
Discovering the Old City/ Full Day Tour/ Lunch&Tickets included
Traveler rating
4.0/5
Based on 26 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Discovering the Old City/ Full Day Tour/ Lunch&Tickets included worth booking?
Discovering the Old City/ Full Day Tour/ Lunch&Tickets included is a 8-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from €95 per person. It scores 58 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4/5 rating across 26 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 58 / 100
- Rating
- 4/5 (26)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- €95 per person
Join our "Discovering the Old City Full Day" tour for an immersive journey through Istanbul's rich history and culture. We'll pick you up from your hotel and start at the iconic Hippodrome Square, followed by visits to the Sultan Ahmet Mosque and Hagia Sophia. After a lunch of authentic Turkish flavors, we'll explore the opulent Topkapi Palace and experience the vibrant Grand Bazaar. Throughout the day, our expert guides will share fascinating tales and insights. With lunch and Topkapi Palace admission included, relax and soak in the wonders of Istanbul's Old City. After a day of exploration, we'll drop you back at your hotel, leaving you with cherished memories. Please note that Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays, so the Turkish-Islamic Arts Museum will be visited instead, and the Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.
What you get
About this experience
Join our "Discovering the Old City Full Day" tour for an immersive journey through Istanbul's rich history and culture. We'll pick you up from your hotel and start at the iconic Hippodrome Square, followed by visits to the Sultan Ahmet Mosque and Hagia Sophia. After a lunch of authentic Turkish flavors, we'll explore the opulent Topkapi Palace and experience the vibrant Grand Bazaar. Throughout the day, our expert guides will share fascinating tales and insights. With lunch and Topkapi Palace admission included, relax and soak in the wonders of Istanbul's Old City. After a day of exploration, we'll drop you back at your hotel, leaving you with cherished memories. Please note that Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays, so the Turkish-Islamic Arts Museum will be visited instead, and the Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.
What's included
Included
- Tickets
- Lunch
- All Fees and Taxes
- Professional Guide Service
What you'll see and do
Hippodrome
Step into the enigmatic past at Istanbul's Hippodrome Square. Here, ancient tales and majestic monuments converge, whispering secrets of bygone eras. Encounter the grandeur of Theodosius Obelisk, the intricate Knitted Obelisk, the mysterious Serpent Column, and the elegant German Fountain. Embark on a journey of discovery amidst these historic treasures, where every step unveils a new chapter in Istanbul's rich tapestry of civilizations.
40 minutes here
Blue Mosque
Step into the ethereal beauty of Istanbul's Sultanahmet Mosque, where centuries of history and stunning architecture await. Admire the graceful minarets, intricate tilework, and celestial blue hues that adorn this iconic sanctuary. Explore the sacred halls and courtyard, where whispers of the past mingle with the present, promising a truly unforgettable experience for all who enter.
40 minutes here
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
Step into the enchanting realm of Hagia Sophia, where centuries of history and architectural brilliance converge. Marvel at its majestic domes and intricate mosaics, each a testament to the grandeur of Byzantine craftsmanship. With every step, you'll uncover the secrets of this iconic landmark, leaving you spellbound by its timeless allure.
Pass by without stopping
TopkapI Palace
Step into the timeless allure of Topkapi Palace, where whispers of sultans and tales of intrigue await. Explore lavish courtyards and opulent chambers adorned with Ottoman treasures. What mysteries lie within the Harem's closed doors? What intrigues unfolded in the Divan-i Hümayun? Join us on an enchanting journey through this captivating palace, where every corner holds a hidden gem. The ticket is included.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Grand Bazaar
Step into the lively atmosphere of Istanbul's Grand Bazaar, a vibrant maze of history and commerce. Explore its winding alleys and discover treasures ranging from exquisite carpets to dazzling jewelry. What stories hide behind its ancient walls? Join us on a journey through this captivating marketplace, where every corner holds a new delight and mystery.
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 60 minutes before departure.
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
- Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Gulliver Tours
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 26 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
10 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
26 verified traveler reviews for Discovering the Old City/ Full Day Tour/ Lunch&Tickets included. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
See and learn quickly with guided tour
Super idea to hire a guide and tour. Guide was professional, knowledgeable and friendly. We would not have known what to see or where to go without him. He should us major historical sites in Istanbul. He taught us history, culture and social aspects about the people of turkey. The drivers were also friendly and courteous. We highly recommend Ismail and Gulliver Tours.
Response from the operator: thanks for your nice comments
via Tripadvisor
Old City Tour
Very nicely arranged tour. Superb knowledge of guide. Highly recommended for discovering old city and historic attractions.
via Tripadvisor
Ismael
Had a memorable time to explore the Istanbul with Ismael best tour guide he explains quite good and friendly way the all history
Response from the operator: thanks for your nice comments
via Tripadvisor
If staying in Sultanahmet area, go independently!
I appreciated the group size, 8 people. Guide was knowledgeable I did not appreciate that the description online was not SPECIFIC about it NOT including tickets for the Hagia Sophia, at $150 pp it should have been included. Lunch, mediocre at best. While transportation is included. Be prepared to walk all day between sites. Would I do it again? no.
Response from the operator: thanks for your nice comments .just for inofrmation ın the old city they dont allow the wehicles this is walking city tours
via Tripadvisor
4/5 stars
We had a wonderful day with Ismail, which is really a well prepared and friendly professionist guide. Time was divided in guided parts and alone time to enjoy every attraction and take photos. The only aspect that could be improved is the included lunch: the food quality and service could be better. We expected something more in line with the rest of the experience. With a small improvement in this area, it would be truly perfect! We will definitely book others tours with Ismail.
Response from the operator: thanks a lot for your nice comments
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Price range
- €95 to €130
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 9
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Gulliver Tours, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 55.7.
See everything Gulliver Tours runsWhy this scores 58
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Discovering the Old City/ Full Day Tour/ Lunch&Tickets included: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Istanbul.
How much does Discovering the Old City/ Full Day Tour/ Lunch&Tickets included cost?
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Prices start at €95 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 Discovering the Old City/ Full Day Tour/ Lunch&Tickets included take?
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Plan for about 8 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 Discovering the Old City/ Full Day Tour/ Lunch&Tickets included worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 58 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4/5 across 26 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 Discovering the Old City/ Full Day Tour/ Lunch&Tickets included?
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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 Discovering the Old City/ Full Day Tour/ Lunch&Tickets included suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Discovering the Old City/ Full Day Tour/ Lunch&Tickets included?
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Around 9 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?
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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 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Discovering the Old City/ Full Day Tour/ Lunch&Tickets included start and how do I get there?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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 Discovering the Old City/ Full Day Tour/ Lunch&Tickets included?
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Included: Tickets; Lunch; All Fees and Taxes; and Professional Guide Service. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Discovering the Old City/ Full Day Tour/ Lunch&Tickets included include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 3221 listed pickup locations in and around Istanbul. Be ready about 60 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Discovering the Old City/ Full Day Tour/ Lunch&Tickets included offered in?
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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 Discovering the Old City/ Full Day Tour/ Lunch&Tickets included?
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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 Discovering the Old City/ Full Day Tour/ Lunch&Tickets included wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Transportation options are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Discovering the Old City/ Full Day Tour/ Lunch&Tickets included if the weather is bad?
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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 Discovering the Old City/ Full Day Tour/ Lunch&Tickets included?
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Across 26 reviews averaging 4.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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