City Balloon Tours
Language $Currency
Login / Sign up
Bookings
Bookings
Wallet
$0.00
Wishlists
Wishlists
Rewards Rewards
Gift cards
Profile
Help Center
Language
Log out
Things To Do Things To Do Top 10 Top 10 City Tours City Tours Swamp Tours Swamp Tours Steamboat Natchez Steamboat Natchez Gift Cards Gift Cards Rewards Rewards Groups Groups FAQ FAQ Contact Contact
Start your search
Change your search
Place or activity
Select Dates
You booked this experience
You're departing on
Google Calendar
Apple Calendar
Microsoft Outlook
Make your trip unforgettable

Guided Istanbul Old City Tour (Full-Day)

5 Reviews 4.80 out of 5 stars Based on 5 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 100% of reviewers
100% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
| Istanbul, Turkey
Book online or call us

from $158.43 per person

Lowest Price Guarantee
Guided Istanbul Old City Tour (Full-Day) Image 1
Guided Istanbul Old City Tour (Full-Day) Image 2
Guided Istanbul Old City Tour (Full-Day) Image 3
Guided Istanbul Old City Tour (Full-Day) Image 4
Guided Istanbul Old City Tour (Full-Day) Image 5
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 31 (0) days in advance.
5 to 6 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

This fullday tour of Istanbul visits sites in the historic area of Istanbul.

- Hagia Sophia an important Byzantine structure in Istanbul and one of the world’s great monuments.
- Sultanahmet Mosque is known as the Blue Mosque because of blue tiles surrounding the walls of interior design. (Closed on Friday)
- The Topkapi Palace once served as the main residence and administrative headquarters of the powerful sultans of the Ottoman Empire during. (Closed on Tuesday)
- Hippodrome of Constantinople, located in Sultanahmet/Istanbul, was a public arena mainly for chariot races.- Hippodrome
- The Grand Bazaar built in the 15th century, is the oldest covered market in the world. (Closed on Sunday)

What's Included

  • Pick up from your hotel
  • Return transfer to your hotel
  • Transportation in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking coach
  • Personal expenses: Lunches, extras at hotel or additional meals
  • Hagia Sophia entry fee
  • Tipping: Tips for guides and drivers
See 3 moreSee 4 more

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
Pickup details

We will pick you up from the your hotel.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
Read more

Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

The Hagia Sophia that you can visit today was the primary church of Byzantine Constantinople and was built upon the site of two earlier churches that had been destroyed. Emperor Justinian I (527-565) commissioned the project and had materials brought in from all around his empire for the massive church’s construction. The Hagia Sophia was the most important church of the Christian East. Structurally, it was the first of its design and boasted the largest dome that had yet been engineered which provided a voluminous and well illuminated interior. After Constantinople fell to the Ottomans in 1453, the Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque and was used as such throughout the Ottoman period. Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the modern Turkish Republic’s most revered founding father and its first Prime Minister, initiated the process to have the Hagia Sophia transformed into a museum which opened for visitors in February 1935.
Read more

1 hour Admission Ticket Free

TopkapI Palace

TOPKAPI PALACE The great palace of the Ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries housing an exquisite collection of cyrstal, silver, and Chinese porcelain, robes worn by the sultans and their families, the famous jewels of the Imperial Treasury, miniatures, the Holy Mantle; enshrining relics of the Prophet Mohammed.
Read more

2 hours Admission Ticket Included

Blue Mosque

This mosque was built by Sultan Ahmet I between 1609 and 1616 and is located in the district of old Istanbul that is named after this Ottoman Sultan and it is distinguished by its six slender minarets. The central dome is 43 m in height and 33.4 m in diameter and there are 260 stained glass windows throughout the mosque. Due to the intricately decorated blue, green and red tiles of its interior, it has long been referred to as the Blue Mosque. These tiles, produced and painted by hand in Iznik (ancient Nicaea), are an attraction in and of themselves. The Quranic inscriptions that you will see throughout the mosque were made by Seyyid Kasım Gubari, one of the most famous calligraphers of his time.
Read more

30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Hippodrome

The ancient Hippodrome was the center of Byzantine social life and the scene of fiercely competitive chariot races. It was located in the square that is now in front of the Blue Mosque and is still the site of ancient relics from its glory days. These are the Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column, and the Column of Constantine. Remains of the curved end of the Hippodrome wall can be seen on the southwest side of the three monuments.
Read more

20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Grand Bazaar

Your guide will then take you to the GRAND SPICE BAZAAR In this labyrinth of streets and passages are more then 4,000 shops with each trade having its own area: the goldsmiths' street, the carpet sellers, Turkish arts and crafts, such as handpainted ceramic plates, hand-honed copperware, brassware and trays, water ewers, onyx-ware and meerschaum pipes. After your tour, transfer back to your hotel.
Read more

2 hours Admission Ticket Free

Show 4 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 14 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Guided Istanbul Old City Tour (Full-Day)?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (+03).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-19104P20

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.80
5 reviews

Average 4.80 out of 5 stars based on 5 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
4
4 stars
1
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 31 (0) days in advance.
Istanbul Tours
Attractions
Guides
Calendar
View more

Similar Tours & Activities

Half Day Afternoon Istanbul Sultanahmet And Hagia Sophia Tour
4.6 (9)

Half Day Afternoon Istanbul Sultanahmet And Hagia Sophia Tour

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks with the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Hippodrome Tour. Start your adventure at the Hagia...

4 to 5 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.6 (9)
from
$68
Taksim to Galata Walking Tour: Secret Passages & Local Hangouts
5.0 (17)

Taksim to Galata Walking Tour: Secret Passages & Local Hangouts

An interesting and entertaining afternoon walk down the Istiklal Street. Get insider look at the life beyond the main street, interesting historical highlights while zigzags...

3 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (17)
from
$34
Ephesus & Virgin Mary Day Trip from Istanbul with Flights
5.0 (4)

Ephesus & Virgin Mary Day Trip from Istanbul with Flights

Fly from Istanbul for a seamless, fully organized Private Ephesus Day Tour with round-trip flights. After landing in Izmir, meet your licensed guide and explore...

14 to 18 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (4)
from
$535
Chora Church Museum Skip-the-Ticket-Line Entry with Audio Guide
3.8 (9)

Chora Church Museum Skip-the-Ticket-Line Entry with Audio Guide

The Chora Church Museum, also known as Kariye Mosque, is one of Istanbul’s finest examples of Byzantine art. Built in the 4th century and richly...

2 hours Free Cancellation
3.8 (9)
from
$33
Half Day Afternoon Istanbul Sultanahmet And Hagia Sophia Tour

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks with the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Hippodrome Tour. Start your adventure at the Hagia …More

4.6 (9)

Half Day Afternoon Istanbul Sultanahmet And Hagia Sophia Tour

4.6 (9)

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks with the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Hippodrome Tour. Start your adventure at the Hagia...

4 to 5 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.6 (9)
from
$68
Taksim to Galata Walking Tour: Secret Passages & Local Hangouts

An interesting and entertaining afternoon walk down the Istiklal Street. Get insider look at the life beyond the main street, interesting historical highlights while zigzags …More

5.0 (17)

Taksim to Galata Walking Tour: Secret Passages & Local Hangouts

5.0 (17)

An interesting and entertaining afternoon walk down the Istiklal Street. Get insider look at the life beyond the main street, interesting historical highlights while zigzags...

3 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (17)
from
$34
Ephesus & Virgin Mary Day Trip from Istanbul with Flights

Fly from Istanbul for a seamless, fully organized Private Ephesus Day Tour with round-trip flights. After landing in Izmir, meet your licensed guide and explore …More

5.0 (4)

Ephesus & Virgin Mary Day Trip from Istanbul with Flights

5.0 (4)

Fly from Istanbul for a seamless, fully organized Private Ephesus Day Tour with round-trip flights. After landing in Izmir, meet your licensed guide and explore...

14 to 18 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (4)
from
$535
Chora Church Museum Skip-the-Ticket-Line Entry with Audio Guide

The Chora Church Museum, also known as Kariye Mosque, is one of Istanbul’s finest examples of Byzantine art. Built in the 4th century and richly …More

3.8 (9)

Chora Church Museum Skip-the-Ticket-Line Entry with Audio Guide

3.8 (9)

The Chora Church Museum, also known as Kariye Mosque, is one of Istanbul’s finest examples of Byzantine art. Built in the 4th century and richly...

2 hours Free Cancellation
3.8 (9)
from
$33

Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

Bosphorus Cruise Boat Tour in Istanbul
Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out
4.8 (1,049)

Bosphorus Cruise Boat Tour in Istanbul

Discover the beauty of Istanbul on a relaxing Bosphorus Cruise Tour and enjoy spectacular views from the water as you sail between Europe and Asia....

