Istanbul Highlights Small Group or Private Guided Tour With Drink

The Istanbul Highlights Small Group or Private Guided Tour promises to whisk visitors away on an unforgettable journey through the city’s storied past. Led by knowledgeable guides, the experience immerses participants in the cultural riches of this dynamic metropolis, from the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia to the bustling Grand Bazaar. With included entry fees, transportation, and a complimentary Turkish beverage, the tour offers a seamless and enriching way to explore Istanbul’s iconic landmarks. But what truly sets this experience apart is the opportunity to delve deeper into the city’s captivating history and traditions, leaving travelers with a newfound appreciation for the remarkable heritage that defines this extraordinary destination.

Key Points

• This half-day Istanbul Highlights Tour provides an overview and orientation of the historic and religious sites in the old city.
• The tour includes visits to Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, and the Grand Bazaar, along with a complimentary tea or Turkish coffee.
• The tour is led by a professional guide who provides insights and context, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of Istanbul’s cultural heritage.
• The tour is available in small group or private format, with a maximum group size of 15 travelers.
• The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as entry fees, making it a convenient and inclusive experience.

Tour Overview

The half-day Istanbul Highlights Tour provides a great overview and orientation of the old city, allowing visitors to explore its historic and religious sites.

Over the course of the tour, you will step into the world of Ottoman sultans and Byzantine emperors, seeing the rich cultural heritage of Istanbul.

The tour includes visits to the gleaming mosaics of Hagia Sophia and the bustling aisles of the Grand Bazaar, where travelers can soak up the bright colors and vivid scents.

With a professional guide leading the way, this half-day excursion offers a comprehensive introduction to the highlights of Istanbul’s old city, ensuring a memorable experience for all participants.

Included in the Tour

Covering the main highlights of the tour, the package includes a professional guide, tea or Turkish coffee, and entry fees to the Basilica Cistern and Hagia Sophia.

Plus, hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as gratuities, are provided to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for participants.

The Basilica Cistern, an underground Roman water reservoir, offers a unique glimpse into the city’s Byzantine history, while the Hagia Sophia, a former church and mosque, showcases the city’s rich architectural and religious heritage.

With these inclusions, travelers can enjoy Istanbul’s captivating past without worrying about logistics or additional costs, allowing them to fully experience the highlights of this dynamic city.

Meeting and Pickup

Located on the street where the tram lines run through Sultanahmet, the meeting point for this tour is the Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant, approximately a 1-minute walk from the Sultanahmet tram stop.

Participants will be picked up from here and dropped off at the end of the tour near the Grand Bazaar. The restaurant’s convenient location makes it an ideal starting point for this half-day exploration of Istanbul’s historic old city.

Once the group has assembled, the professional guide will lead them on a journey through the city’s most iconic sites and landmarks, providing valuable insights and context along the way. By the tour’s end, you will have a comprehensive understanding and orientation of this captivating metropolis.

Tour Highlights

Stepping into the world of Ottoman sultans and Byzantine emperors, the tour highlights Istanbul’s most iconic sites and landmarks. Participants can explore the gleaming mosaics at Hagia Sophia, seeing the bright colors, vivid scents, and bustling aisles of the Grand Bazaar.

A chance to step back in time and gain a deeper understanding of Istanbul’s rich history and cultural heritage.

The opportunity to capture stunning photographs of the city’s breathtaking architecture and vibrant street scenes.

Insights from a knowledgeable guide who can provide context and share fascinating stories about the sites visited.

Additional Information

The tour confirmation is provided at the time of booking, and the activity isn’t wheelchair accessible but does allow strollers.

It’s located near public transportation, and most travelers can participate.

On Sundays, the Grand Bazaar is closed and will be replaced with the Spice Bazaars, while on religious festivals, these markets may also be closed, and the guides will show alternative sites instead.

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as there’s no opportunity to skip the lines at the Blue Mosque.

This tour has a maximum of 15 travelers. Participants can expect a comprehensive, informative, and objective experience, with a focus on clarity, conciseness, and precision.

Pricing and Booking

The Istanbul Highlights Tour can be booked online or through local tour operators, with prices starting from 800 Turkish Lira per person. This fee covers a professional guide, entry to the Basilica Cistern and Hagia Sophia, as well as hotel pickup and drop-off.

Participants should confirm the availability of their preferred tour date and time at the time of booking, as group sizes are limited to a maximum of 15 travelers.

Confirmation is provided at the time of booking.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but is stroller accessible.

On religious holidays, the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar may be closed, and alternative sites will be visited.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

Customers can cancel their Istanbul Highlights Tour booking up to 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure time for a full refund, according to the tour operator’s policy.

Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the tour aren’t eligible for a refund. However, customers can request to reschedule their tour for another date, subject to availability.

There are no penalties for rescheduling, but the tour operator can’t guarantee a spot on the preferred date. The tour operator emphasizes the importance of arriving on time, as latecomers may not be able to join the group.

The cancellation and refund policy give you flexibility while ensuring the smooth operation of the tours.

Contact Information

Tour operator’s contact information is readily available for any inquiries or assistance. Customers can reach the tour company by phone at +90 212 548 2727 or via email at [email protected].

Their office is located at Sultanahmet Meydanı No:1, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey, and is open from 9 AM to 6 PM daily. Visitors are welcome to stop by during business hours for in-person support.

The tour company offers the following contact options:

1. Phone: +90 212 548 2727
2. Email: [email protected]
3. Office address: Sultanahmet Meydanı No:1, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour does not have a strict dress code, but comfortable, modest clothing is recommended. Visitors should avoid wearing revealing or overly casual attire, as they’ll be entering historic religious sites during the tour.

Can I Take Photos Inside the Religious Sites?

Yes, visitors can take photos inside the religious sites on the tour, but they should be respectful and avoid disruptive behavior. Photography is generally allowed, but visitors should avoid flash and not interfere with others’ experiences.

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Disabilities?

The tour may not be suitable for people with disabilities, as it is not wheelchair accessible. However, the tour is stroller accessible and most travelers can participate. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

How Much Time Is Spent at Each Site?

The duration spent at each site varies, but the tour provides a well-rounded overview. Visitors can expect to spend approximately 1-2 hours exploring the major highlights like Hagia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar before moving on to the next destination.

Are There Any Dietary Accommodations Available?

The tour provider does not explicitly mention any dietary accommodations. However, the inclusion of tea or Turkish coffee suggests they may be able to accommodate common dietary needs with advance notice. Travelers should inquire about specific dietary requirements when booking the tour.

Recap

The Istanbul Highlights Small Group or Private Guided Tour offers visitors a rundown of the city’s iconic historical and cultural landmarks.

Guests can explore renowned sites like the Hagia Sophia and the vibrant Grand Bazaar, seeing Istanbul’s rich heritage.

The tour includes entry fees, transportation, and a complimentary tea or Turkish coffee, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience for all participants.