Istanbul Old City Tour with Lunch and Bosphorus Cruise
Overview
Experience Istanbul’s rich history with the Istanbul Old City and Bosphorus tour. This Tour will take you through the city’s most remarkable landmarks and immerse you in the captivating allure of Constantinople. In just 12 hours, you can explore the historical epochs of Istanbul and embrace the ancient vibes of Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans.
This Tour is ideal for all travelers, whether you’re here for business or leisure. You will visit the Suleymaniye Mosque, one of the most important mosques in history and a historical landmark of the old city of Istanbul, as well as other iconic sites.
Take advantage of this chance to witness the magnificent beauty of Istanbul! Secure your spot today and embark on a remarkable journey through the city's varied and contrasting landscape.
Discover the sights, relish the flavors, and indulge in the distinct charm of Istanbul – the city that links two continents.
What's Included
- Lunch Traditional lunch with one drink
- Applicable taxes and service fees
- 2-Hour Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Pickup and return transfer, if the Transfer option is selected
- Professional English-speaking tour guide during the land tour
- Hagia Sophia entrance ticket (available for an additional on-site fee)
- Topkapi Palace interior admission
- Pickup and return transfer with the Meeting Point option
- Additional food and drinks
- Personal expenses and tips
Meeting and Pickup
Included with the option “SL:12 - With Transfers”.
TOUR START TIME: 09:00 AM PICKUP OCCURS BEFORE THE TOUR STARTS. Pickup is available only with the Transfer option and from selected areas on the European side of Istanbul. Pickup from the Asian side is not available. For central European-side locations, pickup is usually around 08:20 AM. Some locations farther from the city center may have an earlier pickup, around 08:00 AM. Please follow the confirmed pickup time for your booking and do not wait until 09:00 AM. 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. Transfers are shared, so pickup times may vary depending on traffic, route order, and accommodation location. If the vehicle cannot reach your exact address, a nearby pickup point will be provided. Please check your seat and personal belongings before leaving the vehicle.
For the option “SL:12 - Meeting Point”.
Ankara Caddesi
Hobyar, Cağaloğlu Yokuşu Sok. No: 19/A, 34112 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
Rüsrempaşa mah
Ragıp Gümüşpala Cd. 8/2, 34116 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
1 hour Admission Ticket Free
TopkapI Palace
30 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Sultanahmet District
30 minutes Admission Ticket Free
The Blue Mosque
30 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Eyup
1 hour Admission Ticket Free
Saint Stephen’s Orthodox Church
30 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Venerable Patriarchal Church of Saint George
30 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Fener & Balat
30 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Suleymaniye Mosque
1 hour Admission Ticket Free
Bosphorus Strait
2 hours Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace are viewed and explained from outside. Entrance tickets are not included. Guests wishing to enter Hagia Sophia may purchase a fast-entry ticket from the guide during free time, subject to availability.
- A traditional lunch with one drink is included in both options. Comfortable walking shoes and modest clothing suitable for mosque visits are recommended.
- Pickup and return transfers are included only with the Transfer option, from selected central areas on Istanbul's European side. Asian-side pickup is not available. Pickup times vary by location and traffic. If your address is inaccessible, a nearby pickup point may be arranged.
- Meeting Point guests should arrive at our Sirkeci office at least 20 minutes before departure. Check your voucher for confirmed pickup or meeting-point instructions, keep WhatsApp active, and present your mobile voucher at check-in.
- The tour's finishing time varies by season. Guests joining the included 2-hour Bosphorus cruise should allow approximately 10-12 hours for the full experience. Cruise participation is optional. If you have other plans afterward or need to know the expected finishing time, please contact us before or after booking. We will be happy to provide an estimated end time for your selected date.
- Guests with the Transfer option who skip the cruise will receive return transportation to their accommodation. Meeting Point guests who skip the cruise finish at Eminonu Square. The itinerary may change due to traffic, closures, or local conditions.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (9)
Q: Will I get seasick on Istanbul Old City Tour with Lunch and Bosphorus Cruise?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-307447P4
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.86 out of 5 stars based on 159 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (9)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
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If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (+03).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Lunch. Traditional lunch with one drink.
- Applicable taxes and service fees.
- 2-Hour Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise.
- Air-conditioned vehicle.
- Pickup and return transfer, if the Transfer option is selected.
- Professional English-speaking tour guide during the land tour.
- Hagia Sophia entrance ticket (available for an additional on-site fee).
- Topkapi Palace interior admission.
- Pickup and return transfer with the Meeting Point option.
- Additional food and drinks.
- Personal expenses and tips.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Istanbul Old City Tour with Lunch and Bosphorus Cruise is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Istanbul Old City Tour with Lunch and Bosphorus Cruise will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- LunchTraditional lunch with one drink
- Applicable taxes and service fees
- 2-Hour Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Pickup and return transfer, if the Transfer option is selected
- Professional English-speaking tour guide during the land tour
- Hagia Sophia entrance ticket (available for an additional on-site fee)
- Topkapi Palace interior admission
- Pickup and return transfer with the Meeting Point option
- Additional food and drinks
- Personal expenses and tips
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace are viewed and explained from outside. Entrance tickets are not included. Guests wishing to enter Hagia Sophia may purchase a fast-entry ticket from the guide during free time, subject to availability.
- A traditional lunch with one drink is included in both options. Comfortable walking shoes and modest clothing suitable for mosque visits are recommended.
- Pickup and return transfers are included only with the Transfer option, from selected central areas on Istanbul's European side. Asian-side pickup is not available. Pickup times vary by location and traffic. If your address is inaccessible, a nearby pickup point may be arranged.
- Meeting Point guests should arrive at our Sirkeci office at least 20 minutes before departure. Check your voucher for confirmed pickup or meeting-point instructions, keep WhatsApp active, and present your mobile voucher at check-in.
- The tour's finishing time varies by season. Guests joining the included 2-hour Bosphorus cruise should allow approximately 10-12 hours for the full experience. Cruise participation is optional. If you have other plans afterward or need to know the expected finishing time, please contact us before or after booking. We will be happy to provide an estimated end time for your selected date.
- Guests with the Transfer option who skip the cruise will receive return transportation to their accommodation. Meeting Point guests who skip the cruise finish at Eminonu Square. The itinerary may change due to traffic, closures, or local conditions.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
