Why choose this Istanbul tour ?
– Visit the best attractions Istanbul has to offer in this full-day walking tour
– Take in the beauty of the opulent Topkapi Palace
See the historic Obelisk of Theodosius at the Hippodrome
– Explore the vast network of ancient Roman reservoirs at the Basilica Cistern
– Marvel at the impressive structures of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque
– Enjoy the intimacy of a private/small group tour
Make the most of your Istanbul adventure
What makes Old Istanbul Walking Tour: Mosques, Palace, Cistern with Lunch a unique experience ?
Want to visit the most famous landmarks in Turkey? We’ve got you covered! On this full-day trip, you’ll explore the best historical sites in Istanbul with the help and knowledge of your friendly Trip Guru!
Our first stop is the Hippodrome and the Obelisk of Theodosius. Marvel at the 15th-century structure and soak in the history before heading to our next stop, Hagia Sophia.
This great architectural masterpiece boasts a long and storied history, serving as a church, mosque, and now museum.
Up next, we’ll head to the Blue Mosque, where we can admire the intricate details of the mosque’s blue tiles and elegant domes while learning about its rich history and significance to the Muslim faith. Don’t let the long entrance lines sway you—both of these spots are a must-visit!
We’ll stop for lunch at a local eatery before making our way to the Basilica Cistern. We’ll explore the vast network of ancient Roman reservoirs and marvel at the cistern’s stunning architecture, with its towering columns and intricate carvings.
The last site for the day is the Topkapi Palace. This opulent structure once served as the administrative headquarters of the Ottoman sultans during the 15th and 16th centuries. Today, its beauty is still a sight to behold, with many flocking to the palace to take photos.
Tour Description & Additional Info:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- It is strongly recommended to purchase Hagia Sophia skip-the-line tickets (25 EUR) in advance. The activity provider will assist with this process by sending you a purchase link via email if you don’t select the inclusive option. Customers without skip-the-line tickets may face a queue of 1-2 hours at the site.
- Museum cards are not accepted for Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace & Basilica Cistern.
- The upper gallery is accessible by stairs, it’s not recommended for tourists with mobility issues.
- Knees and shoulders must be covered. Headscarf is mandatory for women and can be purchased at the entrance.
- Expect long entrance lines at some of the more popular attractions (e.g. Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque).
Options To Choose for Your Trip:
- Small Group Tour
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Small Group Spanish Guide - Private Tour – German Guide
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Private Tour – German Guide - Private Tour
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Private Tour - Private Entrance Spanish
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Private with Entrance Spanish: Choose this option for a private tour with a Spanish speaking tour guide. Entrance fee to Hagia Sophia is included. - Private Entrance Portuguese
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Private w/ Entrance Portuguese: Choose this option for a private tour with a Portuguese speaking tour guide. Entrance fee to Hagia Sophia is included. - Small Group Entrance Spanish
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Join In Entrance Spanish Guide: With Entrance fees included and Spanish Tour Guide - Private Tour – Italian Guide
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Private with Entrance Italian: Choose this option for a private tour with a Italian speaking tour guide. Entrance fee to Hagia Sophia is included. - Private Entrance French
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Private with Entrance French: Choose this option for a private tour with a French speaking tour guide. Entrance fee to Hagia Sophia is included. - Private Entrance English
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Private with Entrance English: Choose this option for a private tour with a English speaking tour guide. Entrance fee to Hagia Sophia is included.
Old Istanbul Walking Tour: Mosques, Palace, Cistern with Lunch Inclusions:
Included with Your Ticket
- Drinking water
- Traditional Turkish Lunch
- English-speaking tour guide
Not Included
- Hotel Pick up / Drop off
- Entrance fee to Topkapi Palace (1700 Turkish Lira)
- Entrance fee to Basilica Cistern (900 Turkish Lira)
- Entrance fee to Hagia Sophia (25 Eur, unless inclusive option selected)
- Personal expenses
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Special Instructions:
- This Tour is Provided by TripGuru.
- Tour Timezone & Starts at Europe/Istanbul.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
- Maximum 9 Travelers is accepted for booking.
Important Note: Please note that during peak seasons, long queues are anticipated at Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, potentially leading to extended tour durations.
Clothes revealing the shoulders, underarms, back, and knees are not allowed in some sites on this tour; implementation may be strict. Kindly bring a scarf/sweater to cover up or wear clothes that fit the dress code.
Blue Mosque will be closed for renovation from January 1st, 2023. Instead, you can visit another iconic Istanbul Mosque, Yeni Cami (the New Mosque)
The restaurant is situated close to the Mosque, and as is customary in the Muslim faith, it is not possible to serve alcoholic beverages in the establishment.
Hagia Sophia Mosque: Expect long entrance lines at some of the more popular attractions (e.g. Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque). Hagia Sophia entrance fee needs to be purchased in advance, we will help you to get the tickets so you can skip the line and enjoy a better experience.
