
Istanbul Old City Tour With Bosphorus Cruise
Traveler rating
4.0/5
Based on 1 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Istanbul Old City Tour With Bosphorus Cruise worth booking?
Istanbul Old City Tour With Bosphorus Cruise is a 4-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from €40 per person. It scores 57 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4/5 rating across 1 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 57 / 100
- Rating
- 4/5 (1)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- €40 per person
Discover Istanbul's historic heart on a guided morning tour through Sultanahmet, where Byzantine and Ottoman heritage converge around some of the city's most famous landmarks. See Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Sultanahmet Square, the ancient Hippodrome, the German Fountain, and the historic setting of Topkapi Palace as your guide shares stories, architectural details, and the Old City's imperial history. This tour is ideal for first-time visitors seeking a clear introduction to Sultanahmet without spending the entire day on foot. Enjoy guided sightseeing with free time to explore the area at your own pace, including time for guests who wish to visit Hagia Sophia inside with a separately purchased entrance ticket. Complete the experience with an included 2-hour Bosphorus sightseeing cruise. Sail between Europe and Asia and enjoy views of waterfront palaces, mosques, bridges, fortresses, and traditional mansions along both shores.
What you get
About this experience
Discover Istanbul's historic heart on a guided morning tour through Sultanahmet, where Byzantine and Ottoman heritage converge around some of the city's most famous landmarks. See Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Sultanahmet Square, the ancient Hippodrome, the German Fountain, and the historic setting of Topkapi Palace as your guide shares stories, architectural details, and the Old City's imperial history. This tour is ideal for first-time visitors seeking a clear introduction to Sultanahmet without spending the entire day on foot. Enjoy guided sightseeing with free time to explore the area at your own pace, including time for guests who wish to visit Hagia Sophia inside with a separately purchased entrance ticket. Complete the experience with an included 2-hour Bosphorus sightseeing cruise. Sail between Europe and Asia and enjoy views of waterfront palaces, mosques, bridges, fortresses, and traditional mansions along both shores.
What's included
Included
- On-board WiFi
- Audio guide on the Bosphorus cruise
- Pickup service, if the pickup option is selected
- Tea and coffee
- 2-hour Bosphorus sightseeing cruise
- Professional live tour guide
Not included
- Admission fees
- Topkapi Palace interior visit
- Gratuities
- Return transfer
What you'll see and do
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
Discover the remarkable Byzantine and Ottoman history of Hagia Sophia with your guide. Entrance is not included. Guests who wish to visit inside may purchase a ticket from the guide, subject to availability. Guests who do not enter receive the explanation from outside.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Visit the famous Blue Mosque, renowned for its elegant domes, six minarets, and beautiful blue Iznik tiles. Step inside this active place of worship to experience one of Istanbul's most recognizable symbols.
30 minutes here
Walk through the historic site that once served as the center of public life in Byzantine Constantinople. See surviving monuments and hear stories of imperial ceremonies, chariot races, and major events from the city’s past.
30 minutes here
German Fountain
See the decorative German Fountain, a distinctive monument gifted to the Ottoman Empire by German Emperor Wilhelm II. Admire its elegant design and learn about the historical connection behind this landmark.
15 minutes here
TopkapI Palace
Learn about the former residence of the Ottoman sultans and its role in Ottoman imperial history. The guide provides historical explanations from outside.
30 minutes here · Admission not included
Bosphorus Strait
Relax on a scenic cruise between Europe and Asia. Enjoy iconic views of palaces, mosques, bridges, and waterfront mansions while learning about the city from onboard commentary.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Istanbul
Meet at the SeaLand Travel office in Sirkeci and arrive at least 20 minutes before departure to check in. Please provide a valid phone number with country code, preferably via WhatsApp, so we can contact you if needed. If you need help finding the meeting point, contact us via WhatsApp.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 60 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Guests who choose to skip the Bosphorus cruise finish the Old City tour at Sultanahmet Square after the land portion.
Ends at
Guests who join the included Bosphorus cruise finish the tour near SeaLand Travel Agency in Eminonu. Hotel drop-off is not included.
Options you can book
Old City Tour - Meeting Point
Old City Tour + Cruise: Join the full Old City tour from the meeting point, with the Bosphorus cruise included.
Old City Tour - Hotel Pickup
Old City Tour + Cruise: Full Old City tour with hotel pickup, followed by the included Bosphorus cruise. Pickup included
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, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- SeaLand Trip Bosphorus Cruise
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Guests who prefer not to join the Bosphorus cruise finish the Old City tour in Sultanahmet Square. Guests joining the cruise continue to the boat and finish near Eminonu after the cruise.
- The Old City portion lasts approximately 4 hours. Guests joining the Bosphorus cruise should allow approximately 7 hours for the full experience.
- Hagia Sophia entrance is not included. Guests who wish to enter may purchase a ticket from the guide, subject to availability; otherwise, the guide provides explanations from outside.
- Topkapi Palace is explained from outside only. An interior visit is not part of this tour.
- Pickup service is one-way only and is included only with the Pickup option. Return transfer to your accommodation is not included.
Photos






Traveler reviews
1 verified traveler reviews for Istanbul Old City Tour With Bosphorus Cruise. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Istanbul tour
A fairly intense but very interesting tour. The guide was very good with excellent attention at all times.
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Wed, Sat
- Price range
- €40 to €70
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 0
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 57
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Istanbul Old City Tour With Bosphorus Cruise: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Istanbul.
How much does Istanbul Old City Tour With Bosphorus Cruise cost?
+
Prices start at €40 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 Old City Tour With Bosphorus Cruise take?
+
Plan for about 4 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 Old City Tour With Bosphorus Cruise worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 57 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4/5 across 1 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 Old City Tour With Bosphorus Cruise?
+
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 Old City Tour With Bosphorus Cruise suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Istanbul Old City Tour With Bosphorus Cruise?
+
Around 0 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 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Istanbul Old City Tour With Bosphorus Cruise 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 Old City Tour With Bosphorus Cruise?
+
Included: On-board WiFi; Audio guide on the Bosphorus cruise; Pickup service, if the pickup option is selected; Tea and coffee; and 2-hour Bosphorus sightseeing cruise. Not included: Admission fees; Topkapi Palace interior visit; Gratuities; and Return transfer. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Istanbul Old City Tour With Bosphorus Cruise include hotel pickup?
+
Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 3006 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 Istanbul Old City Tour With Bosphorus Cruise 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 Old City Tour With Bosphorus Cruise?
+
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 Old City Tour With Bosphorus Cruise wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Istanbul Old City Tour With Bosphorus Cruise 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 booking options are available for Istanbul Old City Tour With Bosphorus Cruise?
+
There are 2 options to choose from, including Old City Tour - Meeting Point, Old City Tour - Hotel Pickup. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Istanbul Old City Tour With Bosphorus Cruise.
Pick your date




