Lunch in Istanbul delivers unforgettable experiences that connect you with the city’s soul through its food. Local guides lead you through bustling markets and family-run restaurants, while Bosphorus cruise options pair spectacular views with authentic Turkish dishes. The best tours last between 2.5 and 8 hours, offering good value with included tastings and skip-the-line access. I especially love the market-to-table walking tours where you’ll meet local vendors and sample street food specialties – it’s like having a Turkish friend show you their favorite spots. For food lovers who want guaranteed seating and waterfront views, the lunch cruises are your best bet. Check out these carefully selected tours that showcase Istanbul’s most memorable midday meals.
Key Points
- Bosphorus Lunch Cruise offers a 2-course meal with scenic city views and includes coffee, tea, snacks, and fruit.
- Princes Islands Tour provides the option of having lunch on the boat or at a local restaurant with scenic backdrops.
- Traditional Turkish lunches are commonly included in various tours, offering opportunities to experience local cuisine and culture.
- Some tours, such as the Historical Constantinople City Tour, may feature mixed reviews for the quality of local lunch experiences.
- Flexible cancellation policies and a range of tour options at different price points can enhance the overall lunch experience in Istanbul.
Istanbul Heritage Tour – Incl. Lunch
Although Istanbul boasts over 3,500 years of rich history, visitors can experience the city’s most iconic landmarks in just one comprehensive 8-hour tour.
The Istanbul Heritage Tour includes major sites like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace. Travelers will enjoy a lunch arranged at a rooftop restaurant with stunning Bosphorus views.
Comfortable round-trip transportation from city center hotels is provided, and the tour is limited to a maximum of 25 participants for a personalized experience.
The cancellation policy offers flexibility, with full refunds available for cancellations made up to 24 hours in advance.
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From Istanbul: Princes Islands Tour With Lunch
Travelers seeking a unique day trip from Istanbul can embark on the Princes Islands Tour, which whisks them away to the largest of the Princes Islands – Buyukada.
This 8-hour excursion offers exceptional value, with prices ranging from $32.51 to $36.94 per person. Highlights include an electric car tour of the island’s stunning mansions, free time to explore the pedestrian streets and beaches, and a delicious lunch served either on the boat or at a local restaurant.
With convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional English-speaking guide, and the option to rent a bike, this tour provides an immersive experience of Buyukada’s history and charm.
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Bosphorus Lunch Cruise Opportunity to Swim in Black Sea in Summer
The Bosphorus Lunch Cruise offers travelers an exceptional opportunity to explore Istanbul’s iconic waterway while indulging in a delectable meal.
This approximately 5-hour cruise takes passengers along the Bosphorus, with stops at the picturesque fishing village of Anadolu Kavagi.
Onboard, guests can enjoy a 2-course lunch, including coffee, tea, snacks, and fruit, served by attentive staff.
During the summer season, the cruise even includes a chance to swim in the Black Sea.
With guided tours providing insights into the region’s history and culture, the Bosphorus Lunch Cruise is a well-organized and relaxing experience, offering stunning views and a chance to take in Istanbul’s rich heritage.
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Princes Island Full Day Tour With Lunch
Regularly, the Princes Island Full Day Tour with Lunch provides travelers with an exceptional opportunity to explore the enchanting Princes’ Islands, a serene retreat just off the coast of Istanbul.
Priced at $36.94 per person, the 8-hour tour includes hotel pickup, air-conditioned transportation, a boat trip, guided sightseeing, entrance fees, and a delightful lunch.
Highlights include visiting Topkapı Palace, Maiden’s Tower, and the island’s historic wooden mansions. Travelers can also enjoy feeding seagulls and browsing local shops.
With a 4.2/5 rating based on 26 reviews, this tour offers great value and a seamless experience, despite occasional minor delays in pickup and basic ferry conditions.
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Istanbul Historical Tour With Guide, Lunch and Transfers
Exploring Istanbul’s historical treasures becomes an immersive experience with the Istanbul Historical Tour with Guide, Lunch, and Transfers.
