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Once Upon a Time in Istanbul: A Private Old City Tour

58 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 58 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 $19.64 per person

Lowest Price Guarantee
Once Upon a Time in Istanbul: A Private Old City Tour Image 1
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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 24 (0) days in advance.
5 to 7 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

Discover the History of Istanbul with a Local& Licensed Guide!

Join us on a private 5-7 hours journey through Istanbul’s historic Old City. Explore the ancient Hippodrome and the magnificent Blue Mosque (free admission), with optional visits to Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, and Topkapi Palace (entrance tickets are extra). Complete your experience with a walk through the world-famous Grand Bazaar.

Led by a licensed local guide, this personalized experience brings the stories of Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Istanbul to life.

Choose Your Preferred Transportation

Walking Tour: If your hotel is within walking distance of the Old City, your private guide can meet you directly in your hotel lobby. No transportation is needed.

Hotel Pickup & Drop-Off: Staying farther away? Choose our private transfer option. We will pick you up from your hotel and return you to the same location after the tour.

What's Included

  • Blue Mosque and Hippodrome free entrance
  • Private Tour
  • Traditional Turkish Arts & Handcrafted Experiences
  • Lunch Meals and refreshments are not included in the tour price. However, your guide will be happy to recommend local spots if you'd like to take a break during the tour.
  • Museums Entrance Fees
See 3 moreSee 3 more

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point

Included with the option “With Hotel Pickup&Drop-Off”.

Pickup details

Pickup & Meeting Point Information:We offer two convenient options:Walking Tour: If your hotel is within walking distance of the Old City, your private guide can meet you directly in your hotel lobby. No transportation is needed.Hotel Pickup & Drop-Off: If your hotel is farther away, choose our private transfer option. We will pick you up from your hotel by private vehicle and drop you off at the same location after the tour.Please provide your hotel name and address after booking so we can arrange your pickup accordingly.

OR
Meeting point

For the option “Old City Walking Tour”.

Binbirdirek
At Meydanı Cd No:53, 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.

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

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.
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Hippodrome

The Hippodrome was the social and sporting center of the Byzantine Empire, where chariot races, celebrations, and public events took place. Today, you can still see historic monuments such as the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpent Column, and the German Fountain.
Read more

15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Blue Mosque

Built in the early 17th century, the Blue Mosque is famous for its beautiful blue İznik tiles, impressive dome, and six minarets. It remains an active mosque and is one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks.Dress Code: Modest clothing is required. Women should cover their hair, shoulders, and knees. Men should wear clothing below the knees. Scarves are available at the entrance if needed. Children under 12 do not have a strict dress code.
Read more

30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

Built in 537 AD by Emperor Justinian I, Hagia Sophia served as a church, a mosque, a museum, and today is once again a mosque. Famous for its massive dome and unique blend of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture, it is one of the most important landmarks in Istanbul and a symbol of the city’s rich history.Dress Code: Modest clothing is required. Women should cover their hair, shoulders, and knees. Men should wear clothing below the knees. Scarves are available at the entrance if needed. Children under 12 do not have a strict dress code.
Read more

45 minutes Admission Ticket Free

TopkapI Palace

Home to the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years, Topkapi Palace was the political and administrative heart of the Ottoman Empire. It offers beautiful courtyards, imperial treasures, sacred relics, and breathtaking views of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn.
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2 hours 30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Basilica Cistern

Built in the 6th century during the reign of Emperor Justinian I, the Basilica Cistern is the largest ancient underground water reservoir in Istanbul. Famous for its atmospheric lighting, marble columns, and mysterious Medusa heads, it is one of the city’s most fascinating Byzantine sites.
Read more

25 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Grand Bazaar

One of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, the Grand Bazaar dates back to the 15th century. With thousands of shops spread across dozens of streets.Before entering the Grand Bazaar, your guide can recommend trusted local shops for Turkish carpets, ceramics, jewelry, leather goods, and spices. This can help you learn about traditional craftsmanship, compare quality, and enjoy a more comfortable shopping experience. Afterward, you will have free time to explore the Grand Bazaar on your own.
Read more

1 hour 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
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Once Upon a Time in Istanbul: A Private Old City Tour?

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-5592706P2

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.00
58 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 58 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
58
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 24 (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 Once Upon a Time in Istanbul: A Private Old City Tour?
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:
  • Blue Mosque and Hippodrome free entrance.
  • Private Tour.
  • Traditional Turkish Arts & Handcrafted Experiences.
  • Fast Track Ticket Avaible.
  • Licensed Tour Guide.
  • The guide will meet you at the meeting point of your choice.
The following is NOT included:
  • Lunch. Meals and refreshments are not included in the tour price. However, your guide will be happy to recommend local spots if you'd like to take a break during the tour.
  • Museums Entrance Fees.
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 Once Upon a Time in Istanbul: A Private Old City Tour is as follows:

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • 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 Once Upon a Time in Istanbul: A Private Old City Tour 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

  • Blue Mosque and Hippodrome free entrance
  • Private Tour
  • Traditional Turkish Arts & Handcrafted Experiences
  • Fast Track Ticket Avaible
  • Licensed Tour Guide
  • The guide will meet you at the meeting point of your choice.
  • LunchMeals and refreshments are not included in the tour price. However, your guide will be happy to recommend local spots if you'd like to take a break during the tour.
  • Museums Entrance Fees

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Report Product Issue

Activity name