Sultanahmet Old City Tour: Explore Istanbul's Historic Attractions in a 6-hour Journey
5.0
5 Ratings
Fatih
Embark on a 6-hour journey through Istanbul's historic attractions on the Sultanahmet Old City Tour. Visit iconic landmarks like Ayasofya Mosque and Topkapi Palace Museum, and explore the vibrant Grand Bazaar area. Fast track entry tickets available. Book now!
Duration: 6 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Sultanahmet District - Meeting /Greeting in front of Ayasofya Camii

  • Hagia Sophia Mosque - Visiting Ayasofya camii

  • Blue Mosque - Visiting Sultanahmet (Blue) Mosque

  • Topkapi Palace - Visiting Topkapı Palace Museum
    Closed on Tuesdays.

  • Kapali Carsi - Visiting Grand Bazaar

What's Included
  • Professional guide
What's Not Included
  • Lunch
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Gratuities
  • Museum tickets
Additional Information

This 6-hour cultural journey encompasses prominent locations in Istanbul. We’ll convene at the Ayasofya at 10am before kick-starting our tour with the Ayasofya Mosque, and later, we’ll explore the Topkapi Palace Museum for approximately 1.5 hours to view diverse sections such as the kitchens, armory, and harem quarters. The Topkapi Palace Museum is a remarkable site that should be on everyone’s travel list. Quick access to palace tickets can be arranged with an extra fee. Following the palace visit, we’ll glance at the Blue Mosque from a distance due to ongoing renovations and consider a visit to the Roman Cistern. There will be a brief pause for lunch at a conventional local restaurant, culminating the journey at the Grand Bazaar area for rugs, leather goods, ceramics and more. The tour will start at 10 am and conclude at the Grand Bazaar area 6 hours later. Entrance fees for museums, food expenses, and gratuities are not included. The tour is unavailable on Saturdays, Tuesdays, and Sundays.

Location
Hagia Sophia
Ayasofya Meydanı
In front of Ayasofya Mosque
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(5 Ratings)
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Dustinsg4155yc
Nov 23, 2021
Great 6 hour private tour - Ali is a wonderful tour guide. Our family of 2 Adults and 3 teenagers spent 6 hours with him and loved the experience. He is knowledgeable, engaging and professional. He not only provided great insights to the history of the place, he made it personal with stories of the people who built and lived there. He also provided great tips and advice for other activities we should consider trying while in town. Would definitely use him again for future tours.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kamygill
Oct 6, 2021
Ali’s is aces! - Best walking tour we have ever had. If you are in Istanbul and want to see the sights at your own pace with a total history you have to book with Ali. We contacted Ali prior to our visit, all very easy and straightforward, outlined what we wanted to see and do no problem. He even offered advise on other booking we wanted to make. On the day he arrived promptly at our hotel to start our private tour. Confirmed the plan for the day discussing best ways to move around the city. Everything was done at a pace of our choosing. We opted to walk to the old city along the way Ali was able to provide details of the city it’s landmarks and their history and how things have changed over time. At the spice bazaar advised of what to get and what to avoid, prices that we should expect to pay. Wonderful detailed history at the Hagia Sophia, Blue mosque and Topkapi palace. Really bringing the places to life! He took us to an excellent authentic Turkish restaurant, delicious food very reasonably priced. Over lunch we discussed life in Istanbul other areas and restaurants worth exploring. Ali was truly fantastic, we honestly felt like it was a day out discovering new things with an old friend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Michaelmeere4
Oct 28, 2019
Sultanahmet Old City Tour with Ali Private Guide - Better than good. Excellent is the appropriate descriptor. Brilliantly paced. Excellent descriptions and information provided. Strongly recommended.
Review provided by Viator
Danar859
Jun 15, 2019
Best decision we made - We hired Ali for 2 days private tour in Istanbul. We had very limited time and wanted to see everything! Ali took us to what wanted to see and made suggestions what we would like to do. He was flexible to stay longer at some places and go quickly through others. He was so knowledgeable about the city and the history of each landmark. I really enjoyed the stories he told us. His English is great. The first day we walked around Sultanahmet and he was able to help us bypass long lines! He took us to a local kebap place that was not touristy. On the second day we had a van for transport that was cool with aircon for a hot day. We walked around Balat and he didn’t mind as we shopped and even showed us a great children’s charity house that we loved. He took us to his friends stand at the spice market who treated us Worh tastes of Turkish delight, spices,teas, and goodies. I didn’t feel pressured and knew we were getting quality products because I trusted Ali. Then he took us to another local joint for lunch of white beans, rice and veal. I never would have had a traditional delicious lunch without Ali as our guide. Did you know Ali wrote a book about buying Oriental carpets in Turkey? So, he took us to his friends’ place that does wholesale. We bought some amazing authentic and beautiful rugs to take home and have for a lifetime. With all the knockoffs and pushy salesmen in the grand bazaar I was so happy to have this experience. We drank tea in the air con laughed and chatted with the store men. I trust that Ali gave us great advice, the man literally wrote the book on it!! Ali hooked us up with his friends for tours on our next stop in Cappadocia and set up airport transfers for us there. Ali is the best decision we made on our quick trip to Istanbul!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alfredo
Jun 25, 2016
Ali is not only a great guide and a... - <p>Ali is not only a great guide and a knowledgeable professional; he is an amazing person, as well. My girlfriend and I felt like we were touring Istanbul with a good old friend of ours. <br/> Thanks Ali for such a great experience! </p> <p>Alfredo and Cris! New York, NY</p>
Review provided by Viator