
Skip The Line Treasures of Istanbul with Lunch
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 3 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Skip The Line Treasures of Istanbul with Lunch worth booking?
Skip The Line Treasures of Istanbul with Lunch is a 7-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from $65 per person. It scores 62 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 3 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 62 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (3)
- Duration
- 7 hours
- From
- $65 per person
Visit > Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome and Grand Bazaar SKIP-THE-LINE Tickets, Guiding in your own language, Pick up service provided. Explore Historical Peninsula in a unique, personal way. Be enchanted by the mosaics of Hagia Sophia. See the priceless treasures of Topkapi palace. Experience shopping in the grand bazaar, which has been the center of shopping for centuries. Walk along the historical hippodrome and see the German. Fountain and obelisk. See the colorful mosaics of the Sultanahmet mosque. Learn history about Byzantines, Ottomans and Modern Turks from your expert local guide. Do not wait in the long queues with Skip-The-Line tickets provided for you
What you get
About this experience
Visit > Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome and Grand Bazaar SKIP-THE-LINE Tickets, Guiding in your own language, Pick up service provided. Explore Historical Peninsula in a unique, personal way. Be enchanted by the mosaics of Hagia Sophia. See the priceless treasures of Topkapi palace. Experience shopping in the grand bazaar, which has been the center of shopping for centuries. Walk along the historical hippodrome and see the German. Fountain and obelisk. See the colorful mosaics of the Sultanahmet mosque. Learn history about Byzantines, Ottomans and Modern Turks from your expert local guide. Do not wait in the long queues with Skip-The-Line tickets provided for you
What's included
Included
- Pick-up Service from hotel/Port
- Professional licenced tour Guide
- Lunch in the local restaurant
- All sightseeing mentioned in the itinerary
Not included
- Tips to the guide & driver (optional)
- Beverages with meal
- Admission fees to sites
What you'll see and do
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
Meaning Divine Wisdom, Hagia Sophia was the largest building on earth barring the Egyptian Pyramids or the Great Wall of China. Today's Hagia Sophia was built by the Emperor Justinian in 537AD. It was the religious center of the city during the Byzantine period. It was used as a church for 916 years and as a mosque for 481 years, In 1934, by the order of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk it was converted into a museum and since it is open to the visitors.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Blue Mosque
Built by the Ottoman Sultan Ahmet I in the year 1616, it is located opposite the Hagia Sophia. Blue mosque today is one of the most famous landmarks of the old city with its famous six minarets and magnificent dome. Although it is officially called Sultanahmet Mosque, the name Blue Mosque was given to it by the visitors because of the amazing blue tiles decorating the interior walls
60 minutes here
TopkapI Palace
As well as being the imperial residence of the Sultan, the palace was also the seat of government for the ottoman empire. It housed the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years until the Dolmabahçe palace was built. In 1924 it was converted into a museum. Today it is famous with harem, royal treasury, and holy relics sections
120 minutes here · Admission not included
Hippodrome
Built by the Roman Emperor Septimus Severus in 203AD, during the Roman period hippodrome was the civil center for the people of the city where once 100,000 spectators could be held. Located in the heart of Sultanahmet surrounded by Blue mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi palace, today it is home to The Egyptian Obelisk (Dikilitaş), The Serpentine Column (Burma sütun), The Constantine Column and German Fountain.
