Enjoy the captivating history and vibrant culture of Istanbul on this comprehensive full-day tour. Explore the city’s iconic landmarks, including the majestic Sultan Ahmed Mosque, the architectural marvel of Hagia Sophia, and the opulent Topkapi Palace. Wander through the bustling Grand Bazaar, where centuries-old traditions come alive. With an engaging English-speaking guide by your side, you’ll gain insights into the city’s rich Byzantine and Ottoman heritage. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking a memorable cultural experience, this tour promises to enchant and enlighten you. But the true magic lies in the stories waiting to be uncovered…
Key Points

- This full-day Istanbul Old City tour covers key historical sites like the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace.
- The tour includes hotel pickup/drop-off, lunch, and all entry fees, providing a convenient and comprehensive experience.
- Participants can explore the bustling Grand Bazaar and learn about the city’s Byzantine and Ottoman history from a knowledgeable English-speaking guide.
- The tour offers opportunities for memorable photography and the creation of lasting memories of Istanbul’s rich cultural heritage.
- Flexible booking options, including free cancellation and reserve now, pay later, cater to the needs of diverse travelers.
Tour Overview and Pricing

The Istanbul Old City Tour offers a full-day experience exploring the historical sites of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, priced from SEK 2,205 per person.
Over 8 hours, the tour covers key attractions like the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar, and Sultans Tombs.
Participants can enjoy complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off, a delicious lunch, and entry fees.
The tour also comes with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a reserve now and pay later option.
Led by English-speaking guides, the tour provides an insightful look into 2,000 years of history, with opportunities to capture memorable moments along the way.
Want to see more of Istanbul? Other city tours we've reviewed
Tour Highlights

Key highlights of the Istanbul Old City Tour include visiting historical sites from the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, such as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (also known as the Blue Mosque), the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, the Grand Bazaar, the Roman Hippodrome, and the Sultans Tombs.
You’ll explore the iconic Blue Mosque, admiring its beautiful interior and learning about its rich history.
At the Hagia Sophia, you’ll be awestruck by the impressive architecture and impressive dome.
Topkapi Palace offers a glimpse into the opulent lives of the Ottoman sultans.
The bustling Grand Bazaar is a shopper’s paradise, while the Roman Hippodrome and Sultans Tombs provide insight into Istanbul’s fascinating past.
Experience Details
An English-speaking tour guide leads the excursion, providing insightful stories and humor as you explore over 2,000 years of history from the Roman Empire to the Ottoman Empire and Turkish Republic. Participants can capture memorable moments throughout the day-long tour.
The experience includes:
Guided exploration of the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque), Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar, Roman Hippodrome, and Sultans Tombs.
Delicious lunch to fuel your adventure.
Hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a seamless start and end to your day.
Proximity to public transportation, allowing for easy access to the tour’s highlights.
With a focus on immersing you in Istanbul’s rich past, this tour promises an engaging and unforgettable experience.
Inclusions and Exclusions

This Istanbul Old City Tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a delicious lunch, and entry fees to the key historical sites.
However, it excludes personal expenses and tips, as well as any beverages beyond what’s provided during the lunch.
The tour provides convenient transportation, ensuring guests can fully enjoy the rich history and culture without worrying about logistics.
While the tour covers the major highlights, any additional expenses incurred by participants aren’t part of the package.
This straightforward inclusion and exclusion policy allows travelers to budget accordingly and focus on enjoying the comprehensive experience offered by this Istanbul city tour.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyBooking Information
Travelers can check availability and select their preferred starting time for this Istanbul Old City Tour. The tour allows participants to choose their desired date and number of attendees when booking. Guests are kindly requested to wait in their hotel lobby at least 15 minutes before the scheduled pickup time to ensure a smooth start to their sightseeing experience.
The booking process for this tour includes:
Checking availability for desired tour dates and times.
Selecting the number of participants.
Providing hotel details for pickup and drop-off.
Confirming the booking and making the necessary payment.
With these simple steps, travelers can secure their spot on this immersive exploration of Istanbul’s historical gems.
More tours and activities we've covered in Istanbul
- One Day Gallipoli Tour From Istanbul: Lunch Included
- Guided Bosphorus Strait and Black Sea Day Cruise From Istanbul With Lunch
- Istanbul Heritage Tour – Incl. Lunch
- Istanbul Lunch Cruise: Long Circle Bosphorus Cruise up to Black Sea
- Istanbul Princes Island Tour With Lunch & Hotel Transfer
- Full Day Istanbul Old City & Bosphorus Cruise Tour Incl Lunch & Tickets
Historical Sites
The tour takes visitors on a journey through 2,000 years of history, showcasing the most iconic historical sites of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires.
Guests will explore the magnificent Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, marveling at its stunning architecture and intricate interior design.
Next, they’ll venture to the Hagia Sophia, a former cathedral and mosque now transformed into a museum, where they’ll uncover the remarkable religious and architectural evolution of this architectural masterpiece.
The tour also includes visits to the opulent Topkapi Palace, the bustling Grand Bazaar, and the Roman Hippodrome, providing a comprehensive glimpse into Istanbul’s rich cultural and historical legacy.
Guided Tour

