sites in the itinerary where possible at no additional cost. Always made sure we're ahead of schedule to explore a little more. Could not be more happier with the service.
5
571anilar
September 26, 2022
An amazing trip with upper crust tours
- [ ] t was simply an amazing experience of travelling with upper crust tours. Mr. Akif who led the group was highly professional and made our trip memorable. I highly recommend to plan your vacations through upper crust as each minute of your leisure time matters and one should return with fresh mind and positive energies from one’s vacation. Keep up the great work upper crust team.
2
243komals
September 25, 2022
Good trip
Had a very good experience with upper crust tours, from airport transfers to accommodation, comprehensive guidance to shopping, Mr. Akif is a lovely man who made our experience wonderful and memorable
M
mwaleedraza
September 25, 2022
One finest trip
Just wow, whole upper crust team is very lovely & specially Mr Akif is such a gentleman. I planned 11 days family trip to turkey and it went amazing.
Highly recommended, Keep doing good work
S
sheikhmubashirs
September 25, 2022
Excellent service, 100% recommend
Best person to travel with, an absolutely amazing and friendly host. Me and my wife had the best time travelling with them, everything is managed really well and they are super accomodating 👌
F
fatimafV4217QG
September 25, 2022
Turkey - 10 Day Tour
One word….just FABULOUS!! It was beyond our expectations. Akif knows his job well and covered all possible pain points for everyone on the tour. It is very evident that he has a passion for his work and understands the needs of all the travellers. All requirements were accommodated very nicely and communication was transparent all throughout the trip. I would highly recommend his services. I must say it was one of the best and comfortable trips we ever had. I will definitely consider hiring their service in the future for myself and my family.
K
KiaAddison
September 24, 2022
Guided Tour Of Istanbul
I was fortunate enough to travel to Turkiye this summer with a group of friends, it was something we'd been planning for months now. We stumbled across this quaint little company called Upper Crust Tours and decided to give it a shot because we'd heard of all the difficulties first time travelers encounter and we didn't want to deal with any of that.
I, for one, am so glad we decided to go with this travel company, it was hands down the best experience we've ever had while traveling and that's saying something because most of my friends circle has traveled extensively.
The owner himself, a charming man with a vibrant personality, Mehmet Akif, was with us for most of the tour, despite having a tour guide present.
It was a wonderful experience, I had no idea a city could be this alive and vibrant, from the moment we arrived at the airport right till the moment we were whisked away to catch our flight at the end of an oh-so-short week, every moment was memorable. We had clearly laid out our expectations about what we wanted from our trip, and Mr Akif went above and beyond those to see that we were fully satisfied.
I was worried we would have some unpleasant experiences based on the reviews left by other travelers but I'm glad to say my fears were unfounded. We were a group of 5 ladies travelling from the Pacific NorthWest, and I have never felt safer than I did when I was over here.
I rarely leave reviews, but this time I felt I just had to. If anyone is looking for a travel company to book their next adventure with, give Upper Crust a go, I can assure you with certainty you won't regret it!
Operator response
Glad to hear that from you,
Thank you very much
M. Akif SUKUR
Compare similar tours in Istanbul
Tour
Duration
Rating
Price
Old City Istanbul: Full-Day Tour with Licensed Guide