Exploring the captivating city of Istanbul is a must-do for any traveler seeking a culture. The Istanbul City Tour offers a comprehensive full-day experience that seamlessly blends the Asian and European sides of this vibrant metropolis. From iconic landmarks like the Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque to the breathtaking views along the Bosphorus Strait, this tour promises an unforgettable journey through the city’s rich history and diversity. With comfortable transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and optional local cuisine, the tour caters to both families and culture enthusiasts, leaving participants with a deeper appreciation for the unique charm of Istanbul.
Key Points
- A full-day tour covering major landmarks on both the Asian and European sides of Istanbul, including Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, and Hagia Sophia.
- Scenic Bosphorus cruise with optional food and drink purchases for a more immersive experience.
- Comfortable air-conditioned transportation and knowledgeable guide for a seamless and enriching tour.
- Complimentary pickup from central Istanbul hotels, with additional charges for locations outside designated zones.
- Designed to accommodate a range of travelers, including families, with accessibility features such as stroller allowance and infant seats.
Tour Overview
The Istanbul City Tour Full Day (Asia and Europe) and Bosphorus Tour provides a rundown of the city’s key sights and landmarks, including professional guidance, transportation, and select admission fees.
Travelers will explore both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul, taking in iconic landmarks like the Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, and Hagia Sophia.
The tour also includes a scenic Bosphorus cruise, offering stunning views of the city’s waterfront and bridges.
Lunch is provided, and additional food and drinks are available for purchase on the boat.
With an air-conditioned vehicle and knowledgeable guide, this tour offers a seamless and enjoyable way to experience the rich history and vibrant culture of Istanbul.
Want to dig deeper into Istanbul? We've also reviewed these city tours
Pickup and Drop-off Details
Free pickup and drop-off services are available from hotels in central Istanbul, including the Old City and Taksim areas.
However, pickup isn’t provided from hotels located on the Asian side of the city. Additional charges may apply for pickups requested from other locations outside the specified zones.
The tour starts at 8:00 am and includes stops at key pickup points like Fındıkzade, Topkapi, Aksaray, Laleli, Beyazıt, Sultanahmet, Sirkeci, Taksim, Maçka, Nişantaşı, and Ortaköy, among others.
Passengers should inquire about specific pickup times and locations for their hotel. The tour give you a seamless and convenient transportation experience for all participants.
Participant Information
A maximum of 25 travelers can participate in each tour. Most travelers are able to join the city tour, as infant seats are available.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, strollers are welcome. The tour location is situated near public transportation options.
The tour caters to a wide range of participants. Families with young children can take advantage of the infant seats provided, ensuring a comfortable experience for all.
Those with limited mobility may find the lack of wheelchair accessibility a challenge, but the stroller-friendly nature of the tour makes it accessible for those needing extra assistance.
The proximity to public transport further enhances the accessibility of the tour, allowing visitors from all areas of Istanbul to join in the exploration of the city’s rich history and culture.
Booking Confirmation
Upon booking, travelers receive confirmation at the time of their reservation.
This confirmation details the tour specifics, including pickup arrangements, schedule, and inclusions, ensuring a seamless planning experience for the Istanbul City Tour.
The confirmation outlines the free pickup and drop-off service from central Istanbul hotels, with specific designated pickup points listed.
Travelers should inquire about pickup availability for hotels in other zones on the tour day, as additional charges may apply.
The confirmation also notes the tour’s start time of 8:00 am and the maximum group size of 25 participants.
With these details provided upfront, travelers can feel confident in their booking and prepared for an enjoyable and hassle-free Istanbul exploration.
Pickup Availability
The hotel’s location determines pickup availability for the Istanbul City Tour, as the tour provider offers complimentary transportation from select central Istanbul neighborhoods, including Sultanahmet, Taksim, and Beyoğlu.
Pickup isn’t available from hotels on the Asian side of Istanbul, and additional charges may apply for pickups from other locations. Specific pickup points in central Istanbul include:
- Fındıkzade
- Topkapi
- Aksaray
- Laleli
- Beyazıt
To ensure a smooth start to the tour, travelers should inquire about their specific pickup location and time when booking.
