Istanbul Heritage Tour - Incl. Lunch
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 416 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Istanbul Heritage Tour - Incl. Lunch worth booking?
Istanbul Heritage Tour - Incl. Lunch is a 7-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from $205 per person. It scores 74 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 416 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 74 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (416)
- Duration
- 7 hours
- From
- $205 per person
Enjoy Full Day Regular Small Group Tour with max 20 - 25 people. Discover the History of Istanbul with our Official & Professional Guides in 7 hrs. See Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar. After the Lunch, we will continue to visit Topkapi Palace, Hagia Irene and Gulhane Park. Then drop off to the Hotels.
What you get
About this experience
Enjoy Full Day Regular Small Group Tour with max 20 - 25 people. Discover the History of Istanbul with our Official & Professional Guides in 7 hrs. See Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar. After the Lunch, we will continue to visit Topkapi Palace, Hagia Irene and Gulhane Park. Then drop off to the Hotels.
What's included
Included
- Cruise Port pickup and drop-off
- Lunch
- All Fees and Taxes
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Entrance Tickets for each Itineraries
- Professional Guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (From City Center Hotels in Europen Side)
Not included
- Drinks
What you'll see and do
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
Pick up from the hotel and join the group at meeting Point. Tour is starting visiting to Hagia Sophia Museum which is is the former Greek Orthodox Christian patriarchal cathedral, later an Ottoman imperial mosque and now a museum in Istanbul, Turkey. Built in AD 537 before 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". Hagia Sophia Museum considered one of the Eight Wonders of the World. On Mondays, when Saint Sophia is closed, we visit the Chora Church, famed for its mosaics
45 minutes here · Admission included
Blue Mosque
Our next stop will be The Blue Mosque, It remains a functioning mosque, while also attracting large numbers of tourist visitors. It was constructed between 1609 and 1616 during the rule of Ahmed I. Its Külliye 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 tourist site. Note: On Friday morning, The Blue Mosque is visioned only from outside because of Friday Prayer.
30 minutes here
Hippodrome
We continue to the Hippodrome Square, the sporting and social center of old Byzantium, held 100,000 spectators and featured objects from all corners of the empire such as the Egyptian Obelisk, and the Serpent Column.
15 minutes here
German Fountain
The German Fountain is a gazebo styled fountain in the northern end of old hippodrome (Sultanahmet Square), Istanbul, Turkey and across from the Mausoleum of Sultan Ahmed I. It was constructed to commemorate the second anniversary of German Emperor Wilhelm II's visit to Istanbul in 1898. It was built in Germany, then transported piece by piece and assembled in its current site in 1900. The neo-Byzantine style fountain's octagonal dome has eight marble columns, and dome's interior is covered with golden mosaics.
5 minutes here
Serpent Column
The Serpent Column also known as the Serpentine Column, Plataean Tripod or Delphi Tripod, is an ancient bronze column at the Hippodrome of Constantinople in what is now Istanbul, Turkey. It is part of an ancient Greek sacrificial tripod, originally in Delphi and relocated to Constantinople by Constantine the Great in 324. It was built to commemorate the Greeks who fought and defeated the Persian Empire at the Battle of Plataea. The serpent heads of the 8-metre (26 ft) high column remained intact until the end of the 17th century
5 minutes here
Grand Bazaar
Brief Handicrafts Presentation & Lecture (Optional Attendance) next to the Grand Bazaar. Free time to explore Grand Bazaar on your own. Meeting back and drive to Lunch. The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with 61 covered streets and over 4,000 shops on a total area of 30,700 m2, attracting between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily. In 2014, it was listed No.1 among the world's most-visited tourist attractions with 91,250,000 annual visitors.The Grand Bazaar at Istanbul is often regarded as one of the first shopping malls of the world. Note: Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays. On Sundays we visit Nuruosmaniye Street around Grand Bazaar since Grand Bazaar is closed.
60 minutes here
Sultanahmet District
Lunch (Restaurant Changable) Olive Oil Marinated Seasonal Vegetables, Traditional Fried Pastry Roll with Cheese "Sigara Beurreck" , Seasonal Garden Greens Salad, Traditional Grilled Meatballs "Kofte" served with rice and boiled Seasonal Vegetables or Chicken Grill, Seasonal Fresh Fruit Platter (Vegeterian menu is also available) (Drinks are not included)
75 minutes here · Admission included
TopkapI Palace
Then we visit the Topkapı Palace, TOPKAPI PALACE The great palace of the Ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries, housing an exquisite collection of precious gems, jewellery thrones of sultans, robes worn by the sultans and their families; miniatures, the Holy Mantle; CHABER OF SACRED RELICS. (Harem is not included in the program and visit is due to extra entrance fee.) Drop off to the Hotels at the end of the tour.
