Amazing Istanbul Old City Guided Tour With Lunch

Discover the captivating history of Istanbul with the Amazing Istanbul Old City Guided Tour. This comprehensive tour takes visitors to the city’s iconic landmarks, including the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace. Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour provides an in-depth exploration of these remarkable sites, accompanied by a delicious local lunch. With convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, this tour is designed to maximize sightseeing time and immerse guests in Istanbul’s rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this guided adventure promises to unveil the remarkable stories that have shaped the city’s past and present.

Key Points

• Comprehensive 8-hour guided tour of Istanbul’s historic Old City, including key attractions like the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Grand Covered Bazaar.
• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, English-speaking guide, entrance tickets, and a local Turkish lunch, providing a hassle-free and immersive experience.
• Offers skip-the-line access to major sights, maximizing sightseeing time and avoiding lengthy queues.
• Highlights the cultural and architectural significance of landmarks like the Topkapi Palace and Hippodrome through insightful commentary from knowledgeable guides.
• Suitable for most travelers, with the exception of pregnant women and wheelchair users, and flexible booking options with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Istanbul Old City Guided Tour offers an amazing 8-hour experience for visitors to explore the historic sites of the city.

Priced at $240.83 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, an English-speaking guide, and entrance tickets to the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace.

Participants should be ready at their hotel reception around 7:30 AM.

The tour features key attractions such as the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, and the Grand Covered Bazaar.

Lunch is included, but drinks and personal expenses are not.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users.

Key Attractions

Hagia Sophia stands as an architectural marvel from the 6th century and was once the center of Orthodox Christendom. Nearby, the Blue Mosque exemplifies exemplary Ottoman architecture with its six minarets.

The Hippodrome, the historical center of social and political life in ancient Constantinople, is another key attraction. Visitors can explore the Topkapi Palace, a museum that includes the Harem and the Hagia Irene Church.

Finally, the Grand Covered Bazaar, the oldest shopping center in the world with around 4,000 stores, offers a one-of-a-kind shopping experience.

These iconic landmarks showcase Istanbul’s rich history and cultural heritage, making the guided tour a must-see for visitors.

Inclusions

This guided tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, an English-speaking guide, and entrance tickets for Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace.

Lunch is also provided, though drinks and personal expenses aren’t included.

Participants can skip the ticket lines at the attractions, allowing them to maximize their sightseeing time.

The tour delivers a comprehensive experience, ensuring visitors make the most of their time in Istanbul’s historic Old City.

With an expert guide leading the way, travelers will gain valuable insights into the significance and history of the key landmarks on the itinerary.

Experience Highlights

Providing an expert guide who offers insightful commentary, the tour allows visitors to skip ticket lines and maximize their sightseeing time in Istanbul’s historic Old City.

Traversing the city’s iconic landmarks, the experience highlights include:

• Live narration from a knowledgeable tour guide, sharing fascinating details and historical context about each attraction.

• Expedited entry to the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, avoiding lengthy queues and ensuring more time to explore.

• Opportunities to indulge in local cuisine, with a included lunch that immerses participants in the flavors of Turkish culture.

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Booking Information

Conveniently, visitors can now reserve their spot on this tour without upfront payment, allowing them to check availability and select from various starting times. Wheelchair users and pregnant women, however, may find the experience unsuitable. The booking process is straightforward, with clear information provided on the tour’s availability and cancellation policy. To secure a spot, travelers simply need to choose their preferred date and time. The tour’s flexible booking options make it easy to plan your Istanbul adventure.

Booking Details
Reserve Now	Pay Later
Check Availability	Various Start Times
Free Cancellation	Up to 24 Hours
Not Suitable for	Pregnant Women, Wheelchair Users

Hagia Sophia

The Hagia Sophia, an architectural marvel from the 6th century, stands as the centerpiece of the Old City tour, serving as a former center of Orthodox Christendom. This monumental structure boasts a rich history, having functioned as a church, mosque, and now a museum.

Visitors are awestruck by its massive domed ceilings, intricate mosaics, and stunning Byzantine architecture. The tour offers guests the opportunity to:

• Admire the Hagia Sophia’s impressive scale and grandeur

• Discover the building’s remarkable transition from church to mosque to museum

• Learn about the site’s significance in the history of Constantinople and Istanbul

Exploring this iconic landmark provides an immersive glimpse into Istanbul’s storied past and its enduring cultural legacy.

Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque’s exemplary Ottoman architecture, adorned with six towering minarets, stands as a testament to Istanbul’s rich cultural heritage. Completed in the early 17th century, this grand mosque is known for its impressive size, intricate tile work, and stunning acoustics. Visitors can marvel at the stunning interior, with its high ceilings, ornate chandeliers, and thousands of blue İznik tiles that give the mosque its iconic name. The mosque’s spiritual significance is equally impressive, serving as an active place of worship for the city’s Muslim community.

Architectural Features	Spiritual Significance	Cultural Impact
6 minarets	Active place of worship	Symbol of Ottoman power
İznik tile work	Impressive acoustics	Major tourist attraction
High ceilings and chandeliers	Spiritual center for Istanbul’s Muslims	Preserved cultural heritage

Topkapi Palace

Towering over the Bosphorus Strait, Topkapı Palace served as the primary residence of Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. It houses an impressive collection of historical artifacts and offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the imperial court.

As part of the tour, visitors can explore the palace’s treasures, including:

• The Harem, an elaborate residential complex that was home to the sultan’s family and concubines.

• The Hagia Irene Church, a Byzantine-era structure that has been converted into a museum.

• The treasury, which boasts an extensive collection of jewels, gold, and other priceless items.

With its stunning architecture, rich history, and captivating stories, Topkapı Palace is a must-see destination for anyone exploring the ancient wonders of Istanbul.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Time Is Allocated for Each Attraction Visit?

The tour allocates varying amounts of time for each attraction visit, allowing participants to explore the key sights thoroughly. While specific durations are not provided, the itinerary is designed to maximize the experience within the 8-hour tour.

Can We Take Photos Inside the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque?

Visitors are generally permitted to take photos inside the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, though they should be respectful of the religious nature of the sites. Some restrictions may apply, so it’s best to check with tour guides or on-site staff.

Is There a Dress Code for Visiting the Religious Sites?

There is a dress code for visiting religious sites in Istanbul. Visitors must wear modest clothing that covers the shoulders, knees, and arms. Tight or revealing attire is not permitted. The tour guide will advise on appropriate dress.

Can We Purchase Souvenirs at the Grand Covered Bazaar?

Yes, visitors can purchase souvenirs at the Grand Covered Bazaar. It’s the oldest and largest shopping center in the world, with around 4,000 stores offering a wide variety of goods, from traditional Turkish crafts to modern items.

Is There a Maximum Group Size for the Tour?

The tour does not specify a maximum group size. Tour groups are typically small to provide an intimate experience, but the exact number can vary depending on demand. Participants should check with the tour operator for details on group size.

The Sum Up

The Amazing Istanbul Old City Guided Tour with Lunch provides an immersive experience, taking visitors through the captivating history of Istanbul.

The tour includes visits to iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace, with knowledgeable guides providing insightful commentary.

Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, entrance tickets, and a delicious Turkish lunch are all included, ensuring a seamless and memorable exploration of Istanbul’s rich cultural heritage.

You can check if your dates are available here: