Istanbul: Old City Full-Day Tour -(Entry Fees Inculucing)

Explore Istanbul’s Historic Heart in a Full-Day Tour for $136

This 8-hour Istanbul: Old City Full-Day Tour offers a comprehensive glimpse into the city’s storied past, with visits to key landmarks from both the Byzantine and Ottoman eras. Priced at $136 per person, the tour combines cultural sights, local markets, and an included lunch for a well-rounded experience. The tour departs from centrally located meeting points in Sultanahmet, offering the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off on the European side.

While guests don’t enter Hagia Sophia itself, they get to admire its exterior and learn about its history from a guide, making this a practical option for those interested in seeing many top sites without the need for extensive walking or entry fees. The guides are licensed and provide informative commentary, and reviews highlight the smooth logistics and timely transfers.

This tour suits visitors seeking a structured overview of Istanbul’s most iconic attractions, especially those with limited time who want a guided experience that covers the city’s rich cultural layers efficiently.

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Key Points

• Price: $136 per person with lunch included
• Duration: 8 hours, with flexible start times
• Includes: Hotel pickup and drop-off from the European side, licensed guide, entrance fees (excluding Hagia Sophia interior and Topkapi Harem), and lunch
• Highlights: Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, Sultans Tombs, Hippodrome
• Notable: Exterior viewing of Hagia Sophia, a walking tour with a focus on main landmarks

From the Old Town to the Hippodrome: The Starting Point

The tour begins with a pickup from your hotel or meeting point in the Sultanahmet area, with a convenient collection service from the European side. Once on board a non-smoking, air-conditioned coach, the guide leads the group to the Hippodrome, the historic hub of Roman and Byzantine political activity. The site features remaining monuments such as the Egyptian Obelisk and the Serpentine Column from Delphi.

Traveling through Istanbul’s history, this spot introduces visitors to the city’s ancient sporting and political traditions, setting the tone for the rest of the day. The guide provides details about the significance of each monument, making it easier to visualize the city’s past.

Admiring Hagia Sophia from the Garden Side

A major highlight is the exterior of Hagia Sophia, often called the Church of Holy Wisdom. While the interior is not part of this tour, visitors get to see its impressive architecture from the garden side and hear stories about its transformation from church to mosque, then to museum. The guide shares insights into its architectural marvels, making the visit meaningful despite limited access.

This approach suits those interested in architecture and history without the need for inside entry, which involves an extra fee. The exterior view allows for photo opportunities and appreciation of its grand scale.

The Blue Mosque’s Iconic Iznik Tiles and Minarets

Next, the tour stops at Blue Mosque, renowned for its stunning Iznik tiles that adorn its interior and exterior. The mosque’s elegant minarets are visible from many vantage points around the city, and visitors are encouraged to observe the intricate tile work and plan their photos.

The guide explains the mosque’s religious significance and details about its architecture, giving visitors context while allowing flexibility to appreciate this Istanbul landmark at their own pace. The Blue Mosque is often crowded, so early or late visits help avoid larger crowds.

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Exploring the Vibrant Grand Bazaar

One of the tour’s highlights is wandering through the Grand Bazaar, the oldest and largest covered market in the world. With over 4,000 shops, the bazaar offers an incredible variety of jewelry, leather goods, souvenirs, carpets, and more.

The guide offers tips on shopping and bargaining, while visitors enjoy browsing the lively stalls. The narrow lanes and vibrant displays create a bustling atmosphere, giving a taste of Istanbul’s trading history. The bazaar is especially lively on weekdays, but note it is closed on Sundays, so plan accordingly.

Visiting Topkapi Palace and the Imperial Treasury

The Topkapi Palace serves as the former residence of Ottoman sultans and today hosts an extensive collection of artifacts, including crystal, silverware, Chinese porcelain, and the jewels of the Imperial Treasury. While the Harem and Treasury are not included due to additional entry fees, visitors still enjoy exploring the palace grounds and courtyards.

The guide discusses the palace’s history, architecture, and the lives of the sultans who once inhabited it. The palace’s gardens and courtyards provide excellent photo opportunities, and the collection of robes and small artifacts enrich the understanding of Ottoman royal life.

Discovering the Sultans’ Tombs and Ceramics

A significant stop is the Sultans Tombs, where five Ottoman sultans are buried within the grounds of Hagia Sophia. The tomb area is decorated with ceramic panels from the 16th century featuring colorful flower motifs in purple, green, blue, and red.

Visitors see prince’s robes and a small piece from the Kaaba kept on the sarcophagi. The guide shares stories behind these tombs, adding depth to the visual experience. Be aware that sometimes access to the Tombs could be limited if they are temporarily closed.

Practical Logistics and Tour Pacing

The tour includes hotel pickups from select locations on the European side, with transfers conducted via air-conditioned coaches. The entire experience is designed to be a walking tour with a knowledgeable guide, not a bus-based sightseeing trip.

The timing allows ample time at each site, with the inclusion of a lunch break in the middle. Reviewers appreciate the punctual transfers and smooth scheduling, which helps maximize the sightseeing without feeling rushed.

What’s Not Included: Hagia Sophia Interior and Additional Fees

While the tour offers exterior views of Hagia Sophia, entry to its interior is not included, as it involves an extra fee. The Treasury and Harem at Topkapi Palace are also excluded from the itinerary for the same reason.

Guests should plan for drinks at lunch separately, as beverages are not included. The tour emphasizes a balanced experience of major sights within the 8-hour timeframe, making it suitable for those who want a guided overview without extra costs.

Suitable for Visitors Who Appreciate Cultural Landmarks

This full-day tour is ideal for first-time visitors or those with limited time, seeking an organized, informative exploration of Istanbul’s historic core. It caters well to guests who value guided commentary and prefer a structured itinerary. The inclusion of lunch and hotel transfers** adds convenience, while the focus on many key landmarks delivers a broad overview.

While it does not include interior visits to some major sites, the exterior views and detailed explanations compensate for this, making it a practical choice for a comprehensive cultural experience.

The Sum Up: A Well-Rounded Overview of Istanbul’s Historic Sights

The Istanbul: Old City Full-Day Tour offers a practical and informative way to see the city’s highlights in just one day. With $136, guests receive a well-organized experience that covers Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, and the Sultans Tombs, along with an included lunch.

The guide’s commentary helps visitors understand the historical significance of each location, and the hotel pickup and drop-off make logistics straightforward. The exterior focus on Hagia Sophia is a limitation for those eager to see its interior, but overall, the tour provides a solid foundation to appreciate Istanbul’s rich past.

This experience suits history enthusiasts, first-time visitors, and those wanting a rundown without the hassle of managing multiple tickets or navigating public transport. The pacing, logistics, and professional guide make this a reliable choice for a memorable day in Istanbul’s historic district.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the tour include entry to Hagia Sophia’s interior?
No, the tour only offers exterior views and explanations from the garden side. Entry to Hagia Sophia’s interior involves an additional fee.

What locations are included in the tour?
Stops include the Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, Topkapi Palace (excluding Harem and Treasury), and the Sultans Tombs.

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included from locations on the European side, such as Sultanahmet, Laleli, Aksaray, Taksim, and Sirkeci.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, with flexible start times based on availability.

What should I bring?
Travelers need to bring passport or ID, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and a camera. Pets are not allowed.

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