Istanbul Private Half-Day Tour: Old City & Grand Bazaar
Overview
Discover the highlights of Istanbul’s historic Old City on a private half-day tour with a licensed professional guide. Ideal for first-time visitors, cruise passengers, and travelers with limited time, this experience offers a personal and flexible way to explore the city’s most iconic landmarks.
* Explore Istanbul’s historic heart, including Sultanahmet Square, the Byzantine Hippodrome, Hagia Sophia, and the Blue Mosque.
* Discover Byzantine and Ottoman history through fascinating stories and insights shared by your professional guide.
* Experience the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets, and discover its centuries-old trading traditions and unique atmosphere.
* Enjoy a flexible private experience tailored to your interests and pace, with time for questions and exploration without the rush of a large group tour.
What's Included
- Private Tour
- Public transportation ( tram )
- Guide meets you at your Hotel, Airbnb or Cruise Port
- Licensed Professional Guide
- Food and drinks
- Museum entrance fees
- Private vehicle
Meeting and Pickup
Your licensed guide will meet you at centrally located Istanbul hotels or at Galataport Cruise Terminal. This is a walking tour and does not include private vehicle transportation. When needed, public transportation such as the tram may be used to save time and avoid Istanbul’s traffic.Grand Bazaar is closed to visitors on Sundays The Blue Mosque is closed until 2:30 PM on Fridays for Friday prayers.
What To Expect
Book Online
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Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- The Blue Mosque is closed to visitors until approximately 2:30 PM on Fridays due to weekly congregational prayers.
- The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays and will be replaced with the Spice Bazaar.
- Modest clothing is required when visiting mosques. Women should cover their hair, shoulders, and knees. Men should avoid shorts above the knee.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- This is primarily a walking tour and involves a moderate amount of walking. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
- During Ramadan Feast and Sacrifice Feast, the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar are closed.
Frequently Asked Questions (8)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Istanbul Private Half-Day Tour: Old City & Grand Bazaar?
Cancellation Policy
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Activity code: C-475269P2
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Reviews
Average 4.95 out of 5 stars based on 20 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
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- 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.
- Private Tour.
- Public transportation ( tram ).
- Guide meets you at your Hotel, Airbnb or Cruise Port.
- Licensed Professional Guide.
- Food and drinks.
- Museum entrance fees.
- Private vehicle.
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 2025There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If 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 2025Accessibility information for the Istanbul Private Half-Day Tour: Old City & Grand Bazaar is as follows:
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Istanbul Private Half-Day Tour: Old City & Grand Bazaar 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 2024Once 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 2026What's Included
- Private Tour
- Public transportation ( tram )
- Guide meets you at your Hotel, Airbnb or Cruise Port
- Licensed Professional Guide
- Food and drinks
- Museum entrance fees
- Private vehicle
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- The Blue Mosque is closed to visitors until approximately 2:30 PM on Fridays due to weekly congregational prayers.
- The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays and will be replaced with the Spice Bazaar.
- Modest clothing is required when visiting mosques. Women should cover their hair, shoulders, and knees. Men should avoid shorts above the knee.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- This is primarily a walking tour and involves a moderate amount of walking. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
- During Ramadan Feast and Sacrifice Feast, the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar are closed.
