Istanbul: 7-Hour Old City Tour With Turkish Local Lunch

Exploring the vibrant history and captivating culture of Istanbul is a truly immersive experience. This 7-hour guided tour takes visitors on a journey through the city’s iconic Old City, showcasing architectural marvels like the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Along the way, travelers can savor the flavors of authentic Turkish cuisine during a leisurely lunch, seeing the local culinary traditions. With flexible scheduling and comfortable transportation, this tour offers a perfect blend of sightseeing and relaxation, leaving participants with an unforgettable impression of Istanbul’s enchanting landmarks. But the real question is, what hidden gems might this tour uncover?

Key Points

• This 7-hour guided tour explores Istanbul’s historical attractions, including Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and Grand Bazaar.
• The tour includes a 1-hour lunch at a local Turkish restaurant, allowing visitors to sample authentic cuisine.
• Pricing starts at €221 per person, with hotel pickup and luxury minibus transportation provided.
• The itinerary is flexible, catering to various visitor schedules and allowing for a comfortable exploration of the landmarks.
• The tour covers major attractions, but visitors should budget for additional expenses to fully experience Istanbul’s highlights.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Details

This Istanbul Old City Tour offers a comprehensive 7-hour guided exploration of the city’s main historical and cultural attractions, including the iconic Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace, and Grand Bazaar.

Priced from €221 per person, the tour includes pickup from centrally located hotels, transportation in a luxury air-conditioned minibus, and a live guide available in multiple languages.

Visitors can take advantage of the reserve now, pay later option and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour’s flexible starting times accommodate a range of schedules, ensuring a seamless and personalized experience for each guest.

Itinerary Highlights

In an article titled ‘Istanbul: 7-Hour Old City Tour With Turkish Local Lunch’, the itinerary highlights are sure to delight visitors.

The tour begins with pickup from hotels and transportation in an air-conditioned luxury minibus, providing a comfortable journey to the day’s highlights.

Visitors will then spend 75 minutes exploring the iconic Hagia Sophia, followed by an hour at the stunning Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque.

Next, they’ll explore the rich history of the Topkapi Palace for 2 hours, before seeing the vibrant atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar for 1.5 hours.

A 1-hour lunch at a local Turkish restaurant rounds out the immersive cultural experience.

• Discover Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks

• Explore the grandeur of Topkapi Palace

• Immerse in the lively energy of the Grand Bazaar

• Savor authentic Turkish cuisine during lunch

• Enjoy the comfort of an air-conditioned minibus

Entrance Fees and Additional Costs

Visitors to the Istanbul Old City Tour will encounter a few additional costs beyond the tour price. The entrance fee to Topkapi Palace is 1500 TL per person, payable in cash directly to the tour guide. Plus, the Hagia Sophia charges a 25€ entrance fee per person. Drinks consumed during the included Turkish lunch are not covered by the tour price.

Entrance Fee	Cost
Topkapi Palace	1500 TL per person
Hagia Sophia	25€ per person
Lunch Drinks	Not Included

These additional expenses are necessary to fully experience the highlights of Istanbul’s Old City. Budgeting accordingly will ensure a smooth and enriching tour for all participants.

Important Information

Travelers should be aware that the Topkapi Palace is closed every Tuesday, and on such days, the tour will instead visit the Basilica Cistern.

Plus, the inner parts of the Grand Bazaar are inaccessible on Sundays. It’s important to note that the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia may be off-limits during prayer times and special events.

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant women or those with pre-existing medical conditions.

• Explore Istanbul’s iconic landmarks, but be mindful of accessibility restrictions.

• Witness the stunning architecture of the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque.

• Enjoy the vibrant energy of the Grand Bazaar.

• Discover the rich history of the Topkapi Palace or the Basilica Cistern.

• Enjoy a delicious Turkish lunch as part of this comprehensive city tour.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Customer Feedback

Reviews for the Istanbul Old City Tour have been mixed, with one customer highlighting issues regarding the tour format and drop-off arrangements.

