Istanbul Old City Tour with Lunch and Bosphorus Cruise
Istanbul, Turkeyby SeaLand Trip Bosphorus Cruise
- 9 hours
- Free cancellation
- Instant confirmation
- Up to 20 travelers
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Guide: English
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Overview
Experience Istanbul’s rich history with the Istanbul Old City and Bosphorus tour. This Tour will take you through the city’s most remarkable landmarks and immerse you in the captivating allure of Constantinople. In just 12 hours, you can explore the historical epochs of Istanbul and embrace the ancient vibes of Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. This Tour is ideal for all travelers, whether you’re here for business or leisure. You will visit the Suleymaniye Mosque, one of the most important mosques in history and a historical landmark of the old city of Istanbul, as well as other iconic sites. Take advantage of this chance to witness the magnificent beauty of Istanbul! Secure your spot today and embark on a remarkable journey through the city's varied and contrasting landscape. Discover the sights, relish the flavors, and indulge in the distinct charm of Istanbul – the city that links two continents.
What's included
- Applicable taxes and service fees
- 2-Hour Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Traditional lunch with one drink
- Professional English-speaking tour guide during the land tour
- Pickup and return transfer, if the Transfer option is selected
- Hagia Sophia entrance ticket (available for an additional on-site fee)
- Topkapi Palace interior admission
- Pickup and return transfer with the Meeting Point option
- Additional food and drinks
- Personal expenses and tips
Itinerary
- 1
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
1 hour
Discover one of Istanbul's most remarkable historical landmarks, renowned for its magnificent architecture and rich Byzantine and Ottoman heritage. Your guide will explain its fascinating history from the outside. (Interior admission is not included, but guests wishing to enter may purchase a fast-entry ticket from the guide, subject to availability.)
- 2
TopkapI Palace
30 min
Admire the impressive exterior of Topkapi Palace, once the main residence of the Ottoman sultans and the administrative heart of the empire. Learn about its royal history, architecture, and significance in Ottoman life from your guide. (This is an exterior sightseeing stop; admission to the palace interior and visits are not included.)
- 3
Sultanahmet District
30 min
Explore the historic heart of Istanbul, surrounded by some of the city's most important monuments. Discover the fascinating history of the former Byzantine Hippodrome, admire its surviving landmarks, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of this remarkable square that connects centuries of Istanbul's history.
- 4
Stop 4
30 min
Discover the beauty of the Blue Mosque, one of Istanbul's most celebrated Ottoman landmarks. Admire its grand domes, elegant minarets, and remarkable architecture as you learn about its religious and historical significance. Interior access is subject to prayer times and visitor restrictions.
- 5
Eyup
1 hour
Take a relaxing break from sightseeing and enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch at a local restaurant. Discover the flavors of Turkish cuisine as you recharge for the rest of your Istanbul experience. Lunch with one drink is included with both tour options.
- 6
Stop 6
30 min
Discover the remarkable St. Stephen's Church, renowned for its distinctive iron construction and beautiful architecture on the Golden Horn. Learn about its fascinating history and the Bulgarian Orthodox community that helped shape Istanbul's rich multicultural heritage.
- 7
Stop 7
30 min
Discover an important landmark of Istanbul's Greek Orthodox heritage, located within the Ecumenical Patriarchate complex in Fener. Learn about its centuries-old religious significance, beautiful architecture, and the Greek Orthodox community's role in the city's diverse cultural history.
- 8
Fener & Balat
30 min
Explore the historic neighborhoods of Balat and Fener, two of Istanbul’s most colorful and culturally rich districts. Wander along charming streets lined with traditional houses, historic buildings, churches, and local landmarks, and discover the area’s multicultural heritage and unique atmosphere. Enjoy beautiful photo opportunities and experience a different side of Istanbul beyond the city’s main monuments.
- 9
Suleymaniye Mosque
1 hour
Admire the magnificent Suleymaniye Mosque, a masterpiece of classical Ottoman architecture by the celebrated architect Mimar Sinan. Discover its elegant domes, tranquil courtyards, and impressive setting overlooking Istanbul as you learn about its history and architectural significance.
- 10
Bosphorus Strait
2 hours
Enjoy a relaxing 2-hour sightseeing cruise along the Bosphorus, the famous waterway that separates Europe and Asia. Admire magnificent waterfront palaces, historic Ottoman mansions, mosques, fortresses, and impressive bridges as you discover Istanbul from the water. The cruise is included in your tour, but participation is optional.
Meeting and pickup
Meet at our Sirkeci office and arrive at least 20 minutes before the 09:00 departure for check-in. Please provide a valid phone number with the country code, preferably via WhatsApp, so we can reach you if needed. If you need help finding the meeting point, contact us on WhatsApp.
TOUR START TIME: 09:00 AM PICKUP OCCURS BEFORE THE TOUR STARTS. Pickup is available only with the Transfer option and from selected areas on the European side of Istanbul. Pickup from the Asian side is not available. For central European-side locations, pickup is usually around 08:20 AM. Some locations farther from the city center may have an earlier pickup, around 08:00 AM. Please follow the confirmed pickup time for your booking and do not wait until 09:00 AM. Please provide the full name and address of your hotel, apartment, Airbnb, residence, or other accommodation, along with a valid phone number, including country code, preferably via WhatsApp. Transfers are shared, so pickup times may vary depending on traffic, route order, and accommodation location. If the vehicle cannot reach your exact address, a nearby pickup point will be provided. Please check your seat and personal belongings before leaving the vehicle.
End point
The tour will end at Eminönü Square, near the Spice Bazaar.
Good to know
- 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
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace are viewed and explained from outside. Entrance tickets are not included. Guests wishing to enter Hagia Sophia may purchase a fast-entry ticket from the guide during free time, subject to availability.
- A traditional lunch with one drink is included in both options. Comfortable walking shoes and modest clothing suitable for mosque visits are recommended.
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- Pickup and return transfers are included only with the Transfer option, from selected central areas on Istanbul's European side. Asian-side pickup is not available. Pickup times vary by location and traffic. If your address is inaccessible, a nearby pickup point may be arranged.
- Meeting Point guests should arrive at our Sirkeci office at least 20 minutes before departure. Check your voucher for confirmed pickup or meeting-point instructions, keep WhatsApp active, and present your mobile voucher at check-in.
- The tour's finishing time varies by season. Guests joining the included 2-hour Bosphorus cruise should allow approximately 10-12 hours for the full experience. Cruise participation is optional. If you have other plans afterward or need to know the expected finishing time, please contact us before or after booking. We will be happy to provide an estimated end time for your selected date.
- Guests with the Transfer option who skip the cruise will receive return transportation to their accommodation. Meeting Point guests who skip the cruise finish at Eminonu Square. The itinerary may change due to traffic, closures, or local conditions.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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