Istanbul Old City Full Day Tour Review

Exploring the historical heart of Istanbul has never been easier thanks to the Istanbul Old City Full Day Tour. This comprehensive excursion takes visitors on a captivating journey through the city’s iconic landmarks, offering a seamless blend of culture, architecture, and culinary delights. With a professional guide leading the way, travelers can expect an immersive experience that promises to leave a lasting impression. But what do previous participants have to say about this must-do activity? Let’s dive into the details and uncover the true essence of this remarkable tour.

Key Points

• The tour offers a comprehensive sightseeing experience of Istanbul’s historical landmarks, including the Hagia Sophia Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar.
• Pricing for the tour starts at $70.34 and includes a professional licensed guide, hotel pickup/drop-off, admission tickets, and lunch.
• While the tour is generally well-reviewed with a 4.5-star rating, some customers have noted issues with the guide’s knowledge or responsiveness.
• The tour is flexible, with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, and is not wheelchair accessible.
• The tour provides a well-rounded exploration of Istanbul’s cultural heritage, covering key attractions and ensuring a satisfactory experience for most travelers.

Tour Overview

The Istanbul Old City Full Day Tour is a comprehensive sightseeing experience that lets visitors explore the rich historical and cultural heritage of Istanbul’s old town.

Priced from $70.34, the tour includes a professional licensed guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, entry tickets to top attractions like the Hagia Sophia Mosque and Topkapi Palace, and a delicious lunch.

With a 4.5-star rating based on over 5 reviews, the tour seems to offer good value. The experience starts around 8:30 am and lasts the entire day, accommodating up to 30 travelers.

Cancellation is flexible, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The Istanbul Old City Full Day Tour includes a comprehensive set of offerings that cater to visitors’ needs. The tour package covers hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional licensed guide, and admission tickets to key attractions like the Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar. Lunch is also included, ensuring travelers can refuel during their sightseeing adventure. The tour also provides access to the Hagia Sophia Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Hagia Irene Museum, offering a well-rounded exploration of Istanbul’s rich cultural heritage. The table below outlines the key inclusions and exclusions for this tour.

Inclusions	Exclusions
Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off	Personal Expenses
Professional Guide	Tips
Admission Tickets	Anything not mentioned in Inclusions
Lunch	N/A
Transportation	N/A

Meeting and Pickup Details

Pickup times for the Istanbul Old City Full Day Tour are scheduled between 07:30 and 08:15, with the exact pickup time confirmed one day prior to the tour.

The meeting point is in Sultanahmet, in front of the Sultanahmet Tram stop, for guests outside the pickup area.

Those within the pickup area, which includes Fatih, Eminönü, Sirkeci, Sultanahmet, Beyoğlu, Taksim, and Karaköy, will be provided with free hotel pickup and drop-off.

The tour starts at 08:30 am and returns to the original meeting point at the end of the day.

The maximum group size is 30 travelers, and the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Tour Itinerary

Visitors embarking on the Istanbul Old City Full Day Tour can expect an immersive exploration of the city’s renowned historical landmarks. The tour begins at 8:30 AM, following a hotel pickup between 7:30 and 8:15 AM. Over the course of the day, travelers will visit the Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, Hagia Sophia Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and Hagia Irene Museum. Along the way, a professional licensed guide will provide detailed commentary, enhancing the experience. Lunch is included, and the tour concludes with a return to the initial meeting point in Sultanahmet.

Landmark	Entrance Fee
Hagia Sophia Mosque	€25
Topkapi Palace	€45
Hagia Irene Museum	Included with Topkapi Palace

Accessibility and Additional Information

According to the provided information, the Istanbul Old City Full Day Tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps.

Most travelers can participate in the tour, which has a maximum of 30 participants. Confirmation of the tour is received at booking, and the tour is located near public transportation.

The pickup time is between 7:30 and 8:15 am, and it’s confirmed one day in advance. The tour ends at the meeting point in Sultanahmet.

Additional details include that the Hagia Sophia Mosque ticket costs €25, and the Topkapi Palace ticket costs €45, which aren’t included in the tour price.

Customer Reviews

The reviews for the Istanbul Old City Full Day Tour present a mixed picture, with some travelers praising the guide’s expertise while others critiquing their performance.

One reviewer, Diane_M, noted issues with the guide’s knowledge regarding pre-paid admission and requested a better tip.

Despite this, the tour maintains an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on reviews from Viator and Tripadvisor.

Key highlights from the reviews include:

1. Positive experiences with the guide’s knowledge and ability to provide a rundown of the city’s history and landmarks.
2. Concerns about the guide’s responsiveness to specific requests or issues that arose during the tour.
3. General satisfaction with the tour’s overall value and the inclusion of lunch and transportation.

Final Thoughts

The Istanbul Old City Full Day Tour appears to offer a comprehensive introduction to the city’s rich historical and cultural landmarks, though the quality of the tour guide experience can vary.

While the tour covers key attractions like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar, some reviewers have noted issues with their guide’s knowledge or engagement level.

The tour seems to provide good value for the price, with inclusions like lunch, transportation, and admission tickets.

However, prospective travelers may want to research specific guide reputations to ensure a more positive experience.

With careful selection, this tour could be an efficient way to explore Istanbul’s iconic sights.

Since You Asked

Can I Purchase Additional Attractions Tickets During the Tour?

Yes, you can purchase additional attraction tickets during the tour. The tour itinerary includes pre-paid admission to some sites, but you can opt to visit other attractions by purchasing tickets on-site if desired.

Is There a Dress Code Requirement for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but visitors are encouraged to dress modestly, especially when entering religious sites like the Blue Mosque. Covering up shoulders and knees is recommended to respect the local customs.

Can I Take Photographs Inside the Historical Sites?

Yes, visitors can generally take photographs inside the historical sites during the tour, though some restrictions may apply. It’s best to check with the tour guide or site staff for any specific photography policies.

Are There Any Special Dietary Requirements for the Included Lunch?

The tour doesn’t seem to mention any special dietary requirements for the included lunch. However, it’s always best to check with the tour provider in advance if you have any specific dietary needs or restrictions.

Can I Request a Private or Smaller Group Tour?

Yes, you can request a private or smaller group tour. The tour operator offers customization options, and you can discuss your preferences with them when booking the tour to see if they can accommodate your needs.

The Sum Up

The Istanbul Old City Full Day Tour offers an excellent value for visitors seeking an immersive exploration of the city’s rich historical and cultural landmarks. With a professional guide, lunch, and admission to key attractions, it provides a comprehensive experience. While customer experiences with guides may vary, the tour’s overall 4.5-star rating suggests it’s a worthwhile choice for those wanting to make the most of their time in Istanbul’s old city.