Magpie
4.8(12 reviews)

Istanbul City Highlights Tour with Lunch

FromTRY 40
6 hours
Istanbul, Turkey

About this activity

Experience Istanbul's rich history and culture with a guided tour of its top attractions, including Hagia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar, complemented by a traditional Turkish lunch.

Highlights

  • Skip-the-line access to major attractions
  • Guided tour of Istanbul's historic sites
  • Traditional Turkish lunch at a local restaurant
  • Visit to the iconic Hagia Sophia
  • Explore the bustling Grand Bazaar

Full description

Discover the vibrant city of Istanbul on this comprehensive tour that takes you through its most iconic landmarks. Skip the lines at major attractions and delve into the city's rich history with a knowledgeable guide. Visit the majestic Hagia Sophia, explore the bustling Grand Bazaar, and enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch at a local restaurant. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion and convenience, ensuring you make the most of your time in Istanbul.

Included / Excluded

  • Skip-the-line access to major attractions
  • Guided tour of Istanbul's historic sites
  • Traditional Turkish lunch at a local restaurant
  • Personal expenses and gratuities

Itinerary

1

Hagia Sophia; Meaning Divine Wisdom, Hagia Sophia was the largest building on earth barring the Egyptian Pyramids or the Great Wall of China. Today's Hagia Sophia was built by Emperor Justinian in 537AD. It was the religious center of the city during the Byzantine period. It was used as a church for 916 years and as a mosque for 481 years, In 1934, by the order of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, it was converted into a museum and has since been open to visitors.

Duration: 1 hourAdmission: NO
2

Topkapi Palace; As well as being the imperial residence of the Sultan, the palace was also the seat of government for the ottoman empire. It housed the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years until the Dolmabahçe palace was built. In 1924 it was converted into a museum. Today it is famous with harem, royal treasury, and holy relics sections

Duration: 2 hoursAdmission: NO
3

Built by the Ottoman Sultan Ahmet I in the year 1616, it is located opposite the Hagia Sophia. Blue mosque today is one of the most famous landmarks of the old city with its famous six minarets and magnificent dome. Although it is officially named Sultanahmet Mosque, the (nıck) name Blue Mosque was given to it by the visitors because of the amazing blue tiles decorating the interior walls.

Duration: 1 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4

With 18 entrances and more than 4000 shops, it is one of the greatest bazaars in the world. It was built between 1455-1461 by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror. Today, shops selling the same kind of merchandise tend to be congregated in their own streets or inns as it was the original Ottoman system.

Duration: 1 hourAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
5

Pass by: Built by the Roman Emperor Septimus Severus in 203AD, during the Roman period hippodrome was the civil center for the people of the city where once 100,000 spectators could be held. Located in the heart of Sultanahmet surrounded by Blue mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi palace, today it is home to The Egyptian Obelisk (Dikilitaş), The Serpentine Column(Burma sütun), The Constantine Column and German Fountain.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE

Important information

Know before you book

  • The tour is conducted in English; ensure you are comfortable with the language.
  • Gratuities for the guide are not included and are at your discretion.
  • The tour operates rain or shine; dress appropriately for the weather conditions.

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes as the tour involves significant walking.
  • Bring a camera to capture the stunning architecture and vibrant street scenes.
  • Carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated throughout the day.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts

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

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Stroller Accessible
  • Infant Seats Available

Good to know

  • The tour guide will have pre paid Skip-The-Line tickets to avoid long ticket queues. The cost of used entry fee can be paid to the tour guide in cash Dolar, Euro or Turkish lira.
  • Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays and Basilica Cistern Cistern will be visited instead
  • Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays
  • Please contact the local provider and confirm your pick-up time before the tour date.
  • Pick-up times will be updated according to your cruise arrival&departure times. (for cruise guests)
  • We guarantee that you will be dropped off at the port before your ship onboard time. (for cruise guests)
  • Free entry for childrens below 8yr. Please take passport for chıldren ıf any
  • Please be advised that for our regular small group tours, a single departure time is available for guests already residing in Istanbul (8:30–9:00). Later departure options have been made available exclusively for cruise passengers arriving by ship.

Traveler reviews

4.8
12 reviews
5
11
4
0
3
0
2
1
1
0

Fascinating Tour and Exceptional Guide.

Ali was fascinating!!! He has so much knowledge and the tour was tailored to our specific requests. Could not have been happier and can give a 110% recommendation.

Erica MMay 4, 2025TRIPADVISOR

Great intro to Istanbul’s history!

I found it to be a comprehensive introductory tour of historical Istanbul. We were able to skip the line on the sights. Was very delighted with the history lesson from our guide, Barish. He was very knowledgeable and pleasant.

Franie95Apr 6, 2024TRIPADVISOR

Do not book this tour during Eid.

Should not have booked this trip during Eid. It was extremely crowded & did not get the full tour experience Grand Bazaar (part of the tour) was closed. Lunch was not included even though it says it was in the tour. So you pay for your lunch. Felt rushed & didn’t see everything at the Topkapi Palace as it was so crowded Guide left to take some of the people back to the bus & left a few of us to continue the tour on our own at the Topkapi Palace (last part of the tour)

VavaRenata_WApr 23, 2023VIATOR

Ephesus and Pamukkale tour

I recommend this Enterprise, we really enjoyed the visit to these beautiful places together with our guide and driver Riza and Okan, very friendly, explained every detail of the ancient city.

bretxas2015Dec 24, 2020TRIPADVISOR

Unforgetable

Great tour company. Mazing staff and tour guide very profetional. puntual, caring and friendly. Very knowlageble and attention to details. Love every minute of it.

Maria COct 4, 2020TRIPADVISOR

Additional information

Admissin fee for Topkapi Palace (55 USD) and Hagia Sophıa (25 Euro) are excluded The tour guide will have pre paid Skip-The-Line tickets to avoid long ticket queues. The cost of used entry fee can be paid to the tour guide in cash Dolar, Euro or Turkish lira. Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays and Basilica Cistern Cistern will be visited instead Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays Please contact the local provider and confirm your pick-up time before the tour date. Pick-up times will be updated according to your cruise arrival&departure times. (for cruise guests) We guarantee that you will be dropped off at the port before your ship onboard time. (for cruise guests) Free entry for childrens below 8yr. Please take passport for chıldren ıf any
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