Istanbul Walking Tour: Mosques, Palace, Cistern With Lunch

Exploring Istanbul’s rich cultural heritage has never been easier than with the ‘Mosques, Palace, Cistern With Lunch’ walking tour. Covering the city’s iconic landmarks, this immersive experience promises an unforgettable journey through the ages. From the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia to the serene Blue Mosque, each stop on the itinerary offers a glimpse into Istanbul’s captivating past. With knowledgeable guides, optional skip-the-line access, and a delightful local lunch, this tour ensures a seamless and enriching exploration of the city’s cultural treasures. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, this walking tour is sure to leave you with a deeper appreciation for the remarkable history and architecture that defines Istanbul.

Key Points

• This full-day walking tour in Istanbul focuses on exploring the city’s iconic mosques, Topkapi Palace, and the Basilica Cistern, with a local restaurant lunch included.
• The tour offers small group options, free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and a reserve now, pay later feature for added flexibility.
• Highlights of the tour include skip-the-line access to Hagia Sophia, guided visits to the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace, and a 1-hour exploration of the Basilica Cistern.
• Modest clothing and comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as the tour involves extensive walking and visits to religious sites with dress code requirements.
• The tour has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 12 reviews, with praise for the knowledgeable and helpful tour guides.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Details

The tour offers a full-day walking experience in Istanbul, allowing visitors to explore the city’s renowned mosques, palace, and historic cistern while enjoying a local lunch.

Priced from 3,241 Turkish Lira per person, the 8.5-hour tour is available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, German, Portuguese, and Italian. Guests can choose from small group options and benefit from a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.

The reserve now and pay later option also provides added flexibility. With a focus on efficiency and cultural insights, the tour itinerary covers top attractions like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and Basilica Cistern.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour commences at the German Fountain, providing a central starting point for the day’s exploration. From here, the guide will lead you to the Obelisk of Theodosius III, where you’ll spend an hour learning about its fascinating history. Next, it’s on to the iconic Hagia Sophia, where you can choose to skip the lines and explore its architectural marvels. The tour then moves to the magnificent Blue Mosque, followed by a well-deserved lunch at a local restaurant. After refueling, you’ll descend into the Basilica Cistern, an ancient Roman reservoir, before capping off the day with a guided tour of the grand Topkapi Palace.

Stop	Duration	Highlights
Obelisk of Theodosius III	1 hour	Guided tour
Hagia Sophia	1 hour	Optional skip-the-line
Blue Mosque	1 hour	–
Lunch	1 hour	Local restaurant
Basilica Cistern	1 hour	Stunning architecture
Topkapi Palace	Main stop	Guided tour

Notable Attractions

Topkapi Palace, the former administrative headquarters of Ottoman sultans, showcases the grandeur and opulence of the Ottoman Empire. Visitors can explore the palace’s opulent courtyards, ornate buildings, and extensive collections of Ottoman artifacts.

Hagia Sophia, an architectural masterpiece, has a rich history as a church, mosque, and now a museum. This iconic structure seamlessly blends Byzantine and Islamic elements, captivating visitors with its sheer scale and intricate details.

Basilica Cistern, an ancient Roman reservoir, impresses with its stunning subterranean architecture. Columns and reflections in the dim lighting create a mesmerizing and mysterious atmosphere, transporting visitors back in time.

Inclusions and Fees

Inclusion in the Istanbul walking tour covers an English-speaking guide, a local restaurant lunch, and complimentary drinking water throughout the day.

However, entry fees for Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, and Hagia Sophia (if not selecting the inclusive option) require additional payment, ranging from 23 EUR to 1500 Turkish Lira per attraction.

These fees ensure access to the tour’s renowned landmarks, such as the former administrative headquarters of Ottoman sultans and the iconic architectural masterpiece that has served as a church, mosque, and museum.

Travelers should budget accordingly and be prepared to cover these necessary expenses to fully enjoy the historical and cultural richness of Istanbul.

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Important Information

Visitors are recommended to wear comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen while on the tour.

Dress code requires participants to avoid ripped or see-through clothing, ensuring shoulders, underarms, back, and knees are properly covered.

At the restaurant near the Blue Mosque, no alcoholic beverages are served.

Travelers should be mindful that long queues are common at Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, especially during peak tourist seasons.

It’s essential to plan accordingly, as entry fees to Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, and Hagia Sophia (if not selecting the inclusive option) will need to be paid separately.

Recommendations

Guests are encouraged to dress comfortably and bring essential sun protection items like sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen for the walking tour. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as the tour covers several historical sites.

Modest clothing that covers the shoulders, back, and knees is required, especially when visiting the Blue Mosque. Since the restaurant near the mosque doesn’t serve alcohol, guests should be mindful of this.

During peak seasons, long queues are expected at the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, so guests should plan accordingly.

Customer Reviews Summary

The walking tour in Istanbul has received overwhelmingly positive customer reviews, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 12 reviews.

Travelers consistently praise the tour guide’s knowledge, patience, and helpfulness in providing cultural insights throughout the experience. Many highlight the efficient time management, allowing them to see the key attractions without feeling rushed.

Specific guides like Filiz and Baris are recommended for their exceptional service and ability to create memorable experiences.

While long queues are expected at popular sites like Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque during peak seasons, the tour’s structure helps minimize wait times.

Tour Booking

How can travelers book the Istanbul walking tour? The tour is available to reserve and pay for later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Prices start from ₺3,241 per person for the full-day experience, which covers a range of iconic sites across the city.

Travelers can book the tour online, where they’ll find details about the itinerary, inclusions, and important information. The small group tour is offered in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, German, Portuguese, and Italian.

Guests can reserve their spot now and pay later, making it a convenient option. With free cancellation available, travelers have the flexibility to adjust their plans if needed. The booking process is straightforward, allowing visitors to secure their Istanbul walking tour with ease.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for Visiting the Mosques?

The dress code for visiting mosques requires covering the shoulders, underarms, back, and knees. Ripped or see-through clothing is not permitted. This ensures respectful attire when entering these sacred religious sites.

Can Children Participate in This Tour?

Yes, children can participate in this tour. The tour is suitable for all ages, and children are welcome. However, they must follow the dress code requirements, which include covering shoulders, knees, and avoiding revealing or see-through clothing.

Is Photography Allowed Inside the Topkapi Palace?

Photography is generally allowed inside Topkapi Palace, but visitors should check for any restrictions or special permissions required. Some sensitive areas or exhibits may have limited photo access to preserve the artifacts.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

Yes, there are discounts available for students and seniors on this tour. The student and senior ticket price is Kč3,079, a 5% discount off the regular adult price. These discounted tickets require valid ID to be shown.

How Accessible Is the Tour for People With Mobility Issues?

The tour may be challenging for those with mobility issues, as it involves extensive walking and navigating uneven terrain at historical sites. However, the tour operator can likely accommodate guests with special needs with advance notice and assistance.

The Sum Up

This Istanbul walking tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the city’s iconic landmarks, including Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace.

With knowledgeable guides, optional skip-the-line access, and a delicious local lunch, the tour provides a seamless and flexible way to experience Istanbul’s rich history and stunning architecture.

Priced at 3,241 Turkish Lira per person, the tour’s free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance makes it a convenient choice for visitors.

You can check if your dates are available here: