Istanbul: Full-Day Highlights Tour with Guide and Lunch
Hightlight
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English-Speaking
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Food
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Group-Friendly
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Local guide
History
Istanbul, a city straddling Europe and Asia, has been a cultural and historical epicenter for over two millennia, serving as the capital of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires under names like Byzantium and Constantinople. Its rich past is woven into its iconic landmarks, from the grand Hagia Sophia to the bustling Grand Bazaar, reflecting a blend of Christian and Islamic heritage.
This full-day tour immerses you in Istanbul’s vibrant history, guiding you through its most famous sites with expert commentary. By exploring the Old City’s treasures, you’ll connect with the legacy of empires while experiencing the dynamic spirit of modern Istanbul.
Highlights
- Visit Istanbul’s iconic landmarks, including Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace
- Explore the stunning Blue Mosque with its six minarets
- Savor an authentic Turkish lunch at a local restaurant
- Wander through the historic Grand Bazaar with over 3,000 shops
- Learn about Istanbul’s colorful past from a licensed guide
Full Description
Embark on a 7-hour journey through Istanbul’s Old City, discovering its most iconic landmarks with a licensed guide fluent in English, Japanese, Russian, Spanish, German, or French. Your adventure begins with a convenient hotel pickup from one of 13 centrally located points, including Nordstern Hotel Galata, Pera Palace Hotel, or Hagia Sophia Museum, in a deluxe Mercedes-Benz minibus. Start at the Hippodrome of Constantinople, the ancient social and sporting heart of the city, where you’ll see historic treasures like the Obelisk from Egypt, the Serpent Column from Delphi, and the German Fountain.
Continue to the Blue Mosque, renowned for its six minarets and stunning tilework, followed by a visit to Topkapi Palace (additional fee), the opulent residence of Ottoman sultans from the 15th to 19th centuries, showcasing treasures like Oriental porcelain and jewel-filled collections. If Topkapi is closed (Tuesdays), you’ll visit the Nakkas Cistern instead. Next, explore the Hagia Sophia Mosque (additional fee), a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture with its majestic dome and intricate mosaics, significant to both Byzantine and Ottoman empires. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant in the Sultanahmet District, savoring authentic Turkish cuisine. Conclude your tour at the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest covered markets, where you can browse over 3,000 shops filled with carpets, jewelry, spices, and Turkish delights. The tour ends here, leaving you free to explore further or return independently.
This small-group or private tour offers skip-the-line access at Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia, ensuring a seamless experience. With a headset for groups over 12 and a well-paced itinerary, this tour is perfect for discovering Istanbul’s historic heart in a single day.
Why Choose This Experience?
This full-day tour is an ideal way to explore Istanbul’s must-see landmarks in one comprehensive journey, guided by a knowledgeable expert. With skip-the-line access, a comfortable minibus, and an authentic Turkish lunch, it offers a hassle-free and enriching experience for history enthusiasts and first-time visitors alike.
The multilingual guides and flexible pickup options from 13 central locations make the tour accessible and personalized. Whether you’re captivated by Byzantine architecture or the vibrant chaos of the Grand Bazaar, this tour delivers a deep dive into Istanbul’s cultural and historical essence.
What’s Included
- Hotel pickup from 13 centrally located points in Istanbul
- Deluxe Mercedes-Benz minibus for pickup
- Licensed tour guide (English, Japanese, Russian, Spanish, German, French)
- Lunch at a local restaurant in Sultanahmet District
- Skip-the-line entry at Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia
- Headset/info port for groups larger than 12
Itinerary
- Pickup from one of 13 locations (e.g., Nordstern Hotel Galata, Pera Palace Hotel)
- 45-minute van transfer to the Old City
- Visit and guided tour of Hagia Sophia (75 minutes, additional fee)
- Visit and guided tour of the Blue Mosque (1 hour)
- Photo stop and guided tour at Sultanahmet Square (15 minutes)
- Visit and guided tour of the German Fountain (15 minutes)
- Visit and guided tour of the Obelisk of Theodosius III and Serpent Column (25 minutes)
- Lunch at a local restaurant in Sultanahmet District (1 hour)
- Visit and guided tour of Topkapi Palace (2 hours, additional fee) or Nakkas Cistern (if closed)
- Visit and free time at the Grand Bazaar (1 hour)
- Tour ends at the Grand Bazaar
Pricing
From $54 per person
Meeting Point
Pickup is included from 13 centrally located points in Istanbul, including Nordstern Hotel Galata, Port Bosphorus Hotel, Sofitel Istanbul Taksim, W Hotel, Grand Hyatt Istanbul, Ciragan Palace Kempinski, Hagia Sophia Museum, Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus, InterContinental Istanbul, Legacy Ottoman Hotel, Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus, Galata Port Istanbul, or Pera Palace Hotel. Be ready in your hotel lobby 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time, confirmed after booking.
