Small Group: Best of Istanbul Tour in Old City
Overview
Small Group: Best of Istanbul Tour in Old City
If you are looking for one of the best small-group tours in Istanbul, join our intimate Old City tour with fellow history lovers.
Led by a licensed local guide, it gives you a unique look at Istanbul's Old City as you discover centuries-old monuments and their rich stories.
On this comprehensive city tour you visit Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the historic Hippodrome, the Basilica Cistern and the lively Grand Bazaar, and learn about the Ottoman Empire and the Middle Ages while admiring the architecture and heritage behind each monument.
Along the way you will see why this city was once the heart of both the Christian and the Islamic worlds.
Tour Info
Itinerary
Small Group: Best of Istanbul Tour in Old City
The tour starts at either 9:00 am or 1:30 pm, depending on the time you choose.
Your guide meets you next to the German Fountain (Alman Cesmesi) in Hippodrome Square, holding a sign with our logo so you can spot them easily.
- Sultanahmet Square: the square where chariot races were held in Roman times. Today you see the German Fountain and three monuments along the central spine of the ancient Hippodrome.
- Blue Mosque: built in the early 1600s for Sultan Ahmed I, a magnificent building. Thousands of blue Iznik tiles give it its popular name, and its six minarets make it instantly recognisable.
- Hagia Sophia: a remarkable blend of Christian and Islamic influences, with beautiful mosaics and a long history. Built in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian, it has played a key role in both the Christian and Islamic worlds.
- Basilica Cistern: step below the streets into a remarkable Byzantine reservoir, where ancient columns, soft lighting and shimmering reflections create an unforgettable atmosphere.
- Grand Bazaar: one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with more than 4,000 shops.
The tour ends at the Grand Bazaar.
This is the end of our service. Thank you for travelling with us; we look forward to welcoming you again.
Important Notes
- A minimum of 4 participants is needed for the tour to run.
- The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays, so on Sundays the tour visits the Spice Market instead and ends there.
- On Fridays the tour runs only at 1:30 pm, because the Blue Mosque is closed to visitors during Friday prayers and reopens after 1:45 pm.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- ✓Small Group Tour
- ✓Licensed Tour Guide
- ✓Skip-the-line Access to Buy Tickets
- ✕Museum Tickets & Attraction Fees
- ✕Meals & Drinks
- ✕Gratuity (Suggested)
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel free of charge up to 7 days before the tour for a full refund. Cancellations within 7 days of the tour are not refundable. All times are local time.