Istanbul Gold Combo
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 7 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Istanbul Gold Combo worth booking?
Istanbul Gold Combo is a 8-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from €78 per person. It scores 62 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 7 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 62 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (7)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- €78 per person
Discover the Sultan Ahmet Center, the heart of the Old City and visit the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome and the Grand Covered Bazaar. Then cruise on our private boat to see the Bosphorus, one of the most beautiful sights in the world
What you get
About this experience
Discover the Sultan Ahmet Center, the heart of the Old City and visit the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome and the Grand Covered Bazaar. Then cruise on our private boat to see the Bosphorus, one of the most beautiful sights in the world
What's included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Local guide
- Professional guide
- Lunch
- Guaranteed to skip the long lines
Not included
- Drinks
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
Hagia Sophia, the Church of Divine Wisdom, one of the greatest marvels of architecture, constructed as a basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Blue Mosque
Blue Mosque, facing Hagia Sophia, famous with its blue İznik tiles and unique with 6 minarets, built in the name of Sultan Ahmet.
30 minutes here
Grand Bazaar
Grand Covered Bazaar, most attractive shopping center and the biggest "souk" in the world with nearly 4000 shops selling antiques, jewellery, gold, carpets, leatherware and souvenir. (Art demonstration of handmade Turkish carpets upon request)
60 minutes here
Bosphorus Strait
Bosphorus Cruise on Plan Tours’ private boat, through the waterway separating the two continents, Europe and Asia, with a possibility to take photographs of marble palaces, ancient wooden villas of Ottoman architecture besides modern residentials and luxurious apartments.
90 minutes here · Admission included
Pierre Loti
Teleferique (cable car) to Pierre Loti Coffee House among the green which is located on a hill with beautiful trees where you can enjoy the wonderful panorama of the Golden Horn. Bird’ s eye view of the Golden Horn with the teleferique (cable car) while climbing to the café, 550 beeline meters in 115 seconds. The coffee house takes its name from Pierre Loti, the French author and poet who was very fond of İstanbul and wrote as he sat in this coffee house enjoying the view.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Istanbul
Please be ready in front of Tamara Restaurant at 08:15 and look for blue and white Midibus/Minivan with the logo of Plan Tours and Gray Line
Meeting point
Istanbul
Please be ready in front of The Marmara Hotel at Taksim Square at 08:15 and look for blue and white Midibus/Minivan with the logo of Plan Tours and Gray Line
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
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
- de, en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Plan Tours - Gray Line Turkey
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
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Infant meals not included
- May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
- Please note that there may be long waiting times for entry to the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 7 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
7 verified traveler reviews for Istanbul Gold Combo. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Istanbul Tour
I had an absolutely amazing time on our tour, all thanks to Akif. His hospitality is unmatched—he went above and beyond to make sure everyone in our group was comfortable, happy, and well taken care of. He is incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and patient. If you get the chance to take a tour with Akif, do not hesitate. Highly recommended!
Response from the operator: Dear Guest, Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We are thrilled to know that Akif made your Istanbul experience so enjoyable. Your kind words about his hospitality and dedication mean a lot to our team. We hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure in the future. Best wishes, Gray Line Turkey
via Tripadvisor
Bosphorus Cruise, Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia
This tour I really liked, Mehmet Akif who was our guide was attentive at all times, even helped us with the photos to have a good memory of each place we met, 100% recommended for those who want to do this tour.
Response from the operator: Dear Guest, Thank you for your lovely review! We’re delighted that you enjoyed the Bosphorus cruise and Istanbul’s historic landmarks. It’s wonderful to hear that Mehmet Akif helped make your trip even more memorable. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you again soon. Warm regards, Gray Line Turkey
via Tripadvisor (translated)
We booked the tour through our hotel and were not disappointed. Everything was super organized and went smoothly. Special praise goes to our guide Ertuğrul. Wonderfully pleasant and calm charisma. Even in Istanbul traffic, there was information about the area, history and individual shops when traffic stopped. Questions were also answered gladly. The tour was in English and it was explained very patiently sometimes twice. If you are reasonably fit in English, then the tour is pretty good to see or experience Istanbul, its history and some sights. Also the small fashion show (leather shop) was ok and you were not pressed to buy anything. All in all, with appropriate language skills, highly recommended. Thank you Ertuğrul 😃
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for your detailed and kind review. We are truly happy to hear that everything was well organized and ran smoothly, and that you had such a positive experience with our guide Ertuğrul. His calm and professional approach, along with his knowledge, is something we are very proud of, and your special mention will mean a lot to him. It is also great to know that you appreciated the informative guidance throughout the tour, even in busy traffic conditions, and that you felt comfortable and never pressured during the shopping experiences. Your recommendation is highly appreciated, and we are delighted that you enjoyed discovering Istanbul with us. We hope to welcome you again in the future. Warm regards, Plan Tours – Gray Line Turkey
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Nice guide but total tour too short at 7 hours
It was nice and the tour guide was intelligent and knowledgeable. But the descriptive locations on viator were not accurate. We did not go to the hippodrome and the total 7 hours seemed less than described. The places visited were great.
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for your valuable feedback. We are happy to hear that you found your guide knowledgeable and enjoyed the places visited during the tour. Your kind comments are truly appreciated. At the same time, we are sorry to learn that the tour duration and program did not fully meet your expectations. We understand your concern regarding the total duration and the absence of the Hippodrome in the itinerary. Please note that tour routes and timings may occasionally vary due to operational reasons, traffic conditions, or time constraints. Your feedback regarding the accuracy of the tour description is very important to us, and we will carefully review this with our team to ensure clearer and more consistent information for our future guests. Thank you once again for sharing your experience, and we hope to have the opportunity to welcome you again for an even better experience. Warm regards, Plan Tours – Gray Line Turkey
via Viator
Worth the money
Great tour…in a day! Company will do a hotel pickup/drop off and you are driven around, from tourist site to tourist site, in a comfortable and air conditioned bus. Lunch was super with choices for vegans. Tour directors accommodate multiple languages. Well worth every penny!
Response from the operator: Hello and thank you so much for spending time to make a comment. Your thoughts are so valuable for our company. Hope to host you again in Turkey. Best wishes from İstanbul :)
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- €78 to €112
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Plan Tours - Gray Line Turkey, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 48.2.
See everything Plan Tours - Gray Line Turkey runsWhy this scores 62
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Istanbul Gold Combo: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Istanbul.
How much does Istanbul Gold Combo cost?
+
Prices start at €78 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 Gold Combo take?
+
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 Istanbul Gold Combo worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 62 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 7 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 Gold Combo?
+
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 Gold Combo suitable for kids and families?
+
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 Istanbul Gold Combo?
+
Around 2 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 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Istanbul Gold Combo 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 Istanbul Gold Combo?
+
Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off; Local guide; Professional guide; Lunch; and Guaranteed to skip the long lines. Not included: Drinks; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Istanbul Gold Combo?
+
Please be ready in front of Tamara Restaurant at 08:15 and look for blue and white Midibus/Minivan with the logo of Plan Tours and Gray Line Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Istanbul Gold Combo offered in?
+
It is offered in German, English and Spanish. 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 Istanbul Gold Combo?
+
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 Istanbul Gold Combo wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Transportation options are wheelchair accessible; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Istanbul Gold Combo 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 Istanbul Gold Combo?
+
Across 7 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Istanbul Gold Combo.
Pick your date
