Istanbul: Old City Full-Day Tour with Lunch and Hotel Pickup

If you’re considering a day to soak in the highlights of Istanbul’s historic heart, this Old City Full-Day Tour with Lunch and Hotel Pickup might be just what you’re looking for. We’ve looked into what it offers, and from what we gather, it’s a solid choice for travelers eager to see the main sights without the hassle of figuring out transport or missing out on key landmarks.

What we really like about this tour is the comprehensive itinerary—covering the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, the Grand Bazaar, and Topkapi Palace—plus the convenience of hotel pickup and included lunch, which makes it feel like good value at just $74 per person. However, a point to keep in mind is that the tour involves a fair amount of walking and busy sites, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with a full day on their feet. This experience would suit travelers who want a guided, efficient way to understand Istanbul’s history and culture without planning every detail themselves.

Key Points

• All-in-one experience: Major landmarks, market, and palace in one day.
• Guided insights: Knowledgeable guides help bring history to life.
• Convenience factor: Hotel pickup, drop-off, and lunch included.
• Walking-heavy: Expect around 10 km of walking, so wear comfortable shoes.
• Limited entry access: Entry fees to monuments are not included, so you’ll pay separately at each site.
• Flexible booking: Cancel up to 24 hours before for a full refund, making it easy to plan.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Complete Look at the Itinerary and What It Means for You

Starting the Day: Pickup and Introduction

The tour kicks off with hotel pickup from four central locations—Fatih, Sultanahmet, Taksim Square, and Ili—so you can relax knowing transportation is sorted. The guide will meet you and drive you to the start point. It’s a good way to maximize your sightseeing time without navigating public transport, especially if you’re arriving from a cruise or a busy hotel.

First Stop: The Hippodrome

Your first walk is at the Hippodrome, once a buzzing center of Byzantine sporting events and political gatherings. Here, you’ll see the Egyptian Obelisk, Column of Constantine, Serpentine Column, and the German Fountain of Wilhelm II. We like this as an introduction—it’s an outdoor space where you get a sense of how city life was intertwined with ancient events. Expect to spend some time here soaking in the history.

Blue Mosque: The Iconic Mosque

Next, you’ll head to the Blue Mosque, famous for its stunning blue tiles and six minarets. The guide will explain its significance and architecture, which helps you appreciate why it’s one of Istanbul’s most visited sites. Keep in mind, this mosque is closed during prayer times and special events, so timing might affect your visit. Still, even viewing from outside is impressive, and it’s a great photo opportunity.

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Hagia Sophia: A Must-See Masterpiece

From there, you’ll walk to Hagia Sophia, constructed initially in the 4th century and reconstructed in the 6th. It’s a temple, a mosque, and now a museum—each phase adding layers to its story. Your guide will give you 30 minutes to explore this architectural marvel and its mosaics, providing context about its diverse past. This site alone is worth the trip, and many reviews highlight guides who share engaging stories here.

Grand Bazaar: A Shopper’s Paradise

After Hagia Sophia, the tour proceeds to the Grand Bazaar, a labyrinth of over 4,000 shops. This is your chance to haggle for souvenirs, textiles, jewelry, and street food. The guide might suggest a few tips on bargaining, but it’s all about enjoying the vibrant atmosphere. The Bazaar is closed on Sundays, so plan accordingly if you’re visiting on that day.

Lunch Break: Authentic Turkish Cuisine

Midway through the day, you’ll stop at a local restaurant for lunch, really a highlight for many. It’s an opportunity to relax, refuel, and sample Turkish dishes. Since lunch is included, it’s a good value, providing a taste of local flavors without extra planning.

Sultans’ Tombs and Topkapi Palace

Post-lunch, you’ll visit the Sultans’ Tombs, which showcase beautiful ceramic panels and intricate decorations. This peaceful spot offers insight into Ottoman royal burial traditions. Finally, you’ll explore Topkapi Palace, the home of Ottoman sultans for over 400 years. You’ll walk through various rooms and see Ottoman artifacts, gaining a deeper understanding of the empire’s grandeur.

