Istanbul: Old Town Tour and Bosphorus Lunch Cruise

Discovering the captivating blend of Istanbul’s rich history and breathtaking beauty is an unforgettable experience. This guided tour takes visitors on a journey through the iconic landmarks of the Old Town, from the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia to the majestic Sultanahmet Mosque. But the true highlight lies in the seamless transition from the bustling streets to the serene waters of the Bosphorus, where a private yacht awaits to whisk travelers away on a culinary adventure. As the vessel glides past the magnificent Dolmabahce Palace and Rumeli Castle, one can’t help but wonder what other enchanting surprises this tour has in store.

Key Points

• Comprehensive 8-hour tour through Istanbul’s Old Town and Bosphorus, with highlights including Hagia Sophia, Sultanahmet Mosque, and a private yacht cruise.
• Pricing starts at $547.60 for up to 2 participants, with flexible payment options and free cancellation policy.
• Guided experience with knowledgeable multi-lingual guides, audio guide support, and wheelchair accessibility for inclusive exploration.
• Delightful lunch menu featuring Turkish cuisine and drinks aboard the private yacht during the Bosphorus cruise.
• High-quality service and positive customer reviews, with a convenient hotel pickup and transportation provided.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Contents

• Key Points
• Tour Overview and Pricing
• Tour Highlights and Experience
• Guided Tour Details
• Lunch and Cuisine
• Customer Reviews and Ratings
• Booking and Cancellation
• Meeting Point and Duration
• Languages and Accessibility
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?
• Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Cruise?
• Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?
• Can I Store My Luggage During the Tour?
• What Is the Cancellation Policy if I Need to Reschedule?
• Recap
• Our Top Picks in Istanbul
• More Boat Tours & Cruises 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

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Istanbul Old Town Tour and Bosphorus Lunch Cruise offers an 8-hour experience that takes visitors through the vibrant Old Town and along the scenic Bosphorus, with prices starting from $547.60 per group of up to 2 participants.

Travelers can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and take advantage of the reserve now and pay later option.

The tour highlights include visits to Hagia Sophia, Sultanahmet Mosque, and a private yacht cruise along the Bosphorus, where participants can indulge in a delectable lunch featuring 10 cold starters, a hot starter, seasonal salad, and a main course of grilled fish, chicken, or meatballs with rice and garlic.

The tour is accessible for wheelchair users and offers live guides in multiple languages.

Tour Highlights and Experience

Visitors on the Istanbul Old Town Tour and Bosphorus Lunch Cruise can enjoy the city’s vibrant history and stunning scenery.

They’ll explore the grandeur of Hagia Sophia and the Sultanahmet Mosque, marvel at the opulence of Dolmabahçe Palace, and witness the iconic Bosphorus Bridge and Rumeli Castle during the cruise.

The tour offers an unparalleled experience, including:

• Exploring the city’s vibrant Old Town

• Enjoying a delightful lunch aboard a private yacht

• Viewing the iconic landmarks along the Bosphorus

• Discovering the architectural and cultural gems of Istanbul

This meticulously curated tour provides an unforgettable journey through Istanbul’s past and present, leaving participants with a deeper appreciation for the city’s rich heritage and natural splendor.

Guided Tour Details

Seamless transportation and knowledgeable guides characterize the guided tour details, with participants enjoying hotel pickup from central Istanbul locations and access to live tour guides in multiple languages, including Spanish, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, and Russian.

An audio guide is also available in English, French, German, Turkish, Spanish, Italian, and Russian, making the tour accessible to visitors from diverse backgrounds.

On top of that, the tour is wheelchair accessible, ensuring inclusivity for all participants.

The professional and organized nature of the tour, along with the high-quality service, have earned the tour company positive reviews from past customers.

Lunch and Cuisine

Lunch aboard the private yacht features a delightful spread that includes 10 cold starters, a hot starter, a seasonal salad, and a main course.

The main course options consist of grilled fish, chicken, or meatballs served with rice and garlic, all complemented by fresh seasonal fruits, soft drinks, and hot beverages.

Alcoholic drinks are also available for purchase, allowing guests to further enjoy the Bosphorus cruise.

