Istanbul Old City Tour: History and Culture Highlights

Embark on a magical journey through the Byzantine and Ottoman eras with a professional historian as your guide. Explore the rich history and architectural wonders of Hagia Sophia.

Duration: 8 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Hippodrome - Step into the enigmatic past at Istanbul’s Hippodrome Square. Here, ancient tales and majestic monuments converge, whispering secrets of bygone eras. Encounter the grandeur of Theodosius Obelisk, the intricate Knitted Obelisk, the mysterious Serpent Column, and the elegant German Fountain. Embark on a journey of discovery amidst these historic treasures, where every step unveils a new chapter in Istanbul’s rich tapestry of civilizations.

  • Blue Mosque - Step into the ethereal beauty of Istanbul’s Sultanahmet Mosque, where centuries of history and stunning architecture await. Admire the graceful minarets, intricate tilework, and celestial blue hues that adorn this iconic sanctuary. Explore the sacred halls and courtyard, where whispers of the past mingle with the present, promising a truly unforgettable experience for all who enter.

  • Ayasofya Camii - Step into the enchanting realm of Hagia Sophia, where centuries of history and architectural brilliance converge. Marvel at its majestic domes and intricate mosaics, each a testament to the grandeur of Byzantine craftsmanship. With every step, you’ll uncover the secrets of this iconic landmark, leaving you spellbound by its timeless allure.

  • Topkapi Palace - Step into the timeless allure of Topkapi Palace, where whispers of sultans and tales of intrigue await. Explore lavish courtyards and opulent chambers adorned with Ottoman treasures. What mysteries lie within the Harem’s closed doors? What intrigues unfolded in the Divan-i Hümayun? Join us on an enchanting journey through this captivating palace, where every corner holds a hidden gem.
    The ticket is included.

  • Kapali Carsi - Step into the lively atmosphere of Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, a vibrant maze of history and commerce. Explore its winding alleys and discover treasures ranging from exquisite carpets to dazzling jewelry. What stories hide behind its ancient walls? Join us on a journey through this captivating marketplace, where every corner holds a new delight and mystery.

What's Included
  • Tickets
  • Lunch
  • All fees and/or taxes
  • Professional Guide Service
Additional Information

Join our “Discovering the Old City Full Day” tour for an immersive journey through Istanbul’s rich history and culture. We’ll pick you up from your hotel and start at the iconic Hippodrome Square, followed by visits to the Sultan Ahmet Mosque and Hagia Sophia.

After a lunch of authentic Turkish flavors, we’ll explore the opulent Topkapi Palace and experience the vibrant Grand Bazaar. Throughout the day, our expert guides will share fascinating tales and insights.

With lunch and Topkapi Palace admission included, relax and soak in the wonders of Istanbul’s Old City. After a day of exploration, we’ll drop you back at your hotel, leaving you with cherished memories. Please note that Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays, so the Turkish-Islamic Arts Museum will be visited instead, and the Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.

Location
Hippodrome
Binbirdirek, Sultan Ahmet ParkI No:2,
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
3.8
(20 Ratings)
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1 star
Jet01315429394
Jun 24, 2024
Fist time in Istanbul - The Gulliver Tour team was very organised and the tour guide was excellent and very knowledgeable. We really enjoyed the day
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nadianormand
Aug 23, 2023
an unforgettable experience - a magnificent and incredible mosque with a guide who takes his time to explain everything. especially do not come home with your shoes on
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jeffreyws1727hz
Jul 20, 2022
Great Experience! - It was a very enjoyable tour that we learned the amazing history of Hagia Sophia. Our guide was very knowledgeable and polite, he answered all our questions. If you are going to visit Hagia Sophia, I strongly recommend you to join this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Strufangas
Jun 5, 2022
Excellent - Emel was very informative and very helpful. Before the tour started, she informed me of the starting point and the hour the tour started. Also, he knowledge about Hagia Sophia was very vast.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
H5045uimiriams
Oct 24, 2023
My experience in Turkey - We toured Istanbul, Ankara, Cappodoccia, Pumakele, Canakkalle, Ephesus, Pergamon, Bursa and others. In general everything is good, although all the places are very full, it is advisable to go in the low season. Beware of taxi drivers who charge tourists a high price, they do not have a taxi meter. Also the ice cream vendors who put on a show, and finally take advantage of the tourists. It seemed like a safe, expensive place, but with a lot of history that is worth knowing.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
2487bridgets
Oct 3, 2022
There is no skip the line for a mosque fyi - Advertised as 'guaranteed skip the line' in special offers, but it wasn't. The only reason we booked was to skip. The guide was nice and apologized for mix up. Info on trip advisor is outdated probably since Hagia Sofia became a mosque again. It is open to all with free admission so there literally is no skip the line for this reason. Now we know.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Courtney_b
Oct 22, 2023
Sham - Sham. Paid for a tour but the tour guide never showed up. Don’t waste your money on Gullivers Tours.
Review provided by Viator
Chuy
Jun 13, 2023
No show - No show and no communication from guide. We booked the day before. We looked for the guide. We called the operator twice. First they told us to meet by the hippodrome and on the second time they told us they didn’t have tickets (even if is free)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Markgleeds2
May 24, 2023
As bad as it gets. - The guide didn’t turn up at the meeting point and didn’t reply to WhatsApp messages. TripAdvsior / Viator were of no help - they just said to contact the guide directly. When pushed, they eventually refunded the cost, but that isn’t the point. I didn’t want a refund, I wanted the product that I had paid for. I had travelled the the meeting point, waited for an hour then travelled back to my accommodation and the basic response is “oh well, here’s a refund”.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jacquesc1301
Aug 2, 2022
Don't waste your time with Gulliver's Tours. - No information was given to idefntify the guide, meeting place was empty and not by the mosque entrance (guide didn't give ANY information on where to meet them). I walked around for more than 30 minutes asking every person with a flag and no one knew about Guliver's tours. I tried phoning multiple times - no answer. I tried sending multiple messages via tripadvisor - no answer to any of them. Travelled far for such a dissapointing and aweful experience with Gulliver's tours. Don't waste your time with them. Tripadvisor refused a refund without giving a reason.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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