Istanbul Old City Tour With Bosphorus Cruise

4.0 (1 reviews) Istanbul, Turkey
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Duration4h - 7h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Group sizeUp to 20 travelers
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

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.

Options

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

What's included

  • WiFi on board
  • Audio guide on the Bosphorus cruise
  • Pickup service, if the pickup option is selected
  • Unlimited Turkish tea and Nescafe on board
  • 2-hour Bosphorus sightseeing cruise
  • Professional live tour guide
  • Hagia Sophia entrance ticket
  • Topkapi Palace interior visit
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Return transfer

What to expect

  1. Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
    1h · Admission ticket not included
    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.
  2. 30m
    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.
  3. 30m
    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.
  4. German Fountain
    15m
    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.
  5. TopkapI Palace
    30m · Admission ticket not included
    Learn about the former residence of the Ottoman sultans and its role in Ottoman imperial history. The guide provides historical explanations from outside.
  6. Bosphorus Strait
    2h · Admission ticket included
    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.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

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.

End point

Guests who choose to skip the Bosphorus cruise finish the Old City tour at Sultanahmet Square after the land portion.

End point

Guests who join the included Bosphorus cruise finish the tour near SeaLand Travel Agency in Eminonu. Hotel drop-off is not included.

Pickup details

Pickup is available only with the Pickup option and is offered from select central Istanbul areas. Please provide the full name and address of your hotel, apartment, Airbnb, residence, or other accommodation, along with a valid phone number, including country code, preferably via WhatsApp. Pickup times may vary depending on traffic, route order, and accommodation location, so please be ready at the confirmed time. If the vehicle cannot reach your exact address, a nearby meeting point will be provided. Return transfer is not included.

Additional information

  • 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.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

4.0 (1)
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€55.00 per person
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Operated by SeaLand Trip Bosphorus Cruise · Booked through Viator
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