Full Day Guided Istanbul Old City Tour

The Full Day Guided Istanbul Old City Tour offers a captivating opportunity to take in the rich tapestry of Istanbul’s history and culture. Priced at €100 per person, this 8-hour excursion promises an unforgettable experience with its carefully curated itinerary, which includes visits to iconic landmarks such as the Hippodrome, Sultan Ahmed Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace. Guided by knowledgeable professionals and equipped with skip-the-line access, participants can expect a well-paced exploration of over 2,000 years of history, punctuated by a delightful lunch at a seafront lounge and two hours of wandering the vibrant Grand Bazaar. But the true allure of this tour lies in the opportunity to uncover the secrets that have shaped the city’s enduring legacy.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Full-Day Tours In Istanbul.

Key Points

• Comprehensive full-day guided tour of Istanbul’s historical and cultural landmarks, including the Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace.
• Tour priced at €100 per person, with hotel pick-up and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, and a seafront lunch.
• Skip-the-line access and live commentary from English-speaking guides provide an immersive and engaging experience.
• Flexible 8-hour itinerary balances sightseeing with leisure time at the Grand Bazaar.
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and "reserve now, pay later" option for convenient booking.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Details

Offering a comprehensive exploration of Istanbul’s rich history and cultural heritage, the Istanbul Old City Tour is a full-day guided excursion that delves into the city’s captivating past.

Priced at €100 per person, the tour lasts 8 hours and features free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Guests can opt for the reserve now, pay later option.

The tour covers key sites like the Hippodrome, Sultan Ahmed Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace, with ample time allotted for each. Lunch at a seafront lounge and 2 hours at the Grand Bazaar are also included.

Passionate guides provide live commentary and skip-the-line access, ensuring a seamless and immersive experience exploring 2,000 years of history.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins at the Ibrahim Pasha Palace, where guests spend 30 minutes exploring the Hippodrome, a former Roman chariot racing stadium.

Next, they visit the German Fountain for another 30 minutes.

The tour then moves to the magnificent Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, where guests spend an hour admiring its stunning architecture and learning about its history.

They then head to the iconic Hagia Sophia, a former church and mosque that’s now a museum, for an hour-long visit.

After that, the group spends an hour at the Topkapi Palace, the former residence of the Ottoman Sultans.

The tour culminates with a 2-hour lunch at a seafront lounge and a 2-hour exploration of the Grand Bazaar.

Tour Experience

This guided Istanbul Old City Tour provides a captivating exploration of over 2,000 years of history, from the Roman Empire to the Ottoman Empire.

Guests will enjoy live commentary from passionate, English-speaking guides who bring the city’s rich heritage to life through interactive storytelling and humor. The tour provides skip-the-line access to major attractions, allowing for a seamless experience.

Key features of the tour experience include:

1. Immersive historical narratives that transport guests to pivotal moments in Istanbul’s past.

2. Opportunities for engaging with the guides and asking questions to deepen understanding.

3. A well-paced itinerary that balances sightseeing with leisure time, such as the 2-hour lunch at a seafront lounge.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes a professional guide, hotel pick-up and drop-off, an air-conditioned vehicle, and a seafront lunch with a city view.

However, entrance fees to Hagia Sophia (€25) and Topkapi Palace (€50) aren’t included in the tour price. Guests will need to cover the cost of these entrance fees separately.

Plus, the tour doesn’t include drinks or gratuities, which are at the discretion of the participants.

The tour operator will contact guests one day prior to the tour to provide the meeting details, and the itinerary is subject to change.

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Meeting Point and Additional Information

Guests will meet the tour guide at the entrance of the Turkish and Islamic Art Museum.

Arrive 15 minutes early to ensure a timely departure. The operator will contact guests the day prior with the exact meeting details.

Plus, the tour itinerary may be subject to change:

1. Arrive on time to avoid delays and ensure a smooth start to the tour.
2. Expect communication from the operator the day before with final meeting instructions.
3. Understand that the schedule is flexible to accommodate any unexpected circumstances.

Pricing and Availability

The tour’s pricing and availability details are as follows.

The full-day guided Istanbul Old City Tour costs €100.00 per person. It’s a free cancellation tour, and guests can receive a full refund if they cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

There’s also a reserve now and pay later option available. Customers can check the tour’s availability and starting times.

The tour lasts 8 hours and includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, an air-conditioned vehicle, and a lunch with a city view.

However, entrance fees to Hagia Sophia (€25) and Topkapi Palace (€50) are excluded, as well as drinks and gratuities.

Cancellation Policy

Canceling the Istanbul Old City Tour is a straightforward process, as guests can receive a full refund if they cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

This flexibility allows travelers to adjust their plans without incurring any financial penalties. The tour operator also offers a "Reserve Now & Pay Later" option, providing further convenience for guests.

Here are three key benefits of the tour’s cancellation policy:

1. Stress-free planning: Guests can book the tour with confidence, knowing they can cancel if their plans change.

2. Hassle-free refunds: If guests cancel on time, they’ll receive a full refund, no questions asked.

3. Flexibility for unexpected events: The 24-hour cancellation window offers a safety net for last-minute changes in plans.

Reservation Options

Travelers enjoy a flexible booking process for the Istanbul Old City Tour, with the option to reserve now and pay later.

The tour price is €100 per person, and there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Guests can check availability for starting times that suit their schedule.

The operator will contact them one day prior with the meeting details. While the itinerary is subject to change, the tour includes skip-the-line access to major attractions, a live English-speaking guide, hotel pick-up and drop-off, and a seafront lunch – all within an 8-hour experience exploring Istanbul’s rich history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Bringing your own food and drinks is generally not allowed on guided tours. The tour includes a lunch at a seafront lounge, and guests should refrain from consuming outside items during the tour. Check with the tour operator for any exceptions or special policies.

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour is wheelchair accessible. Guests with mobility issues can be accommodated, as the tour includes transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle and visits to sites with wheelchair-friendly facilities.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment?

The tour does not require any special equipment. Guests should wear comfortable walking shoes and bring any personal medications or items they may need throughout the day. The tour operator provides all necessary resources for the guided experience.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to My Preferences?

Yes, you can customize the itinerary to your preferences. The tour operator is flexible and willing to adjust the schedule based on your interests and time constraints, as long as the core sites are covered.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour operator doesn’t currently offer specific discounts for students or seniors. However, they’re open to accommodating special requests, so it’s best to inquire about potential discounts or customization options when making the booking.

Recap

The Full Day Guided Istanbul Old City Tour offers an immersive experience into the city’s rich history and cultural heritage. With professional guides, skip-the-line access, and a well-paced itinerary, participants can explore iconic sites like the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, enjoy a seafront lunch, and discover the vibrant Grand Bazaar, all in a single 8-hour excursion priced at €100 per person.

You can check if your dates are available here: