Explore the captivating city of Istanbul through the "Istanbul Highlights" tour. This small-group excursion immerses you in the city’s iconic landmarks, from the stunning Blue Mosque to the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia. Explore the underground world of the Basilica Cistern and wander the vibrant Grand Bazaar, all while savoring a delectable Turkish lunch. With expert guides providing insightful narratives, you’ll uncover the rich history and cultural treasures that make Istanbul a true gem. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this tour promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you eager to discover more.
Good To Know
- Explore Istanbul’s iconic landmarks, including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Basilica Cistern, on a small-group tour with a professional guide.
- Enjoy a three-course Turkish lunch with kebab and vegetarian options as part of the comprehensive tour itinerary.
- Benefit from included admission tickets and transportation, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
- Tailor the tour to your interests, with the guide providing valuable insights into Istanbul’s rich culture and history.
- Take advantage of the flexible cancellation policy, allowing you to adjust your plans without additional costs.
It's also worth checking out some other tours and experiences nearby.
Tour Overview
The tour provides a small-group exploration of Istanbul’s iconic highlights. It visits the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome Square, Basilica and Nakkas Cisterns.
With 100% traveler recommendation and a Badge of Excellence, the tour is highly rated. The price starts from $125.00, varying by group size.
Guests meet at 9:00 am at the German Fountain, spending 15 minutes there before continuing to the Blue Mosque for a 40-minute visit.
The tour also explores additional sites, including the expansive Grand Bazaar. A three-course Turkish lunch with kebab and vegetarian options is included.
Itinerary Highlights
The tour begins at 9:00 am at the German Fountain, where guests spend 15 minutes exploring this free admission site.
Next, they’ll visit the iconic Blue Mosque for 40 minutes.
The itinerary also includes the renowned Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern, with admission tickets included.
After these historic sites, travelers can explore the massive Grand Bazaar with over 4,000 shops.
Lunch is a three-course Turkish meal with mixed kebab and vegetarian options.
Throughout the day, the professional guides share their deep knowledge of Istanbul’s culture and history, tailoring the experience to the group.
Included in the Tour
This tour includes all necessary fees and taxes, as well as admission tickets to the Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern.
You’ll travel in an air-conditioned vehicle, and gratuities are already covered. The tour also includes a delicious three-course Turkish meal with mixed kebab and vegetarian options for lunch.
With all these inclusions, you can focus on enjoying the sights without worrying about additional costs.
Whether you’re visiting the iconic Blue Mosque, exploring the vast Grand Bazaar, or descending into the Basilica Cistern, this comprehensive tour ensures you experience the highlights of Istanbul hassle-free.
Guide Expertise
Professional guides, with their deep knowledge of Istanbul’s rich culture and history, provide invaluable insights throughout the tour.
Praised for their ability to tailor information to the group, the guides captivate travelers with engaging and personable experiences.
Whether highlighting the architectural wonders of the Blue Mosque or delving into the intricate past of the Hagia Sophia, the guides bring the city’s story to life.
Their expertise ensures visitors leave with a greater appreciation for Istanbul’s cultural treasures.
With positive reviews emphasizing their knowledge and communication skills, the guides are a key part of what makes this tour a must-do experience.
Accessibility and Fitness Level
Despite not being wheelchair accessible, the tour is stroller-friendly, allowing infants to participate while seated on laps.
While a moderate level of physical fitness is required, the tour’s pace is manageable for most travelers.
Key things to consider:
- The tour involves a significant amount of walking, including navigating uneven surfaces and stairs at historical sites.
- Participants should be prepared to stand for extended periods at each stop.
- Those with mobility concerns or health conditions may find the tour challenging and should discuss any special needs with the tour operator in advance.
Cancellation Policy
Travelers can take advantage of the tour operator’s flexible cancellation policy.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour, guests can easily adjust their plans if needed. This policy provides peace of mind and allows for last-minute changes without penalties.
Whether it’s unexpected circumstances or simply a change of plans, the tour operator ensures customers can cancel their Istanbul Highlights tour with no additional costs.
This flexibility is especially valuable when booking travel experiences, ensuring customers can book with confidence and enjoy their time in the historic city of Istanbul.
Traveler Recommendations
The Istanbul Highlights tour has earned a stellar reputation, with 100% of travelers enthusiastically recommending the experience.
