Full-Day Istanbul Old City Walking Tour

Exploring the rich history and stunning architecture of Istanbul’s Sultanahmet district is a must-do for any visitor to the city. The Full-Day Istanbul Old City Walking Tour offers an immersive experience, guiding guests through UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace. Operated by the experienced team at Turkey Insiders, the tour features knowledgeable English-speaking guides, small group sizes, and convenient hotel pickup. Visitors can also enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar, making this a truly comprehensive way to discover Istanbul’s cultural heritage. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder this tour is a popular choice for those seeking to delve deeper into the city’s past.

Contents hide

5 Pricing and Booking

6 Tour Highlights

7 Transportation and Accessibility

8 Cancellation Policy

9 Frequently Asked Questions

Key Points

A comprehensive one-day walking tour of Istanbul’s historic Sultanahmet district, covering UNESCO World Heritage sites like Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace.
The tour is operated by Turkey Insiders, an award-winning tour company, with a maximum group size of 12 for a personalized experience.
Highlights include exploring the architectural wonders of the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, as well as the underground Basilica Cistern and lively Grand Bazaar.
Transportation is provided, with hotel pickup and drop-off included, and the tour is led by an English-speaking guide who provides insightful commentary.
The tour offers flexible booking options, with a base price of $77.46 per person and a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.

Tour Overview

The Istanbul Old City Walking Tour is a full-day experience that immerses visitors in the rich history and cultural heritage of Sultanahmet, the historic district of Istanbul, Turkey.

Operated by Turkey Insiders, this tour has earned a Badge of Excellence with 16 reviews. Priced from $77.46 per person, it accommodates a maximum of 12 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

The tour allows guests to explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the iconic Hagia Sophia Mosque, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, the Basilica Cistern, and the Topkapi Palace, which houses impressive armory, costumes, and crafts.

Plus, visitors can venture into the bustling Grand Bazaar to enjoy the vibrant textile, jewelry, perfume, and spice markets.

Want to dig deeper into Istanbul? We've also reviewed these city tours

Key Attractions

Visitors on the Istanbul Old City Walking Tour can explore a variety of UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia Mosque, the ornate Blue Mosque, the historical Hippodrome, the captivating Basilica Cistern, and the expansive Topkapi Palace, which houses an impressive collection of armory, costumes, and crafts.

The tour also includes a visit to the iconic Grand Bazaar, where travelers can enjoy a vibrant marketplace and browse a vast array of textiles, jewelry, perfumes, and spices.

The knowledgeable tour guide provides insightful commentary, bringing the city’s rich history and cultural heritage to life.

Discover the stunning architecture and intricate details of the Hagia Sophia Mosque and Blue Mosque.
Uncover the hidden secrets of the Basilica Cistern, an underground Byzantine water reservoir.
Explore the opulent Topkapi Palace and admire the impressive collection of imperial treasures.

Inclusions

The Istanbul Old City Walking Tour includes pickup and drop-off from hotels, as well as an English-speaking tour guide to provide insightful commentary throughout the experience.

However, personal expenses and entrance fees aren’t included, and lunch is also not provided as part of the tour. This means visitors will need to bring their own funds to cover any additional costs incurred during the tour, such as entry tickets to the various historical sites or any purchases made at the Grand Bazaar.

Despite these exclusions, the tour still offers a comprehensive exploration of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks, making it a great value-for-money option for those seeking an immersive cultural experience in the heart of the old city.

Meeting and Pickup

The guide meets travelers in the hotel lobby before the tour begins in the historic streets of Istanbul. Pickup points are available for selection, allowing for convenient meeting locations throughout the old city.

Guests can choose from a variety of pickup points across the Sultanahmet district, ensuring a seamless start to the tour.

The guide will provide clear instructions on the meeting location and time, making it easy for participants to find the group.

Once assembled, the tour departs from the hotel or pickup point and ventures into the heart of the Old City, ready to explore the UNESCO World Heritage sites and vibrant Grand Bazaar.

Pricing and Booking

The Istanbul Old City Walking Tour offers pricing that varies based on group size, with a base price of $77.46 per person. Travelers can reserve their spot now and pay later, providing flexibility in the booking process. The tour is operated by Turkey Insiders and has received a Badge of Excellence with 16 positive reviews.

Group Size	Price Per Person
1-4	$77.46
5-8	$70.40
9-12	$65.12

With free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, this full-day walking tour provides an excellent value for exploring Istanbul’s UNESCO World Heritage sites and iconic landmarks.

If you're enjoying exploring Istanbul on foot, you'll love these other walking tours we recommend

Tour Highlights

Spanning across the UNESCO-listed Sultanahmet district, this comprehensive walking tour immerses visitors in Istanbul’s storied past, from the grand Hagia Sophia Mosque to the labyrinthine stalls of the iconic Grand Bazaar.

Travelers will marvel at the Blue Mosque’s stunning blue-tiled interior, explore the subterranean grandeur of the Basilica Cistern, and discover the opulent treasures of Topkapi Palace, including its impressive collection of armory, costumes, and intricate crafts.

Explore the Hagia Sophia Mosque, a stunning architectural masterpiece that has served as both a cathedral and a mosque.
Wander through the sprawling Grand Bazaar, where you can haggle for textiles, jewelry, perfumes, and spices.
Step back in time at the Topkapi Palace, a former Ottoman imperial residence now turned museum.

Transportation and Accessibility

From the hotel lobby, the guide meets guests before leading them on a walking tour through the historic streets of Istanbul’s Sultanahmet district.

Though not wheelchair accessible, the tour can accommodate infant seats, and public transportation options are available nearby for those unable to walk the full distance.

The tour covers a significant amount of ground, with several stops at iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Basilica Cistern.

While personal expenses and entrance fees aren’t included, the tour provides a comprehensive exploration of Istanbul’s Old City, allowing visitors to enjoy the rich culture and history of this captivating destination.

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour’s start time, providing travelers with the flexibility to adjust their plans as needed. This policy allows participants to receive a full refund if they need to cancel their reservation for any reason.

The tour operator, Turkey Insiders, understands that plans can change, and they aim to accommodate their customers’ needs. This cancellation policy is a testament to their commitment to customer satisfaction.

Some key points about the cancellation policy:

Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours prior to the tour start time to qualify for a full refund.
Cancellations made within 24 hours of the tour may not be eligible for a refund.
Customers can easily manage their bookings and cancellations through the tour operator’s website or by contacting their customer service team.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Available in Other Languages Besides English?

The tour is available in English. However, it’s unclear if the tour is offered in other languages. Customers should inquire with the tour operator to determine if translation services or multi-lingual guides are available for their preferred language.

Does the Tour Include Any Food or Drink Options?

The tour does not include any food or drink options. Lunch is not provided, and participants are responsible for their own personal expenses during the tour. However, the tour guide can provide recommendations for local eateries in the area.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Specific Interests?

The tour can be customized to accommodate specific interests. Travelers can request to spend more time at sites related to their interests, such as Ottoman history, architecture, or shopping. The tour guide can tailor the itinerary to the group’s preferences.

What Is the Average Group Size for This Tour?

The maximum group size for this tour is 12 travelers. The tour is operated by Turkey Insiders and typically has smaller group sizes to provide a more personalized experience for participants.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour operator does not appear to offer any specific discounts for students or seniors based on the information provided. Pricing seems to be based on group size, with no mention of reduced rates for certain age groups.