Istanbul Old City in One Day
Daily tours
Istanbul
Overview
Fifteen centuries of the city within a single walk: the Byzantine cathedral that became a mosque, the racecourse of Constantinople, the six minarets of Sultan Ahmed, the palace the Ottoman sultans ruled from for four hundred years, and the Spice Bazaar by the Golden Horn.
Your guide meets you at Galataport and brings you back before your ship sails. The sites sit close together in Sultanahmet, so most of the day is on foot.
The route
- 01
Hagia Sophia
Built in 537 as the cathedral of Constantinople. Visitors see it from the upper gallery, where the mosaics are.
- 02
Hippodrome
The chariot racecourse of the Byzantine capital, with the Egyptian Obelisk and the Serpent Column.
- 03
Blue Mosque
Sultan Ahmed’s mosque and its İznik tiles. Closed to visitors during prayer times.
- 04
Topkapı Palace
Courtyards, the treasury and the Bosphorus terraces of the Ottoman court. Closed on Tuesdays, when your guide adjusts the programme.
- 05
Spice Bazaar
The 17th-century Egyptian Bazaar by the Golden Horn: spices, Turkish delight, dried fruit and tea.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons · Arild Vågen (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Moonik (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Giorgio Galeotti (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Jorge Franganillo (CC BY 4.0)
Arriving by cruise ship?
Send us your ship’s name and the time it docks and sails. Your guide meets you at the port when you come ashore and brings you back one hour before the ship sails.
Included
- Licensed guide in your language
- Transport with pick-up and drop-off
- Entrance fees to the sites on the programme
Not included
- Lunch and drinks
- Personal expenses
- Tips for guide and driver
Good to know
- Shoulders and knees covered for the mosques; women bring a scarf.
- Comfortable shoes: the day is mostly on foot.
- The order of visits follows prayer times and queues on the day.
FAQ
Why is there no price on the page?
The price depends on your group size, the guide language and the date. Send your date and number of guests and we reply with a firm price, usually within a few hours.
Can we change the programme?
Yes. The tour is private, for up to 12 guests, so we can shorten a stop, add one or change the order to suit you.
Can I cancel?
Yes, free of charge up to 3 days before the tour. After that the tour cannot be refunded, unless you send us a doctor’s report.
How do I book?
Send a request through the form, call us or write on WhatsApp. We confirm the guide and the pick-up time in writing.
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