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Small-Group Istanbul Old City Highlights Guided Tour

64 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 64 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 $44.27 per person

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Small-Group Istanbul Old City Highlights Guided Tour Image 1
Small-Group Istanbul Old City Highlights Guided Tour Image 2
Basilica Cistern
Small-Group Istanbul Old City Highlights Guided Tour Image 4
Small-Group Istanbul Old City Highlights Guided Tour Image 5
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 31 (0) days in advance.
3 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

This tour is mainly for first-time visitors of Istanbul, offering a comprehensive exploration of the city's gems.

It serves as a great introduction to Istanbul, providing a deeper visit to significant historical attractions than the usual tourist routes.

You'll experience a personalized tour where questions are welcome, and have the opportunity to discover hidden gems, gaining a better understanding of the city in this carefully tailored one-day experience.

As a licensed tour guide with seven years of experience, a language teacher, and a PhD candidate student of art philosophy, I'm here to accompany you on your Istanbul journey for a few hours.

What's Included

  • Guiding fee
  • Entrance fee for Basilica Cistern
See 1 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

Beyazıt
34126 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

Our tour ends at Grand Bazaar.

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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Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

German Fountain

This is our meeting point and the starting point of the tour. We will begin with a brief introduction, including general information about Istanbul, the historic Hippodrome, and the sites included in the itinerary.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque in Istanbul, also known by its official name, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Turkish: Sultan Ahmet Camii), is an Ottoman-era historical imperial mosque located in Istanbul, Turkey. It was constructed between 1609 and 1617 during the rule of Ahmed I and remains a functioning mosque today.
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45 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

Only OUTER visit.Due to the new regulations by the Ministerry of Tourism, tour guides are not allowed to give explanations inside of Hagia Sophia since 15th of January 2024. And additionally there is no skip the line for tour guides anymore. That's why our visit to Hagia Sophia will be only outer explanation.The Hagia Sophia Mosque is a true masterpiece of Byzantine architecture and a significant symbol of history and culture. It is known for its Grand Central Dome, intricate mosaics, and delicate stonework. Hagia Sophia's history spans 1500 years. Once a Church, then a Museum, and now a Mosque, the monument has witnessed the rise and fall of several dynasties.
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25 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Caferaga Medresesi

A 300 hundreds years old muslim school. This is the place where we will have a tea break and talk about the prolific architect of Ottoman Era. The place serves as a centre for some Turkish handcraft arts where youı can see some good example of this arts.
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Basilica Cistern

Skip the line. Entrance fee is 2250 Turkish Lira per person and is not included in the tour price. To AVOID the long wait please bring cash (only in Turkish Lira)A water storage dates back to the 6th century which has a spectacular sample of Roman architecture.
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25 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Grand Bazaar

Grand Bazaar! A market with more than 500 years of history, 64 streets, 21 gates, and more than 4,000 shops. Not only a shopping mall but also a manufacturing center. A place where you can lose yourself in history and mystery. That is the most significant and oldest market in the world. Closed on Sundays! We will visit Spice market on Sundays.
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Show 5 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Small-Group Istanbul Old City Highlights Guided 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-360032P1

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.00
64 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 64 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
64
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 31 (0) days in advance.
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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 Small-Group Istanbul Old City Highlights Guided 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:
  • Guiding fee.
The following is NOT included:
  • Entrance fee for Basilica Cistern.
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 Small-Group Istanbul Old City Highlights Guided Tour is as follows:

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • 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 Small-Group Istanbul Old City Highlights Guided 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

  • Guiding fee
  • Entrance fee for Basilica Cistern

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers

Report Product Issue

Activity name