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Free tour

Best Istanbul Old City Tour: Timeless Stories with Dr Sib

4.81
Excellent (108 ratings)
Duration: 2 hours
Languages: English
Guru: Dr. Sib
PRO
Registered on 01 April 2021
Guru Avatar Image
As a certified tour guide and scholarly researcher, I possess expertise in leading tours to Istanbul Bosphorus and historic sites, including iconic landmarks such as Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Sultanahmet Square. Consider booking a tour with me for an unforgettable experience.
Free booking and cancellation
Pay-what-you-wish tour, no set price, booking and cancellation are free

Tour description

🏛️ Unlock Istanbul’s Hidden Layers: An Expert-Led Journey 🏛️

A Walking Tour Where Monuments Whisper Stories of Sultans, Emperors & Forgotten Worlds✨

Step into the heart of history with our #1 Rated Istanbul Old City Tour! Explore Sultanahmet Square, where Byzantine, Ottoman, and Roman empires collide, and uncover hidden gems most tours miss. Limited small-group slots – book now to secure your spot!

Places to be visited 🕌:

  • Sultanahmet Square (Hippodrome)
  • Blue Mosque (inside and outside)
  • Hagia Sofia (outside)
  • Old Hospital 
  • Obelisk of Theodosius
  • Obelisk of Constantin
  • Palace of Ibrahim Pasha
  • Spartans Serpent Column
  • Madrasa of Sultanahmet
  • Tomb of Sultanahmet
  • Hurrem Sultan Bath
  • Fountain of Ahmad III
  • Topkapi Palace
  • Sogukcheshme Alley
  • Old Sufi Dergah
  • Caferaga Madrasa 
  • Arceological Museums of Istanbul (from distance)
  • Gulhane Park (from distance)
  • Basillica Cistern (Yerebatan)
  • Million Stone
  • The German Fountain
  • and ideas for more places...


*Only Blue Mosque visited from inside. Other atractions will be seen from outside only.


Why Choose This Tour?
Go Beyond the Basics: Most tours show you Blue Mosque – we decode its secrets. Most stroll the Hippodrome – we revive its chariot races and ancient gossip.
Expert Guide: Dr. Sib, a licensed guide and researcher who turns stones into sagas.
Hidden Gems Included: Explore sites most guides skip – Sufi lodges, haunted cisterns, and palace courtyards lost in time.
Small Groups: No loneliness in crowds.
Interactive: Questions and answers.
Human sound: No audio systems

💸 How It Works 💸
Pay What You Feel It’s Worth – No Fixed Fees, Just Fairness & Fun!

Flexible Pricing: You decide the value! Individuals pay €10–50 (or equivalent) at the END of the tour based on your experience. No pressure – just honesty!
Groups Made Easy: Flat rate of 400 TL or €10/$10 per person for groups (cash only).
No Hidden Costs: All fees and stories included – just bring curiosity (and cash 💵).
Cash only (no cards/crypto – I'm an old-school storyteller! 💰).

 

🔍 Honesty Matters:
I am part of a small team keeping Istanbul’s history alive! Your fair payment supports local guides and ensures quality.

🌟 Love Istanbul? Pay What You Can – But Remember: Great Stories Deserve Great Tips! 🌟

📍 Itinerary Highlights 📍
🏺 Iconic Monuments

  • Marvel at the Blue Mosque (inside & out) and Hagia Sophia’s majestic exterior.
  • Stand beneath the Obelisk of Theodosius and Serpent Column – relics of ancient Constantinople.
  • Explore the eerie beauty of the Historical Peninsula and Million Stone, the "zero point" of the Roman world.


🔍 Hidden Gems

  • Wander Sogukcesme Alley’s pastel Ottoman houses.
  • Discover the Old Sufi Dergah and Caferaga Madrasa – off-the-radar cultural treasures.


🏰 Royal Legacies

  • Tour the Sultanahmet square where there are roots and remnants of several mighty empires. 
  • Admire panoramic views of the Soghukcheshme alley that led to Archaeological Museums and Gülhane Park from scenic vantage points.

👑 Ottoman Opulence:

  • Unlock the Hurrem Sultan Hamam – where Roxelana, the scheming sultana, bathed in power.
  • Topkapi Palace where Ottomans ruled the world for several centuries


⚔️ Roman Rivalries:

  • Stand where emperors raced chariots in the Hippodrome – decode the Serpent Column’s and the Obelisk of Theodosius’ stolen glory.
  • See the Million Stone, the ancient “GPS” of the Roman Empire.


🔮 Forgotten Worlds:

  • Discover the Old Sufi Dergah, where dervishes once dived into wisdom and divine love.
  • Peer into the Madrasa of Caferaga, a school frozen in the 1500s.
  • Hear whispers of stones talking to you behind the ages.


📸 Photo Magic:

  • Pose by the the German Fountain, and stroll through history in Sultanahmet Mosque.
  • Capture the Fountain of Ahmed III, a Rococo masterpiece fit for a sultan’s Instagram.
  • Stroll Gülhane Park’s cherry-blossom lanes (spring only!).


👉 Limited Availability: Small groups ensure personalized attention.

👉 No Entrance Fees: No hidden costs – enjoy hassle-free exploration.

🌟 Don’t Just Visit Istanbul – Live Its History! 🌟

🕰️ Travel Through 3,500 Years in Just 2 Hours 🕰️
👉 Book Now and journey through 3,500 years of empires, legends, and architectural wonders!

🎟️ Why Settle for Ordinary? 🎟️
👉 Small Groups Only: No megaphones – face to face conversations.

📆 Flexible Booking
Morning / afternoon slots | Family-friendly | Private tours available on demand.

Dress Code:
Visitors entering indoor areas are required to dress modestly. Women must cover their heads with a scarf as a sign of respect for cultural norms.

Cancellation Policy:
If your plans change and you’re unable to attend, kindly cancel your reservation via the booking page or confirmation email. This allows others to join the tour and ensures everyone has a chance to enjoy the experience.

Scheduling Note:
For reservations made in advance, please note that tour timings may be adjusted slightly due to seasonal variations or prayer schedules.

Custom Experiences:
Interested in a private tour or cruise? Contact me directly to discuss tailored options! I’m also happy to answer any questions you may have—feel free to reach out.


🌟 Istanbul Isn’t Just a City – It’s a Palimpsest. Let Dr. Sib Help You Read Between the Lines. 🌟

👉 Secure your spot now – legends await!

Have a nice trip 🚀 🛸
Dr Sib 


Highlights

What will we see on this tour?

Meeting point:
Sultanahmet, Binbirdirek, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
I will be by the Obelisk of Theodosius located in Sultanahmet square with a cane.
1
Free entry
Blue Mosque
2
Outside visit
El Obelisco de Egypto
3
Outside visit
La columna de serpientes
Tour map

How much does this tour cost?

Free tours don't have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end the amount they consider appropriate (amounts usually range from €10 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).

Tour Reviews

4.81
Excellent (108 ratings)
Generic
93
12
2
1
0
By category
Professionalism
4.85
Fun
4.59
Expression
4.70
Quality
4.76
Route
4.80

Who is this tour for?

Accessibility
Suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Groups
Accepts bookings of up to 20 people.
Pets
Not suitable for bringing pets.

What should I know?

Minimum Attendees
Does not require a minimum number of people to conduct the tour.
Additional Costs
The tour does not require payment for tickets or additional expenses.
Free Cancellation
If you cannot attend the tour, please cancel the booking, otherwise the guide will be waiting for you.
Payment Methods
Cash payment only.

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