This full-day tour covers the city’s iconic landmarks, including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace. Prebooked tickets ensure seamless access, while a knowledgeable guide provides in-depth insights.
The tour includes a traditional Turkish lunch, often with stunning city views. With a maximum of 15 travelers, the experience offers an intimate setting.
Guests can expect significant walking, so comfortable footwear is essential. COVID-19 safety measures are in place, though the tour may not be wheelchair accessible.
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Istanbul: Cruise and Dine 2.5-Hour Bosphorus Lunch Tour
Set out on a captivating Bosphorus Lunch Tour that offers a unique perspective of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks.
This 2.5-hour cruise takes you along the scenic Bosphorus Strait, providing stunning views of the city’s historic sites from the water.
Savor a delicious lunch as you glide by Dolmabahce Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, and the iconic Bosphorus Bridges.
With pickup and drop-off options, this tour is a convenient and leisurely way to experience Istanbul’s waterfront beauty.
At just $12.66 per person, it’s an affordable yet memorable way to explore the city.
Skip the line and secure your spot on this highly-rated Bosphorus cruise for an unforgettable lunch experience in Istanbul.
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Istanbul to Bosphorus and Black Sea Full Day Cruise With Lunch
Stepping up the Bosphorus cruise experience, the Istanbul to Bosphorus and Black Sea Full Day Cruise With Lunch offers an immersive journey along the iconic waterway into the serene Black Sea.
The scenic 5-hour cruise provides stunning views of both the European and Asian shores, with knowledgeable onboard guides enhancing the experience.
Highlights include stops at Ortaköy, Küçüksu Palace, and Rumeli Fortress, as well as the opportunity to swim in the Black Sea.
Though the timing at certain stops drew some criticism, the overall hospitality, cultural integration, and value proposition make this cruise a compelling option for those seeking a comprehensive Bosphorus experience.
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Istanbul: Princes Island Tour With Lunch and 2 Islands
This captivating Istanbul: Princes Islands Tour with Heybeliada and Büyükada offers an enchanting escape from the bustling city.
Explore the largest of the Princes Islands, Büyükada, during a 3-hour stopover featuring a scenic lunch, guided tours, and free time for swimming.
The 8-hour experience also includes a 1.5-hour cruise to the islands and back, plus a shopping stop.
With an overall rating of 4.2/5 from 729 reviews, this tour promises good value, knowledgeable guides, and reliable transportation.
Flexibility is key, as the itinerary may change, and swimming is only available during summer.
Secure your spot now with a flexible booking option.
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Istanbul to Gallipoli Full Day Tour With Lunch and Transfers
For those seeking to enjoy the poignant history of World War I, the Istanbul to Gallipoli Full Day Tour with Lunch and Transfers offers a captivating experience.
Lasting approximately 17 hours, the tour takes visitors to key sites like Anzac Cove, the Dawn Service site, and the allied and Turkish trenches.
Despite recent bushfires, guides ensure the tours continue, with boat tours provided as an alternative for viewing.
While the meal options are disappointing, the tour’s overall experience is fantastic, with knowledgeable and entertaining guides bringing the historical significance to life.
With an average rating of 5.0 from 364 reviews, this tour is a must-consider for those interested in the ANZAC legacy.
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Afternoon Bosphorus Cruise With Lunch
Offering a serene respite from the bustling city, the Afternoon Bosphorus Cruise with Lunch allows visitors to soak in the picturesque views of Istanbul’s iconic waterway.
The 2.5-hour cruise, which features an optional audio guide, provides a unique perspective of the city’s stunning skyline, including landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.
Priced at just $8.99 per person, the Bosphorus Sunset Sightseeing Cruise is an affordable way to enjoy the city’s natural beauty.
With skip-the-line access and a wide range of tour options, visitors can tailor their Bosphorus experience to their preferences and budget.