1 to 2 hours Free Cancellation
4.8 (1,049)
from
$7
Istanbul E-pass: Top Istanbul Attractions with Skip The Ticket Line
4.9 (1,420)

Istanbul E-pass: Top Istanbul Attractions with Skip The Ticket Line

Istanbul E-pass is a fully digital sightseeing pass that covers over 100 top Istanbul Attractions. Choose your E-pass 1,2,3,5 or 7 days and enjoy the...

1 to 7 days Free Cancellation
4.9 (1,420)
from
$143
Istanbul Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show & Exhibition
4.1 (437)

Istanbul Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show & Exhibition

Discover the history and culture of the famous Whirling Dervishes during this 1-hour at Istanbul’s Hodjapasha. Wander the Whirling Dervishes’ museum and learn about their...

1 hour Free Cancellation
4.1 (437)
from
$26
Istanbul Mega Lufer Dinner Cruise Bosphorus and Show Pvt Table
4.7 (2,614)

Istanbul Mega Lufer Dinner Cruise Bosphorus and Show Pvt Table

With the magical view of the Bosphorus, the historical silhouette of Istanbul, the sea and the unique beauty of the night, we are at your...

3 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.7 (2,614)
from
$32
Bosphorus Cruise Boat Tour in Istanbul

Discover the beauty of Istanbul on a relaxing Bosphorus Cruise Tour and enjoy spectacular views from the water as you sail between Europe and Asia. …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out
4.8 (1,049)

Bosphorus Cruise Boat Tour in Istanbul

4.8 (1,049)

Discover the beauty of Istanbul on a relaxing Bosphorus Cruise Tour and enjoy spectacular views from the water as you sail between Europe and Asia....

1 to 2 hours Free Cancellation
4.8 (1,049)
from
$7
Istanbul E-pass: Top Istanbul Attractions with Skip The Ticket Line

Istanbul E-pass is a fully digital sightseeing pass that covers over 100 top Istanbul Attractions. Choose your E-pass 1,2,3,5 or 7 days and enjoy the …More

4.9 (1,420)

Istanbul E-pass: Top Istanbul Attractions with Skip The Ticket Line

4.9 (1,420)

Istanbul E-pass is a fully digital sightseeing pass that covers over 100 top Istanbul Attractions. Choose your E-pass 1,2,3,5 or 7 days and enjoy the...

1 to 7 days Free Cancellation
4.9 (1,420)
from
$143
Istanbul Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show & Exhibition

Discover the history and culture of the famous Whirling Dervishes during this 1-hour at Istanbul’s Hodjapasha. Wander the Whirling Dervishes’ museum and learn about their …More

4.1 (437)

Istanbul Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show & Exhibition

4.1 (437)

Discover the history and culture of the famous Whirling Dervishes during this 1-hour at Istanbul’s Hodjapasha. Wander the Whirling Dervishes’ museum and learn about their...

1 hour Free Cancellation
4.1 (437)
from
$26
Istanbul Mega Lufer Dinner Cruise Bosphorus and Show Pvt Table

With the magical view of the Bosphorus, the historical silhouette of Istanbul, the sea and the unique beauty of the night, we are at your …More

4.7 (2,614)

Istanbul Mega Lufer Dinner Cruise Bosphorus and Show Pvt Table

4.7 (2,614)

With the magical view of the Bosphorus, the historical silhouette of Istanbul, the sea and the unique beauty of the night, we are at your...

3 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.7 (2,614)
from
$32

Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Guided Istanbul Old City Tour (Full-Day)?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (+03).
  • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Pick up from your hotel.
  • Return transfer to your hotel.
  • Transportation in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking coach.
  • Topkapı Palace entry fee.
  • Guided Full Day Istanbul City Tour.
  • Professional English-speaking tour guide.
The following is NOT included:
  • Personal expenses: Lunches, extras at hotel or additional meals.
  • Hagia Sophia entry fee.
  • Tipping: Tips for guides and drivers.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?
A:

This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Guided Istanbul Old City Tour (Full-Day) is as follows:

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Guided Istanbul Old City Tour (Full-Day) will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

Oct 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • Pick up from your hotel
  • Return transfer to your hotel
  • Transportation in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking coach
  • Topkapı Palace entry fee
  • Guided Full Day Istanbul City Tour
  • Professional English-speaking tour guide
  • Personal expenses: Lunches, extras at hotel or additional meals
  • Hagia Sophia entry fee
  • Tipping: Tips for guides and drivers

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 14 travelers

Report Product Issue

Activity name