Istanbul Old City Sightseeing Tour (Entry Fees Inculuding)

Istanbul’s Old City is a captivating blend of history, culture, and stunning architecture. The Istanbul Old City Sightseeing Tour offers visitors a chance to enjoy this vibrant and distinctive part of the city. Led by an expert art historian, the tour provides a comprehensive exploration of iconic sites like the Hagia Sophia and the Topkapi Palace, allowing guests to uncover the city’s rich past. With convenient hotel pickup, a delectable local lunch, and a small-group setting, this tour promises a personalized and unforgettable experience. But what truly sets it apart is the opportunity to discover the secret gems that make Istanbul’s Old City so captivating.

Good To Know

• A full-day, small-group excursion in Istanbul’s Old City, led by a professional art historian, with highlights including Hagia Sophia and the Underground Cistern.
• Includes a 3-course local lunch, driver/guide, and entry tickets for Hagia Sophia and the Underground Cistern, with hotel pickup and drop-off available.
• Maximum group size of 15 travelers for a personalized experience, with stroller accessibility but no wheelchair access.
• Starts at 9:00 AM with free transfer service from city center hotels, and offers a Lowest Price Guarantee with a flexible cancellation policy.
• Overall rating of 4.0 out of 5 from 3 reviews, with some dissatisfaction regarding the guide but praise for the coverage of iconic sites like Hagia Sophia.

Tour Overview

The Istanbul Old City Sightseeing Tour is a full-day, small-group excursion that takes visitors on an immersive exploration of the city’s iconic historical sites.

Led by a professional art historian, the tour highlights include the majestic Hagia Sophia, the serene underground cistern, the Roman-era Hippodrome, the stunning Blue Mosque, the fascinating Topkapi Palace, and the bustling Grand Bazaar.

Perfect for first-time visitors, this tour provides a comprehensive introduction to Istanbul’s rich history and cultural heritage.

With a maximum of 15 travelers, the tour ensures a personalized experience and ample opportunities for questions and discussions with the knowledgeable guide.

Inclusions

This tour’s inclusions feature a 3-course local lunch, a driver/guide, and a professional art historian guide.

Entry tickets for the Hagia Sophia and Underground Cistern are also included. Hotel pickup and drop-off are offered for selected hotels on the European side of the city.

Alcoholic drinks are available for purchase during the tour. The small-group nature of the tour, with a maximum of 15 travelers, ensures a more personalized experience.

Plus, the tour is stroller accessible, though it isn’t wheelchair friendly.

Tour Details

The tour starts promptly at 9:00 AM and offers free transfer service from city center hotels on the European side.

The group size is limited to a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience. Infant seats are available, though infants must sit on laps.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller accessible, making it suitable for families.

The tour location is conveniently near public transportation, allowing easy access for participants.

Pricing and Cancellation

At a starting price of $127.83, the Istanbul Old City Sightseeing Tour offers a Lowest Price Guarantee, ensuring travelers get the best value for their money.

Guests can take advantage of the Free Cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the tour starts, providing flexibility in their plans.

For those who prefer to book now and pay later, the Reserve Now and Pay Later option is available.

The tour’s pricing structure and cancellation policy make it an attractive choice for both first-time and experienced travelers exploring the iconic sites of Istanbul’s old city.

Reviews and Feedback

Travelers have left a total of 3 reviews for the Istanbul Old City Sightseeing Tour, resulting in an overall rating of 4.0 out of 5.

The feedback highlights the tour as generally interesting, but some dissatisfaction with the guide and route changes. Notably, some customers mentioned missing the Cistern Basilica, a major attraction in Istanbul.

While the tour covers iconic sites like the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, the lack of consistency in the itinerary seems to be a concern for some.

Notable Attractions

Though the tour covers a range of iconic sites in Istanbul’s Old City, some notable attractions stand out. The magnificent Hagia Sophia, a former Byzantine church turned mosque, is a prime example. Its stunning architecture and historical significance make it a must-see. The Underground Cistern, an ancient water reservoir, also captivates visitors with its eerie beauty and impressive engineering. The table below provides a deeper look at these two standout attractions:

Attraction	Significance
Hagia Sophia	Former Byzantine church, later converted to a mosque, now a museum showcasing stunning architecture and religious history
Underground Cistern	An ancient water reservoir built in the 6th century, featuring impressive columns and a serene, otherworldly ambiance

Visitor Information

The tour provides valuable visitor information to ensure a seamless experience.

It’s a full-day, small-group tour led by a professional art historian, with a maximum of 15 travelers. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for selected hotels on the European side. The tour starts at 9:00 AM and lasts the entire day.

While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is stroller-friendly and near public transportation. Visitors can enjoy a 3-course local lunch, and alcoholic drinks are available for purchase.

The tour offers a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, as well as a lowest price guarantee. Feedback highlights generally positive experiences, though some noted issues with the guide and route changes.

The Sum Up

The Istanbul Old City Sightseeing Tour offers a comprehensive and immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore the city’s rich history and stunning architecture. With a professional art historian as a guide, entry fees included, and a local lunch, this small-group tour ensures a personalized and memorable journey through Istanbul’s vibrant culture. Convenient hotel pickup and a variety of notable attractions make this tour an excellent choice for those seeking to discover the heart of the old city.