Exploring the ancient city of Istanbul is a must for any traveler. The "Best City Highlights Guided Tour" promises an immersive experience, allowing visitors to uncover the city’s storied past and vibrant culture. From the iconic Blue Mosque to the grand Hagia Sophia, this tour guides you through the city’s architectural marvels while treating you to a delicious Turkish lunch. With skip-the-line access and knowledgeable guides, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Istanbul’s rich history. But what secrets might these renowned landmarks hold?

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Key Points

A comprehensive 7-hour guided tour of Istanbul’s top attractions, including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Hippodrome, and Grand Bazaar.
Opportunity to experience an authentic Turkish lunch during the tour, providing deeper cultural insights.
Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, along with skip-the-line access, ensuring a seamless and efficient sightseeing experience.
Tour priced competitively, with savings of up to 20% and flexible cancellation policies.
Positive customer reviews highlighting knowledgeable guides and a well-organized tour, though some mention unnecessary sales visits.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Highlights

The 7-hour guided tour takes visitors to Istanbul’s top attractions, including the iconic Blue Mosque, famous for its blue tiles and six minarets; the magnificent Hagia Sophia, a former Byzantine church; the grand Topkapi Palace, the imperial residence of the Ottoman Empire; the historic Hippodrome, featuring ancient monuments; and the bustling Grand Bazaar, a shopper’s paradise for handmade carpets, jewelry, leather, and souvenirs.

The itinerary may change, with Topkapi Palace closed on Tuesdays and replaced by the Basilica Cistern. Guests will enjoy guided tours of each site, providing in-depth insights into Istanbul’s rich history and culture.

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Pricing and Availability

From $59.00 to $47.20 per person, this tour offers savings of up to 20%.

Guests can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. A reserve now & pay later option is also available.

The tour is subject to availability, so booking in advance is recommended. Prices include hotel pickup and drop-off, skip-the-line access, a Turkish lunch, and all entrance fees.

Transportation and Pickup

Guests are picked up from centrally located hotels and designated points in a deluxe air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz minibus. The tour offers 14 convenient pickup locations, including major hotels like Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus and Grand Hyatt Istanbul. Guests should wait in the hotel lobby 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time.

| Pickup Locations | Pickup Time |

| — | — |

| Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus | 8:00 AM |

| Grand Hyatt Istanbul | 8:15 AM |

| Sultanahmet Square | 8:30 AM |

| Hagia Sophia | 8:45 AM |

| Topkapi Palace | 9:00 AM |

The reliable transportation and designated pickup points ensure a seamless start to the Istanbul City Highlights Tour.

Inclusions

This tour offers a comprehensive package of inclusions to enhance the Istanbul sightseeing experience.

Hotel pickup and drop-off ensure a hassle-free start and end to the day. Guests can skip the lines at Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia, maximizing their time at these iconic attractions.

A full-course Turkish lunch at a local restaurant provides an authentic cultural pause. Entrance fees to Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia are included, as are service charges and local taxes.

With these thoughtful inclusions, travelers can focus on seeing the sights and sounds of historic Istanbul.

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Customer Reviews

What do the customer reviews say about this Istanbul City Highlights Tour?

According to reviews, the tour receives an impressive 5/5 rating based on a small but positive sample size. Guests highlight the knowledgeable and friendly guides, whose expertise significantly enhances the experience.

However, some note that the inclusion of sales visits during the tour is unnecessary.

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Exploring the Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque, formally known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is one of the highlights of the Istanbul City Highlights Tour. Visitors are captivated by its stunning interior, adorned with 20,000 blue Iznik tiles. The mosque’s unique architecture features a central dome surrounded by 6 slender minarets.

| Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Tiles | 20,000 blue Iznik tiles cover the interior walls |

| Minarets | 6 slender minarets adorn the exterior |

| Capacity | Can accommodate 10,000 worshippers |

| History | Built between 1609-1616 during the Ottoman Empire |

Guests explore the mosque’s grand scale and intricate details, gaining insight into Islamic architecture and culture. The Blue Mosque experience is a memorable part of the comprehensive Istanbul tour.

Discovering the Hagia Sophia

A highlight of the Istanbul City Highlights Tour is the magnificent Hagia Sophia, a former Byzantine church turned mosque and now a museum.

Guests will be awestruck by the soaring domed ceilings, intricate Byzantine mosaics, and grand scale of this architectural marvel. The guide will provide fascinating insights into the history and significance of Hagia Sophia, which has been a centerpiece of Istanbul for over 1,500 years.

Visitors can explore the massive interior, admire the stunning Islamic calligraphic panels, and gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural and historical importance of this iconic landmark.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photos Inside the Mosques?

Visitors can generally take photos inside mosques, but they should be respectful and avoid disrupting prayers or worshippers. Some mosques may have restrictions, so it’s best to check with the tour guide or on-site staff before taking photographs.

What Is the Dress Code for Visiting the Mosques?

Visitors should dress modestly when visiting mosques. They should cover their heads, arms, and legs. Women must cover their hair with a scarf. Wearing shorts, miniskirts, or sleeveless tops is not permitted.

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour is wheelchair accessible, as the tour provider offers transportation in a deluxe air-conditioned minibus and provides skip-the-line access to the sites, making it easier for guests with mobility challenges to participate.

Can I Leave the Tour Group and Explore on My Own?

The tour allows some flexibility – participants can typically leave the group to explore on their own during the Grand Bazaar visit. However, rejoining the group at the scheduled time is important to not miss the rest of the itinerary.

How Much Time Is Spent at Each Attraction?

The tour typically allows 1-2 hours at each major attraction, allowing visitors to explore with their guide. The itinerary is flexible, and visitors can’t leave the group to explore independently during the tour.

The Sum Up

This comprehensive tour of Istanbul’s top attractions provides an immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore the city’s iconic landmarks, from the majestic Blue Mosque to the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia. With skip-the-line access, a delicious Turkish lunch, and knowledgeable guides, it’s an efficient and unforgettable way to discover the rich history and vibrant culture of this remarkable city.

You can check availability for your dates here: