Best of Istanbul: Full-Day City Tour with Expert Guide
Istanbul, Turkey

Best of Istanbul: Full-Day City Tour with Expert Guide

Outty Ranking 59 4.0 · 3 traveler reviews6 hoursFrom €15
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Outty Ranking

59/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.0/5

Based on 3 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Best of Istanbul: Full-Day City Tour with Expert Guide worth booking?

Best of Istanbul: Full-Day City Tour with Expert Guide is a 6-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from €15 per person. It scores 59 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4/5 rating across 3 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
59 / 100
Rating
4/5 (3)
Duration
6 hours
From
€15 per person

First visit is Hippodrome. It was the center of sport activities of Constantinople. Famous with 4 monuments. Haghia Sophia, is the most famous museum in Turkey and one of the greatest marvels of architecture. (Closed on Monday) Blue Mosque, as known as the Sultanahmet Mosque, this breath-taking building is one of the most majestic Ottoman Mosques in all of Turkey. (Closed on Friday) Topkapi Palace, which has been home to the Ottoman dynasty for many years, was used for educational administrative and as the art center of the state. (Closed on Tuesday) Grand Bazaar, is the biggest market and the most attractive shopping center of Istanbul which has lots of shopping opportunities. (Closed on Sunday) Hagia Irene also called as “St. Eirene” Church. It is one of the oldest Byzantium churches in Istanbul, was the 2nd largest church of the Eastern Roman Empire after Hagia Sophia. (Closed on Tuesday)

What you get

    About this experience

    First visit is Hippodrome. It was the center of sport activities of Constantinople. Famous with 4 monuments. Haghia Sophia, is the most famous museum in Turkey and one of the greatest marvels of architecture. (Closed on Monday) Blue Mosque, as known as the Sultanahmet Mosque, this breath-taking building is one of the most majestic Ottoman Mosques in all of Turkey. (Closed on Friday) Topkapi Palace, which has been home to the Ottoman dynasty for many years, was used for educational administrative and as the art center of the state. (Closed on Tuesday) Grand Bazaar, is the biggest market and the most attractive shopping center of Istanbul which has lots of shopping opportunities. (Closed on Sunday) Hagia Irene also called as “St. Eirene” Church. It is one of the oldest Byzantium churches in Istanbul, was the 2nd largest church of the Eastern Roman Empire after Hagia Sophia. (Closed on Tuesday)

    What's included

    Included

    • Insurance
    • Hotel Pick Up & Drop Off-Guide meet at Sultanahmet Hotels or Hagis Sophia
    • Professional Tour Guide

    Not included

    • Meal & Beverages
    • Personal Expenses
    • Driver & Guide Tips – Gratitue
    • Entrance fee of Hagia Sophia 25 €
    • Entrance fee of Topkapi Palace 2750 TRY
    • In-vehicle air conditioning

    What you'll see and do

    1. Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

      Haghia Sophia, is the most famous museum in Turkey and one of the greatest marvels of architecture. Haghia Sophia was built as a church in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian then in 1453 renovated into a mosque by Ottoman Emperor Fatih Sultan Mehmet. It was converted into a museum in 1935 and welcoming both local and foreign visitors. (Closed on Monday)

      90 minutes here · Admission not included

    2. Blue Mosque

      Blue Mosque, as known as the Sultanahmet Mosque, this breath-taking building is one of the most majestic Ottoman Mosques in all of Turkey. Also it was built with unique 6 minarets. (Closed on Friday)

      60 minutes here

    3. TopkapI Palace

      Topkapi Palace, which has been home to the Ottoman dynasty for many years, was used for educational administrative and as the art center of the state. Get knowledge about the imperial treasury sacred islamic relics, palace kitchens and weapons. (Closed on Tuesday)

      90 minutes here · Admission not included

    4. Grand Bazaar

      Grand Bazaar, is the biggest market and the most attractive shopping center of Istanbul which has lots of shopping opportunities with carpets, leather, jewellery, turkish delight, gold, antique tiles etc.. (Closed on Sunday)

      60 minutes here

    5. Hippodrome

      Let’s start to explore Istanbul. First visit is Hippodrome. It was the center of sport activities of Constantinople. Famous with 4 monuments; The German Fountain of Wilhelm II, Egyptian Obelisk, Serpentine Column and Column of Constantine.

      30 minutes here

    6. Hagia Irene Museum

      Hagia Irene also called as “St. Eirene” Church. It is one of the oldest Byzantium churches in Istanbul, was the 2nd largest church of the Eastern Roman Empire after Hagia Sophia. (Closed on Tuesday)

      45 minutes here · Admission not included

    7. Feshane Rugs

      Visit a traditional carpet weaving village to discover the art of handmade Turkish carpets, watch local artisans at work, and learn about centuries-old weaving techniques and natural dyes.

      30 minutes here · Admission included

    8. Grand Bazaar

      Grand Bazaar

      30 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Istanbul

    Guide can meet with you Sultanahmet Area Hotels or in front of Hagia Sophia Mosque

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Guide can meet with you Sultanahmet Area Hotels or in front of Hagia Sophia Mosque

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Bergin Tours

    Know before you go

    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Topkapi palace entrance fee is 2750 TRY. You can pay to the guide for skip-the-line tickets.
    • Hagia Sophia entrance fee is 25 €. You can pay to the guide for skip-the-line tickets.

