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Must See in Istanbul: Private Full-Day Experience & Local Lunch

10 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 10 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 100% of reviewers
100% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
| Istanbul, Turkey
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from US$287.04 per person

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Istanbul Conquered
Istanbul Conquered
Istanbul Conquered
Istanbul Conquered
Istanbul Conquered

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9 hours (approx.)
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Overview

Either I conquer Istanbul or Istanbul conquers me. – Fatih Sultan Mehmet – the conqueror. Journey in the footsteps of the city’s most famous ruler and conquer Istanbul in just a day. This is the ultimate all-in-one introduction to the sites everyone must-see in Istanbul, with a locals-know twist. Visit Turkey’s iconic UNESCO-listed historic spots such as the jaw-dropping Hagia Sophia, the beautiful Blue Mosque, and the pretty, tree-lined ancient Hippodrome, and learn how Istanbul has stood strong through the centuries. Eat a tasty Turkish lunch with locals at a hidden restaurant, then listen to stories of how generations of sultans lived at the grand Topkapi Palace, overlooking the gorgeous Bosphorus Strait. Finish it all off with a backstreet tour and some good-natured haggling with local artisans in the Grand Bazaar.

What's Included

  • Take in the majestic Blue Mosque (admission is free)
  • Visit the mesmerising ancient site of Hagia Sophia (admission is free)
  • Haggle with local vendors at Grand Bazaar
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Additional food and drinks
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Alemdar
Divan Yolu Cd. No:, 34400 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Beyazıt
34126 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

What To Expect

Hagia Sophia Mosque

Start your private Istanbul tour with a dose of awe at Justinian the Great’s Hagia Sophia. This masterpiece of Byzantine architecture stands tall and proud in downtown Istanbul, holding within its walls more than 1,500 years of Turkish history. This mind-bogglingly beautiful site is also somewhat of a chameleon — it has lived its long life as a church, a mosque, and now as a museum. It’s also a movie star: anyone who’s seen From Russia with Love will feel a bit like James Bond when they step inside.
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45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Blue Mosque

You’ll then head just across the street to the jewel in the Istanbul crown. Sultan Ahmet I’s Blue Mosque is one of the most striking sights in Istanbul, with its iconic blue-tiled walls (the tiles number in the tens of thousands!), 260 windows, and six minarets. Don’t forget to ask your guide the significance of those six spires.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Topkapi Palace

Once you’re filled with Turkish cuisine, Topkapi Palace awaits. This opulent complex overlooking the Bosphorus is a true Istanbul treasure, with many colourful stories about the rich sultans who lived there between 1453 and 1839.
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1 hour 45 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Hippodrome

Next, your Istanbul private tour will take you to the ancient Hippodrome. Today, this charming promenade is a popular meeting point for Istanbulites, but it is also an integral part of Turkish history. Chariot races once took place along this strip, which was also home to the notorious Nika riots — a dramatic political protest in 532 AD that led to the massacre of tens of thousands of people. Need a break? We’ll step back to the present and join the locals as we lunch in a hidden café. You’ll enjoy friendly conversation with members of the community and learn about daily life in Istanbul.
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2 hours • Admission Ticket Included

Kapali Carsi

Lastly, you’ll seek out treasures of a different kind in Istanbul’s famed Grand Bazaar, which offers up 3,000 shops to explore along 61 streets. Meet a few of the local characters, perfect your haggling skills, have a true Turkish coffee, and shop till you drop. Note that the Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays, so if you choose a Sunday departure, you’ll explore the nearby vibrant Spice Market, filled with delectable and colourful Turkish spices, treats, coffees, and teas.
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1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • For your Intrepid Urban Adventures trip you will be in a private tour just for you and your group. Max size of the group is 12 customers
  • You will pick up some responsible travel tips that will help you to be a greener traveller while you’re in the city
  • This tour can cater to vegetarians, vegans, gluten free customers. For any specific dietary request, we need to know 24 h before the tour start time.

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Must See in Istanbul: Private Full-Day Experience & Local Lunch?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (+03). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-5966P7

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Reviews

5.00
10 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 10 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

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Frequently Asked Questions (6)

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Boat Tours customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Must See in Istanbul: Private Full-Day Experience & Local Lunch?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (+03).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Take in the majestic Blue Mosque (admission is free).
  • Visit the mesmerising ancient site of Hagia Sophia (admission is free).
  • Haggle with local vendors at Grand Bazaar.
  • Enjoy a tasty Turkish lunch with locals in a hidden restaurant.
  • Stop at the spine of ancient Hippodrome (admission is free).
  • Get tips on what else to see, do and eat during your stay.
  • Listen to stories of sultans at Topkapi Palace (entrance fee included - except for the Harem)).
  • Join Local Licensed English-speaking guide.
The following is NOT included:
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off.
  • Additional food and drinks.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

The minimum age to participate is 6. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Must See in Istanbul: Private Full-Day Experience & Local Lunch is as follows:

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Must See in Istanbul: Private Full-Day Experience & Local Lunch will be included in your confirmation email from City Boat Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024

What's Included

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • Take in the majestic Blue Mosque (admission is free)
  • Visit the mesmerising ancient site of Hagia Sophia (admission is free)
  • Haggle with local vendors at Grand Bazaar
  • Enjoy a tasty Turkish lunch with locals in a hidden restaurant
  • Stop at the spine of ancient Hippodrome (admission is free)
  • Get tips on what else to see, do and eat during your stay
  • Listen to stories of sultans at Topkapi Palace (entrance fee included - except for the Harem))
  • Join Local Licensed English-speaking guide
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Additional food and drinks

Additional Info

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • For your Intrepid Urban Adventures trip you will be in a private tour just for you and your group. Max size of the group is 12 customers
  • You will pick up some responsible travel tips that will help you to be a greener traveller while you’re in the city
  • This tour can cater to vegetarians, vegans, gluten free customers. For any specific dietary request, we need to know 24 h before the tour start time.

Report Product Issue

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

Lowest Price Guarantee

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

We guarantee the lowest price on all the tours available to book on our site. We'll refund the difference if you find the exact tour cheaper online until 48 hours before your tour starts.

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Receive your refund

If everything checks out, we'll refund you the price difference.

Refund Terms & Conditions

The following conditions apply to all lowest price guarantee refund requests:

  • The lowest price guarantee is available to any customer who makes a qualifying purchase through our website. The qualifying purchase must be a minimum of US$20 (or equivalent).
  • The lowest price guarantee covers retail and prepaid rates available to the general public. This does not include discounts or promotions you may receive (or be eligible for) from third-party sites or organizations such as AAA or AARP or special offers made as part of a membership program, corporate discount, daily deal, group, or rewards program.
  • City Boat Tours promotions cannot be combined with the lowest price guarantee.
  • If you find a lower retail or prepaid rate for the same tour, offered on the same date, time and priced in the same currency as your original purchase, on any other website between the time you book on City Boat Tours and 48 hours before your trip starts, we will refund the difference.
  • The lowest price guarantee does not apply where a lower overall price is found by breaking down the purchased tour into one or more parts sold separately.
  • City Boat Tours reserves the right to verify the lower price details. Examples of acceptable forms of verification include a web screenshot or a web address.
  • All refund decisions will be made at the sole discretion of City Boat Tours.

Free Cancellation

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (+03).

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American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

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American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

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