Guided Istanbul Old City Tour
Exploring Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Heritages. Embark on a full-day private tour of Istanbul with a tour guide. Visit iconic landmarks such as Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, the Basilica Cistern, Grand Bazaar.
Service Provider: Romos Travel
Service Details
Guided Istanbul Old City Tour
A Timeless Journey Private Guided Istanbul Tour.
A Walk Through History Istanbul’s historical significance spans centuries, serving as the capital for several empires:
Roman Empire (330–395)
Byzantine Empire (395–1204 and 1261–1453)
Latin Empire (1204–1261)
Ottoman Empire (1453–1922)
Founded by Emperor Constantine the Great, Istanbul—then called Constantinople—became the new capital of the Roman Empire. Its unique location bridging Europe and Asia has made it a cultural and historical crossroads. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, the city is home to remarkable monuments from its Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman past.
Istanbul is a living museum, blending ancient heritage with modern charm. From majestic mosques and palaces to bustling bazaars and historical landmarks, a private guided tour offers an in-depth exploration of this extraordinary city.
Tour Highlights:
The Hippodrome: Once a grand U-shaped stadium for chariot races, this historic site could host 100,000 spectators. While much of it is no longer standing, key monuments remain, including the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpent Column, and the Constantine Column.
The Blue Mosque: Also known as the Sultanahmet Mosque, this architectural masterpiece was built by Sultan Ahmet between 1609 and 1616. Its stunning interior is adorned with over 20,000 blue Iznik tiles, lending it its nickname.
Topkapi Palace: A hub of political and cultural life during the Ottoman Empire, this grand palace was home to sultans and their courts. Built in the 15th century by Sultan Mehmet II, it is now a museum showcasing Ottoman artifacts and treasures.
Hagia Sophia: Constructed by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century, this awe-inspiring structure was the largest cathedral in the world for centuries. It later served as a mosque during the Ottoman period and a museum in the 20th century. In 2020, Hagia Sophia was reconverted into a mosque and remains a symbol of Istanbul’s rich history.
The Grand Bazaar: This vibrant marketplace is one of the largest and oldest covered bazaars in the world, with over 4,000 shops spread across 61 streets. It offers everything from jewelry and carpets to ceramics and spices. Let your guide assist you in finding the perfect Turkish keepsake.
Tour Highlights
Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya Mosque), Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar
Why Book This Service
· Immerse yourself in the rich history of Istanbul on a private guided tour, exploring the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman heritage that makes the city a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
· Walk through the historic Hippodrome, once a grand chariot-racing arena, and see ancient relics such as the Egyptian Obelisk, Serpent Column, and Constantine Columns.
· Marvel at the architectural splendor of the Blue Mosque, famous for its stunning blue tiles and historic significance as an Ottoman imperial mosque.
· Discover the grandeur of Topkapi Palace, the heart of the Ottoman Empire, with its opulent rooms, courtyards, and intriguing stories of royal life.
· Visit the iconic Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Roman and Ottoman architecture, and learn about its transformation from a cathedral to a mosque and now a functioning mosque again.
· Explore the vibrant Grand Bazaar, the world’s oldest covered market, where you can shop for unique Turkish art, carpets, jewelry, and local crafts, guided by an expert who ensures an enriching experience.
What's Included
- Full Day Private Professional Tour Guide
Please Note
- This is a full-day walking tour with cobblestone streets and some inclines. Wear comfortable shoes to enjoy the experience without discomfort.
- Women should bring a scarf to cover their hair.
- Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays. Basilica Cistern will be replaced.
- The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays. Spice Bazaar will be replaced.
Meeting Point
At your Hotel
Cancellation Details
Booking can be cancelled up to 3 day(s) before the tour start.
11 reviews for Guided Istanbul Old City Tour
Tour Pictures from Travelers
Impressive private tour with an expert guide! From Sultanahmet’s hidden mosaics to the intricate calligraphy in Hagia Sophia and then jumping into the Grand Bazaar’s timeless chaos, we soaked up centuries of culture. The guide’s local anecdotes about daily life in old Istanbul added warmth to each stop.
A thoroughly informative half-day tour! We covered Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, and Topkapi Palace—all narrated with depth and enthusiasm. Guide handled tickets and logistics smoothly, making the day both relaxed and rich.
Our guided Old City tour was truly enlightening! Starting at the majestic Hagia Sophia, our guide shared Byzantine and Ottoman stories that brought history to life. We then wandered the Blue Mosque’s serene courtyard, explored the atmospheric Basilica Cistern, and ended at Topkapi Palace with breathtaking views of the Bosphorus. Seamless pacing, skip-the-line access, and a heartfelt storytelling approach—can’t recommend it highly enough.
Great way to orient in the Old City—museum quality guide!
Nice tour—Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque were top highlights.
Great tour—Hagia Sophia’s scale was breathtaking, and the guide’s insight into Ottoman vs Byzantine eras was fascinating. Stopped at a local café for Turkish coffee mid-tour—nice touch!
Bright and engaging guide. Loved learning about the sultans and skylines of Istanbul’s past.
Well-organized half-day tour hitting all essentials. Loved the skip-the-line feel!
Excellent guide and seamless itinerary. The Old City’s landmarks felt more alive with history and stories.
Enjoyed every moment: Blue Mosque’s grandeur, the cistern’s cool water atmosphere, and Topkapi’s imperial chambers. Well-paced and enriching!