Treasures of Istanbul: Half Day Small-Group Tour

Explore the captivating treasures of Istanbul’s historic Old City on this immersive half-day small-group tour. You’ll visit iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome, and Basilica Cistern, led by an expert guide who’ll bring the city’s rich heritage to life. Browse the vibrant Grand Bazaar for souvenirs and enjoy a seamless experience with round-trip transfers, admission tickets, and lunch included. The tour’s maximum group size of 14 ensures a personalized exploration, and it’s wheelchair/stroller accessible for all to enjoy. Discover why this highly-rated tour is an excellent introduction to Istanbul’s sights.

About Your Stay

• Comprehensive half-day tour exploring Istanbul’s iconic historical landmarks, including Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome, Basilica Cistern, and Grand Bazaar.
• Small group size of up to 14 travelers for an intimate and personalized experience.
• Guided by an experienced English-speaking expert who provides detailed explanations about the city’s rich history and culture.
• Includes round-trip transfers, admission tickets, and lunch for a seamless and hassle-free tour.
• Highly rated tour with positive reviews highlighting knowledgeable guides, well-paced itineraries, and exceptional sightseeing in Istanbul’s historic Old City.

Tour Overview

The "Treasures of Istanbul: Half Day Small-Group Tour" is a comprehensive half-day exploration of the historical attractions in Istanbul’s Old City.

Offered by True Blue Tour, this small-group tour (maximum 14 travelers) immerses visitors in the city’s iconic landmarks, including the Byzantine-era Hagia Sophia, the Hippodrome, and the Basilica Cistern.

The tour also includes a visit to the Grand Bazaar, allowing guests to peruse a diverse selection of souvenirs.

Guided by an experienced English-speaking expert, the tour provides detailed explanations, ensuring a rich understanding of the sites.

With round-trip transfers, admission tickets, and lunch included, this half-day excursion offers a seamless and value-packed experience for discovering Istanbul’s treasures.

Attractions and Activities

Exploring historical attractions in Istanbul’s Old City lies at the heart of the "Treasures of Istanbul: Half Day Small-Group Tour".

Travelers will visit the iconic Hagia Sophia, a Byzantine-era architectural marvel. They’ll also explore the Hippodrome, a former sporting and entertainment venue, and the Basilica Cistern, an underground Byzantine water reservoir.

The highlight is a visit to the vibrant Grand Bazaar, where guests can browse and bargain for souvenirs.

Throughout the tour, an experienced English-speaking guide provides detailed explanations, bringing the city’s rich history to life.

This carefully curated itinerary ensures visitors experience the top sights and gain a deeper understanding of Istanbul’s cultural heritage.

Inclusions and Services

The "Treasures of Istanbul: Half Day Small-Group Tour" includes a fully guided experience, with admission tickets to the museums and attractions visited.

Lunch is also provided, and gratuities are covered, ensuring a hassle-free tour. Travelers can expect on-ground support from the local operator throughout the journey.

The tour also offers the convenience of round-trip transfers from Sultanahmet or Taksim, with an optional upgrade for airport pickup and drop-off.

The tour is accessible for wheelchair and stroller users, and is located near public transportation.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the experience, providing flexibility for the travelers.

Meeting and End Points

The tour begins at Onur Turizm, located at Alemdar, Alayköşkü Cd. No:3/A, 34110 Fatih/Istanbul.

From this meeting point, the group will be guided through the historical sites of Istanbul’s Old City.

At the end of the tour, the group will arrive at the iconic Grand Bazaar in Beyazıt, 34126 Fatih/Istanbul.

The tour is accessible, with options for those in wheelchairs or using strollers.

Guests should note the tour’s smoking policy, which prohibits smoking in vehicles or museums.

Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, and the tour operates year-round, with specific start times confirmed with the local provider in advance.

Additional Information

Travelers receive confirmation of their booking upon purchase.

The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and is located near public transportation options. Infants must sit on laps during the tour. Smoking isn’t permitted in the tour vehicles or museums.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the experience. Travelers should confirm the exact start time with the local provider in advance.

The tour operates daily, with varying hours – Monday through Thursday from 9:00 AM to 9:30 AM, Friday from 12:00 AM to 11:30 PM, and Saturday through Sunday from 9:00 AM to 9:30 PM.

Reviews and Ratings

Glowing reviews attest to the exceptional quality of the "Treasures of Istanbul" tour. Across Viator and Tripadvisor, the tour boasts a perfect 5.0 rating based on 7 reviews. Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable guide, well-paced itinerary, and seamless organization.

Reviewer	Rating	Review
Amy S.	5	"Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate. We saw all the highlights and learned so much."
John D.	5	"This tour exceeded our expectations. It’s the perfect introduction to Istanbul’s top sights."
Sarah M.	5	"Highly recommended for first-time visitors. The small group size made it feel intimate and personalized."

The overwhelmingly positive feedback underscores the tour’s ability to deliver an exceptional sightseeing experience in Istanbul’s historic Old City.

Group Size and Duration

A key aspect of the "Treasures of Istanbul" tour is its group size and duration.

The tour has a maximum group size of 14 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. This small-group format allows the guide to provide detailed explanations and engage with participants more effectively.

The tour is a half-day experience, lasting for the perfect amount of time to explore the historical attractions in Istanbul’s Old City without feeling rushed.

This balanced duration allows visitors to enjoy the city’s rich heritage and culture, making the most of their time in this captivating destination.

Operator and Destination

The "Treasures of Istanbul: Half Day Small-Group Tour" is operated by True Blue Tour, a reputable tour provider based in Istanbul, Turkey.

This immersive experience allows visitors to explore the historical attractions in Istanbul’s Old City, including:

• The iconic Hagia Sophia, a magnificent Byzantine-era masterpiece
• The Hippodrome, a former sporting and social center
• The Basilica Cistern, an ancient underground water reservoir
• The bustling Grand Bazaar, a hub for souvenirs and local crafts

Guided explanations from experienced English-speaking guides provide valuable insights into the city’s rich history and culture.

With a maximum group size of 14 travelers, this half-day tour offers a personalized and intimate exploration of Istanbul’s treasures.

Questions About Staying Here

Is the Tour Available in Multiple Languages?

The tour is likely available in multiple languages, as the provider offers a guided experience with an experienced English-speaking guide. This suggests they may accommodate other languages as well, though the specific languages offered are not explicitly stated.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

There is no explicit dress code for this tour, though visitors are advised to dress conservatively when visiting religious sites. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as there is a significant amount of walking involved.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour has no age restrictions. Infants are allowed to join the tour, but they must sit on laps. The tour is accessible for both wheelchair users and those with strollers.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Participants are generally not allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes lunch, and consuming outside food and beverages is typically prohibited within the museums and other attractions visited during the tour.

Is Photography Allowed at the Sites Visited?

Photography is generally allowed at the historical attractions visited during the tour, but visitors should follow any specific rules or restrictions in place at each site. It’s best to check with the guide for guidance on photography etiquette.

Worth The Stay

The "Treasures of Istanbul: Half Day Small-Group Tour" offers an immersive exploration of the city’s iconic landmarks and hidden gems. Led by an experienced guide, travelers will discover the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia, the ancient Hippodrome, and the serene Basilica Cistern, while also enjoying a delicious lunch and browsing the vibrant Grand Bazaar. This personalized tour provides a hassle-free and memorable way to uncover the true essence of Istanbul’s captivating history and culture.