Exploring Istanbul’s Old City is a captivating experience, and the private walking tour with a Bosphorus cruise is an excellent way to take in the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. Led by a licensed 5-star guide, the tour offers a personalized journey through the iconic Sultanahmet district, culminating in a scenic boat ride along the Bosphorus. With a range of tour options and comprehensive inclusions, this experience promises an enriching and unforgettable adventure for travelers seeking to uncover the hidden gems of Istanbul.

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Key Points

Comprehensive walking tour of Istanbul’s historic Sultanahmet district, including the iconic Grand Bazaar.
Private tour format with a licensed 5-star guide, ensuring a personalized and intimate experience.
90-minute Bosphorus boat cruise with skip-the-line tickets and audio guide in multiple languages.
Complimentary refreshments and accessibility for wheelchair users and strollers.
Tour begins and ends at the World Heritage Center Hotel, with important details provided via email.

Tour Overview

The Istanbul Old City Tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the city’s historic Sultanahmet district.

Guests can choose between a 3.5-hour or 4.5-hour walking tour that highlights the iconic landmarks of the old city, including the renowned Grand Bazaar.

The tour also includes a 90-minute Bosphorus boat cruise with skip-the-line tickets and an audio guide.

Participants will enjoy complimentary tea or water during the cruise and the services of a licensed 5-star guide fluent in their preferred language.

The tour is private, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience for each group.

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What’s Included

The Istanbul Old City Tour includes several valuable elements to enhance the overall experience.

For starters, travelers will enjoy a free tea or water during the 90-minute Bosphorus Boat Cruise, which offers skip-the-line tickets and an audio guide available in multiple languages.

Plus, the tour is led by a licensed 5-star guide fluent in the language of your choice, ensuring an enriching and personalized experience.

Finally, the private tour guarantees that only your group participates, providing an intimate atmosphere for exploring the highlights of Istanbul’s Sultanahmet Old City.

Meeting and End Points

The meeting point for the Istanbul Old City Tour is the World Heritage Center Hotel, located at Divanyolu Caddesi, Dr. Eminpaşa Sk. No:2, Fatih, Istanbul.

It’s important to not enter the hotel, as the staff isn’t informed about the tour. The tour ends at the same location as the meeting point.

Guests should check their email the day before the tour for any important details.

During the walking tour, the guide accompanies the group, but for the Bosphorus boat cruise, guests board the cruise independently.

Accessibility and Participation

Although the Istanbul Old City Tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, guests must note that the surfaces are uneven in certain areas.

The Istanbul Old City Tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, but guests should be aware of uneven surfaces in certain areas.

The tour is also near public transportation, making it convenient for those who prefer not to drive.

Infants must sit on laps during the boat cruise, as there are no designated spots for strollers or car seats.

Most travelers can participate, as the surfaces are generally wheelchair accessible.

However, guests with mobility issues should exercise caution when navigating the historic streets and sites.

The tour is designed to accommodate a wide range of participants.

Highlights of the Tour

Two highlights of the Istanbul Old City Tour are the visits to the Grand Bazaar and the Bosphorus Boat Cruise.

The Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, offers a unique shopping experience with its labyrinth of shops selling traditional Turkish handicrafts, carpets, spices, and more.

The 90-minute Bosphorus Boat Cruise provides a picturesque journey along the strait, offering stunning views of the city’s iconic landmarks and the shorelines of Europe and Asia. Guests can enjoy free tea or water during the cruise, which features an audio guide in multiple languages.

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Bosphorus Boat Cruise

Guests can embark on a 90-minute Bosphorus Boat Cruise that offers a picturesque journey along the strait, showcasing stunning views of the city’s iconic landmarks and the shorelines of Europe and Asia.

The cruise features:

Skip-the-line tickets, allowing guests to bypass queues and board the boat efficiently.
An audio guide available in English, German, French, Spanish, and Russian, providing informative commentary about the sights along the way.
Complimentary tea or water, ensuring a refreshing experience during the cruise.

The boat cruise is an excellent way to enjoy Istanbul’s waterfront scenery and gain a unique perspective of the city.

Additional Information

How does one know if the tour confirmation has been received? The tour operator states that confirmation is received at the time of booking.

Plus, the traveler should check their email the day before the tour for any important details. This ensures they’ve the necessary information before arriving at the meeting point.

The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and is located near public transportation.

Infants must sit on laps during the boat cruise. Most travelers can participate, as the surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

The guide accompanies the group only during the walking tour portion; guests board the cruise independently.

Ask Away

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drink on the Cruise?

You can bring your own food and drink on the cruise. However, free tea or water is provided during the cruise as part of the tour inclusions. Consuming your own refreshments during the cruise is permitted.

Is There an Option to Extend the Walking Tour?

Yes, there’s an option to extend the walking tour. The tour offers a 3.5-hour and a 4.5-hour walking tour, so guests can choose the duration that best suits their preferences and interests.

Can I Leave Items on the Bus During the Cruise?

Guests can’t leave items on a bus during the cruise as there is no bus provided. The tour includes a private walking tour and a separate Bosphorus boat cruise, which requires guests to board the cruise ship independently.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

There’s no specific dress code for the tour. Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended, as guests will be walking through the city. Dress casually and in layers to stay comfortable during the walking and boat cruise portions.

Is There an Option to Upgrade to a Private Boat for the Cruise?

There’s no mention of an option to upgrade to a private boat for the cruise. The standard tour includes a 90-minute Bosphorus boat cruise with skip-the-line tickets and audio guide in multiple languages.

Final Words

The Istanbul Old City Private Walking Tour with Bosphorus Cruise offers a comprehensive exploration of the historic Sultanahmet district and a scenic boat ride along the Bosphorus. Led by a licensed 5-star guide, the tour provides a personalized experience and includes a visit to the iconic Grand Bazaar. With complimentary refreshments and an audio guide in multiple languages, this tour promises an enriching journey through Istanbul’s cultural heritage.