The Guided Istanbul Sultanahmet Old City Tour offers an immersive experience, taking visitors through iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace. Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour includes convenient transportation, a delicious Turkish lunch, and skip-the-line tickets for a seamless exploration. With a small group size, travelers can expect personalized attention as they discover the rich history of this fascinating area. It’s an exceptional value, but there’s more to uncover about this comprehensive tour.

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Key Points

A 7-hour guided tour of iconic Istanbul landmarks, including Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Blue Mosque, with English/French-speaking guides.
Includes round-trip transportation, a 1-hour lunch at a local restaurant to enjoy Turkish cuisine, and skip-the-line tickets.
Maximum group size of 18 travelers for personalized attention, with wheelchair accessibility but infants must sit on laps.
Priced at $29.93 per person with a $2.05 discount available, and overall positive customer feedback on knowledgeable guides and value for money.
Health considerations: Consultation recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnancy, or serious medical conditions.

Overview of the Guided Istanbul Sultanahmet Old City Tour

The Guided Istanbul Sultanahmet Old City Tour offers travelers a comprehensive exploration of the historical heart of Istanbul.

Over 7 hours, visitors can discover iconic landmarks like the Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia.

With an English/French-speaking guide, guests will skip the lines and learn about the city’s rich history and culture.

The tour includes round-trip transportation, lunch, and soft drinks.

It accommodates a maximum of 18 travelers, ensuring personalized attention.

Pickup and drop-off services are available from select locations.

While not recommended for those with mobility issues, the tour is generally accessible and suitable for most participants.

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Highlights of the Tour Itinerary

This guided tour offers a captivating exploration of Istanbul’s historic Sultanahmet district. Travelers will visit the iconic Hagia Sophia, a stunning architectural marvel that seamlessly blends Byzantine and Ottoman influences. The tour also includes a visit to the impressive Topkapi Palace, where visitors can uncover the rich history and lavish lifestyles of the Ottoman sultans. In addition, the itinerary features a lunch stop at a local restaurant, providing an opportunity to savor the flavors of Turkish cuisine. The tour’s efficient organization and knowledgeable guides ensure a well-paced and informative experience for all participants.

Highlights	Duration
Hagia Sophia	1.5 hours
Topkapi Palace	2 hours
Lunch at Local Restaurant	1 hour
Blue Mosque (exterior)	30 minutes
Hippodrome and Obelisks	1 hour

Inclusion and Exclusions in the Tour Package

Although the Istanbul Sultanahmet Old City Tour provides an extensive list of inclusions, there are a few exclusions travelers should be aware of.

The tour includes round-trip transportation, lunch, skip-the-line admission tickets, and a certified English/French-speaking guide. However, it doesn’t cover personal expenses, gratuities, or additional food and drinks beyond the included soda.

Plus, while the tour is wheelchair accessible, infants must sit on laps. Travelers with back problems, pregnant women, and those with serious medical conditions may want to consult with the tour operator before booking.

Pickup and Drop-off Arrangements

According to the tour information, pickup and drop-off options are available for this Istanbul Sultanahmet Old City Tour.

Travelers can be picked up from selected locations or meet at a designated meeting point. The tour ends back at the original meeting point. The meeting point is accessible by nearby public transportation, located about 8 km away.

The tour includes transportation via an air-conditioned vehicle. While the tour is wheelchair accessible, infants must sit on laps.

Those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or serious medical conditions may want to consult with the tour provider before booking.

Accessibility and Health Considerations

The tour is wheelchair accessible, with transportation and surfaces accommodating those with mobility needs.

However, it may not be suitable for all travelers. Infants must sit on laps, and the tour isn’t recommended for those with:

Back problems
Pregnancy
Serious medical conditions

Despite these limitations, most travelers can participate in the tour.

Guests should consider their physical abilities and any health concerns before booking to ensure the tour meets their needs and provides a comfortable experience.

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Customer Feedback and Testimonials

Positive experiences from customers have highlighted the knowledgeable guides and personalized attention offered on this Istanbul Sultanahmet Old City Tour. Some feedback, however, noted the tour felt rushed and the lunch was average. Communication from the tour management was praised for being attentive and accommodating, though instances of excessive follow-up for reviews were noted by some customers. Overall, many recommend the tour for its organization and quality of service.

Feedback Type	Positive	Negative	Neutral
Guide Quality	Knowledgeable	–	–
Tour Experience	Personalized attention	Felt rushed	–
Meal	–	Average	–
Tour Management	Attentive and accommodating	Excessive follow-up	–

Pricing and Promotional Offers

Although the Istanbul Sultanahmet Old City Tour is priced at $29.93 per person, customers can save $2.05 off the regular cost.

This tour offers excellent value, with the following inclusions:

Air-conditioned transportation
Freshly prepared lunch
Skip-the-line access to top attractions
Knowledgeable English/French-speaking guide

Customers can choose from available pickup and drop-off options, making it convenient to join the tour.

With a maximum group size of 18, the experience provides personalized attention.

Planning Your Sultanahmet Old City Exploration

With the tour’s excellent pricing and inclusions covered, it’s now time to start planning your exploration of the Sultanahmet Old City. The tour offers a convenient pickup and drop-off service, making it easy to access the meeting point. The nearby public transportation also provides additional options for getting to and from the tour. To help you prepare, the table below outlines the key details about the tour’s accessibility and health considerations.

Accessibility	Health Considerations
Wheelchair accessible transportation and surfaces	Not recommended for travelers with back problems
Infants must sit on laps	Not recommended for pregnant travelers
	Not recommended for travelers with serious medical conditions
	Most travelers can participate

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The maximum group size for this tour is 18 travelers. The tour overview states that the tour has a "Maximum of 18 travelers", so the group size is limited to 18 participants.

Can We Take Photographs During the Tour?

Yes, guests are generally permitted to take photographs during the tour. However, there may be some restrictions or requirements, such as no flash photography in certain areas. It’s best to check with the tour guide for specific photography guidelines.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?

The tour has no age restrictions. Children of all ages are welcome, though infants must sit on laps. The tour is suitable for most travelers, though it’s not recommended for those with certain medical conditions.

Is It Possible to Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour itinerary can be customized to an extent, based on traveler preferences and needs. However, the core attractions and schedule are generally fixed to ensure a comprehensive sightseeing experience within the tour duration.

Can We Purchase Souvenirs at the Tour Stops?

Yes, travelers can typically purchase souvenirs at the tour stops, such as the Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia. The tour itinerary allows time for guests to browse local shops and find unique mementos of their Istanbul experience.

The Sum Up

The Guided Istanbul Sultanahmet Old City Tour offers an immersive exploration of iconic landmarks at an exceptional value. With round-trip transportation, a delicious Turkish lunch, and skip-the-line access, this tour provides a seamless and informative experience led by knowledgeable guides. Travelers can expect personalized attention and a deeper understanding of the rich history of the area, making it a must-do activity for those visiting Istanbul’s Old City.