How to Get There
- Arrange pickup from one of the 13 designated locations in central Istanbul
- Be ready in your hotel lobby 10 minutes before the confirmed pickup time
- Provide accurate hotel details during booking for seamless coordination
- Confirm pickup time and location with the operator after reservation
Good to Know
What to Bring
- Passport or ID card (copy accepted)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Cash or card for additional fees (Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia) and souvenirs
Know Before You Go
- Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays; Nakkas Cistern is visited instead
- The inner parts of the Grand Bazaar are closed on Sundays
- The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia cannot be visited during prayer times or special events
- The tour ends at the Grand Bazaar; plan your return transportation
- Wear comfortable clothing and shoes for moderate walking
- Additional entry fees apply for Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia
Reviews
- We had an incredible day with our guide Kamel Aslan, who was knowledgeable, friendly, and caring. As a group of five, we found the tour engaging and well-organized, making Istanbul’s history come alive. Kamel is a true asset to this experience!
- This tour was perfectly paced and informative, covering Istanbul’s major sites with ease. Our guide Baris was exceptional, delivering insightful commentary and managing the group flawlessly. A fantastic way to explore the Old City!
- The tour was well-organized and professionally run, with our guide Seyma offering excellent English and deep knowledge. Her friendly demeanor made the day enjoyable, and the sites were even more impressive than expected. Highly recommend!
Maps
Contact
Video
FAQ's
What does the Istanbul Highlights Tour include, and which sites are visited?
This 7-hour tour includes hotel pickup from 13 central Istanbul locations, a deluxe Mercedes-Benz minibus, a licensed guide, and lunch at a local restaurant. You’ll visit Hagia Sophia (additional fee), Blue Mosque, Sultanahmet Square, German Fountain, Obelisk of Theodosius III, Serpent Column, Topkapi Palace (additional fee, or Nakkas Cistern on Tuesdays), and the Grand Bazaar. Skip-the-line access ensures efficiency, and a headset is provided for groups over 12. The itinerary offers a comprehensive exploration of Istanbul’s Old City, blending history, culture, and cuisine. It’s ideal for travelers wanting to see the city’s iconic landmarks in one day.
How does the pickup process work, and where are the pickup points?
Pickup is included from 13 centrally located points, such as Nordstern Hotel Galata, Pera Palace Hotel, or Hagia Sophia Museum, using a deluxe Mercedes-Benz minibus. Be ready in your hotel lobby 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time, confirmed after booking. Provide accurate hotel details to ensure seamless coordination. The 45-minute transfer takes you to the Old City, and the tour ends at the Grand Bazaar, so plan your return. The variety of pickup locations makes this tour convenient for centrally located travelers.
Are there any restrictions or closures I should be aware of?
Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays, with Nakkas Cistern visited instead, and the inner parts of the Grand Bazaar are closed on Sundays. The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia cannot be visited during prayer times or special events, so check schedules when booking. Additional entry fees apply for Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia. Wear comfortable shoes for moderate walking, and bring cash or a card for fees and souvenirs. The tour is well-organized to accommodate these factors, ensuring a smooth experience.
What is the cancellation policy for this tour?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for changing plans. Contact the operator via the booking platform or provided details to process your cancellation. The “reserve now, pay later” option allows you to secure your spot without upfront payment, adding convenience. This policy ensures peace of mind for travelers with uncertain schedules. Always review your booking confirmation for specific instructions to ensure a smooth cancellation process.
Is the tour suitable for all ages and fitness levels?
The tour is suitable for most ages and fitness levels, involving moderate walking across sites like the Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace. Comfortable shoes are recommended for uneven surfaces in the Old City. The itinerary is well-paced with breaks, including a 1-hour lunch, and skip-the-line access minimizes waiting. Inform the operator of any mobility concerns when booking to ensure accommodations. With multilingual guides and a family-friendly structure, it’s an accessible way to explore Istanbul’s highlights.