The diverse cuisine showcases the rich flavors of Turkish culture, with options to satisfy various dietary preferences.

The lunch is designed to be a highlight of the tour, providing a memorable dining experience while taking in the stunning views of the Bosphorus Strait.

Key features of the lunch:

• 10 cold starters
• Hot starter
• Seasonal salad
• Main course (grilled fish, chicken, or meatballs with rice and garlic)
• Fresh seasonal fruits, soft drinks, and hot beverages

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Customer Reviews and Ratings

Customers who’ve experienced this tour have provided positive feedback, with an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 based on 3 reviews.

They’ve highlighted the professionalism and organization of the tour, as well as the quality of the lunch cruise.

The tour guide received a perfect 5/5 rating, and the transportation and service were also highly praised.

Reviewers commented on the smooth coordination of the tour and the delightful Bosphorus cruise, which featured a tasty and varied lunch menu.

While the sample size is small, the overwhelmingly positive customer reviews suggest this is a well-executed tour that delivers an enjoyable and comprehensive Istanbul experience.

Booking and Cancellation

Travelers can book this tour with a flexible payment option, as the tour operator allows participants to reserve their spot without upfront payment.

Plus, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing customers with the convenience of securing their tour and receiving a full refund if plans change.

This flexibility in booking and cancellation policies ensures that travelers can plan their Istanbul experience with confidence, knowing they can adjust their plans if necessary.

The tour’s booking process includes the following features:

• Reserve now and pay later

• Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior

• Refund available for full amount

• Secure booking through the tour operator’s platform

Meeting Point and Duration

The tour commences with pickup from centrally located Istanbul hotels, ensuring a seamless start to the day’s exploration.

Spanning 8 hours, the guided experience allows ample time to take in the city’s captivating Old Town and embark on a tranquil Bosphorus cruise.

Visitors can look forward to visiting iconic landmarks like Hagia Sophia and the Sultanahmet Mosque, as well as taking in panoramic views of the Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, Bosphorus Bridge, and Rumeli Castle.

The tour’s flexible schedule provides the opportunity to explore the vibrant Golden Horn at a leisurely pace, before indulging in a delectable lunch aboard a private yacht on the Bosphorus.

Languages and Accessibility

The tour offers a multilingual experience, with live guides available in Spanish, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, and Russian. Plus, an audio guide is provided in English, French, German, Turkish, Spanish, Italian, and Russian, catering to the diverse needs of visitors.

The tour is also wheelchair accessible, ensuring an inclusive experience for all participants.

The tour’s language and accessibility features include:

• Live tour guides in 8 different languages

• Audio guide available in 7 languages

• Wheelchair accessibility for participants

• Accommodations for diverse language and mobility needs

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There is no specific dress code for the tour. Participants are generally advised to wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for walking during sightseeing. However, it’s recommended to dress respectfully when visiting religious sites.

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

No, passengers typically cannot bring their own food and drinks on a lunch cruise. The tour provider generally includes a full lunch spread and beverages as part of the cruise experience. Bringing outside items may not be allowed.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?

There’s typically no minimum age requirement for this type of tour, but it’s best to check with the tour operator as some may have age restrictions. Children are generally welcome, though parents should ensure their safety and supervision during the cruise.

Can I Store My Luggage During the Tour?

Participants can typically store their luggage with the tour operator during the tour. Many companies offer secure storage facilities for customers to leave their belongings while they explore the sights. Check with the specific tour provider about their luggage storage options.

What Is the Cancellation Policy if I Need to Reschedule?

The tour has a free cancellation policy – customers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This allows flexibility to reschedule the tour if needed without penalty.

Recap

The ‘Istanbul: Old Town Tour and Bosphorus Lunch Cruise‘ offers a captivating blend of historical sightseeing and scenic cruising.

Guests can explore iconic landmarks, indulge in a delightful lunch aboard a private yacht, and witness breathtaking views of the city’s renowned landmarks.

With seamless transportation, knowledgeable guides, and a diverse culinary experience, this tour promises a memorable exploration of Istanbul’s rich cultural heritage.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby