Istanbul Old City Full-Day Tour, Tickets & Lunch Included
Overview
Istanbul Old City Full-Day Tour, Tickets & Lunch Included
This full-day guided tour covers the highlights of Istanbul's Old City and its Byzantine and Ottoman heritage. You visit Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome of Constantinople, then stop for lunch.
Topkapi Palace and Grand Bazaar
In the afternoon you continue to Topkapi Palace and the Hagia Irene Museum, and the day ends with free time at the Grand Bazaar. A professional licensed guide explains the history along the way.
Pickup and Tickets Included
Hotel pick-up and drop-off from central locations and all entrance tickets are included.
Tour Info
Itinerary
Istanbul Full-Day Old City Tour with Museum Tickets and Lunch
- Hotel pick-up: pick-up from centrally located hotels in Istanbul and transfer to the Old City.
- Hagia Sophia: see the great dome, the ancient mosaics and the blend of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture.
- Blue Mosque: known for its six minarets and blue Iznik tiles.
- Hippodrome of Constantinople: the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpent Column, the Column of Constantine and the German Fountain.
- Lunch break: time for lunch at a local restaurant in the Old City.
- Topkapi Palace: the residence of the Ottoman sultans, with its courtyards, treasury and imperial collections.
- Hagia Irene Museum: one of the oldest churches in Istanbul, inside the Topkapi Palace complex.
- Grand Bazaar: free time in one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world.
- Return transfer: transfer back to your hotel, or stay on in the Old City for some free time.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- ✓Small Group Tour
- ✓Pick-Up from Central Hotels
- ✓Drop-Off at Central Hotels
- ✓Museum Entrance Tickets
- ✓Lunch
- ✓Professional Licensed Tour Guide
- ✓Flexible Itinerary
- ✓Skip-the-Line Assistance
- ✕Transportation by Private Vehicle (Optional)
- ✕Meals and Drinks
- ✕Personal Expenses
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel free of charge up to 7 days before the tour for a full refund. Cancellations within 7 days of the tour are not refundable. All times are local time.
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Istanbul Old City full-day tour: what you need to know
This small-group tour covers the whole of Istanbul's historic peninsula in one day, from $199 per person: Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome in the morning, lunch in the Old City, then Topkapi Palace, the Hagia Irene Museum and free time at the Grand Bazaar in the afternoon. Museum entrance tickets, lunch, a professional licensed guide and pick-up from central hotels or Galataport are all included.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Duration | About 8 hours |
| Price | from $199 per person |
| Type | Small-group guided tour |
| Pick-up | Central Istanbul hotels or Galataport |
| Included | Museum entrance tickets, lunch, licensed guide, skip-the-line assistance, hotel drop-off |
| Not included | Drinks, private vehicle (optional), personal expenses |
Can you see the Old City of Istanbul in one day?
Yes, if the day is planned well, and that is what this tour is for. The main sights of Sultanahmet are within walking distance of each other, so the time goes on visiting rather than travelling. What makes it hard on your own is the order: queues at Hagia Sophia grow through the morning, Topkapi Palace is large and closes in the early evening, and the Grand Bazaar is best at the end of the day when you can shop without carrying bags around the palace. The tour follows exactly that sequence.
What is included in the price?
| Included | Not included |
|---|---|
| Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and Hagia Irene entrance tickets | Drinks with lunch |
| Lunch at a local restaurant in the Old City | Private vehicle (available as an option) |
| Professional licensed guide | Shopping and personal expenses |
| Pick-up and drop-off at central hotels | Tips |
Because the tickets are included, you do not need to queue at ticket offices or buy online in advance.
What do you see, and in which order?
| Part of the day | Stops |
|---|---|
| Morning | Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome with the Egyptian Obelisk, Serpent Column, Column of Constantine and German Fountain |
| Midday | Lunch at a local restaurant |
| Afternoon | Topkapi Palace, Hagia Irene Museum |
| End of day | Free time at the Grand Bazaar, then hotel drop-off or stay in the Old City |
Is the full day better value than two half-day tours?
Yes. The two half-day tours cost $120 and $150 when booked separately, $270 in total without lunch. The full day is $199 with lunch:
| Tour | Covers | Price from |
|---|---|---|
| This tour | Everything below plus lunch | $199 |
| Morning: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar | Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Grand Bazaar | $120 |
| Afternoon: Topkapi, Hagia Irene and Grand Bazaar | Topkapi Palace, Hagia Irene, Grand Bazaar | $150 |
| Classic private guided tour | Similar sites with your own guide, tickets not included | $200 |
The half-day tours make sense if you have only a morning or an afternoon, or if you prefer a slower pace with a break in between. If you want your own guide instead of a small group, compare the private guide for 1 to 3 days.
Which days should you avoid?
Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays and the Grand Bazaar on Sundays, so the best days for this tour are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. On Fridays, visits to Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque are restricted around the midday prayer, and the guide adjusts the order. Museums and bazaars also close on 1 January and during the Ramadan and Sacrifice holidays.
When is the best season?
April to June and September to November are ideal for a full day on foot. Summer is the busiest and warmest season, and winter is quieter with shorter queues, though some days are wet; the tour runs all year.
What should you wear and bring?
You will walk for most of the day, so comfortable shoes matter more than anything else. For the mosques, women need a scarf and covered shoulders and knees, and men should avoid shorts above the knee. Bring water, sunscreen in summer, an umbrella in winter, and cash or a card for the Grand Bazaar.
How do you book?
Choose your date on this page and send the form, or message us on WhatsApp with your hotel name. We confirm your seat and pick-up time in writing, and you pay only after confirmation. For more ideas see our Istanbul tours and our Turkey tour packages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay during the tour?
Yes, you can pay on the day of the tour. We still recommend booking in advance to secure your place.
Is hotel pick-up included?
Yes. Pick-up is included from centrally located hotels in Istanbul.
What time does the tour start?
Pick-up is between 12:00 and 12:30, depending on where your hotel is.
How long is the tour?
The tour usually lasts 6 to 8 hours, depending on traffic and pace.
Are entrance fees included?
Yes, entrance fees are included unless stated otherwise.
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