The tour has received a Badge of Excellence with 40 glowing 5-star reviews, attesting to its exceptional quality.
Travelers praise the knowledgeable and personable guides, who provide insightful commentary on the city’s rich culture and history, tailoring the information to the group’s interests.
Key highlights that have delighted visitors include:
- Exploring the iconic Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Basilica Cistern
- Enjoying a delectable three-course Turkish lunch with diverse menu options
- Discovering the captivating sights and bustling atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar
Tour Pricing
At a starting price of $125.00 per person, the Istanbul Highlights tour offers an exceptional value. The cost varies based on group size, providing flexibility to accommodate different budgets.
The tour includes admission fees to major attractions like the Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern, as well as transportation in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle. With gratuities also covered, travelers can fully enjoy the experience without having to worry about additional expenses.
Given the high-quality guide service, in-depth cultural insights, and comprehensive itinerary, the Istanbul Highlights tour represents great value for the price.
Compared to exploring the city independently, this small-group tour delivers an unbeatable combination of convenience, efficiency, and educational enrichment.
Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.
- Istanbul Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht
- Small-Group Bosphorus Yacht Cruise in Istanbul
- #1 Rated Istanbul Party Pub Crawl W Party Bus/Sultanahmet&Taksim
- Bosphorus Yacht Cruise With Stopover on the Asian Side – (Morning or Afternoon)
- Private Transfer From Istanbul Airport to Fatih, Beyoglu and Besiktas
- Istanbul E-Pass: Top Istanbul Attractions With Skip the Ticket Line
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Visit the Grand Bazaar on My Own After the Tour?
Yes, you can visit the Grand Bazaar on your own after the tour. The tour doesn’t include time at the bazaar, so you’re free to explore it further on your own during your free time.
Is There a Dress Code for the Mosque Visit?
Most mosques, including the Blue Mosque, require modest dress – long pants/skirts and shirts covering shoulders. Visitors should remove their shoes before entering. The tour provides complimentary scarves to cover heads if needed.
Do the Guides Provide Recommendations for Restaurants Near the Sites?
The tour guides typically provide recommendations for nearby restaurants based on their knowledge of the area. They can suggest dining options that offer authentic Turkish cuisine close to the main sites visited during the tour.
Can I Leave the Tour Group to Explore on My Own?
The tour allows flexibility for independent exploration. Travelers can leave the group during designated free time to explore on their own, such as at the Grand Bazaar. However, they’ll need to rejoin the group at the appointed meeting time.
Are Any Photo or Video Restrictions in Place at the Sites?
There are no explicit photo or video restrictions at the sites, though visitors should be respectful and avoid disrupting others. Some areas may have limited photography, so guests should follow their guide’s instructions.
Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby
- Istanbul Private Tours: 1, 2 or 3 Day Highlights
- Private Day Trip to Cappadocia From Istanbul
- Bosphorus Guided Luxury Yacht Cruise With Live Guide (90 Minutes)
- Istanbul Airport Transfer – One Way
- Highlights of Istanbul
- 4 Days – Ephesus and Cappadocia Tours Flights & Accommodations Included
- 2-Day Cappadocia Tour With Optional Hot Air Balloon Ride
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Turkish Night Show All Inclusive
- Glamorous Bosphorus (Istanbul Dinner Cruise – Stage Front Table)
- Full-Day Princes Island Tour With Lunch From Istanbul
- Turkeys Highlights – Pamukkale, Ephesus, Cappadocia Trip & Balloon Ride Option
- Istanbul Private One-Way Transfer: Airport-Hotel or Hotel-Airport
- 10 Days Turkey Highlights Tour for the First Time Visitors
- Istanbul Street Food Tour: Bosphorus Ferry, KadıKöy and Moda
- 7 Days Highlights of Turkey Tour: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Ephesus
The Sum Up
The "Istanbul Highlights" tour offers travelers an immersive experience exploring the city’s iconic landmarks. With expert guides, comfortable transportation, and a delicious Turkish lunch, this small-group tour provides an exceptional opportunity to discover the rich cultural heritage and stunning architecture of Istanbul. Visitors can expect an unforgettable adventure, leaving with a deeper appreciation for this vibrant and historic destination. Priced at $125, the tour is a must-consider for those seeking to make the most of their time in the captivating city of Istanbul.