Full-Day Istanbul Old City Tour

Byzantine & Ottoman Relics
8 Hours Lunch Included Hotel Pick-up

Discover History Where East Meets West

Step back in time with our definitive Full-Day Istanbul Old City Tour. This guided small-group experience covers the most iconic landmarks of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires in Sultanahmet. Explore the magnificent Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapı Palace in a single day with the comfort of a professional guide and private transportation.

Tour Schedule

08:15 – 08:45
Hotel Pick-up: Comfortable transfer from city center hotels (European side).
09:30
Tour Begins: Meet your guide in Sultanahmet Square.
13:00
Lunch Break: Enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch at a local restaurant (Included).
17:30
Tour Ends: Drop-off back at your hotel.

Tour Highlights

The essential landmarks of Istanbul

Blue Mosque Istanbul

1. Blue Mosque

An Ottoman masterpiece, famous for its 6 minarets and over 20,000 handmade blue Iznik tiles adorning its interior.

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

2. Hagia Sophia

The 8th Wonder of the World. A 1,500-year-old architectural marvel that served as a cathedral, museum, and now a mosque.

Topkapi Palace Museum

3. Topkapı Palace

The opulent heart of the Ottoman Empire for 400 years. Explore the Imperial Treasury and Holy Relics. (Closed Tuesdays)

Hippodrome Square Obelisk

4. Hippodrome Square

The ancient center of Roman sports and politics. See the Egyptian Obelisk, Serpent Column, and the German Fountain.

Grand Bazaar Shopping

5. Grand Bazaar

One of the world's largest and oldest covered markets. A labyrinth of over 4,000 shops. (Closed Sundays)

✅ Package Inclusions

  • Hotel Pick-up & Drop-off
  • Professional Licensed Guide
  • Traditional Turkish Lunch
  • Full-day sightseeing (8 hours)
  • A/C Transportation

❌ Not Included

  • Museum Entry Tickets
  • Drinks during lunch
  • Personal Expenses & Tips

Important Notes

  • Topkapı Palace: Closed on Tuesdays (Replaced with another museum).
  • Grand Bazaar: Closed on Sundays.
  • Entry Fees: Hagia Sophia & Topkapi Palace tickets are not included in the tour price.
  • Dress Code: Modest dress is required for mosque visits (shoulders and knees covered).

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is hotel pick-up included?

Yes, round-trip transportation (pick-up and drop-off) from centrally located hotels on the European side (Sultanahmet, Taksim, Beyoğlu, Şişli) is included in the price.

2. What time does the tour start?

The hotel pick-up service starts between 08:15 – 08:45 depending on your hotel's location. The guided tour officially begins at 09:30 at Sultanahmet Square.

3. Is lunch included?

Yes. A delicious traditional Turkish lunch at a local restaurant is included in the tour price. (Vegetarian options are available upon request).

4. Are entrance fees included?

No. The entrance fees for Topkapı Palace and Hagia Sophia are excluded. You will need to purchase these tickets separately or pay at the entrance (our guide will assist you).

5. Is the tour suitable for children and elderly guests?

Yes, families are welcome. However, please note that this is a walking tour involving moderate physical activity. We recommend comfortable walking shoes.