• Private and Luxury
  • Historical Tours
  • Excellent Quality
  • Additional fees

Small-Group Istanbul Old City Highlights Guided Tour

4.9(66 reviews)Istanbul, TurkeyOperated by Israfil Oncel Tours - Licensed Istanbul Guide
  • Duration3 hours
  • GroupShared · max 10
  • TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
  • LanguagesEnglish
  • BookingInstant confirmation

About this activity

This tour is mainly for first-time visitors of Istanbul, offering a comprehensive exploration of the city's gems.

It serves as a great introduction to Istanbul, providing a deeper visit to significant historical attractions than the usual tourist routes.

You'll experience a personalized tour where questions are welcome, and have the opportunity to discover hidden gems, gaining a better understanding of the city in this carefully tailored one-day experience.

As a licensed tour guide with seven years of experience, a language teacher, and a PhD candidate student of art philosophy, I'm here to accompany you on your Istanbul journey for a few hours.

What to expect

3 hours6 stopsShared tourMax 10 travellers
  1. German Fountain

    Hippodrome Square, Istanbul, 34122, Turkiye

    15 minutes

    This is our meeting point and the starting point of the tour. We will begin with a brief introduction, including general information about Istanbul, the historic Hippodrome, and the sites included in the itinerary.

  2. Blue Mosque

    Sultanahmet Mah At Meydani Cad No 7, Istanbul, 34122, Turkiye

    45 minutes

    The Blue Mosque in Istanbul, also known by its official name, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Turkish: Sultan Ahmet Camii), is an Ottoman-era historical imperial mosque located in Istanbul, Turkey. It was constructed between 1609 and 1617 during the rule of Ahmed I and remains a functioning mosque today.

  3. Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

    Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya MeydanI No:1, Istanbul, 34122, Turkiye

    25 minutes

    Only OUTER visit. Due to the new regulations by the Ministerry of Tourism, tour guides are not allowed to give explanations inside of Hagia Sophia since 15th of January 2024. And additionally there is no skip the line for tour guides anymore. That's why our visit to Hagia Sophia will be only outer explanation. The Hagia Sophia Mosque is a true masterpiece of Byzantine architecture and a significant symbol of history and culture. It is known for its Grand Central Dome, intricate mosaics, and delicate stonework. Hagia Sophia's history spans 1500 years. Once a Church, then a Museum, and now a Mosque, the monument has witnessed the rise and fall of several dynasties.

  4. Caferaga Medresesi

    Caferiye Sk. Sogukkuyu Cikmazi No:5, Istanbul, Turkiye

    30 minutes

    A 300 hundreds years old muslim school. This is the place where we will have a tea break and talk about the prolific architect of Ottoman Era. The place serves as a centre for some Turkish handcraft arts where youı can see some good example of this arts.

  5. Basilica Cistern

    Yerebatan Caddesi, No:1/3, Istanbul, 34410, Turkiye

    25 minutesAdmission not included

    Skip the line. Entrance fee is 2250 Turkish Lira per person and is not included in the tour price. To AVOID the long wait please bring cash (only in Turkish Lira) A water storage dates back to the 6th century which has a spectacular sample of Roman architecture.

  6. Grand Bazaar

    Istanbul, Turkiye

    30 minutes

    Grand Bazaar! A market with more than 500 years of history, 64 streets, 21 gates, and more than 4,000 shops. Not only a shopping mall but also a manufacturing center. A place where you can lose yourself in history and mystery. That is the most significant and oldest market in the world. Closed on Sundays! We will visit Spice market on Sundays.

Pickup & meeting point

There is no pickup — all travellers meet at the start point.

Start

Our meeting point is GERMAN FOUNTAIN (Alman Çeşmesi in Turkish language) located in the heart of the main tourist area of Istanbul. It is just one minute away from Sultan Ahmet Tramway station.

End

Our tour ends at Grand Bazaar.

What's included

Included

  • Guiding fee

Not included

  • Entrance fee for Basilica Cistern

Good to know

Accessibility & suitability

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • 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
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Traveller requirements

  • Minimum 1 traveller per booking
  • Maximum 15 travellers per booking
  • Age bands: Infant (0–5), Child (6–12), Youth (13–17), Adult (18–60), Senior (61–95)

Languages

Guide
English

Cancellation policy

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

  • 1+ days before100% refund
  • 0–1 days before0% refund
  • This experience requires good weather. If it's cancelled due to poor weather, you'll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Important booking information

Confirmation
Confirmed immediately after booking.
Tickets
One per booking
Local time zone
Europe/Istanbul
Product code
360032P1

What you'll be asked when booking

  • Any special requirements

Traveller reviews

4.9/ 566 reviews
  • 565
  • 11

Ratings aggregated from Viator (28) and Tripadvisor (38).

Ready to book Small-Group Istanbul Old City Highlights Guided Tour?

From EUR 39 per person · Free cancellation available

Check dates & book

Activity information provided by Viator, an authorized travel partner. Gateera does not operate this activity.

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