Private Tour
Private Guided Istanbul Walking Tour Old City Highlights
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Join me for an unforgettable journey through the historic Sultanahmet area, the beating heart of Istanbul, where the echoes of empires and the allure of ancient architecture captivate every visitor. This comprehensive tour is designed to immerse you in the rich history, culture, and beauty of Istanbul's most iconic landmarks.
Book your tour today and embark on a journey through the ages!
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Topkapi Palace is close on Tuesdays.
Grand Bazaar is close on Sundays.
Carrying cash is advised to skip the line in some places.
When visiting mosques, men should cover their knees, and women should cover their hair with a scarf, shoulders, and legs.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Hippodrome
Discover the Ancient Heart of Istanbul: Step into history of the Hippodrome, the ancient sporting and social center of Istanbul and hear captivating stories and secrets from an expert local guide, bringing the ancient site to life.
Blue Mosque
Unveil the Splendor of Istanbul through one of Istanbul's most iconic landmarks, the Blue Mosque. Admire the intricate designs, grand dome, and beautiful calligraphy that adorn the mosque's interior. As you gain deep insights from an experienced local guide who will share captivating stories and lesser-known facts.
What‘s Included
Licensed Tour Guide
(Use of public transportation depends on the location of your accommodation and your preference.)
Tickets for Hagia Sophia
Tickets for Topkapi Palace
Tickets for Basilica Cistern
Lunch
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Private Walking Tour
Walking: Your guide will meet you at your hotel, cruise port (Galataport), Airbnbs or a central location.
Pickup included
Reviews
29 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
It was full, the timing was very reasonable and the guide was very attentive. Very experienced.
Aziz A,,Jan 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Although I don't know Turkish and English very well, the trip made sense to me and the tour guide patiently explained some of the history of Istanbul's various regions. It was a rare experience for me, thanking him for adding indelible memories.
Walking tour on New Year’s Eve
766shamj,,Dec 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did the walking tour on New Year’s Eve, it was quite crowded but Batu managed the situation really well , he knew when to change itinerary so we weren’t waiting in line too long and when we did have to wait his excellent knowledge of the history of the area kept us all engaged. 10/10 would recommend
Art and Culture with Batu
passionp611,,Dec 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Batu is a great guide. He shares the historical trivia of the place in a flowing manner. He paces the tour according to the interest of his guests. My husband and I had a great day because Batu made it so.
Great Istanbul tour with a wonderful guide
Magnus1968,,Dec 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Batu took us round all the major sites of Istanbul on an interesting and enjoyable day trip visiting all the ‘must do’s’ of thus fabulous city - the Badilica Sistern, Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia all amazing. He tailored the experience to our requirements, rescheduled the order to minimise queues and maximise time spent at each place, and provided the perfect balance of historical information, local interest knowledge and humour. Very responsive and receptive to our preferences, and took us to a wonderful and very affordable local restaurant for a delicious lunch. Great English, great communications and great fun. Highly recommended for a great day of exploration in beautiful Istanbul.
Great Istanbul tour
Travel27483566297,,Dec 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We have done the Istanbul tour with Batu in October. I would highly recommend Batu. He was very friendly and well organised. We didn't have much time. He picked us up at the cruise terminal and had the car ready for us. He managed to take us to visit the blue mosque, hagia sophia, basilica cistern and grand plaza in a leisurely pace. He is very knowledgeable and gave us a lot of interesting stuff about each sites. He took the trouble taking us for a drink and late lunch in the local restaurant. Really enjoyed the tour and talking to him about Turkiye. Felt like having a friend to take us around.
Perfect family trip in the quiet season
johansM5442WL,,Dec 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We visited in December as a family and had a great time. Even though it was rainy at times, we still enjoyed the experience. The weather was not as cold as we expected, and since it was low season, most places were quiet. This made it easy to walk around and enjoy the sights without crowds. Batu was very helpful and made everything smooth and enjoyable for all of us.
Great Tour Guide!
Culture609476,,Dec 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Having the opportunity to walk back in time with such a knowledgeable, friendly and flexible guide made this tour a real joy! Batu was very responsive to our questions, moved at a pace that was enjoyable and we found some hidden treasures along the way. Would highly recommend!
Great Blend of Culture and Local Tips!
Y2485XZcharlier,,Dec 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour was a real highlight of my trip. Our guide shared interesting history, fun cultural details, and spot-on food suggestions. We avoided the crowds, felt comfortable the whole time, and picked up plenty of useful tips for exploring the city. If you want an easy and authentic Istanbul experience, this tour is perfect.
A truly enjoyable experience
alicebV1666SK,,Dec 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Batu’s tour was simple, clear and genuinely enjoyable. He chose each stop with purpose and explained everything in a way that felt natural rather than scripted. I would gladly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Istanbul.
A City Full of History and Cats
victorrM4515JZ,,Dec 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Visiting Istanbul’s Old City was a wonderful experience. Hippodrome, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern and the Blue Mosque create an impressive atmosphere with so much history in one area. There were friendly street cats everywhere, relaxing in the sun or following visitors around, which added a warm and charming touch to the day.
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Operated by Guide Batu