Full Day Tour of the Old City with Lunch and Topkapı Palace in Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul, Turkey

Full Day Tour of the Old City with Lunch and Topkapı Palace

Outty Ranking 64 4.6 · 10 traveler reviews7.8 hoursFrom €50
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Outty Ranking

64/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.6/5

Based on 10 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Full Day Tour of the Old City with Lunch and Topkapı Palace worth booking?

Full Day Tour of the Old City with Lunch and Topkapı Palace is a 7.8-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from €50 per person. It scores 64 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 10 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
64 / 100
Rating
4.6/5 (10)
Duration
7.8 hours
From
€50 per person

Explore the magical beauties of the Old City of Istanbul where the Orient and Occident met and Empires held their court. Through our immersive tour, you will be able to experience the delicacies of the Orient through an Occidental style. This tour is the perfect choice for those who want to experience the traditional Istanbul.

What you get

    About this experience

    Explore the magical beauties of the Old City of Istanbul where the Orient and Occident met and Empires held their court. Through our immersive tour, you will be able to experience the delicacies of the Orient through an Occidental style. This tour is the perfect choice for those who want to experience the traditional Istanbul.

    What's included

    Included

    • Pick up service from certain spots
    • Lunch
    • Guide
    • A smile and a warm welcome

    Not included

    • Gratuities
    • Hagia Sophia
    • Topkapı Palace
    • Drop off service

    What you'll see and do

    1. Ayasofya Camii

      Our in-house guide will accompany you to the Hagia Sophia and will inform you about the Cathedrals history. You will experience the mosaics that lasted for centuries and witnessed three empires.

      90 minutes here · Admission not included

    2. Blue Mosque

      Our in-house guide will accompany you to the magnificent Blue Mosque where you will be welcomed by the iconic blue tiles of this historical Mosque.

      45 minutes here

    3. Hippodrome

      The historical Hippodrome of the old Constantinople city will be explored with our professional in-house guide. The Hippodrome is the square of the ancient empires that held Constantinople.

      30 minutes here

    4. Sultanahmet District

      Lunch will be served here in Sultanahmet area.

      90 minutes here

    5. Grand Bazaar

      The Grand Bazaar is the world's first shopping mall and this historical structure is full of traditional Turkish shops. This magical structure will be explained by our professional in-house guide.

      90 minutes here

    6. Topkapi Palace Museum

      The Topkapı Palace, the birthplace of many Sultans, will be explored with our professional in-house guide.

      120 minutes here · Admission not included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Istanbul

    in front of Hagia Sophia's prayer entrance

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 40 minutes before departure.

    Ends at

    The tour ends at Grand Bazaar

    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
    Florence Travel

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • It is not recommended for those who experience trouble with walking.

    Photos

    Full Day Tour of the Old City with Lunch and Topkapı Palace in Istanbul, photo 2Full Day Tour of the Old City with Lunch and Topkapı Palace in Istanbul, photo 3Full Day Tour of the Old City with Lunch and Topkapı Palace in Istanbul, photo 4Full Day Tour of the Old City with Lunch and Topkapı Palace in Istanbul, photo 5Full Day Tour of the Old City with Lunch and Topkapı Palace in Istanbul, photo 6Full Day Tour of the Old City with Lunch and Topkapı Palace in Istanbul, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 10 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    8 mentions

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

    Knowledge and storytelling

    5 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Organization

    3 mentions

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

    Food and drink

    2 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Small groups

    2 mentions

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

    Traveler reviews

    10 verified traveler reviews for Full Day Tour of the Old City with Lunch and Topkapı Palace. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    9
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    1
    Sort
    Henry_T · October 2025

    No Show Operator

    Tour operator did not show up, did not send me a message or return my messages. Very unprofessional and disrespectful!!!! Viator should take Florence off their list of tour operators. Now dealing with Viator to get my refund!!!! Which should be more than just the tour cost considering the stress and extra time spent to make other arrangements.

    via Viator

    Simon_R · September 2025

    One of the best tours we've ever had!

    This tour, by far, exceeded our expectations. In the first place, this ended up as a private tour! We were picked up from the cruise port and taken to the old town, where we started at the Hagia Sofia, followed by the Blue Mosque a visit to the cistern underneath a carpet store, followed by a carpet making demonstration, then the Grand Bazaar. We then had a fabulous 3 course lunch, then the final stop was the Topkapi Palace. Our guide, Faith, then made sure we were on the right tram to return to the port. An excellent day!!

    via Viator

    Stockmar · June 2025

    An unforgettable full-day tour in Istanbul

    Our full-day tour was unique. Fatih, our guide, was an inexhaustible source of knowledge, insight and passion for Istanbul’s rich cultural heritage. What really made the experience good was Fatih’s ability to balance his knowledge with a relaxed and flexible approach. We were told about the history of the world and were invited to vary the content of the day according to our own interests, making the experience both personal and educational. The breakfast included in the trip was simple but satisfying. It was served on a charming rooftop terrace with good views of the city. We have traveled a lot and have been on many guided tours around the world – and yet this one stands as one of the best. His professional depth and good mood made the day much better than expected. Thanks for an experience where the content far exceeded the price. Definitely a highlight on our trip to Istanbul.

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    Ania_S · June 2025

    Very knowledgeable guide....

    Very knowledgeable guide. Learned a lot. Accommodating. Our guide met us on time at Hagia Sophia, and walked us through the Old City. He was patient with all of our questions. Highly recommend this tour.

    via Viator

    540bar_sk · May 2025

    The best tour , I highly recommend

    The tour was great , the guide Fatih was so lovely and explained everything well. I reccomend the great tour and ıt was organized well Thanks

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    7.8 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    €50 to €55
    Hotel pickup
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    4
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Why this scores 64

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)76
    Review evidence (18% weight)37
    Booking momentum (14% weight)29
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)66
    Local standing (8% weight)46
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Full Day Tour of the Old City with Lunch and Topkapı Palace: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does Full Day Tour of the Old City with Lunch and Topkapı Palace cost?

    +

    Prices start at €50 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 Full Day Tour of the Old City with Lunch and Topkapı Palace take?

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    Plan for about 7.8 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 Full Day Tour of the Old City with Lunch and Topkapı Palace worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 64 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 10 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 Full Day Tour of the Old City with Lunch and Topkapı Palace?

    +

    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 Full Day Tour of the Old City with Lunch and Topkapı Palace suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 7.8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Full Day Tour of the Old City with Lunch and Topkapı Palace?

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    Around 4 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 7.8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Full Day Tour of the Old City with Lunch and Topkapı Palace 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?

    +

    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 Full Day Tour of the Old City with Lunch and Topkapı Palace?

    +

    Included: Pick up service from certain spots; Lunch; Guide; and A smile and a warm welcome. Not included: Gratuities; Hagia Sophia; Topkapı Palace; and Drop off service. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Full Day Tour of the Old City with Lunch and Topkapı Palace include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 8 listed pickup locations in and around Istanbul. Be ready about 40 minutes before the start time.

    What languages is Full Day Tour of the Old City with Lunch and Topkapı Palace 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 Full Day Tour of the Old City with Lunch and Topkapı Palace?

    +

    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 Full Day Tour of the Old City with Lunch and Topkapı Palace wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Full Day Tour of the Old City with Lunch and Topkapı Palace if the weather is bad?

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    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Full Day Tour of the Old City with Lunch and Topkapı Palace?

    +

    Across 10 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

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