Istanbul Classics and Highlights: Full Day with Lunch
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.0/5
Based on 44 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Istanbul Classics and Highlights: Full Day with Lunch worth booking?
Istanbul Classics and Highlights: Full Day with Lunch is a 7.5-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from $325 per person. It scores 49 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4/5 rating across 44 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 49 / 100
- Rating
- 4/5 (44)
- Duration
- 7.5 hours
- From
- $325 per person
*** Special Offer If you buy our ‘Must – See Istanbul 1 +2 Half Day Afternoon Tour’, lunch will be included. We strongly advise you our Turkish Coffee Experiment (Cooking, Tasting) Half Day Tour in order to enrich your I
What you get
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Local guide
- Entrance fee of Topkapı Palace and Hagia Irene
- Lunch
- All Fees and Taxes
About this experience
*** Special Offer If you buy our ‘Must – See Istanbul 1 +2 Half Day Afternoon Tour’, lunch will be included. We strongly advise you our Turkish Coffee Experiment (Cooking, Tasting) Half Day Tour in order to enrich your Istanbul holiday! 17 million people call Istanbul as their home, so it can be a little overwhelming for a new visitor. This full day private tour will give you the opportunity to see all breathtaking monuments in Istanbul. -Our first must see stops are the two monuments which are Hagia Sophia Mosque and Blue Mosque. - Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar will be coming next. Stepping back in time to a world of sultans and harems in Topkapi Palace, and then watch local artists making handicrafts in the Grand Bazaar. - Hagia Eirene which is the oldest church of Eastern Rome will be visited. It is located in the outer courtyard of Topkapi Palace. -We end our tour at Sogukcesme Street (Soguk means cold in English and Cesme means Fountain in English)
What's included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Local guide
- Entrance fee of Topkapı Palace and Hagia Irene
- Lunch
- All Fees and Taxes
Not included
- Drinks
- Personal expenses
What you'll see and do
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
Hagia Sophia is the former Greek Orthodox patriarchal cathedral, an imperial mosque during Ottoman Period, a museum since 1935 until 2020, and recently has been turned back into a mosque. Built in 537 AD at the beginning of the Middle Ages, it was famous in particular for its massive dome. It was the world's largest building and an engineering marvel of its time. It is considered the epitome of Byzantine architecture and is said to have "changed the history of architecture”.
60 minutes here
German Fountain
The gift of Kaiser Wilhelm II to the Sultan. You will listen the stories of this liaison with the orient.
15 minutes here
Hippodrome
Hippodrome of Constantinople, the center of Byzantine civic life, from political and theological controversies to chariot races and riots. The word hippodrome comes from the Greek hippos, horse, and dromos, path or way. For this reason, it is sometimes also called Atmeydanı ("Horse Square") in Turkish.
30 minutes here
Blue Mosque
Blue Mosque is a historical mosque located in historical peninsula of Istanbul. It was constructed between 1609 and 1616 during the rule of Ahmed I. The complex contains Ahmed's tomb, a madrasah and a hospice. Hand-painted blue tiles adorn the mosque’s interior walls, and at night the mosque is bathed in blue as lights frame the mosque’s five main domes, six minarets and eight secondary domes. It sits next to the Hagia Sophia, another popular masterpiece of the city.
30 minutes here
You will have lunch in Deraliye Ottoman Cuisine Restaurant
60 minutes here · Admission included
Grand Bazaar
As one the world’s largest covered markets, the Grand Bazaar is home to thousands of shops and stalls spread over nearly 60 blocks. Find the best places to shop in this mystical maze as your local guide introduces to you its best traders and helps you to bag a few bargains!
60 minutes here
Hagia Irene Museum
Hagia Irene located in the outer courtyard of Topkapı Palace is the oldest church of the Eastern Roman Empire.
30 minutes here · Admission included
TopkapI Palace
The Topkapı Palace or the Seraglio, is a large museum in Istanbul, Turkey. In the 15th century, it served as the main residence and administrative headquarters of the Ottoman sultans. Construction began in 1459, ordered by Mehmed the Conqueror, six years after the conquest of Constantinople. Topkapı was originally called the "New Palace" to distinguish it from the Old Palace in Beyazıt Square. It was given the name Topkapı, meaning Cannon Gate, in the 19th century. The complex was expanded over the centuries, with major renovations after the 1509 earthquake and the 1665 fire. The palace complex consists of four main courtyards and many smaller buildings. Female members of the Sultan's family lived in the harem, and leading state officials, including the Grand vizier, held meetings in the Imperial Council building. After the 17th century, Topkapı gradually lost its importance.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Sogukcesme Sokak
The street between Hagia Sophia and Topkapı Palace, full of historical houses
15 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Istanbul
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
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 5 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Istanbul Walks
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 pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Grand Bazaar is closed on Sunday.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 44 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
44 verified traveler reviews for Istanbul Classics and Highlights: Full Day with Lunch. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Fun to Do
This was an enjoyable trip. Was able to see some very beautiful museums and some of the most well known Mosque's.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your review and we would like to see you again in Istanbul. Kind Regards,
via Tripadvisor
Definitely Worth It!
John (Can) the tour guide made the whole experience worthwhile. He was funny and very knowledgeable about Istanbul's history.
Response from the operator: We glad to see you happy during your tour and thank you for your positive comments, we hope to see you again in İstanbul. Sincerely,
via Viator
ISTANBUL WALKING TOUR
It was an excellent trip, Guide Mr Littfik was very knowledgeable person, friendly and down to earth person, we all enjoyed the trip, he has taken us local restaurant for lunch it was amazing. we recommend this Istanbul walking tour which covers most of the main attractions.
Response from the operator: Thank you for you excellent comments and compliments to our guide Ludvig. We hope to see you again in İstanbul. Sincerely, Bilal Uğur
via Viator
ISTANBUL WALKING TOUR
It was an excellent tour, guide was super ,very knowledgeable person, we recommend this tour which covers most of the main attractions
Response from the operator: Thank you for your good comments and compliments for our guide. We glad to see you happy with your tour. We hope to see you again in Istanbul. Sincerely, Bilal Uğur
via Viator
Istanbul tour
Great outing with Oguzhan Ceylan (Ozzy) of Istanbul Walks. He was informative and entertaining at the same time. We took our time at each venue and was never rushed. Lunch served at Osmani was delicious - just like home cooked food with many dishes to choose from. We enjoyed the friendly service here as well. Highly recommended!
Response from the operator: Dear Cyntiha, Thank you for your wonderfull review on our tour. We hope to see you again in one of our other tours. Sicerely, Atilla Tuna
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 7.5 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
- $325 to $375
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 15
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 49
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Istanbul Classics and Highlights: Full Day with Lunch: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Istanbul.
How much does Istanbul Classics and Highlights: Full Day with Lunch cost?
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Prices start at $325 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 Istanbul Classics and Highlights: Full Day with Lunch take?
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Plan for about 7.5 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 Istanbul Classics and Highlights: Full Day with Lunch worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 49 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4/5 across 44 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 Istanbul Classics and Highlights: Full Day with Lunch?
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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 Istanbul Classics and Highlights: Full Day with Lunch suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 7.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Istanbul Classics and Highlights: Full Day with Lunch?
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Around 15 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 7.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Istanbul Classics and Highlights: Full Day with Lunch 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 Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour, Istanbul Luxury Bosphorus Yacht Cruise with Asian Side Stop, ISTANBUL BEST: Iconic Landmarks Full Day PRIVATE Guided City 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.
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