It’s worth noting that Topkapi Palace is closed every Tuesday, so if you’re planning your trip, check the schedule. Entry fees are not included, so you might want to bring some cash for tickets.

End of the Day and Drop-off

After a full day of sightseeing, you’ll be dropped back at your hotel, making this a hassle-free experience that wraps up comfortably.

The Experience: What Travelers Are Saying

Reviewers have praised the guides for being knowledgeable and engaging. One traveler said, “Our guide was really knowledgeable and explained in detail about every site,” which adds great value when visiting such historically layered places. Another mentioned, “The guide, Burak, was wonderful and the sites visited were lovely,” emphasizing how important a good guide is for making the most of the day.

A recurring theme is the value for money—at $74, including transportation, guide, and lunch, many feel they got their money’s worth. One reviewer highlighted the guide’s effort, even when dealing with a group that was late or distracting, describing how the guide went back to look for late members and ensured everyone saw the highlights.

However, the tour is quite walking-intensive—covering around 10km—so comfortable shoes are a must. It’s also a long day, roughly 9 hours, so expect some fatigue but also a rundown of the old city.

Practical Considerations and Tips

Price and Value: For $74, this tour packs a lot into one day—major landmarks, cultural insights, and a meal. Since entry fees are not included, you’ll need to allocate some extra cash if you want to go inside certain sites. But the guided approach and included lunch make it a practical choice for many.

Timing and Availability: The tour duration is 9 hours, but the starting times vary based on availability. Check ahead, especially if you’re visiting during peak season or on days when Topkapi Palace is closed (Tuesdays).

Group Size and Atmosphere: Based on reviews, guides seem attentive and eager to ensure everyone’s experience is smooth. Expect a sizable group but with enough personal attention from the guide.

What to Bring: Wear comfortable shoes and clothes suitable for a long day on foot. Don’t forget your camera—there will be plenty of photo-worthy moments.

Accessibility: The tour isn’t suitable for travellers with mobility impairments, given the walking involved and site conditions.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal if you want a guided, all-in-one introduction to Istanbul’s Old City. It’s perfect for first-timers who prefer an organized day without the stress of planning logistics or navigating busy sites alone. Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate the inclusion of lunch and transportation.

If you’re someone who enjoys history, architecture, and vibrant markets, this tour will keep you engaged from start to finish. However, if you’re seeking in-depth exploration of specific sites or a more leisurely pace, you might prefer a private tour or a shorter visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the entrance to the sites included?
No, the entry fees to monuments like Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace are not included in the tour price, so you should be prepared to purchase tickets separately if you want to go inside.

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts around 9 hours, starting at a time that varies based on availability. It includes walking, sightseeing, and a lunch break.

Where does the tour pick me up?
Pickups are available from four central locations in Istanbul: Fatih, Sultanahmet, Taksim Square, and Ili. Be ready in your hotel lobby about 10 minutes before your scheduled pickup.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children will need to present valid passports at the museums, but the tour itself is quite long and involves a good deal of walking, so it’s better suited for older kids who can keep pace.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which offers some flexibility if your plans change.

Does this tour operate during religious or special event times?
The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia might be unavailable during prayer times or special events, so check the schedule. Also, the Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays, so timing can affect your experience.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a comprehensive, well-paced introduction to Istanbul’s Old City, this tour offers excellent value. It’s guided by knowledgeable professionals who are praised for their friendliness and expertise, making history accessible and engaging. The convenience of hotel pickup and included lunch really rounds out the experience, especially if you want to maximize your sightseeing without extra hassle.

While it’s a busy day, many find it worthwhile, especially those wanting to see the major sights with minimal stress. Just come prepared for a lot of walking, and you’ll find this tour provides a memorable snapshot of Istanbul’s storied past.

Whether you’re a history buff, a first-time visitor, or someone who simply wants to tick off the must-see landmarks comfortably, this guided tour could be a great fit.

You can check availability for your dates here: