Full Day Guided Istanbul Old City Tour

Explore the centuries-old streets of Istanbul’s captivating Old City on this comprehensive full-day tour. Discover iconic landmarks that have witnessed the rise and fall of empires, from the grand Sultan Ahmed Mosque to the opulent Topkapi Palace. With skip-the-line access and an expert guide providing in-depth commentary, you’ll uncover the rich history and vibrant culture that have made this city a crossroads of civilizations. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this tour promises an unforgettable journey through Istanbul’s storied past.

Key Points

• A full-day guided tour of Istanbul’s historical Old City, covering key sites like the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Blue Mosque.
• Tour includes transportation, skip-the-line access, a scenic lunch, and a live English-speaking guide providing historical commentary.
• Duration is 8 hours with flexible booking options, and the tour is priced at Kč 2,001 per person.
• Visitors can explore over 2,000 years of Istanbul’s history, including the Hippodrome and remnants of the Byzantine era.
• Tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off, and allows for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Istanbul Old City Tour offers a full-day guided experience, priced at Kč 2,001 per person.

The Istanbul Old City Tour offers a full-day guided experience, priced at Kč 2,001 per person.

The tour lasts 8 hours and allows for flexible booking – you can reserve now and pay later, plus cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour starts at the Ibrahim Pasha Palace and hits key sites like the Hippodrome, Sultan Ahmed Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace.

Lunch at a seafront lounge and 2 hours at the Grand Bazaar are also included.

The tour features a live English-speaking guide, skip-the-line access, and round-trip hotel transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Itinerary Highlights

Starting at the Ibrahim Pasha Palace, the Istanbul Old City Tour takes guests on an 8-hour journey through 2,000 years of history.

The tour highlights include:

1. Visiting the Hippodrome, the former center of entertainment, sports, and political activities during the Byzantine and Ottoman eras.

2. Admiring the German Fountain, a gift from German Emperor Wilhelm II to the Ottoman Empire.

3. Exploring the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, with its magnificent domes and intricate architectural details.

After these initial sites, the tour continues to the iconic Hagia Sophia and the Topkapi Palace, allowing guests to enjoy the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Tour Features

Although the Istanbul Old City Tour is a full-day excursion, it offers a seamless experience from start to finish.

The tour features a live English-speaking guide who provides engaging historical commentary. Guests can skip the long lines at key sites like the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace. An air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfortable transportation, and a lunch at a seafront lounge offers a scenic city view.

The tour also includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making it a convenient and hassle-free way to explore Istanbul’s top attractions.

Historical Context

Spanning over 2,000 years, the Istanbul Old City Tour offers a captivating glimpse into the city’s rich history, from the Roman Empire to the Ottoman reign and the modern Turkish Republic.

Visitors will:

1. Explore the remnants of the Hippodrome, once the center of Byzantine chariot races and political gatherings.

2. Discover the iconic Sultan Ahmed Mosque, a stunning example of Ottoman architecture influenced by Byzantine and Islamic styles.

3. Tour the Topkapi Palace, the former residence of Ottoman Sultans, and learn about the power dynamics that shaped the region.

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Inclusions and Exclusions

The Istanbul Old City Tour includes a range of services to make the experience seamless and enjoyable.

The tour includes a professional guide who’ll provide live narration in English, as well as hotel pick-up and drop-off. Guests can skip the long lines at the top attractions.

Lunch at a terrace restaurant with a city view is also included.

However, the tour excludes entrance fees to Hagia Sophia (25 Euro) and Topkapi Palace and Harem Section (55 Euro). Drinks and gratuities are also not included in the tour price.

Meeting Point and Contact

Where will guests meet for the Istanbul Old City Tour? The meeting point is the entrance of the Turkish and Islamic Art Museum. Guests should arrive 15 minutes early.

One day before the tour, guests will receive the meeting details. Tour operators offer flexible booking, allowing guests to reserve now and pay later. Guests can also cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour includes:

1. Live tour guide in English

2. Guaranteed skip-the-line access

3. Check availability for starting times

Booking and Availability

When can guests book the Istanbul Old City Tour? Guests can reserve their spot now and pay later.

The tour offers flexible booking, allowing guests to cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. The tour operates daily, and guests can check availability for starting times.

Guests will receive their meeting details one day before the tour. The tour meets at the entrance of the Turkish and Islamic Art Museum, and guests should arrive 15 minutes early.

With a maximum capacity of 20 participants, guests are encouraged to book early to secure their spot on this popular tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food on the Tour?

No, guests can’t bring their own food on the tour. The price includes lunch at a seafront lounge, so outside food and drinks are not permitted. Guests should plan to have lunch as part of the organized tour itinerary.

Is There a Restroom Available During the Tour?

The tour provides regularly scheduled restroom breaks at various sites and locations throughout the day, allowing participants to access facilities as needed. Guests are welcome to use these restrooms during the tour.

Can I Take Photos Inside the Historic Sites?

Yes, visitors are generally allowed to take photos inside the historic sites during the tour, but they should avoid using flash and respect any restrictions or rules set by the site managers. Photography is permitted for personal use.

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Disabilities?

The tour is generally suitable for those with disabilities, as it includes hotel pick-up/drop-off and an air-conditioned vehicle. However, some historic sites may have limited accessibility. It’s best to discuss any specific needs with the tour operator prior to booking.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There’s no strict dress code, but visitors should dress respectfully when visiting religious sites. Loose, comfortable clothing and sturdy walking shoes are recommended for the walking-intensive tour. Modest attire is encouraged to be considerate of the sites’ cultural norms.

The Sum Up

The Full-Day Guided Istanbul Old City Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks and rich cultural heritage. Priced at Kč 2,001 per person, this 8-hour tour provides skip-the-line access, comfortable transportation, and insights from a knowledgeable guide, allowing visitors to enjoy over 2,000 years of fascinating history. It’s an excellent opportunity to experience the vibrant and historic heart of Istanbul.

You can check availability for your dates here: