Istanbul Old City Full Day Tour

Exploring the rich history and captivating culture of Istanbul’s Old City is an unforgettable experience. This full-day tour immerses visitors in the city’s iconic landmarks, from the serene Blue Mosque to the majestic Hagia Sophia. Along the way, knowledgeable guides share insightful commentary, transporting participants back in time. With convenient inclusions like lunch and hotel transfers, this comprehensive tour ensures a seamless journey, leaving travelers with a deeper appreciation for the city’s heritage. However, the true highlight may lie in the final stop – the vibrant Grand Bazaar, where the sights, sounds, and aromas of this bustling marketplace promise to leave a lasting impression.

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

Contents hide

1 Tour Overview

2 Itinerary Highlights

3 Inclusions

4 Customer Experience

5 Booking Information

6 Historical Sites Explored

7 Tour Duration and Price

8 Cancellation Policy

9 Frequently Asked Questions

Key Points

Comprehensive 8-hour tour exploring Istanbul’s historical and cultural landmarks, including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Grand Bazaar.
Guided tour with hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch, and entry tickets, providing a seamless and enriching exploration of Istanbul’s iconic sites.
Begins at the Hippodrome and offers panoramic views of the Golden Horn and Bosphorus from Topkapi Palace.
Overall rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars based on customer reviews, with feedback highlighting both positive and areas for improvement.
Flexible booking options, including free cancellation up to 24 hours prior, allowing for convenient trip planning.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Istanbul Old City Full Day Tour is a comprehensive exploration of the city’s historical and cultural landmarks.

This 8-hour tour takes visitors through key sites, including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar. Guests will start at the Hippodrome, where a guide provides historical insights.

The tour then moves to the Blue Mosque to admire its iconic minarets and Iznik tiles, followed by Hagia Sophia’s Byzantine mosaics. Visitors will also tour Topkapi Palace and enjoy views of the Golden Horn and Bosphorus.

The experience culminates with a visit to the lively Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s largest covered markets.

The tour includes lunch, hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional guide, and all necessary entry tickets.

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Itinerary Highlights

Typically, the Istanbul Old City Full Day Tour begins at the Hippodrome, where the guide provides historical insights into this ancient chariot racing stadium.

Next, the tour explores the Blue Mosque, admiring its iconic minarets and intricate Iznik tiles.

Visitors then venture into the Hagia Sophia, a 6th-century architectural marvel known for its stunning Byzantine mosaics.

The tour also includes a visit to the grand Topkapi Palace, offering panoramic views of the Golden Horn and Bosphorus.

Inclusions

The Istanbul Old City Full Day Tour includes a provided lunch and hotel pickup and drop-off for designated areas. Travelers will also be accompanied by a professional licensed tour guide throughout the tour. The tour provides entry tickets to several must-see historical sites, including the Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Hagia Irene Museum.

Inclusions
Lunch provided
Hotel pickup and drop-off included
Professional licensed tour guide
Entry tickets to key historical sites

This comprehensive tour ensures a seamless and enriching exploration of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks and attractions.

Customer Experience

Commonly, the Istanbul Old City Full Day Tour receives an overall rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars based on 2 reviews from a variety of travelers, including couples, friends, solo adventurers, and families.

The reviews provide some insights into the overall customer experience, though more feedback would be needed to draw definitive conclusions.

The tour’s inclusions, such as lunch, hotel pickup/drop-off, and entry tickets to key historical sites, seem to be well-received.

However, some guests may have found aspects of the tour lacking or the overall experience not fully meeting their expectations.

Additional reviews could shed more light on what travelers enjoyed or areas for improvement.

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Booking Information

Booking availability for the Istanbul Old City Full Day Tour can be checked on the tour provider’s website. Customers can select the desired start time and number of participants. The tour can accommodate a variety of group sizes, as shown in the table below.

Participants	Price per Person
1-6	$79.82
7-10	$84.80
11-15	$89.79
16+	$94.78

Guests can reserve their spot and pay later. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to the start time for a full refund. With a range of pricing options and flexible booking, customers can easily plan their Istanbul Old City adventure.

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Historical Sites Explored

Embarking on the Istanbul Old City Tour, visitors enjoy the rich tapestry of the city’s historical sites.

The tour begins at the Hippodrome, where the guide provides historical insights into this former center of Byzantine public life.

Next, the awe-inspiring Blue Mosque captivates with its towering minarets and intricate Iznik tiles.

Exploring the Hagia Sophia, a stunning architectural marvel built in the 6th century, reveals its impressive Byzantine mosaics.

The tour then ventures to the regal Topkapi Palace, offering sweeping views of the Golden Horn and Bosphorus.

Tour Duration and Price

The Istanbul Old City Tour offers an 8-hour excursion that allows visitors to explore the city’s rich historical sites.

Priced at $99.77 per person, the tour provides an excellent value, with a current discount of up to 20% bringing the cost down to $79.82.

Travelers can take advantage of a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, as well as a reserve now, pay later option.

With a range of customer reviews from couples, friends, solo travelers, and families, the tour offers a well-rounded experience for a diverse group of visitors exploring the iconic landmarks of Istanbul’s Old City.

Cancellation Policy

One key advantage of the Istanbul Old City Tour is its flexible cancellation policy. You can cancel your tour up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This provides several benefits:

Allows you to plan your trip with confidence, knowing you can adjust your itinerary if needed.
Protects you from losing money if your plans change unexpectedly.
Offers peace of mind, as you don’t have to worry about rigid cancellation rules.
Demonstrates the tour operator’s commitment to customer satisfaction.
Enhances the overall experience, as you can focus on enjoying the tour without stress about cancellations.

The flexible cancellation policy is a testament to the tour’s quality and the operator’s dedication to customer service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Photography Allowed Inside the Historic Sites?

Photography is generally allowed inside the historic sites, but visitors should be mindful of any restrictions or guidelines imposed by the sites. Some areas may have limited or prohibited photography to preserve the sanctity and tranquility of the spaces.

What Type of Lunch Is Provided During the Tour?

The tour includes a provided lunch, though the specific type of lunch is not specified in the overview. Likely, it’s a typical Turkish meal or a selection of local dishes to give participants a taste of the cuisine.

Are There Any Bathroom Breaks or Rest Stops During the Tour?

The tour itinerary doesn’t specifically mention scheduled bathroom breaks or rest stops. However, given the 8-hour duration, it’s likely there will be opportunities for bathroom access and short breaks during the tour. The guide would likely accommodate any reasonable requests from participants.

Can I Bring My Own Water/Snacks on the Tour?

Yes, participants can bring their own water and snacks on the tour. Most tour operators encourage guests to stay hydrated and refuel as needed throughout the day’s activities.

Is There a Dress Code I Should Follow for the Tour?

There’s generally a dress code for visiting religious sites on the tour. Visitors should wear modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees. Hats, shorts, and sleeveless shirts are typically not allowed inside the mosques.

Recap

The Istanbul Old City Full Day Tour offers an immersive and comprehensive exploration of the city’s rich history and culture. From the ancient Hippodrome to the vibrant Grand Bazaar, the tour provides guided commentary, convenient inclusions, and breathtaking sights, ensuring a memorable experience for visitors. The tour’s itinerary, inclusions, and practical details make it an ideal choice for those seeking to discover the heart of Istanbul.