Pass by without stopping
Grand Bazaar
18 entrances and more than 4000 shops it is one of the greatest bazaars in the world. It was built between 1455-1461 by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror. Today, shops selling the same kind of merchandise tend to be congregated in their own streets or inns as it was the original Ottoman system At the end of the tour drive you back to the departure point
120 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Istanbul
In front of the Hagia Sophia
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Ends at
In front of the Hagia Sophia
Options you can book
Tour with pick up and drop off
This option: offers pick up and drop off from your hotels and Galata Port. Pick Up Area: Taksim, Besiktas, Pera, Sultanahmet Hotels and Galata Port. Duration: 6 hours: Customizable Lunch: will be served ın a local restaurant Pickup included
Walking Tour
This option: is a walking tour. Do Not offer transportation. Meeting point will be ''German Fountain''. Duration: 6 hours Lunch: Lunch will be served in a local restaurant
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- ru, ja, en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Tour Altinkum Travel
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Entry fees to Topkapi Palace (55 USD) and Hagia Sophia (30 USD) are excluded
- Your guide will have pre-paid skip-the-line tickets to avoid long ticket queues. The cost of used entry tickets can be paid to your guide in cash dollar, euro, Turkish lira
- Please take passport for childrens if any
- Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays and Basilica Cistern Cistern will be visited instead
- We guarantee that you will be dropped off at the port before your ship onboard time. (for cruise guests)
- Pick-up times will be updated according to your cruise arrival&departure times. (for cruise guests)
- Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 3 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
1 mentionThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
1 mentionPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Food and drink
1 mentionThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Small groups
1 mentionThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
3 verified traveler reviews for Skip The Line Treasures of Istanbul with Lunch. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
An experience not to be missed in Istanbul
This is THE way to savour and be captivated by Istanbul's treasures - especially if like us you have never been to Turkey before, are fairly fit seniors and are lucky enough to be allocated as passionate and helpful a private guide as Ebru. Frankly, you need personal curation to truly appreciate as fully as possible the historical, cultural gems that are Haghia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, the Grand Bazaar etc. Unforunately the Blue Mosque is closed for restoration for some months but we had a good look at it from outside and were taken to remarkable adjoining mosque instead. Ebru was very attentive to our requirements, took numerous pics for us, answered every question and gave us a breather when we needed it. Recommended a not to be missed spice shop at the Grand Bazaar and fixed an excellent lunch. A day of a lifetime at a fair price considering this was a private tour, just the three of us.
Response from the operator: Dear OliverMary Thank you for sharing your experience with us. It's a great pleasure for us to hear that you enjoyed your trip with us. The feedback always motivates us to serve you better. Thank you very much once again and we are looking forward to seeing you again. Kind Regards, TOUR ALTİNKUM TRAVEL
via Tripadvisor
Amazing tours .
Our guide had a great knowledge of the history and the different sites of Istanbul . She showed us maps and photos to help us understand the history of turkey .
via Viator
It was perfect 👌
Airport transfer - drop was on time. Host - Basir throughly breif me the history of istanbul. I'll rate 10/10 Thanks (Shukran) 😎
Response from the operator: Dear Dharmik; Thank you for sharing your experience. It's a great pleasure for us to hear that you enjoyed your trip with us. Your feedback always motivates us to serve you better. We are looking forward to seeing you again. Kind regards, TOUR ALTİNKUM TRAVEL
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
- Every day
- Price range
- $65 to $299
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Tour Altinkum Travel, who run 42 experiences we rank across 9 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 60.0.
See everything Tour Altinkum Travel runsWhy this scores 62
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Skip The Line Treasures of Istanbul with Lunch: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Istanbul.
How much does Skip The Line Treasures of Istanbul with Lunch cost?
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Prices start at $65 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 Skip The Line Treasures of Istanbul with Lunch take?
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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 Skip The Line Treasures of Istanbul with Lunch worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 62 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 3 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 Skip The Line Treasures of Istanbul 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 Skip The Line Treasures of Istanbul with Lunch suitable for kids and families?
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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 Skip The Line Treasures of Istanbul with Lunch?
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Around 1 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-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Skip The Line Treasures of Istanbul 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 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?
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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.
What is included in Skip The Line Treasures of Istanbul with Lunch?
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Included: Pick-up Service from hotel/Port; Professional licenced tour Guide; Lunch in the local restaurant; and All sightseeing mentioned in the itinerary. Not included: Tips to the guide & driver (optional); Beverages with meal; and Admission fees to sites. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Skip The Line Treasures of Istanbul with Lunch include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 854 listed pickup locations in and around Istanbul. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Skip The Line Treasures of Istanbul with Lunch offered in?
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It is offered in Russian, Japanese, 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 Skip The Line Treasures of Istanbul with Lunch?
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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 Skip The Line Treasures of Istanbul with Lunch wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Skip The Line Treasures of Istanbul with Lunch if the weather is bad?
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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 Skip The Line Treasures of Istanbul with Lunch?
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Across 3 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Skip The Line Treasures of Istanbul with Lunch?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Tour with pick up and drop off, Walking Tour. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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