Private Istanbul Full Day City Tour (Byzantium and Ottoman Relics)
Step into the legacy of empires on a private full-day walking tour through Istanbul’s Old City. From the awe-inspiring mosaics of Hagia Sophia to the serenity of the Blue Mosque, this exclusive tour brings you face to face with some of history’s most legendary landmarks. Discover centuries of glory at the Hippodrome, test your bargaining skills at the Grand Bazaar, and walk the courtyards of Topkapi Palace, once home to the mighty Ottoman sultans. Your personal guide will tailor the pace and focus to your interests, giving you full flexibility and deeper cultural insight. Whether you’re fascinated by Byzantium or the Ottomans, this tour reveals Istanbul’s story one majestic site at a time.
- It’s private—enjoy the city your way, with a dedicated guide and flexible pace
- Perfect introduction to Istanbul’s Byzantine and Ottoman history in one day
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off included; optional vehicle for added comfort
- See iconic landmarks like Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace
- Ideal for first-time visitors, couples, families, or anyone wanting personal attention
What's Included
- Private English-speaking professional guide
- Hotel pick-up & drop-off in Sultanahmet (walking-based)
- Visits to Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar, Topkapi Palace
- Flexible itinerary and personalized pace
What's Not Included
- Lunch
- Optional full-day vehicle (required if hotel is not in Sultanahmet)
- Personal expenses
Explore Istanbul in Style with a Private Full Day Tour of Byzantine and Ottoman Wonders
Important Note:
If your hotel is not located in the Sultanahmet (Old City) area, you must select the “Full Day Vehicle” option from the “Optionals” section while booking. Otherwise, this private tour will be conducted entirely on foot, beginning with your guide meeting you directly at your hotel.
Tour Information
- Approximate Pick-up Time: 08:30
- Tour Duration: Full Day (until approximately 17:00)
- Tour Type: Private walking tour (vehicle optional)
- Guide: Licensed professional English-speaking private guide
Private Istanbul City Tour Itinerary Overview
Hotel Pick-Up (08:30)
Your expert private guide will greet you in your hotel lobby and accompany you to the starting point of the tour. If your hotel is outside Sultanahmet, a private vehicle will be arranged upon request.
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
Begin your day with the majestic Hagia Sophia, a timeless symbol of Istanbul’s spiritual and architectural fusion. Originally constructed by Emperor Constantine in the 4th century and rebuilt in the 6th century by Justinian, this landmark’s soaring dome and shimmering mosaics embody Byzantine brilliance.
Hippodrome of Constantinople
Step into the heart of ancient Constantinople’s social life—the Hippodrome. Once the arena for thrilling chariot races, this square is now home to surviving relics like:
- German Fountain of Wilhelm II – A neo-Byzantine gift from the German Emperor
- Obelisk of Theodosius – A 3,500-year-old Egyptian monument re-erected by the Romans
- Serpentine Column – Taken from Delphi to celebrate a Greek victory over Persia
- Column of Constantine – A Byzantine column once covered in bronze plaques
Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii)
Across from Hagia Sophia, this 17th-century mosque features six minarets and more than 20,000 hand-painted Iznik tiles. A masterpiece of classical Ottoman architecture, the mosque invites reflection within its serene, light-filled prayer hall.
Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı)
Wander through one of the world’s largest and oldest covered markets. With more than 4,000 shops stretching across dozens of vaulted alleys, this colorful labyrinth offers carpets, jewelry, ceramics, leather goods, and souvenirs. Your guide will provide insight into traditional craftsmanship and local tips for shopping and bargaining.
Lunch Break (Optional, Not Included)
Enjoy a flexible midday break. Your guide can suggest nearby restaurants depending on your preferences and dietary needs. Lunch expenses are not included in the tour price.
Topkapi Palace
Explore the lavish residence of the Ottoman sultans between the 15th and 19th centuries. Discover sacred relics of the Prophet Muhammad, the Imperial Treasury, ornate courtyards, and the royal kitchens. Learn about the courtly life of the sultans, their families, and the powerful roles of eunuchs and concubines in Ottoman administration.
Tour Conclusion (17:00)
After a day immersed in history and wonder, your private guide will escort you back to your hotel or preferred drop-off point. If your hotel is in Sultanahmet, this will be a walking transfer; if not, a private vehicle (if selected) will return you to your accommodation.
- Hotel pick-up is included for accommodations in the Sultanahmet area
- If your hotel is located outside of Sultanahmet, a vehicle must be added during booking (extra cost)
- Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays; Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays. They can be replaced with Basilica Cistern and Arasta Bazaar.
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Walking arround the old city with our private guide, gave us the best chance to understand the history, the differences between religions and local life. Thanks to travel bazaar that they arrange the excellent tour guide for us, jason.
Istanbul was our stopover point and we had two full days in the city. The agency was recommended us by my friend who has used their services before. I made a phone call to let them know our interests and then mr emin sent us 3 different plans with prices. As we had limited time there, we choose two days private tour which was includes almost all the historical buildings in Istanbul. Thank you very much guys to make our two days memorable & enjoyable.
We have been in Istanbul for only one day by cruise. Like a month before our cruise tour, we have sent an email to Travel bazaar to take guided city tour. In a few mails our plan has done by Mr Konuk. They arrange a Private car and driver for whole day that we visit the most important sights of the city (Blue Mosqu, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi palace, grand bazaar and spice bazaar). Our guide, jason, was very friendly and informative about the ruins, culture and religions. After the tour we had a lot of information about the Turkey and its culture. I wish to have a few more days in Turkey to see their local life and spectacular cuisine.
I believe that if you are visiting historical monuments, you should have a tourist guide with you. I have visited the St Sophia and Blue mosque by myself but couldnt get enough information about their history from the guide books. Thats why we took private guide, Yasin, for the old city of Istanbul. He took us to hippodrome, Blue mosque, st sophia, topkapi palace and underground cistern and we got all the important informations from him. Hope to see you soon Jason.
I have been in istanbul last month and we were staying in Acra hotel in sultanahmet area. We have visited the blue mosque by our own but couldnt get enough information for its history. Thats why we decide to take local guide with us to understand the history of this amazing land. We went Travel bazaar agency whish was just 50 mt away from our hotel. After short discussion, we booked private tour with reasonable price. Mehmet was our tour guide for old city. He really knows what he is doing; he knows a lot about the religions, roman&greek period, ottomans and Turkish history. It was fully informative day in istanbul which we were looking for. Thank you so much for your effort Mehmet, really appreciated.
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