Old Istanbul Walking Tour: Mosques, Palace, Cistern with Lunch
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At a glance
- Duration
- 7h 30min
- Price from
- $50 / person
- Languages
- DE, PT, EN, IT
- Group
- Small group, up to 14
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation
- 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.
- Confirmation
- Instant
Prices checked on Sep 12, 2026Things to do in Istanbul
Description
- 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
Tour Options
Itinerary
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 (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.
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.
Highlights
Drinking water
English-speaking tour guide
Traditional Turkish Lunch (if option is selected)
What's included
Included
Drinking water
English-speaking tour guide
Traditional Turkish Lunch (if option is selected)
Not included
Hotel Pick up / Drop off
Topkapi Palace
Basilica Cistern
Hagia Sophia (unless inclusive option selected)
Personal expenses
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).
Frequently asked questions
How long does this tour take?
Old Istanbul Walking Tour: Mosques, Palace, Cistern with Lunch lasts about 7h 30min. The itinerary has 5 stops.
How much does this tour cost?
Prices start at $50 per person for this Istanbul experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There are 15 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
Can I cancel this tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is 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.. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is this tour offered in?
The experience is available in DE, PT, EN, IT, FR, ES.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 14 participants.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
The upper gallery is accessible by stairs, it's not recommended for tourists with mobility issues.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
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