Tours

Istanbul Gems: Old City Walking Tour & Whirling Dervish Ceremony

Istanbul, Turkeyby Travel Experts

2 days
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Skip the line
Up to 10 travelers
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Guide: Arabic, Portuguese, Japanese, English, Italian, French, Spanish

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Overview

⭐ Airport-to-Hotel Arrival Transfer – Enjoy a smooth transfer from IST or SAW airport to your hotel on arrival. ⭐ Guided Sultanahmet Walking Tour – Explore Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, the Basilica Cistern, and the Grand Bazaar with a licensed guide. ⭐ Whirling Dervish Ceremony – Experience the mesmerizing Mevlevi tradition at Istanbul’s historic Hodjapasha Cultural Center. Immerse yourself in Istanbul’s rich heritage and vibrant culture during this two-day introduction to the city. On arrival, enjoy a convenient transfer from Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) directly to your hotel. On Day 2, explore the historic Sultanahmet area on foot with your licensed guide, visiting celebrated landmarks such as Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, the Basilica Cistern, and the Grand Bazaar. In the evening, experience the spiritual and artistic tradition of the Whirling Dervishes with a mesmerizing ceremony at the historic Hodjapasha Cultural Center.

What's included

Small-group tour option (up to 10 participants)
Professional, licensed tour guide authorized by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism
Whirling Dervish (Sema) Ceremony with hotel pick-up and drop-off
Inbound airport transfer from Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) to your hotel
Private tour option (not shared with other participants)

Hotel pickup and drop-off for the guided walking tour
Accommodation
Meals and drinks
Hagia Sophia
Topkapi Palace
Basilica Cistern

Meeting and pickup

On Day 1, an inbound transfer from Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) to your hotel is included. On the following day, no hotel pickup or drop-off service is provided for the guided tour. This guided tour is operated as walking tour, and guests are required to meet their guide at the designated meeting point. The meeting point of the tour is clearly indicated in the itinerary below.

Good to know

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Show all 13

Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The meeting point for Day 2 is the German Fountain at 9:00 AM. The supplier will provide the exact location details, including a Google Maps link, after your booking is confirmed.
The meeting point for your guided walking tour has been carefully selected for easy access by public transportation and taxi, making it convenient to reach from your hotel or other locations in Istanbul.
Hotel pickup and drop-off service will be provided for the Whirling Dervish Ceremony. The pickup time will be communicated separately by the supplier after your booking is confirmed.
As Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays, it will be replaced by a visit to the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum on these days.
Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays and will be replaced by a visit to the Spice Market on these days
The Grand Bazaar and Spice Market are closed during the Eid holidays on March 09–11 and May 16–19, 2027.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Istanbul, Turkey

2 hours

2 hoursFree cancellation

from $63

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from $216per person

Date & travelers on Viator

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