Istanbul Old City Tour with Lunch and Bosphorus Cruise

4.8 (188 reviews) 9–12 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

188 reviews

4.8

Istanbul Old City Tour with Lunch and Bosphorus Cruise — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Istanbul Old City Tour with Lunch and Bosphorus Cruise, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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.

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At a glance

Duration: 9–12 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 20 people
People per booking: 1–20
Guide: English
Operated by: SeaLand Trip Bosphorus Cruise

Ages: Infants (0–2 years) · Children (3–7 years) · Adults (8–100 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Applicable taxes and service fees
Included: 2-Hour Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise
Included: In-vehicle air conditioning: Air-conditioned vehicle
Included: Traditional lunch with one drink
Included: Professional English-speaking tour guide during the land tour
Included: Pickup and return transfer, if the Transfer option is selected

Not included

Not included: Hagia Sophia entrance ticket (available for an additional on-site fee)
Not included: Topkapi Palace interior admission
Not included: Pickup and return transfer with the Meeting Point option
Not included: Additional food and drinks
Not included: Personal expenses and tips

Itinerary

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

one hour Admission not included

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.)
TopkapI Palace

30 min Admission not included

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.)
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.
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.
Eyup

one hour Admission not included

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.
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.
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.
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.
Suleymaniye Mosque

one 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.
Bosphorus Strait

2 hours Admission included

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 point and pickup

You can be picked up from your accommodation or go straight to the meeting point.

Meeting point

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.

End point

The tour will end at Eminönü Square, near the Spice Bazaar.

Pickup points

Harbour Suites Old City
Atlantis Royal Hotel
Vardar Palace Hotel
Gulseda Otel Apart
Imagine Istanbul - Sultanahmet
Hotel Inter Istanbul
Union Hotel Port
AHC Ayasofya Hotel - Special Class
Meddusa Hotel
Gulhane Corner Hotel
Chambers of the Boheme
Ess Hotel

and 2,882 more pickup points

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.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

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

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

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.
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.

Options

SL:12 - Meeting Point

Old City - Meeting Point: Meet at our Sirkeci office. Lunch and a Bosphorus cruise are included. No pickup or drop-off.
SL:12 - With Transfers

Old City -With Transfers: Includes pickup and drop-off from selected central European-side locations, plus lunch and a Bosphorus cruise.

Pickup included