A knowledgeable, English-speaking guide leads the tour, regaling visitors with insightful stories and humor that bring the city’s captivating history to life.
The guide offers a rundown of over 2,000 years of history, from the Roman Empire to the Ottoman Empire and the modern Turkish Republic.
Highlights of the guided tour include:
Exploring the magnificent Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, with its stunning interior and iconic architecture.
Marveling at the architectural wonder of the Hagia Sophia, a former Byzantine church and Ottoman mosque now serving as a museum.
Discovering the opulent Topkapi Palace, the primary residence of the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years.
Wandering through the vibrant Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world.
Memorable Moments

Throughout the tour, visitors have the chance to capture unforgettable moments that showcase Istanbul’s rich history and vibrant culture.
From the intricate tile patterns and towering domes of the Blue Mosque to the bustling energy of the Grand Bazaar, the sights and sounds of this ancient city will leave a lasting impression.
Guides encourage guests to take their time, enjoy the experience, and document their journey through photography.
Whether it’s a candid shot of locals haggling at the markets or a breathtaking panorama from the Topkapi Palace, these memorable moments will be cherished long after the tour has ended.
The opportunity to create lasting memories is an integral part of the Istanbul Old City Tour experience.
Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Tour to Visit Specific Sites?
Yes, you can usually customize tours to visit specific sites. However, this may incur additional fees or require a private tour. Check with the tour provider to see if they can accommodate your preferences.
Are There Any Special Dietary Accommodations Available?
Yes, the tour operator offers special dietary accommodations. Guests can request vegetarian, halal, or other dietary needs when booking the tour, and the lunch provided will accommodate those requests.
How Many People Typically Join the Group Tour?
The group size for this tour typically ranges from around 10 to 25 participants. The exact number can vary, but the tour operator give you an intimate and engaging experience for all guests.
What Is the Best Way to Get to the Meeting Point?
The best way to get to the meeting point is via public transportation. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, so guests don’t need to worry about driving or parking. Arriving 15 minutes early is recommended.
Can I Leave the Tour Early if Needed?
Yes, you can leave the tour early if needed. The tour operator typically allows participants to depart at any point during the tour. However, early departure may impact the refund policy or ability to rejoin the group.
The Sum Up
This full-day Istanbul tour offers a deep dive into the city’s storied past.
Visitors will explore iconic landmarks, marvel at stunning architecture, and enjoy the vibrant local culture.
The knowledgeable guide, delicious lunch, and seamless transportation create a well-rounded experience that showcases the best of Istanbul’s old city.
It’s an excellent way to uncover the rich history and beauty of this captivating destination.
You can check if your dates are available here:More City Tours in Istanbul
- Private Old City Tour in Istanbul
- Private Istanbul Tour: Explore the City’s Classics with a Guide
- Byzantian and Ottoman City Tour Museum fees Lunch Inc
- Byzantion Walk Path and City Walls of Istanbul
- Istanbul Express Old City Palaces Mosques and Markets
- Istanbul City Tour W/ Fast Track Basilica Cistern W/ Small Group
More Tours in Istanbul
- 2 Days Cappadocia Highlights Tour from Istanbul by Plane
- Private Guided Istanbul Walking Tour
- 4 Days Istanbul and Cappadocia Luxury Private Tour
- Bosphorus Boat Tour 3 Hour with Asian Side Stop in Istanbul
- Pearls of Turkey – Tour to Cappadocia Pamukkale Laodicea Ephesus
- Private Tour in Istanbul with an Expert Guide
More Tour Reviews in Istanbul
- 2 Days Cappadocia Highlights Tour from Istanbul by Plane
- Private Guided Istanbul Walking Tour
- Istanbul Airport (SAW) Private Transfer to Istanbul Hotels
- 4 Days Istanbul and Cappadocia Luxury Private Tour
- Bosphorus Boat Tour 3 Hour with Asian Side Stop in Istanbul
- Pearls of Turkey – Tour to Cappadocia Pamukkale Laodicea Ephesus
Looking for something different? Other Istanbul activities we've written about
- 2 Days Cappadocia Highlights Tour from Istanbul by Plane
- Private Guided Istanbul Walking Tour
- Istanbul Airport (SAW) Private Transfer to Istanbul Hotels
- 4 Days Istanbul and Cappadocia Luxury Private Tour
- Bosphorus Boat Tour 3 Hour with Asian Side Stop in Istanbul
- Pearls of Turkey – Tour to Cappadocia Pamukkale Laodicea Ephesus
- 2 Days Mount Nemrut, Gobeklitepe and Karahantepe
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise: Turkish Night Show Experience
- Bosphorus Cruise with Breakfast, Sunset and Stop on Asian Side
- Bosphorus Breakfast Cruise
- Traditional Turkish Breakfast on the Bosphorus
- Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise with Turkish Breakfast
