Exploring Istanbul’s rich history and iconic landmarks is a must-do for any visitor. The Small Group Full Day Old City Tour offers an immersive experience, led by a professional licensed guide. Travelers will venture to the Hippodrome, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace, all while enjoying personalized attention in a group of no more than 20. With convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off, a delicious lunch, and all entrance fees included, this tour ensures a seamless and memorable exploration of Istanbul’s historic heart. But the best part? There’s more to discover beyond the Old City’s legendary sites.
Key Points
- Comprehensive 6-hour guided tour of Istanbul’s historic Old City, including iconic landmarks like the Hippodrome, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace.
- Tour led by a professional licensed guide and accommodates a maximum group size of 20 for personalized attention.
- Includes hotel pickup/drop-off, lunch, and all entrance fees for convenience.
- Explore the Hippodrome, a Roman-era stadium, and marvel at the stunning Byzantine and Ottoman architecture of the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque.
- Tour is stroller and wheelchair accessible with moderate fitness required, and a non-refundable cancellation policy applies.
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Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview
- Itinerary Highlights
- Inclusions
- Pickup Information
- Important Notes
- Pricing and Cancellation Policy
- Pre-Departure Information
- Exploring the Old City
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What Is the Typical Group Size for This Tour?
- Can I Customize the Itinerary to Suit My Preferences?
- Is There an Option to Add Additional Activities or Stops?
- How Long Is the Walking Portion of the Tour?
- Are Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?
- The Sum Up
- Our Top Picks in Istanbul
- More City Tours in Istanbul
- More Tours in Istanbul
- More Tour Reviews in Istanbul
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Istanbul we have recnetly reviewed
Tour Overview
Offering a comprehensive exploration of Istanbul’s historic Old City, this small group tour immerses travelers in the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Led by a professional licensed guide, the 6-hour excursion takes visitors to iconic landmarks like the Hippodrome, Hagia Sophia Mosque, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace.
Guests can wander through the legendary Grand Bazaar, browsing for handmade carpets, jewelry, and souvenirs.
With hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch, and all entrance fees included, the tour provides a seamless and immersive experience.
Accessible to travelers of moderate fitness, the tour accommodates a maximum group size of 20, ensuring personalized attention from the guide.
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Itinerary Highlights
The tour visits several iconic landmarks that showcase Istanbul’s rich history and diverse cultural heritage.
First, guests will explore the Hippodrome, a Roman-era stadium and chariot racing venue that now displays ancient obelisks.
Next, they’ll marvel at the Hagia Sophia Mosque, originally a Byzantine church, and appreciate its stunning architecture.
Finally, the tour takes them to the Blue Mosque, known for its 17th-century Ottoman design and incredible blue tilework.
After lunch, travelers will wander through the grand Topkapi Palace, the former seat of the Ottoman Empire, and browse the legendary Grand Bazaar for handmade crafts, carpets, and souvenirs.
Inclusions
This tour includes a comprehensive set of services to enhance the overall experience.
Hotel pickup and drop-off ensure a seamless start and end to the day. Lunch and all entrance fees are covered, eliminating any additional costs.
Transportation is provided in a non-smoking, air-conditioned deluxe vehicle for a comfortable journey. A professional licensed tour guide leads the way, providing valuable insights and historical context.
Gratuities for the guide and driver are also included, so there’s no need to worry about tipping. Personal expenses and drinks not mentioned are the only additional costs.
This all-inclusive package allows travelers to fully enjoy the tour without hassle.
Pickup Information
Multiple pickup points are offered for this tour, including Emin??n??, Sirkeci, Sultanahmet, Taksim, Beyo??lu, Karak??y, and Be??ikta??.
Travelers can choose the location most convenient for them. The tour has a maximum group size of 20 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.
Some key highlights of the pickup process include:
- Hotel pickup and drop-off for added convenience.
- Prompt pickups to start the tour on time.
- Accessible locations for those with mobility needs.
This flexible pickup arrangement allows guests to easily join the tour and begin their exploration of Istanbul’s historic Old City.
Important Notes
What’re the important notes for this tour?
First, confirmation is received at the time of booking.
Infants must sit on laps during the tour.
Travelers can’t have any serious medical conditions.
The tour is stroller and wheelchair accessible, but a moderate level of physical fitness is required.
The child rate applies when sharing with two paying adults, and children must be accompanied by an adult.
There’s no refund for cancellations as the tour is non-refundable.
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Pricing and Cancellation Policy
The tour has a starting price of $240.00, which can vary depending on the group size.
There’s no refund for cancellations, as the tour is non-refundable.
The pricing policy includes:
- Group size determines the final cost.
- Children’s rate applies when sharing with 2 paying adults.
- Personal expenses and drinks aren’t included in the price.
Travelers should carefully consider their schedule and availability before booking, as no refunds are offered for cancellations.
Pre-Departure Information
Participants will be picked up from various locations in Istanbul, including Emin??n??, Sirkeci, Sultanahmet, Taksim, Beyo??lu, Karak??y, and Be??ikta??.
The maximum group size is 20 travelers. Infants must sit on laps, and there are no restrictions for those with no serious medical conditions.
The tour is stroller and wheelchair accessible, but moderate physical fitness is required. Children can join the tour when accompanied by an adult, and the child rate applies when sharing with two paying adults.
Confirmation is received upon booking, and there’s no refund for cancellations as the tour is non-refundable.
Exploring the Old City
Stepping into the historic heart of Istanbul, travelers embark on a captivating journey through the city’s iconic landmarks.
The tour begins at the Hippodrome, a Roman relic that was once the center of Byzantine public life.
Next, the group explores the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia Mosque, marveling at its stunning Byzantine architecture.
The tour then moves to the magnificent Blue Mosque, with its distinctive 17th-century design and six minarets.
Finally, visitors wander through the lavish Topkapi Palace, the former seat of the Ottoman Empire, browsing its opulent chambers and courtyards.
Throughout the experience, the professional guide provides insightful commentary, bringing the city’s rich history to life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Typical Group Size for This Tour?
The maximum group size for this tour is 20 travelers. The tour provider specifically notes that the group size is limited to ensure a more personalized and intimate experience for participants.
Can I Customize the Itinerary to Suit My Preferences?
The tour itinerary is set, but the provider may be able to accommodate some customizations or special requests depending on availability and the group’s interests. It’s best to discuss any preferences with them directly before booking.
Is There an Option to Add Additional Activities or Stops?
The tour provider may allow some customization, but it’s best to inquire directly. There may be options to add additional activities or stops, though these could incur extra fees. The standard itinerary covers the key highlights of the Old City.
How Long Is the Walking Portion of the Tour?
The walking portion of the tour lasts approximately 2-3 hours. Visitors will explore historical sites on foot, including the Hagia Sophia Mosque, Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar. Moderate physical fitness is recommended to comfortably complete the walking segments of the itinerary.
Are Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?
The tour details do not mention any discounts for seniors or students. Pricing is based on the group size, starting from $240.00 per person. Discounts may be available, but are not explicitly stated in the provided information.
Small Group Full Day Old City Tour of Istanbul
“We took a tour of Istanbul and 1 day Bursa tour with tour guide Osman thru Neapolis Travel.
We had the best guide in Osman. He was very knowledgea…”
The Sum Up
Enjoy Istanbul’s rich history with the Small Group Full Day Old City Tour. Explore iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace with a professional guide, enjoying personalized attention and convenience. This 6-hour journey offers an insightful and memorable experience, showcasing the best of Istanbul’s historic heart.
