Istanbul Full Day Old City Tour

Istanbul’s Old City is a captivating blend of history, culture, and architectural marvels. The Full Day Old City Tour offers travelers a chance to enjoy this vibrant tapestry, guided by a licensed expert who brings the past to life. From the towering Hagia Sophia to the serene Sultanahmet Mosque, each site tells a story waiting to be uncovered. With comprehensive inclusions and seamless transportation, this tour promises an enriching journey that will leave you eager to discover more of what Istanbul’s historic heart has to offer.

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

Key Points

• Comprehensive full-day tour of Istanbul’s historic Sultanahmet area, covering iconic landmarks like Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia.
• Tour led by a licensed guide providing valuable insights and historical information about the city’s rich cultural heritage.
• Convenient transportation in an air-conditioned Mercedes Sprinter minivan and the use of public transportation like the tram.
• Inclusive of all admission fees, hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as traveler insurance.
• Flexible meeting options, including pickup from hotels or the cruise ship terminal.

Tour Overview

Istanbul, the City on the Seven Hills, offers a compact yet convenient Sultanahmet area that makes arranging transportation a sensible choice for visitors seeking to explore the key signatures of this historic district in a single day.

This full-day tour is led by a licensed guide who provides valuable insights and historical information, allowing guests to fully enjoy the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Traveling in an air-conditioned Mercedes Sprinter minivan, the tour includes public transportation such as the tram, ensuring a seamless and comfortable experience.

With inclusions like admission fees and hotel pick-up and drop-off, this comprehensive tour offers an efficient and hassle-free way to discover the iconic landmarks of Istanbul’s Old City.

Inclusions

This full-day tour includes a professional licensed tour guide who provides valuable insights and historical information throughout the day. It also includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, as well as public transportation such as the tram. Plus, all admission fees to the tour’s attractions are covered, and travelers are insured during the experience.

Inclusions	Details
Guide	Professional, licensed
Transport	Hotel pickup/drop-off, public tram
Admission Fees	Covered for all attractions
Insurance	Provided for travelers

The comprehensive inclusions ensure a seamless and informative experience, allowing travelers to fully enjoy the rich history and culture of Istanbul’s Sultanahmet area.

Exclusions

While the tour includes an array of valuable services, it doesn’t cover food, drinks, or personal expenses incurred by travelers.

Plus, tips for the driver and guide aren’t included in the tour price and are at the discretion of the participants.

The tour operator ensures that all necessary transportation, entry fees, and insurance are provided, but any costs related to individual purchases or gratuities are the responsibility of the tour participants.

This allows travelers to budget and spend according to their own preferences and needs during the day-long exploration of Istanbul’s historic Sultanahmet district.

Meeting and Pickup

The tour provides pickup options that cater to the varying needs of participants.

Travelers can be picked up by public transportation like the tram, or they can walk to the meeting point from their hotel if it’s located in the main attraction area of Sultanahmet.

For cruise ship passengers, the designated meeting spot is in front of the Hafiz Mustafa Sweets Shop.

This flexibility ensures that all travelers can conveniently join the tour, whether they’re staying within the Sultanahmet district or arriving by cruise ship.

The clear meeting instructions and accessible pickup locations make the tour seamless and hassle-free for participants.

Additional Information

Travelers receive confirmation of their booking immediately upon completing their reservation. The tour is wheelchair accessible and located near public transportation. Infants must be seated on laps during the tour. Most travelers are able to comfortably participate in the full-day Istanbul Old City Tour. Entrance fees for Topkapi Palace (1500 TRY) and Hagia Sophia (25 €) are payable directly to the guide to facilitate skip-the-line access. The tour group size is limited to a maximum of 15 travelers.

Tour Features	Details
Confirmation	Received at time of booking
Accessibility	Wheelchair accessible, near public transit
Infants	Must sit on laps
Participation	Most travelers can comfortably join
Entrance Fees	Payable to guide for skip-the-line access
Group Size	Maximum of 15 travelers

Sultanahmet Area

Sultanahmet is the historic heart of Istanbul, compact yet bustling with iconic landmarks that draw visitors from around the world.

The Sultanahmet area is easily explored on foot, as the key attractions are situated within close proximity. This makes arranging transportation a sensible choice, allowing visitors to maximize their time and experience the neighborhood’s rich history and cultural significance.

The area is home to several of Istanbul’s must-see sights, including:

• The awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia, a former Byzantine cathedral turned mosque
• The magnificent Blue Mosque, known for its striking six minarets and stunning interior
• The serene Hippodrome, once the center of Byzantine public life

Key Signatures

On this full-day tour of Istanbul’s historic Sultanahmet area, visitors can explore several key signatures that define the city’s rich cultural heritage.

The iconic Hagia Sophia, a stunning architectural masterpiece that has served as both a church and a mosque, stands as a testament to Istanbul’s long and diverse history.

Nearby, the imposing Sultanahmet Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, captivates with its magnificent domes and delicate blue tiles.

The tour also includes a visit to the Topkapi Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans, where visitors can marvel at the opulent interiors and learn about the imperial court’s traditions.

These landmarks offer a comprehensive glimpse into Istanbul’s storied past and cement its status as one of the world’s most fascinating cities.

Professional Licensed Guide

A key aspect of this full-day tour is the professional licensed guide who provides visitors with valuable insights and historical information about Istanbul’s iconic landmarks.

With their expertise and deep knowledge of the city’s rich history, the guide brings the tour to life, sharing fascinating stories and anecdotes that enhance the visitor’s understanding and appreciation of the sites.

The guide’s role is crucial in navigating the compact Sultanahmet area and ensuring a seamless and informative experience.

Visitors can expect to learn about:

• The architectural wonders and religious significance of the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque
• The intricate history and opulent grandeur of the Topkapi Palace
• The cultural traditions and vibrant atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Language of the Tour?

The language of the tour is not explicitly stated in the provided information. However, it can be reasonably assumed that the tour is conducted in English, as it is a common language for international tours in major tourist destinations like Istanbul.

Are Child/Youth Discounts Available?

The tour information does not explicitly mention any child or youth discounts. However, it states that infants must sit on laps, suggesting they may not require a separate ticket. Specific policies regarding children’s pricing are not provided.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Travelers are typically allowed to bring their own food and drinks on guided tours, unless explicitly prohibited by the tour operator. However, it’s best to check the tour details or ask the operator if any restrictions apply.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment?

For most guided tours, no special equipment is typically required. Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and a small bag or purse for personal items are usually sufficient. The tour guide will provide any necessary instructions or materials.

Is the Tour Available in Other Languages?

The tour is available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, and German. Travelers can inquire about language options when booking the tour to ensure they can enjoy the experience in their preferred language.

Recap

The Istanbul Full Day Old City Tour offers an immersive exploration of the historic Sultanahmet area, led by a licensed guide.

With admission fees, transportation, and traveler insurance included, the tour provides a comprehensive experience for most travelers.

Though food and personal expenses are excluded, the tour’s accessibility and small group size ensure a comfortable and informative journey through the city’s iconic landmarks and cultural heritage.