105 minutes here · Admission included
Hagia Irene Museum
Hagia Eirene, the Church of the Holy Peace, is one of the few churches in Istanbul that was never converted into a mosque, as it was used as an arsenal until the 19th century. Hagia Eirene reputedly stands on the site of a pre-Christian temple and has the distinction of being the first church built in Byzantium as it was converted into the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Gulhane Park
Our final visit will be Gülhane Park, once a part of the outer gardens of Topkapı Palace, where the Edict of Gülhane, a declaration of rights and liberties that played an essential role in the modernization of the Ottoman Empire. After the proclaimation of the Republic, Gülhane Park was for many years home to the Istanbul Zoo
30 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 45 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 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Adore Tour & Travel - Istanbul Airport Transfer & Taxi Service
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- 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
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Cover ups and head scarves are provided at the Blue Mosque free of charge
- During religious holidays the Spice Market and Grand Bazaar are closed
- On Friday morning, The Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia are visioned only from outside because of Friday Prayer.
- On Sundays, when Grand Bazaar is closed, we visit Nuruosmaniye arround Grand Bazaar
- On Tuesdays, when Topkapı Palace is closed, this tour is not offered
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
- Cover ups and head scarves are provided at the Hagia Sophia with fee. Take your own scarf with you.
- We do not recommend this tour for the persons having walking difficulty
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 416 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
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
5 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Organization
4 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
416 verified traveler reviews for Istanbul Heritage Tour - Incl. Lunch. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Very Good Tour
Very good tour. The tour provided and highlighted historical, cultural, and religious influences of today's Turkey. The only negative was the included lunch, which felt rushed. Otherwise, it was a very good tour.
via Tripadvisor
Great experience!
Great tour ! The guide was very helpful in providing information about all the history. The lunch provided was also sumptuous.
via Tripadvisor
Excellent Tour
We were collected exactly on time from the Marmara Hotel. The driver was friendly and polite and the bus was clean and air conditioned. Collection of other passengers was very efficient. Our tour guide (I didn’t catch his name) was very knowledgable, easy going and a real pleasure to be led by. Great guy. Very likeable. My only complaint is that we did not have enough time in Istanbul to see all of the wonderful treasures and to discover more of the amazing history and heritage, however I am grateful to have covered so much in a single day, which would not be possible without a guide, and your service perfectly served this purpose. I would highly recommend this tour and I will definitely be back for a longer visit. All in all, brilliant service and great value.
via Tripadvisor
Tour good/ sales not!
Points of interest and lunch were great! High pressure sales at the leather shop was not good and sales personnel got mad when we tried to leave and yelled at us as we walked away.
via Viator
Istanbul Heritage Tour
Wonderful Heritage tour for one day! Covers all the main attractions. Our tour guide Ali is one of the most knowledgeable and professional guides and is also very friendly, polite, and respectful. The atmosphere he creates is warm and welcoming. Awesome experience. The company itself is extremely organized - everything is on time, good communication with necessary instructions, excellent staff. Used them also for the airport transfer.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 7 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 146
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Adore Tour & Travel - Istanbul Airport Transfer & Taxi Service, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 74.1.
See everything Adore Tour & Travel - Istanbul Airport Transfer & Taxi Service runsWhy this scores 74
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Istanbul Heritage Tour - Incl. Lunch: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Istanbul.
How much does Istanbul Heritage Tour - Incl. Lunch cost?
+
Prices start at $205 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 Heritage Tour - Incl. Lunch take?
+
Plan for about 7 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 Heritage Tour - Incl. Lunch worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 74 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 416 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 Heritage Tour - Incl. Lunch?
+
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 Heritage Tour - Incl. Lunch suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 7-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Istanbul Heritage Tour - Incl. Lunch?
+
Around 146 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-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Istanbul Heritage Tour - Incl. Lunch 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 Heritage Tour - Incl. Lunch?
+
Included: Cruise Port pickup and drop-off; Lunch; All Fees and Taxes; In-vehicle air conditioning; and Entrance Tickets for each Itineraries. Not included: Drinks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Istanbul Heritage Tour - Incl. Lunch include hotel pickup?
+
Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 2225 listed pickup locations in and around Istanbul. Be ready about 45 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Istanbul Heritage Tour - Incl. Lunch 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 Istanbul Heritage Tour - Incl. Lunch?
+
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 Heritage Tour - Incl. Lunch wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
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 Istanbul Heritage Tour - Incl. Lunch if the weather is bad?
+
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 Istanbul Heritage Tour - Incl. Lunch?
+
Across 416 reviews averaging 4.6 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.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Istanbul Heritage Tour - Incl. Lunch.
Pick your date