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Istanbul to Truva Troy Guided Day Tour With Lunch and Transfers
Travelers seeking to explore the ancient wonders of Troy can embark on an immersive day tour from Istanbul. The approximately 17-hour journey departs at 6:45 AM and returns at 10:30 PM, with round-trip transfers from select Istanbul hotels.
The tour caters to a maximum of 30 travelers, providing a personalized experience. Along the scenic drive, passengers enjoy stops for meals and restrooms.
At the Troy site, a knowledgeable guide offers a rundown, focusing on the historical context and connections to the Iliad. The included local lunch receives mixed reviews, with some travelers finding it subpar.
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Istanbul: Exclusive Wonders of the City Tour W/Turkish Lunch
Embarking on an Exclusive Wonders of the City Tour, travelers can enjoy the rich historical and cultural tapestry of Istanbul.
Highlights include guided tours of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, as well as a visit to the Grand Bazaar. The tour also offers the opportunity to explore Topkapi Palace, home to Ottoman emperors, for an additional fee.
Complementing the sightseeing is a traditional Turkish lunch, providing a delicious taste of local cuisine.
With hotel pickup, transportation, and a professional guide included, this full-day tour offers an efficient and comprehensive way to discover the city’s iconic landmarks.
Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
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Istanbul Imperial & Bosphorus Tour – Incl. Lunch
Venturing beyond the captivating landmarks explored in the previous tour, this Istanbul Imperial & Bosphorus Tour takes travelers on a sweeping journey through the city’s imperial heritage and natural wonders.
Over the course of 7 hours, small groups of up to 25 explore iconic sites like the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Hippodrome, followed by a scenic cruise along the Bosphorus.
The tour also includes a visit to the Grand Bazaar and Spice Market, providing an immersive cultural experience.
With convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as a flexible cancellation policy, this tour offers a comprehensive introduction to Istanbul’s must-see attractions and activities.
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Istanbul: Historical Constantinople City Tour With Lunch
What better way to experience the captivating history and rich cultural heritage of Istanbul than through a comprehensive, full-day tour?
For $84.43 per person, this 8-hour historical tour provides a deep dive into the iconic landmarks of the city, including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar.
Led by a live English-speaking guide, the tour explores ancient sites and modern life, offering opportunities for photography along the way.
With hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch included, and flexible booking options, this tour is an excellent value for travelers looking to uncover the treasures of Istanbul.
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Istanbul off the Beaten Path Tour With Guide, Lunch and Transfers
This immersive tour invites travelers to explore Istanbul’s lesser-known gems, uncovering the city’s captivating off-the-beaten-path allure.
Priced at $96.80 per person with flexible group sizes, the tour guarantees the lowest price and includes lunch, transfers, and organized transportation for added convenience.
With a duration of approximately 7 hours, the experience allows participants to explore historic landmarks, local cultural hubs, and neighborhoods like Fener and Balat.
Knowledgeable guides provide historical and contemporary insights, enhancing the overall enjoyment.
Recommended for first-time visitors and those seeking unique local experiences, this tour is an efficient way to navigate Istanbul and take in the city’s rich tapestry.
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Istanbul: Byzantine & Ottoman Relics Eco With Lunch & Guide
Exploring Istanbul’s Byzantine and Ottoman heritage is the focus of this comprehensive 8-hour guided tour. Priced from $75.99 per person, this eco-friendly experience includes professional local guidance, hotel pickup and drop-off, and lunch at a Turkish restaurant.
Visitors will tour iconic sites like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace, learning about their rich history. Free time at the Grand Bazaar allows for shopping and bartering.
With flexible booking and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour provides a convenient way to take in Istanbul’s cultural tapestry. Comfortable attire and sturdy shoes are recommended for this in-depth exploration of the city’s Byzantine and Ottoman relics.
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Istanbul Lunch Cruise – Extended Bosphorus Cruise up to the Black Sea
Embark on an extended Bosphorus cruise from Istanbul, sailing up to the Black Sea and enjoying a delectable 2-course lunch along the way.