While the overall rating stands at 3 out of 5, the reviewer reported miscommunication about the promised private experience, which instead turned into a group walking tour. Plus, the customer expressed dissatisfaction with the drop-off process due to street closures.

Despite these concerns, the tour generally covers the city’s main attractions, including the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace, and Grand Bazaar.

Customers should be aware of potential accessibility issues during prayer times and special events, as well as the closure of the Topkapi Palace on Tuesdays and the inner parts of the Grand Bazaar on Sundays.

Pickup and Transportation

The tour includes pickup from centrally located hotels in the Taksim, Sultanahmet, and Beyoglu areas, providing convenient transportation in an air-conditioned luxury minibus throughout the day. This ensures a stress-free and comfortable experience as you explore Istanbul’s magnificent landmarks.

The tour’s transportation highlights include:

• Arriving at sites in style and comfort

• Avoiding the hassle of navigating public transit

• Enjoying the scenic views during the drives

• Having a dedicated vehicle for the entire tour

• Feeling safe and secure with a professional driver

With pickup and transportation taken care of, you can focus on enjoying the rich history and culture of this captivating city.

Lunch at Local Turkish Restaurant

What better way to experience Turkish culture than by indulging in a delicious local lunch during the tour?

The tour includes a 1-hour stop at a traditional Turkish restaurant, where participants can savor authentic dishes and enjoy the flavors of Istanbul.

The menu features a variety of classic Turkish cuisine, including meze (appetizers), kebabs, and fresh salads.

Guests will have the opportunity to sample a range of flavors and learn about the culinary traditions of the region.

The lunch break provides a chance to recharge and enjoy a taste of Turkish hospitality before continuing the exploration of the city’s historic sights.

Tour Duration and Flexibility

Flexibility is a hallmark of the Istanbul Old City Tour, as the 7-hour itinerary allows visitors to explore the city’s renowned landmarks at a comfortable pace. The tour’s duration provides ample time to take in the rich history and vibrant culture of Istanbul, without feeling rushed.

Guests can savor the stunning architecture of Hagia Sophia, lose themselves in the labyrinth of the Grand Bazaar, and indulge in a traditional Turkish lunch, all at their own leisurely rhythm.

• Discover the city’s iconic sites at your own pace

• Enjoy a flexible schedule tailored to your interests

• Avoid feeling rushed or overwhelmed by the sheer number of attractions

• Relish the opportunity to truly soak in the atmosphere of each location

• Customize your experience to create lasting memories of your time in Istanbul

Frequently Asked Questions

What Types of Payment Methods Are Accepted for This Tour?

According to the provided knowledge, the tour offers a "Reserve now & pay later" option. It also accepts cash payment for the entrance fees to Topkapi Palace. The tour doesn’t specify any other payment methods.

Are Discounts Available for Students, Seniors, or Children?

The tour doesn’t explicitly offer discounts for students, seniors, or children. However, some operators may provide these discounts upon request or based on certain criteria. It’s best to check with the tour provider for any available deals.

How Much Time Is Allocated for Taking Photos During the Tour?

The tour provides ample time for taking photos, with dedicated stops at each major attraction. Visitors can expect around 15-20 minutes at each site to capture the stunning architecture and scenery before moving on to the next destination.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Include Additional or Alternative Attractions?

The tour can be customized to include additional or alternative attractions, though this may incur extra costs. Customers should inquire about customization options when booking to ensure the tour aligns with their specific interests and preferences.

Is the Tour Guide Able to Provide Recommendations for Other Activities in Istanbul?

The tour guide can likely provide recommendations for other activities in Istanbul based on their local knowledge and experience. They may suggest additional historical sites, cultural experiences, or dining options to enhance the visitor’s time in the city.

The Sum Up

This tour provides an immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore Istanbul’s rich history and vibrant culture.

With a focus on iconic sites, a delicious local lunch, and comfortable transportation, it offers a well-rounded introduction to the city.

Flexible scheduling and a knowledgeable guide ensure an engaging and memorable journey through the captivating Old City.

You can check if your dates are available here: