Private Tour
Old Istanbul Gems: Full-Day Private Tour
Overview
Available languages
8 hours
Mobile ticket
Sultanahmet is where ancient empires converge. You’ll explore landmarks from the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman eras, offering a rare chance to witness the seamless layers of history in one place.
Hagia Sophia: A masterpiece that transitioned from a Byzantine cathedral to an Ottoman mosque and now a modern mosque, showcasing architectural genius and cultural harmony.
Blue Mosque: Renowned for its six minarets and stunning blue İznik tiles, it's a masterpiece of Ottoman design.
Topkapı Palace: The opulent home of sultans, filled with treasures and sacred relics.
Hippodrome:This ancient social center hosted chariot races and political events, bringing the Roman and Byzantine past vividly to life.
Grand Bazaar: One of the world’s oldest covered markets, offering an immersive shopping experience and a chance to witness Turkish craftsmanship firsthand.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
TopkapI Palace
Explore the sprawling former residence of Ottoman sultans: wander through its four courtyards, visit the Imperial Treasury and gaze upon the Sacred Relics. Don’t miss the opulent Harem quarters and panoramic views over the Golden Horn.
Marvel at this 1,500‑year‑old masterpiece, once the world’s largest cathedral and later an imperial mosque. Admire its soaring dome, intricate mosaics and the seamless blend of Christian and Islamic art.
What‘s Included
Professional guide
Guaranteed to skip the long lines
Drinks during lunch
Tips / Gratuities
All else not specifically mentioned in the inclusion section
Lunch
We can include entrance tickets for guests who wish. Guests can enter using a QR code, so there’s no need to wait in line at the ticket counter.
Options
Istanbul Classics and Highlights Full Day Walking Tour
PrivateTour
Reviews
17 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Exceptional experience with BarefootPlus!
896azebm,Dec 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were a group of 8 and had a blast the whole day. Baredootplus is equipped with highly qualified staff and Guler — our main contact — was excellent in responding in a detailed a courteous manner to our into distance correspondence. The price was fair for a tour of 3 major attractions followed by a late lunch at a great restaurant topped at the end of the day with a 2-hour yacht tour. Everything was booked by Guler and professionally handled upon arrival. The driver was on time to pick us up from the airport and drop us back. I will not leave out our guide Diana, a knowledgeable and very pleasant personality. I would recommend her in a heartbeat! Thank you guys!
A dream! Of knowledge, exploration and discovery of a wonderful city. We felt at home
H8437GGlorenzoc,Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We chose Barefoot thanks to the advice of one of our acquaintances and immediately contacted Güler. In our stay in Istanbul we were flanked by a young guide, prepared punctual polite, with whom we felt .. at home. He accompanied us to all the most beautiful corners of this magical and fascinating city. Services also included transfers to/from IST airport, highly appreciated and punctual. He really assisted us with care and great attention, thank you again Güler. See you soon. Lorenzo and Cinzia 🤗
Saw great spots in old and new town
Tour30525419407,Jul 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Eda was so friendly and showed me all the best spots!! She was very considerate about taking some short breaks if I needed to, so we never got too tired of all the walking. I had a great time and learned so much! She was very knowledgeable about all the history and was able to answer any questions I asked. I felt very safe though it was my first time traveling solo. She offered to take photos of me periodically as well!
Outstanding Day Tour of Istanbul Sights and Local Foods
Cruiser28091068356,Jun 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Guler of Barefoot Plus Travel was a pleasure to work with when coordinating our day trip for a group of 12 - very accommodating, timely replies and terrific recommendations re: sights, local food and activities. We had an excellent tour with Diana Misir who was very knowledgeable in art and history. Topkapi Palace was closed the day of our tour and Diana told us to plan at least a half day at Topkapi Palace - well worth it! We will surely use Barefoot Plus Travel again!
“Two Day Istanbul Walking History Tour”
BBEchemendia,May 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00First Day: Istanbul mosques: Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, as well as the gardens surrounding them. The incredible sunken Cistern- amazing! Enjoyed local ethnic luncheon menu, family style, delicious! Second Day: The Dolmabhace Palace (WOW!), the newly restored Galata Tower- spectacular views!!! Again enjoyed a lunch at a wonderful restaurant with delicious family-style food! Our guide was a lovely young woman, intelligent, articulate, warm welcoming personality- Diana. *Highly recommend requesting her Our family is having a wonderful trip here in Turkey because we’re together with a heightened experience with the help of our guide Diana.
Great experience
Tourist40094989857,May 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Everything was great! Dianna gave us 2 days tour and she has been amazing all the time! Me and my family came from USA and Dianna was very welcoming, friendly, helpful every single time. If we ever need a tour again we would love to work with her! She is the best. Highly recommended!!!
Enjoyable and stress-free tour
hsiaoyuent,Feb 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We recently booked a day tour with Barefootplus Travel and we were well taken care by Güler and Diana (the tour guide). From the initial enquiry to the completion of trip, Güler ensure that everything is well arranged, making our trip stress free and enjoyable. Therefore, I highly recommended BarefootPlus Travel if you are travelling to Istanbul for their professionalism, efficiency and excellent customer service.
Fantastic Istanbul Old City Highlights
Wanderer00761130954,Sep 29, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I only had a few hours in Istanbul during a long layover and wanted to see as much as possible. Güler worked with me to create a condensed itinerary to meet my needs, and it was spectacular. My guide, Ceren, was the most wonderful historian and loves sharing what she knows. She somehow managed to get us to the front of the line at the Basilica Cistern and we had the entire place to ourselves for a few minutes! Truly a memory of a lifetime! We only spent a few hours together, but I feel like I have a friend in Istanbul. If/when I return to Türkiye, I will gladly work with Güler and her team again.
Istanbul by Tram in a Wheelchair
lindanY2715HX,Sep 15, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an adaptation of the Full Day tour as my husband is wheelchair dependent. we arrived to Galaport by cruise ship the morning of Sept 5 and we were met at the pier by Ms. Emel - also known as the "guide with the hat." She was amazing! Ms. Emel tested our knowledge of Istanbul's history and was happy to fill in when we drew blanks. Our tour consisted of riding the tram, seeing the Topkapi Place, Sultanahmet Square, the Basilica Cistern - and ending with a perfect, delicious lunch. We felt we were with family enjoying the day. Guler was able to make the arrangements for us long before our arrival and knew our concerns were getting around the city with a wheelchair, and getting back to the port on time. There were some bumps in the tour in regards to the wheelchair, but Ms. Emel and the kindness of strangers got us on our way without any issue. The leisurely lunch at the end of the afternoon was the icing on the cake. If, and when, we are able to return to this jewel of the Mediterranean, we highly recommend looking into Barefoot Travel. They are awesome!!
The Best Day!!!
KGodderz,May 2, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a perfect way to see Istanbul! Our guide was absolutely lovely and made our day complete. We were in town for just the day, arriving on a cruise boat, and she put together an itinerary that ticked all our boxes, even a trip across to the Asian side. Having her show us around, answer questions, act as translator, and know how to best navigate Istanbul was worth every penny, and I wouldn’t hesitate to use this service again or recommend it to anyone visiting Istanbul/Turkey.
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Operated by BarefootPlus Travel