This 4-5 hour experience departs at 11:30 AM, with pickup options from select hotels. Capture stunning photos of the coastal sights and stop at the fishing village of Anadolu Kavagi to visit an ancient fortress.
This convenient, paperless activity offers instant mobile ticketing and is available in English. Advance booking is recommended to secure a spot on this popular tour.
Be sure to review the clear cancellation policy, as a full refund is available for cancellations made up to 24 hours in advance.
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Istanbul: Full-Day 2-Sides City Tour With Lunch & Boat Tour
Discover the vibrant culture and iconic sights of Istanbul on this comprehensive full-day tour.
You’ll explore both the European and Asian sides of the city, taking in panoramic views from Camlica Hill and the stunning Camlica Mosque.
Tour the grand Beylerbeyi Palace, a summer residence of Ottoman sultans, and visit the Eyup Sultan Mosque, significant for its mausoleum.
Enjoy a relaxing Bosphorus boat cruise and savor a delicious included lunch.
With convenient hotel transfers, an expert live guide, and the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance, this tour offers an immersive experience of Istanbul’s top attractions at an excellent value.
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Istanbul Princes Island Tour With Lunch & Hotel Transfer
Visitors can take a break from the bustling city of Istanbul by embarking on a tour of the serene Princes Islands. The tour lasts approximately 6-7 hours, including a 2-hour escape to the largest island, Buyukada.
Guests are picked up from designated locations and meet at the Eminonu Pier Kadikoy, where private boat transportation avoids ferry delays. While lunch is provided onboard, reviews on the quality are mixed, with some reporting bad food and rude staff.
The tour also faces logistical issues, such as delayed departure times and a lack of a proper guide during island visits. The tour receives a rating of 4.0, with mixed experiences reported by travelers.
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Istanbul: Bus Tour With Cable Car, Bosporus Cruise, & Lunch
For those seeking a comprehensive exploration of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks, the Istanbul: Bus Tour With Cable Car, Bosporus Cruise, & Lunch offers a well-curated experience.
Over the course of 7 hours, this tour covers key sites like the Süleymaniye Mosque, Rüstem Pasa Mosque, and the vibrant Spice Bazaar.
Highlights include a 90-minute Bosphorus cruise and a cable car ride for panoramic city views. Comfortable transportation, skip-the-line access, and an included hearty lunch with drinks make this a hassle-free way to discover the city.
With a licensed guide providing insights, and all tips covered, this tour is an excellent value at €100 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Dress Code for the Lunch Experiences?
The dress code for lunch experiences is generally casual and comfortable. Most venues don’t have strict dress requirements, allowing visitors to dress in a relaxed manner that suits their personal style and the occasion.
Are Dietary Requirements Accommodated in the Lunch Menus?
Most lunch providers accommodate dietary requirements, offering vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. They’ll work to ensure guests with specific needs can enjoy the full lunch experience.
Can the Lunch Tours Be Customized to Individual Preferences?
Many lunch tours can be customized to individual preferences. Travelers can often request modifications to accommodate dietary needs or preferences. This allows for a more personalized and enjoyable dining experience.
Are the Lunch Venues Accessible for Guests With Disabilities?
Yes, many lunch venues in Istanbul are accessible for guests with disabilities. Tour operators work closely with venues to ensure accommodations are available, though it’s best to discuss specific needs when booking to ensure a seamless experience.
What Is the Policy on Cancellations or Changes to the Lunch Tours?
The tour operator typically allows for cancellations or changes to the lunch tours, though fees may apply. Guests should review the policies prior to booking to understand the specific terms and conditions.
The Sum Up
Istanbul offers a variety of exceptional lunch experiences. Visitors can enjoy a heritage tour with a delicious meal, explore the Princes Islands with a lunch stop, or embark on a Bosphorus lunch cruise. For those seeking a more comprehensive experience, full-day city tours with guided visits and lunch are available. These diverse options provide travelers with ample opportunities to savor the flavors of Istanbul during their midday break.