Free tour

Istanbul Old Town Essentials: Gems & Tales with Dr. Sib

4.74

Good(180)

İstanbul

Duration: 2 hours

Languages: English and Spanish

Guru: Dr. Sib

PRO

Verified quality

Registered on 1 April 2021

Hello travelers! I'm Dr. Sib, your expert guide to Istanbul's ancient heart. Join my walking tour to unlock the secrets of the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Sultanahmet Square. As an academic researcher, I go beyond the basic facts to share the fascinating stories and history that bring these iconic sites to life. I also offer tailored private tours and Bosphorus cruises for a deeper dive. I am fluent in English, Spanish, Arabic, Persian, Kurdish & Turkish. Book your spot now for an unforgettable journey through time! Dr. Sib, Certified tour guide and academic researcher

Free reservation and cancellation

Pay-what-you-want tour, no set price, reservation and cancellation are free

Tour description

Istanbul Old Town Premium Tour
Timeless Stories with Dr. Sib

Step beyond the guidebooks and into the hidden narratives of Istanbul's ancient heart. This is not a lecture; it is a journey where the very stones tell stories of emperors, sultans, and the everyday people who shaped history. Join Dr. Sib, an expert guide and researcher, for a premium walking tour designed to bring the past vividly to life.

A Walk Through History

We will explore the Sultanahmet district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, visiting iconic landmarks and hidden corners, including:

Sultanahmet Square (The Ancient Hippodrome): Feel the echo of chariot races at the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpent Column, and the German Fountain.

The Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque): Enjoy entry to admire its magnificent interior, a masterpiece of over 21,000 blue Iznik tiles and cascading domes.

Hagia Sophia (Exterior): Stand in awe of this architectural marvel that has defined the city's skyline for 1,500 years, and hear the epic tale of its transformation.

...and more: We'll also see the Million Stone, the Fountain of Ahmed III, the Hurrem Sultan Hamam, and the Palace of Ibrahim Pasha, now home to the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum.

Why This Tour is Your Best Choice in Istanbul

🎓 Expert-Led, Not Just Guided: Gain deep insights with Dr. Sib, a licensed guide and researcher who facilitates an interactive, question-friendly environment.
🔊 Intimate & Audible: Small groups ensure a personal experience. For groups over 8, we provide a high-tech headphone system so you never miss a word.
💎 Uncover Hidden Gems: We go beyond the basic facts to share the fascinating tales and lesser-known secrets that make history come alive.
🚶‍♂️ Seamless & Well-Planned: A carefully curated route that maximizes your time, allowing you to immerse yourself in the experience without feeling rushed.

Essential Tour Details at a Glance

📍 Meeting Point | Next to the Serpent Column on the Blue Mosque side. I will sit on bench around the big tree if available.

👗 Dress Code | Modest dress required for the Blue Mosque (shoulders & knees covered; headscarf for women).

🎧 Inclusions | Expert guiding, small group experience, headphone system (for groups >8).

Note: Only Blue Mosque will be visited from inside. Other attractions will be explained from outside only.

Custom Experiences & Multi-Lingual Tours
Interested in a private tour or a Bosphorus cruise? Contact Dr. Sib for tailored experiences in Arabic, English, Persian, Turkish, or Spanish!

Getting Here From Istanbul Airport (IST), take the HAVAIST Bus (Line HVIST-11). Pay by contactless card (approx. 315 Lira) and get off at the final stop, "Sultanahmet." Please allow at least 2 hours for the travel.

Arriving relaxed makes the tour experience infinitely better for you!

👉 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

Meeting Point: We meet at the Serpent Column in Sultanahmet Square (the ancient bronze spiral column). Please gather on the Blue Mosque side of the column, where I will be waiting on the benches under the big tree. Mostly I hold a walking stick to make me easy to spot. Our groups are typically intimate, so if you are early, you'll likely find me waiting for the group to gather. Rainy Day Plan: If the weather is wet, I will be waiting under the covered archway at the "D" Gate of the Blue Mosque, which is very close by in the same immediate area.

Outside visit

The Serpent Column

The Serpent Column is an ancient bronze monument originally erected in Delphi by the united Greek city-states to commemorate their victory over the Persian Empire at the Battle of Plataea in 479 BC. Forged from the melted-down shields of the defeated enemy, the column's triple-headed serpent design once supported a golden tripod. In the 4th century AD, the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great relocated it to the center of the Hippodrome of Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) to adorn his new capital.

Outside visit

Obelisk of Theodosius

The Obelisk of Theodosius is an Ancient Egyptian red granite pillar, originally erected by Pharaoh Thutmose III, which now stands in Istanbul's Sultanahmet Square. It was brought to Constantinople by the Roman Emperor Theodosius I in 390 AD and raised in the Hippodrome, where it remains as a powerful symbol of the city's layered history, connecting the Pharaonic, Roman, and Byzantine eras.

Outside visit

The Masonry Obelisk

The Masonry Obelisk, also known as the Walled Obelisk or Constantine's Obelisk, is a rough stone pillar built in the 10th century AD that stands in Istanbul's Sultanahmet Square. Unlike the ancient Egyptian obelisk nearby, it was constructed of cut stone and was originally covered in gilded bronze plaques, which were looted during the Fourth Crusade. It remains a constant, if more weathered, presence from the Byzantine era of the city.

How much does this tour cost?

Free tours do not have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end the amount they consider appropriate (amounts usually range from €15 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).