Istanbul: Old City Full-Day Tour -(Entry Fees Inculucing)

Istanbul’s Old City is a captivating tapestry of history, culture, and architectural marvels. This full-day tour promises an immersive experience, guiding visitors through iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar. With entry fees included and a licensed guide at the helm, travelers can explore the city’s rich past while enjoying the convenience of hotel pick-up and air-conditioned transportation. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking to uncover the essence of this vibrant metropolis, this tour offers a compelling introduction to the wonders of Istanbul’s Old City.

Key Points

• The Istanbul Old City Full-Day Tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, licensed guide, and entrance fees to major attractions like Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace.
• The tour covers the highlights of the Old City, including the Grand Bazaar, Roman Hippodrome, and the stunning interiors of the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque.
• The tour is 8 hours long and priced at $130.85 per person, with inclusions like lunch and local taxes.
• Guests are recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes, dress in layers, and cover their shoulders and knees for entry to religious sites.
• The tour has an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars, with positive feedback on the guide, transportation, and value for money.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Istanbul Old City Full-Day Tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the historical heart of Istanbul. Priced from $130.85 per person, the 8-hour excursion includes hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, licensed guide, and entrance fees.

Highlights include the iconic Hagia Sophia, the Byzantine Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, the bustling Grand Bazaar, and Topkapi Palace. Lunch is provided, though drinks and tips are extra.

Wheelchair access is available, and the tour involves a fair amount of walking, so comfortable shoes are recommended. Customers rave about the knowledgeable guides and convenient transportation, though some note language barriers at times.

Itinerary Highlights

Visitors begin the Istanbul Old City Full-Day Tour by exploring the iconic Hagia Sophia, admiring its grand exterior while the guide provides informative commentary.

Next, they uncover the Roman Hippodrome, marveling at the Obelisk and Serpentine Column.

The tour then ventures to the magnificent Blue Mosque, where they marvel at the stunning Iznik tiles.

Wandering through the bustling Grand Bazaar, guests discover over 4,000 shops.

The tour culminates at Topkapi Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans, and the Sultans Tombs, showcasing exquisite 16th-century ceramic panels.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The Istanbul Old City Full-Day Tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, transfers by non-smoking air-conditioned coach, entrance fees as per the itinerary, a licensed guide, lunch, and local taxes.

However, it excludes drinks during lunch, tips, personal expenses, and entry to the Treasury and Harem at Topkapi Palace, which have additional fees.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, but pets aren’t allowed. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, and participants should bring their passport or ID, sunglasses, and a camera.

The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.

Accessibility and Restrictions

Although the Istanbul Old City Full-Day Tour is wheelchair accessible, pets aren’t allowed on the tour.

The tour involves a considerable amount of walking, so comfortable shoes are recommended. Participants should bring their passport or ID, sunglasses, and a camera to capture the historic sights.

The tour covers several sites, including the exterior of Hagia Sophia, the Roman Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar, and Topkapi Palace.

While the Treasury and Harem at Topkapi Palace can be visited, additional fees apply.

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Customer Reviews and Ratings

Customers have provided an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars for the Istanbul Old City Full-Day Tour based on 26 reviews.

The guide rating is 4.1 out of 5, while the transportation rating is 4.3 out of 5.

Reviewers found the tour provided a good overview of the city’s important sights and timely, problem-free hotel transfers.

However, some noted difficulty understanding the guide’s English.

The value for money rating is 4.1 out of 5, indicating the tour generally provides good value.

Getting to the Starting Point

For this full-day tour of Istanbul’s historic Old City, hotels located on the European side or in the city center are typically included for pickup and drop-off.

The non-smoking air-conditioned coach will transport guests to the major sights on the tour’s itinerary. This convenient transportation means you won’t have to worry about navigating the city on your own. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy the guided experience.

Keep in mind the tour involves walking, so wearing suitable shoes is recommended. The tour starts and ends at a central location, making it easy to access.

What to Bring and Wear

When preparing for the Istanbul Old City Full-Day Tour, visitors should bring their passport or ID, as well as sunglasses and a camera to capture the stunning sights.

The tour involves a significant amount of walking, so comfortable, sturdy shoes are a must. Plus, it’s recommended to dress in layers, as the weather can be unpredictable.

Visitors should also be mindful of the dress code when visiting religious sites, such as the Blue Mosque, and cover their shoulders and knees.

Key items to pack include:

• Passport or ID

• Sunglasses

• Camera

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Layered clothing

Frequently Asked Questions

What’re some common questions travelers may have about the Istanbul Old City Full-Day Tour?

A popular one is whether the tour is wheelchair accessible. The good news is that it is, making it inclusive for all.

Another query is if pets are allowed. Unfortunately, pets aren’t permitted on this tour.

Travelers also often ask about the tour’s duration – it’s 8 hours long, providing ample time to see the highlights.

And lastly, many want to know the cancellation policy. Fortunately, there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The tour does not explicitly prohibit bringing one’s own food and drinks. However, the inclusions mention that lunch is provided, and drinks at lunch are excluded. Participants are advised to check with the tour operator for any specific policies regarding outside refreshments.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There’s no strict dress code, but visitors should wear modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees when visiting religious sites. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as the tour involves extensive walking.

What Happens if I Miss the Tour Departure Time?

If you miss the tour departure time, you’ll likely miss the entire tour as the group won’t wait. Most tour operators don’t offer refunds for late arrivals, so you’d need to arrange your own transportation to catch up with the group or reschedule the tour.

Can I Extend the Duration of the Tour?

Unfortunately, you can’t extend the duration of the tour on the day. The tour operates on a fixed schedule, so you’ll need to book a longer tour option if you want more time. Last-minute extensions aren’t possible.

Are Photography and Videography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography and videography are generally allowed during the tour, though some restrictions may apply at certain sites. Visitors are advised to check with the guide for any specific guidelines before taking photos or videos.

The Sum Up

The Istanbul Old City Full-Day Tour offers an immersive experience into the city’s rich history and culture. Priced at $130.85 per person, the 8-hour tour includes entry fees to iconic landmarks, hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, and a licensed guide. With informative commentary throughout, guests can explore ancient sites and vibrant markets comfortably, making it an ideal way to discover the highlights of Istanbul’s old city.

You can check availability for your dates here: