Best Istanbul Old City Tour: Timeless Stories with Dr Sib
As a certified tour guide and academic researcher, I have experience leading tours of the Bosphorus cruises and Istanbul's historical sites, including iconic monuments such as the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Sultanahmet Square. I invite you to book a tour with me for an unforgettable experience. Fluent in Arabic, Persian, English, Spanish, Kurdish, and Turkish, I also offer tailored private tours and cruises.
Pickup
I will be by the Obelisk of Theodosius located in Sultanahmet square with a cane.
Description
🏛️ Unlock Istanbul’s Hidden Layers: An Expert-Led Journey 🏛️
A Walking Tour Where Monuments Whisper Stories of Sultans, Emperors and 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 & outside)
- Hagia Sofia (outside)
- Old Hospital
- Obelisk of Theodosius
- Obelisk of Constantin
- Palace of Ibrahim Pasha
- Spartans Serpent Column
- The German Fountain
- 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
- Gulhane Park
- Basillica Cistern (Yerebatan)
- Million Stone
- Ideas for more places, restaurants, cruises and ferry piers.
✨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.
✅ 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 and Hagia Sophia’s majesty.
- 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 in Arabic, English or Spanish! I’m 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. 🌟
Recommended tours from other guides:
Three historic mosque visits:
https://www.guruwalk.com/walks/56715-sacred-and-historic-sultanahmet-blue-mosque-little-hagia-sophia-sokullu-mehmet-pasha
More tours for Istambul
https://www.guruwalk.com/istanbul?ref=dspt6o0crhj4771s920t&pro=true
👉 Secure your spot now – legends await!
Have a nice trip 🚀 🛸
Dr Sib