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The Must See Old City Tour in Istanbul

18 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 18 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 $130 per person

Lowest Price Guarantee
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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 30 (0) days in advance.
4 to 6 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

Experience Istanbul’s Old City through a refined and fully private journey crafted for travelers who appreciate depth, elegance, and expert insight.

Stroll through the storied streets of Sultanahmet as your guide unveils the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, the Hippodrome, and other timeless landmarks with rich, immersive storytelling.

This curated experience adapts seamlessly to your interests—whether architecture, culture, culinary heritage, or photography—ensuring every moment feels personal and meaningful.

Along the way, you’ll discover hidden courtyards, artisan details, and quiet corners that most visitors never encounter, gaining a deeper, more elevated understanding of Istanbul’s imperial past and vibrant present.

What's Included

  • Guide Fees
  • Lunch
  • Tickets
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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
Pickup details

We will come to you at the meeting time and we will travel to the tour area together either using mass transportation or taxi.

OR
Meeting point

Alemdar
Divan Yolu Cd. No:76/A, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

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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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Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

German Fountain

This is the German Fountain at the start of the Hipodrome (Sultanahmet) Square
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Obelisk of Theodosius

The two obelisks at the heart and end of the square date back to Ancient Egypt, and Eastern Roman Empire. These are the witnesses to the history of this city.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Serpent Column

The Column of Delphi, this column was a sacrificial altar for the God Apollo. Now the myths it contain live with us.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Blue Mosque

Also known as the Sultanahmed Mosque, this mosque is known for its magnificient tiles and art. Being one of the Sultan Mosque's of İstanbul it is a must see.
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

The crown jewel of Istanbul, most unique place you can see in all Turkey is the Hagia Sophia. This beatiful structre is culturally significant to all the cultures who shared this city. A symbol of cultural acceptance and understanding, this is something you have to see when you come to this city. (The line to enter to Hagia sophia usually takes around an hour, because of this Hagia sophia may be our last stop as the lines get shorter during evening)
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45 minutes Admission Ticket Free

TopkapI Palace

This is the heart of the Ottoman Empire, this is where the Ottoman family lived at, this is where the court politics and intrigue lies at. See the old treasury housing on of the biggest diamonds of the world, and the biggest emerald in the world. The holy relics room where you can see the belongings of the prophets. And the Harem, where everything happened.
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2 hours 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
  • 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 (8)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the The Must See Old City Tour in Istanbul?

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-392193P1

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.00
18 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 18 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
18
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 30 (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 The Must See Old City Tour in Istanbul?
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:
  • Guide Fees.
The following is NOT included:
  • Lunch.
  • Tickets.
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. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

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 The Must See Old City Tour in Istanbul 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 The Must See Old City Tour in Istanbul 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

  • Guide Fees
  • Lunch
  • Tickets

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
  • Please be aware that 2 hours are extra time in case there are lengthy lines or extended travel times.

Report Product Issue

Activity name