The tour begins at 8:00 am, allowing participants to maximize their sightseeing experience in Istanbul.
Here are more great tours and experiences we've reviewed in Istanbul
Additional Food and Drinks
While the Istanbul City Tour package covers the main sightseeing and transportation costs, travelers can purchase additional food and drinks on the Bosphorus boat cruise portion of the tour. These optional extras, not included in the base tour price, allow participants to further enhance their experience by indulging in local cuisine and refreshments during the scenic waterway journey.
Menu Item | Price (TRY) | Price (USD) |
---|---|---|
Traditional Turkish Tea | 10 | 0.75 |
Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice | 15 | 1.10 |
Mezze Platter | 35 | 2.60 |
Grilled Fish Sandwich | 25 | 1.85 |
Baklava Dessert | 20 | 1.50 |
Travelers can enjoy these delectable options while taking in the magnificent views of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks along the Bosphorus Strait.
Specific Pickup Times and Locations
Although the tour includes complimentary pickup and drop-off at select central Istanbul locations, travelers should inquire about specific pickup times and points for their hotel.
The tour departs at 8:00 am, and the pickup areas cover popular districts like Sultanahmet, Taksim, and Beşiktaş, among others.
Customers not staying in the designated pickup zones may incur additional charges for transportation to the tour’s starting point.
The tour provider can provide details on:
-
Pickup availability for hotels on the Asian side
-
Specific pickup times for each location
-
Charges for pickups outside the main zones
-
Accessibility of the pickup points
-
Procedures for arranging alternative transportation if needed
Tour Accessibility
The Istanbul City Tour offers accessibility features for most travelers, though it isn’t wheelchair accessible. Strollers are permitted, and the tour locations are situated near public transportation options.
Infant seats are available upon request to accommodate families. With a maximum of 25 travelers per tour, the experience is designed to be comfortable and enjoyable for a wide range of participants.
While the tour may not be fully accessible for those with mobility challenges, the organizers have made efforts to ensure that the majority of visitors can participate and fully enjoy the rich cultural and historical sights of Istanbul.
Accessibility is an important consideration, and the tour aims to be as inclusive as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?
The tour is not wheelchair accessible, though strollers are allowed. Travelers with mobility challenges may find it difficult to participate fully in the tour’s activities and transportation.
How Long Does the Tour Last?
The tour typically lasts a full day, from the 8:00 am pickup to the drop-off in the late afternoon. The exact duration may vary based on traffic and other factors, but it’s generally a comprehensive sightseeing experience.
Is There an Opportunity for Shopping During the Tour?
The tour does not include scheduled shopping opportunities, but participants may have free time to explore the local shops and markets at some of the stops along the way, depending on the tour itinerary.
Can We Customize the Tour Itinerary?
The tour itinerary can be customized to an extent, though options may be limited. Travelers should inquire about customization possibilities when booking the tour. The core sightseeing experiences are generally fixed, but some flexibility may be available.
Is Photography Allowed on the Bosphorus Cruise?
Photography is generally allowed on the Bosphorus cruise. Passengers are welcome to take photos and capture the scenic views along the strait. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator for any specific guidelines or restrictions on photography during the cruise.
Recap
The Istanbul City Tour offers a comprehensive and immersive experience, showcasing the city’s iconic landmarks and vibrant culture.
With comfortable transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and an intimate group setting, this tour provides an exceptional opportunity for families and culture enthusiasts to explore the Asian and European sides of this captivating metropolis.
The experience is further complemented by a scenic Bosphorus cruise and the option to savor local Turkish cuisine.
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
- 20 Best 2 Day Tours In Istanbul
- 20 Best 3 Day Tours In Istanbul
- 20 Best 4 Day Tours In Istanbul
- 25 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Istanbul
- 25 Best Dining Experiences In Istanbul
- 20 Best Full-Day Tours In Istanbul
- 17 Best Photography Experiences In Istanbul
- 12 Best Coffee Tours And Tastings In Istanbul
- 25 Best Dinner Tours In Istanbul
- 25 Best Lunch Experiences In Istanbul
- 25 Best Food Tours In Istanbul
- Istanbul Transfers: Airport, Hotel or Return Trip