    Photos

    Hagia Sophia Museum, Best of Istanbul: Full-Day City Tour with Expert GuideHagia Sophia Museum, Best of Istanbul: Full-Day City Tour with Expert GuideHippodrome, Best of Istanbul: Full-Day City Tour with Expert GuideBlue Mosque, Best of Istanbul: Full-Day City Tour with Expert GuideBlue Mosque, Best of Istanbul: Full-Day City Tour with Expert GuideBlue Mosque, Best of Istanbul: Full-Day City Tour with Expert Guide

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 3 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    3 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Organization

    1 mention

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Small groups

    1 mention

    The group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.

    Traveler reviews

    3 verified traveler reviews for Best of Istanbul: Full-Day City Tour with Expert Guide. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    2
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    1
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    mickmanzi · May 2022

    Disappointing Experience

    Our guide was wonderful and had a good vocabulary,,, but his accent prevented us from understanding 90% of what he was trying to convey. We canceled a walking tour and rebooked a “coach” tour because the forecast was 90% rain. The coach picked us up at the appointed time but dropped us in the old city for the entire day so we ended up walking anyway. Fortunately, the rain held off until late afternoon at which time he was summoned ,,we waited 45 minutes for him to show

    Response from the operator: Thank you for your review. We will take your comment and opinions into consideration. Your feedback always motivates us to serve you better. We are looking forward to seeing you again.

    via Tripadvisor

    josianec2018 · May 2022

    Visiting the main touristic sites in Istanbul

    It was a great tour, very nice guide who explained everything very clearly and whose interaction was very smooth. I highly recommend having the private guided tour because you can get the information better than with a huge group.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for the 5-star review! We are glad to hear that you enjoyed our İstanbul Tour. Thank you again for your feedback, which always inspires us to provide better service. We hope to see you again in the future.

    via Tripadvisor

    Georgefe87 · March 2022

    İstanbul ❤️

    Me and my wife booked this trip via TripAdvisor and we are glad we did erdem yildiz our guide made our day. First we went to bleu mosque. Our guide explained the histir of the mosque and the hipodrom. Than we went to breath taking hagia than we went to our restaurant. He took us to a local kebab place. Cant describe how tasty it was. Next stop was a Turkish carpet place. For my wife that was the happiest part of the day (not for me because we used my card 😁 Than we went to topkapı palače and grand bazaar and finished the day Thank for everything

    Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your experience. It's a great pleasure for us to hear that you enjoyed your trip with us. Your feedback always motivates us to serve you better. We are looking forward to seeing you again. Kind Regards, BERGIN TOURS

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    6 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    €15 to €60
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    1
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Bergin Tours, who run 44 experiences we rank across 6 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 52.1.

    See everything Bergin Tours runs

    Why this scores 59

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)72
    Review evidence (18% weight)21
    Booking momentum (14% weight)13
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)39
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Best of Istanbul: Full-Day City Tour with Expert Guide: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Istanbul.

    How much does Best of Istanbul: Full-Day City Tour with Expert Guide cost?

    +

    Prices start at €15 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Istanbul usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Best of Istanbul: Full-Day City Tour with Expert Guide take?

    +

    Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Istanbul is not rushed.

    Is Best of Istanbul: Full-Day City Tour with Expert Guide worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 59 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4/5 across 3 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Istanbul, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Best of Istanbul: Full-Day City Tour with Expert Guide?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Best of Istanbul: Full-Day City Tour with Expert Guide suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Best of Istanbul: Full-Day City Tour with Expert Guide?

    +

    Around 1 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Istanbul can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Istanbul and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Best of Istanbul: Full-Day City Tour with Expert Guide start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Istanbul within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Istanbul?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Istanbul experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Princes Islands Blue Journey from Old City Istanbul, Famous Istanbul Pub Crawl #1 Nightlife Experience, Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Istanbul?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Istanbul?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Best of Istanbul: Full-Day City Tour with Expert Guide?

    +

    Included: Insurance; Hotel Pick Up & Drop Off-Guide meet at Sultanahmet Hotels or Hagis Sophia; and Professional Tour Guide. Not included: Meal & Beverages; Personal Expenses; Driver & Guide Tips – Gratitue; and Entrance fee of Hagia Sophia 25 €. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Best of Istanbul: Full-Day City Tour with Expert Guide?

    +

    Guide can meet with you Sultanahmet Area Hotels or in front of Hagia Sophia Mosque Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Best of Istanbul: Full-Day City Tour with Expert Guide offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Best of Istanbul: Full-Day City Tour with Expert Guide?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Best of Istanbul: Full-Day City Tour with Expert Guide wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Best of Istanbul: Full-Day City Tour with Expert Guide if the weather is bad?

    +

    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Istanbul. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about Best of Istanbul: Full-Day City Tour with Expert Guide?

    +

    Across 3 reviews averaging 4.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, organization, small groups. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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