Old Istanbul Walking Tour: Mosques, Palace, Cistern with Lunch

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

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

- 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

Available options

Small Group Entrance Spanish

Join In Entrance Spanish Guide: With Entrance fees included and Spanish Tour Guide

Private Tour - Italian Guide

Small Group Italian

Join in with Italian Guide: Entrance fees not included

Small Group Tour

Private Tour

Private Entrance Portuguese

Private w/ Entrance Portuguese: Choose this option for a private tour with a Portuguese speaking tour guide. Entrance fee to Hagia Sophia is included.

Private Entrance English

Private with Entrance English: Choose this option for a private tour with a English speaking tour guide. Entrance fee to Hagia Sophia is included.

Private Entrance Spanish

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 Tour -Portuguese Guide

Private Tour - Spanish Guide

Private Entrance Italian

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 Tour - German Guide

Small Group Spanish Guide

Small Group Spanish Guide: Pick this Group tour option with a Spanish-speaking tour guide. Entrance fee to Hagia Sophia and lunch not included.

Small Group Entrance Italian

Italian Join In with Entrance: Hagia Sophia entrance included

Private Entrance French

Private with Entrance French: Choose this option for a private tour with a French speaking tour guide. Entrance fee to Hagia Sophia is included.

What's included

Drinking water

English-speaking tour guide

Traditional Turkish Lunch (if option is selected)

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

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.

Stop 2

This great architectural masterpiece boasts a long and storied history, serving as a church, mosque, and now museum.

Stop 3

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!

Stop 4

We’ll stop for lunch (if included option is selected) 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.

Stop 5

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.

What's not included

Hotel Pick up / Drop off

Topkapi Palace

Basilica Cistern

Hagia Sophia (unless inclusive option selected)

Personal expenses

Available languages

Guide guide

DE PT EN IT FR ES

Important information

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).

Meeting point

Look for a guide wearing a TripGuru shirt or holding a TripGuru sign. If you are not staying within the free pick-up zones, you may select our meeting point option.

Important notes

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.

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 (for lunch inclusive option selected)

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.