Harem section of the Topkapi Palace
Second gallery of the Hagia Sophia
The Blue Mosque view
Head of Medusa at the Basilica Cistern

Istanbul Old City Private Tour: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque & Grand Bazaar

6 hours

Moderate

A fully private Istanbul Old City tour with a licensed local guide: Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar, custom-paced for your group.

Explore Istanbul's Old City on a fully private tour built around your group and your own pace. A licensed, English-speaking guide leads you through Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar, sharing the history, legends, and human stories that guidebooks leave out.


What will you see? The tour normally covers Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar. You also choose between Topkapi Palace and the Basilica Cistern. Topkapi is a traditional palace museum, while the 6th-century Basilica Cistern is an atmospheric underground reservoir that families and younger travelers often prefer.


How long does it take? The tour usually runs 5 to 6 hours, and we gently adjust the pace so the day always feels relaxed and never rushed.


Is it truly private? Yes. The whole tour is private to your group only, with transparent pricing and no hidden shopping stops.

What's included?
  • Entry or admission fee

Fully private tour for your group only

Licensed, English-speaking local guide

Entrance tickets arranged in advance, where possible

Transparent pricing with no hidden shopping stops

Exclusions
  • Food & drinks

Food and drinks

Gratuities

Personal expenses

Please note
  • Dress code

Dress code: a dress code applies at Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Knees and shoulders must be covered for both men and women. Women also need a headscarf at religious sites, so please bring a light scarf. If you do not have one, we can provide it.

Security: mandatory security checks apply at the major sites.

Accessibility: the route, walking distance, and pace can be adjusted for seniors and slower walkers. Please tell us in advance.


What to bring

    Comfortable walking shoes.

    A scarf for religious sites (if you do not have one, please let us know; we are happy to provide one for you)