Istanbul Old City Tour

Yes. Entrance fees are included in the quoted price, and we will list exactly what is included with your itinerary.

Yes. A dress code applies when visiting places of worship, including Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Shorts above the knee and sleeveless tops are not permitted: both men and women should have their knees and shoulders covered. Women also need a headscarf at religious sites, so please bring a light scarf if you can. If you do not have one, just let us know and we can provide a scarf during your visit.

The day is private, so it runs at your pace rather than to a fixed clock. Some groups move briskly between the monuments; others would rather sit a while inside Hagia Sophia or over tea in the bazaar. Tell us your dates, who is traveling and what you most want to see, and we will shape the day around it — and tell you honestly if it is more than one day’s worth.

Yes. We can adjust the itinerary, walking distance and pace to accommodate mobility needs. Please let us know in advance so we can design the most comfortable route for you.

Absolutely. The Old City Tour is a starting point — swap in the Spice Bazaar, a mosque, or a viewpoint, and we will reshape the day around you.

Only if you ask us to. We accept no commission and no kickbacks from any shop or vendor, on any tour, ever, so there is nothing for us to gain by walking you into one. A great many Istanbul tours end in a particular carpet shop for reasons that have nothing to do with the carpets. Ours does not. If you would genuinely like to look at rugs, say so and your guide will take you somewhere good and tell you what a piece should cost first.

You do not need to arrange anything yourself. Entrance fees are included in your quote and we handle the tickets, buying them in advance where the site allows it. Mandatory security checks still apply at each monument, and those queues exist for everyone.

Yes, with one adjustment worth knowing about. Children and teenagers almost always prefer the Basilica Cistern to Topkapi Palace — it is underground, dimly lit, full of water and columns, and feels like somewhere out of a film, whereas Topkapi is a traditional museum of collections and exhibitions. The choice between the two is included either way, so it costs nothing to pick the one your family will enjoy.

Knees and shoulders covered for both men and women, and a headscarf for women at religious sites. A light scarf in a bag covers most of it, and if you do not have one we can provide a scarf during your visit. Comfortable shoes matter more than people expect, because the day is entirely on foot.