The Exotic Istanbul Tour promises an immersive journey through the city’s captivating history and vibrant cultural tapestry. From the stunning mosaics of the Chora Church to the grand imperial mosques, visitors embark on an unforgettable exploration. The tour also delves into the charming neighborhoods of Fener and Balat, where traditional Ottoman cuisine and local atmosphere come alive. With a meticulously curated itinerary, this private tour ensures an exceptional experience, showcasing both the iconic landmarks and hidden gems that make Istanbul a truly distinctive destination. What secrets and surprises await those who venture on this exotic adventure?
Key Points
- This private tour offers an in-depth exploration of prominent and lesser-known sites in Istanbul, including the Basilica Cistern and Suleymaniye Mosque.
- The tour begins at 9:00 AM, allowing for a full day of immersion in Istanbul’s history and culture while avoiding crowds at major attractions.
- The tour features a mix of iconic and lesser-known sites, such as the Chora Church and the colorful neighborhoods of Fener and Balat.
- The tour includes traditional Ottoman cuisine served near the Chora Church, providing a unique cultural experience.
- The tour offers a seamless experience with complimentary hotel drop-off, but has mixed reviews regarding the tour guide’s English proficiency.
Tour Overview
This private tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of Istanbul’s prominent and lesser-known sites. Highlighting must-see attractions like the Basilica Cistern and Suleymaniye Mosque, the itinerary also ventures into the colorful neighborhoods of Fener and Balat.
Guests can expect to savor traditional Ottoman dishes near the historic Chora Church. Complementing the engaging sights and flavors, the tour includes complimentary hotel drop-off at the end, ensuring a seamless and memorable experience.
With dynamic pricing to accommodate groups of varying sizes, this tour caters to travelers seeking an in-depth and personalized glimpse into Istanbul’s rich cultural tapestry.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Istanbul.
Start Time
The tour begins promptly at 9:00 AM, providing guests with an early start to their day of exploration in Istanbul.
This timing allows for a full day of immersing oneself in the city’s rich history and culture, without feeling rushed.
The morning departure ensures:
- Beating the crowds at major sites
- Enjoying the city’s cooler temperatures
- Maximizing time for in-depth experiences
- Convenient scheduling for the rest of the day
- Arriving at the first stop, the Basilica Cistern, when it’s less crowded.
This efficient start time sets the tone for a comprehensive, well-paced tour that showcases the best of Istanbul.
What to Expect
Guests who book this tour can expect to receive confirmation upon completing their reservation.
The tour isn’t accessible for wheelchair users, as some sites involve stairs and uneven terrain.
Pricing for the tour is dynamic and based on the size of the group, ranging from €200 for one adult to €70 per person for groups of 10-12 adults.
Participants should have a moderate level of physical fitness, as the tour involves walking through various neighborhoods and visiting cultural sites.
While the tour’s itinerary is highly praised, some reviewers have noted issues with the tour guide’s English proficiency, and the tour has been described as expensive with insufficient information provided.
Cancellation Policy
According to the information provided, a full refund is available for cancellations made up to 24 hours in advance of the tour.
This flexible cancellation policy ensures that customers can plan their trips with confidence, knowing they can receive a full refund if their plans change.
The policy includes:
- Refunds available for cancellations up to 24 hours before the tour
- No penalty fees or hidden costs for cancellations within the allowed time frame
- Hassle-free refund process for added convenience
- Opportunity to reschedule the tour at a later date if needed
- Transparent and customer-friendly cancellation terms.
Itinerary Highlights
This private tour showcases both the prominent and lesser-known sites that make Istanbul such a vibrant and captivating city.
Guests will visit the iconic Basilica Cistern, an underground Byzantine-era reservoir, and the magnificent Suleymaniye Mosque, one of the city’s most impressive imperial mosques.
The tour also explores the charming, colorful neighborhoods of Fener and Balat, known for their historic architecture and vibrant community.
To complete the experience, traditional Ottoman dishes are served in a restaurant near the beautiful Chora Church.
At the end of the day, guests are provided complimentary hotel drop-off, ensuring a seamless and memorable tour.
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Guest Reviews
What do reviewers say about this Istanbul tour? The tour has received an average rating of 3.5 out of 5 based on 3 reviews.
Feedback highlights both positives and negatives:
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The itinerary is excellent, covering prominent and lesser-known sites.
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However, issues with the tour guide’s English proficiency led to lack of information.
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The tour is described as expensive, with insufficient details provided.
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Ratings span the spectrum from 5 stars to 1 star.
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Viator has verified the authenticity of the reviews.
Booking Details
Though the tour begins promptly at 9 AM, travelers receive confirmation of their booking upon purchase.
The pricing for this private excursion varies based on group size, ranging from €200 for a single adult to €70 per person for a group of 10-12 adults.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, a moderate level of physical fitness is required for participation.
Cancellations made up to 24 hours in advance are eligible for a full refund.
Reviews of the tour are mixed, with feedback highlighting an excellent itinerary but issues with the tour guide’s English proficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Request a Specific Tour Guide?
Yes, you can request a specific tour guide for this private tour. However, this is subject to availability and the tour company’s discretion. It’s best to make this request at the time of booking to ensure your preferred guide is available.
What Language Is the Tour Conducted In?
The tour is conducted in English, though the review indicates some issues with the guide’s proficiency. Additional languages may be available upon request, though the details are not explicitly provided.
Are Any COVID-19 Precautions in Place?
The tour follows COVID-19 safety protocols, including mandatory mask-wearing and social distancing. Hand sanitizer is provided, and group sizes are limited to allow for proper spacing. Customers are advised to bring their own masks.
Can I Make Changes to the Tour Itinerary?
According to the tour overview, the itinerary is pre-set and doesn’t allow for customization. However, guests can discuss preferences with the tour guide to optimize their experience within the existing program.
Do I Need to Provide My Own Transportation?
No, transportation is provided for the tour. The tour operator offers complimentary hotel drop-off at the end of the experience, so participants don’t need to worry about arranging their own transportation during the private tour of Istanbul’s prominent and lesser-known sites.
Recap
The Exotic Istanbul Tour offers a captivating journey through the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. Visitors will explore iconic landmarks, enjoy local neighborhoods, and savor traditional Ottoman cuisine. With a carefully curated itinerary, this private tour ensures an unforgettable experience, showcasing both renowned sites and hidden gems, providing a seamless and enjoyable exploration of Istanbul’s diverse heritage.
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