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Private Istanbul Old City Tour: Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque & More

23 Reviews 4.96 out of 5 stars Based on 23 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.
|
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards. Istanbul, Turkey
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from $200 per group (up to 6)

Lowest Price Guarantee
Private Istanbul Old City Tour: Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque & More Image 1
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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 26 (0) days in advance.
5 to 7 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

⭐ OVERVIEW

Discover the historic heart of Istanbul on this private Old City walking tour with a licensed local guide. Explore the most iconic landmarks of the former Byzantine and Ottoman capital including Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace and the famous Grand Bazaar.

This tour offers a relaxed and personalized experience focused on history, culture and storytelling. As this is a private tour, the itinerary can also be customized according to your interests and pace.

⭐ TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore Istanbul’s historic Old City with a licensed local guide
• Visit Hagia Sophia and learn about its 1500-year history
• Discover the beauty of the Blue Mosque
• Walk through the ancient Hippodrome of Constantinople
• Experience the underground marvel of the Basilica Cistern
• Visit Topkapi Palace, residence of Ottoman sultans
• Explore the vibrant atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar
• Flexible itinerary that can be customized to your interests

What's Included

  • Professional Private Guide
  • Lunch
  • Gratuities (suggested)
  • Basilica Cistern
See 4 moreSee 7 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

Binbirdirek
At Meydanı Caddesi, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

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

Hippodrome (pass by)

Once the beating heart of Byzantine social life — imagine a stadium where 100,000 people gathered to cheer chariot races and witness imperial ceremonies. Today, we walk its echoes and uncover stories hidden beneath the stones.
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Blue Mosque

An architectural gem blending grace and grandeur. With its six minarets and iconic blue tiles, the Blue Mosque isn’t just beautiful — it tells a story of faith, ambition, and artistic mastery.
Read more

35 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Basilica Cistern

A mysterious underground world right beneath your feet. We’ll admire the entrance and talk about how this 6th-century water reservoir kept the city alive — and how Medusa ended up at the bottom!
Read more

40 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

A church, a mosque, a museum, and again a mosque — Hagia Sophia is a mirror of Istanbul’s soul. From outside, we’ll explore its epic transformations and its powerful symbolism across empires.
Read more

45 minutes Admission Ticket Free

TopkapI Palace

This was no ordinary palace — it was the center of Ottoman power for over 400 years. From the outside, we’ll talk about sultans, secrets, and the centuries of drama that unfolded behind its walls.
Read more

1 hour 30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. With thousands of shops and historic streets, it has been the center of trade and commerce in Istanbul for centuries and remains one of the most vibrant places in the city.
Read more

40 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Show 5 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Private Istanbul Old City Tour: Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque & More?

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). 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-352903P1

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.96
23 reviews

Average 4.96 out of 5 stars based on 23 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
22
4 stars
1
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 26 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)

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 Private Istanbul Old City Tour: Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque & More?
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).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Professional Private Guide.
The following is NOT included:
  • Lunch.
  • Gratuities (suggested).
  • Basilica Cistern.
  • Hagia Sophia.
  • TopkapI Palace.
  • No pick up services with any vehicle.
  • Air-conditioned vehicle.
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 Private Istanbul Old City Tour: Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque & More is as follows:

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
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 Private Istanbul Old City Tour: Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque & More 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

  • Professional Private Guide
  • Lunch
  • Gratuities (suggested)
  • Basilica Cistern
  • Hagia Sophia
  • TopkapI Palace
  • No pick up services with any vehicle
  • Air-conditioned vehicle

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Report Product Issue

Activity name