Ottoman Empire, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Private Tour Istanbul
Active
2h - 4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Follow in the footsteps of the great sultans of the Ottoman Empire as you visit the Sultanahmet Old City. See Hagia Sophia, the Grand Bazaar, and more. Optional: fast-track access to the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace Museum with a Private Guide.
Choose one of our excellent tour options tailored to your needs and interests:
2-hour: Ottoman Old City
Discover the history of the Ottoman Empire as you explore the Sultanahmet Old City, Nuruosmaniye Mosque, Grand Bazaar, and so much more.
3-hour: Ottoman Old City & Blue Mosque
Discover the history of the Ottoman Empire as you visit the Blue Mosque and explore the Sultanahmet Old City, Nuruosmaniye Mosque, Grand Bazaar, and so much more.
4-hour: Ottoman Old City, Blue Mosque & Topkapi Palace
Discover the history of the Ottoman Empire as you visit the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace Museum, and explore the Sultanahmet Old City, Nuruosmaniye Mosque and Grand Bazaar.
Available options
4H: Ottoman Old City & Topkapi
Duration: 4 hours: Explore the Old City and discover the history of the Ottoman Empire. Visit the Topkapi Palace Museum and the Blue Mosque, and<br/>,: see the Grand Bazaar, Hagia Sophia, and more. <br/>Expert-Guide: Official 5-Stars Guide who is an Expert in this kind of tours. Guide speaks fluently in chosen language - TUIS010.
2H: Ottoman Tour of Old City
Duration: 2 hours: Explore the Old City and discover the history of the Ottoman Empire. Visit the Blue Mosque and see the Grand Bazaar.<br/>,: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and more (outside only). <br/>Expert-Guide: Official 5-Stars Guide who is an Expert in this kind of tours. Guide speaks fluently in chosen language - TUIS010.
3H: Ottoman Old City & Blue Mo
Duration: 3 hours: Discover the history of the Ottoman Empire as you visit the Blue Mosque and explore the Sultanahmet Old City<br/>,: Nuruosmaniye Mosque, Grand Bazaar, and so much more. <br/>Expert-Guide: Official 5-Stars Guide who is an Expert in this kind of tours. Guide speaks fluently in chosen language - TUIS010.
What's included
Free entry to Grand Bazaar and Nuruosmaniye Mosque
5-Star Licensed Guide who fluent in the language of your choice
- (number of attractions depends on the option selected)
Free entry to Blue Mosque (3- and 4-hour options only)
Fast-track tickets to Topkapi Palace Museum (4-hour options only)
Private Walking Tour of Istanbul’s Old City and the Ottoman Empire History
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Meet your guide in front of Halı Müzesi - the Carpet Museum (opposite Topkapı Cafe, behind Hagia Sophia), Foundations Regional Directorate Carpet Museum Sultanahmet Mosque, Alemdar, 34122 Courtyard/İstanbul, Türkiye. Please do not enter the building, it is only a meeting point and the staff is not informed about the tour.
2
Stop 2
Begin at the imposing gates of Topkapi Palace, once the seat of Ottoman power. Gaze upon the majestic Hagia Sophia, which was converted into an imperial mosque after the conquest of Constantinople in 1453. Learn how it became the spiritual heart of the empire, where sultans prayed before battles.
3
Stop 3
Continue to Sultanahmet Square, once the site of the ancient Hippodrome, later transformed into a grand public space where the sultans held ceremonies, parades, and public spectacles to display their might. Marvel at the iconic Blue Mosque, a testament to the artistic and architectural brilliance of the Ottomans.
4
Stop 4
Our Licensed Local Guide will help you uncover the city's iconic landmarks and hidden gems like the Nuruosmaniye Mosque in a personalized, engaging experience.
5
The tour will end at the Grand Bazaar, a bustling marketplace that once served as the commercial heart of the empire, where merchants traded silk, spices, and gold under the watchful eye of the sultans. In addition to exploring its fascinating history, the guide will gladly give you tips on how to bargain like a local!
6
Stop 6
Tour to step inside the Blue Mosque - one of the most important UNESCO sites in Istanbul! Visit this architectural marvel and admire its stunning interiors, featuring intricate Iznik tiles, grand domes, and beautiful calligraphy. Your Expert Guide will explain the significance of its design, the rituals performed inside, and its role in Istanbul’s cultural and religious life. It'll be an enlightening experience for everyone!
What's not included
Fast-track to Topkapi Palace Museum (4-hour options only)
Tickets to Topkapi Palace Harem (optional, payable on the site)
Free entry to Blue Mosque (2hour option )
Available languages
Guide guide
DE
EN
IT
FR
TR
ES
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Check your email the day before the tour for important details from Rosotravel, your tour operator.
The itinerary depends on the selected option.
The Grand Bazaar can be visited Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm. The Nuruosmaniye Mosque is open daily from 9 am to 5pm.
Mosque visitors must follow the proper etiquette, including modest attire (headscarves for women are available on-site). Women are allowed only in the visitors’ area. Entry is restricted during prayers (5x day).
Book a morning tour to avoid long queues at Blue Mosque. There are security checks at the entrance.
Topkapi Palace tickets let you skip the line at the ticket office but not at security checks. The queues are longer in the afternoon. Admission includes the main palace and Hagia Irene. You can purchase additional tickets to the Imperial Harem on the spot.
For a personalized experience, we keep our private groups small (1-25 guests per guide). Larger groups will be provided additional guides.
Have a special request? Let us know when booking!
Meeting point
Meet your guide in front of Halı Müzesi - the Carpet Museum (opposite Topkapı Cafe, behind Hagia Sophia), Foundations Regional Directorate Carpet Museum Sultanahmet Mosque, Alemdar, 34122 Courtyard/İstanbul, Türkiye. Please do not enter the building.
Important notes
Customer Info on the voucher:
Check your email the day before the tour for important details from Rosotravel.
$237
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
