Skip-The-Line: Istanbul City Highlights Tour W/Lunch

Istanbul’s iconic sights are a must-see for any traveler, but navigating the crowds can be daunting. That’s where the "Skip-The-Line: Istanbul City Highlights Tour w/Lunch" steps in, offering an efficient and hassle-free way to explore the city’s top attractions. With skip-the-line access and a knowledgeable guide, this tour promises a personalized experience that maximizes your time in Istanbul. Discover the grandeur of Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, all while enjoying the convenience of included transportation and a local lunch. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, this tour unveils a side of Istanbul that’s truly…

Key Points

• This Istanbul city highlights tour provides skip-the-line access to major sights like Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, saving time and avoiding long queues.
• The tour includes a professional English-speaking guide, transportation, and a local lunch with drinks, offering a comprehensive and convenient experience.
• With a maximum group size of 12, the tour ensures a more personalized and inclusive experience, catering to various accessibility needs.
• Pickup and drop-off services are available from centrally located Istanbul hotels and the cruise port, making transportation seamless.
• The tour has an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 from 11 reviews, with 91% of travelers recommending it as an efficient way to see Istanbul’s top attractions.

Tour Overview

The tour, titled "SKIP-THE-LINE: Istanbul City Highlights Tour w/LUNCH," is located in Istanbul, Turkey.

It’s rated 4.7 out of 5 based on 11 reviews and recommended by 91% of travelers.

The tour costs from $65 per person, with a maximum group size of 12.

It features free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

The tour includes a professional English-speaking guide, lunch in a local restaurant, and transportation by high-model vehicle, with admission fees for Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia as exclusions.

Itinerary and Inclusions

This tour takes visitors to see some of Istanbul’s most iconic sights. It includes stops at the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar.

The tour is led by a professional English-speaking guide and includes lunch at a local restaurant, along with drinks. Transportation is provided by a high-model vehicle.

While admission fees for Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia aren’t included, all other sightseeing mentioned in the itinerary is covered.

Travelers should note that Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays, and the Basilica Cistern is visited instead, and the Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.

Accessibility and Accommodations

Wheelchair users and those with mobility issues will find this tour accessible, as the surfaces are wheelchair-friendly.

The tour provider offers:

• Wheelchair accessibility
• Stroller accessibility
• Infant seats available
• Free entry for children under 8 with passport
• Most travelers can participate

This ensures a comfortable and inclusive experience for all guests.

The tour’s accessibility features make it a suitable choice for families and those with special needs, allowing them to fully enjoy the highlights of Istanbul.

Advance notice of any accessibility requirements is recommended to ensure a seamless tour.

Transportation and Pickup

As a convenient feature, the tour provider offers pickup services from centrally located Istanbul hotels and the Istanbul Port in areas like Sultanahmet, Taksim, Besiktas, and Sisli. Travelers are advised to confirm the pickup time with the local provider before the tour date. Pickup times are updated for cruise guests, ensuring a guaranteed drop-off before the ship’s onboard time.

Pickup Location	Sultanahmet	Taksim	Besiktas	Sisli
Hotels	✓	✓	✓	✓
Istanbul Port	✓	✓	✓	✓
Guaranteed Cruise Drop-off	✓	✓	✓	✓
Confirm Pickup Time	✓	✓	✓	✓

Pricing and Booking

The tour is priced at $65.00 per person, with the final cost varying based on the group size.

Travelers can book this experience with the following benefits:

• Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to the tour
• Maximum group size of 12 to ensure an intimate experience
• Included transportation by high model vehicle and professional English-speaking guide
• Lunch in a local restaurant with drinks
• Children under 8 years old can participate for free with a valid passport

Booking this tour allows visitors to skip the lines and explore Istanbul’s top highlights efficiently.

Traveler Reviews and Recommendations

Travelers have provided largely positive feedback on this Istanbul City Highlights Tour, with 91% recommending the experience. Highlights include skipping the lines at major sights like the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace.

However, some reviewers noted challenges with crowding and feeling rushed during parts of the tour. Visitors should avoid booking during Eid, when crowds are especially large.

While the included lunch received mixed reviews, the overall tour experience is praised for its convenience and coverage of Istanbul’s top attractions.

With pickup and drop-off service, this tour is an efficient way to see the city’s highlights, though travelers should manage their expectations regarding pacing.

Sights and Attractions

This Istanbul City Highlights Tour provides visitors with a rundown of the city’s most iconic sights and attractions.

Guests can explore the stunning Hagia Sophia, the opulent Topkapi Palace, the historic Hippodrome, the serene Blue Mosque, and the bustling Grand Bazaar.

The tour includes a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, ensuring a well-rounded cultural experience.

With skip-the-line access and transportation provided, travelers can maximize their time and enjoy a seamless sightseeing adventure in the vibrant city of Istanbul.

• Hagia Sophia
• Topkapi Palace
• Hippodrome
• Blue Mosque
• Grand Bazaar

Preparing for Your Tour

When planning your Istanbul City Highlights Tour, it’s essential to be prepared. Confirm your pickup time with the local provider before the tour date to ensure a smooth start.

Plus, be mindful of attraction closures – the Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays, while the Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.

Pack comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and a small amount of cash for any personal expenses. Don’t forget your passport, as it’s required for children to receive free entry.

With these tips, you’ll be ready to make the most of your tour and avoid any unexpected issues.

Things To Know

Can I Customize the Tour to Visit Specific Sites?

Customizing the tour is possible, but it may come at an additional cost. Travelers can discuss their specific interests with the tour provider to see if they can tailor the itinerary to visit desired sites within the tour’s timeframe.

Is Photography Allowed Inside the Attractions?

Photography is generally allowed inside the attractions, but visitors should check with their tour guide or attraction staff for any specific restrictions. Some sites may have limited photography or no-photography zones to preserve the experience and respect cultural sensitivities.

What Should I Wear to Be Respectful of Local Customs?

When visiting mosques and other religious sites in Istanbul, it’s best to wear modest clothing that covers the shoulders, arms, and legs. Respecting local customs by dressing appropriately shows consideration for the site’s sanctity.

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

The tour provider generally doesn’t allow participants to bring their own food and drinks. The tour includes a lunch at a local restaurant, as well as complimentary drinks. Bringing outside food or beverages is typically not permitted.

Is There a Dress Code for the Included Lunch?

There is typically no formal dress code for the included lunch on this tour. Casual, comfortable attire is generally appropriate. However, it’s recommended to dress modestly out of respect for the cultural and religious sites visited during the tour.

Sum Up

The "Skip-The-Line: Istanbul City Highlights Tour w/Lunch" provides an efficient and guided experience to explore Istanbul’s iconic attractions. With skip-the-line access, personalized attention, and a convenient lunch, this tour offers travelers an excellent way to maximize their time in the city. The tour’s accessibility, transportation, and positive reviews make it a compelling choice for those seeking to discover the highlights of Istanbul.