Istanbul Charms: Old City Tour, Fener-Balat & Whirling Dervish

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A cityscape with unique rock formations and a sunset. 1

A historic town with a prominent rock formation and dense architecture. 2

Istanbul Charms: Old City Tour, Fener-Balat & Whirling Dervish

By Travel Experts

Free cancellation available

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Features

Free cancellation available
3d
Mobile voucher
Instant confirmation
Multiple languages

Overview

Spend three days getting to know Istanbul beyond a typical sightseeing itinerary. Start your stay with a comfortable airport transfer, then step into the historic heart of the city to discover the remarkable legacy of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires. From the grandeur of Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace to the underground Basilica Cistern and the bustling Grand Bazaar, Sultanahmet offers an unforgettable introduction to Istanbul’s past. The following day brings a change of scenery as you explore the colourful and characterful streets of Fener and Balat, filled with historic buildings, religious landmarks, vibrant façades, and Golden Horn views. Round off your Istanbul experience with an evening at Hodjapasha Cultural Centre, where the mesmerising Whirling Dervish ceremony offers a glimpse into one of Türkiye’s most distinctive spiritual and cultural traditions.

Activity location

Istanbul
- Istanbul, Turkiye

Meeting/Redemption Point

Sabiha Gökçen International Airport
- 34906, Sanayi, İstanbul, Türkiye

Multiple meeting/redemption points available, see location information for full list

Check availability

from-to Cappadocia Hotels

3d
English

Hot Air Balloon Ride: INCLUDED - If your balloon ride is cancelled due to poor weather conditions, you will be refunded cost of balloon ride.
quad bike Quad Bike Ride: INCLUDED - If your quad bike Quad Bike Ride is cancelled due to poor weather conditions, you will be refunded cost of this activity
Tour Level: The guided tours of this trip package will be organised as a semi-private tour, with a maximum of 10 guests per group.
Pick-up & Drop-off: These services are available for hotels in Goreme, Urgup, Uchisar, Ortahisar, Avanos, Cavusin.
Guided Tour Language: English
Pickup included

Travellers

Languages available

Starting time

Price details

AU$1,042.95 x 1 AdultAU$1,042.95

Paid at activityAU$186.07

Total

from-to Cappadocia Airports

3d
English

Hot Air Balloon Ride: INCLUDED - If your balloon ride is cancelled due to poor weather conditions, you will be refunded cost of balloon ride.
quad bike Quad Bike Ride: INCLUDED - If your quad bike Quad Bike Ride is cancelled due to poor weather conditions, you will be refunded cost of this activity
Tour Level: The guided tours of this trip package will be organised as a semi-private tour, with a maximum of 10 guests per group.
Pick-up & Drop-off: These services are available for Nevsehir Kapadokya (NAV) Airport and Kayseri Erkilet (ASR) Airport.
Guided Tour Language: English
Pickup included

Travellers

Language options: English

Starting time

Price details

AU$406.41 x 2 AdultsAU$812.82

Paid at activityAU$372.14

Total

What's included, what's not

Small-group tour option (up to 10 participants)
Professional, licensed tour guide authorised by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism
Whirling Dervish (Sema) Ceremony
Inbound airport transfer from Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) to your hotel
Private tour option (not shared with other participants)
Hotel pickup and drop-off for the guided walking tours
Accommodation
Meals and drinks
Hagia Sophia
Topkapi Palace
Basilica Cistern

Know before you book

Not recommended for travellers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travellers
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transport options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travellers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The meeting point for Day 2 is the German Fountain at 9:00 AM. The supplier will provide the exact location details, including a Google Maps link, after your booking is confirmed.
The meeting point for Day 3 is the Chora Museum (Kariye Mosque) at 9:00 AM. The supplier will provide the exact location details, including a Google Maps link, after your booking is confirmed.
The meeting point for Day 3 is the Rustem Pasha Mosque at 9:00 AM. The supplier will provide the exact location details, including a Google Maps link, after your booking is confirmed.
The meeting points for our guided walking tours have been carefully selected for easy access by public transport and taxi. This makes it convenient for you to reach your meeting point from your hotel or other locations in Istanbul.
Hotel pickup and drop-off service will be provided for the Whirling Dervish Ceremony. The pickup time will be communicated separately by the supplier after your booking is confirmed.
Hotel pickup and drop-off service will be provided for the Sunset Cruise at Bosphorus. The pickup time will be communicated separately by the supplier after your booking is confirmed.
As Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays, it will be replaced by a visit to the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum on these days.
Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays and will be replaced by a visit to the Istanbul Archaeological Museums on these days
The Grand Bazaar and Spice Market are closed during the Eid holidays on March 09–11 and May 16–19, 2027.

Activity itinerary

Day 1:

1 stop
Meals: Not included
Accommodation: Not included

Istanbul

1h 30m

Welcome to Türkiye! Your first day is dedicated to your arrival in Istanbul. Upon landing, our team will meet you at the airport and provide a comfortable private transfer to your accommodation. The rest of the day is free to relax and recover from your journey.

Day 2: Istanbul Old City Walking Tour

9 stops
Meals: Not included
Accommodation: Not included

Sultanahmet District (Pass by)

You’ll meet your licensed tour guide and embark on a small-group (up to 8 participants) walking tour exploring the highlights of Sultanahmet, the historic heart of Istanbul. Today’s tour includes visits to Hagia Sophia, the Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace, the Basilica Cistern, and the Grand Bazaar. The meeting point for today’s tour is the German Fountain in Sultanahmet. Your tour guide will be waiting for you at the meeting point, and from there, you’ll begin your walking tour of Istanbul’s Old City. The tour is entirely on foot, so no transport service is required or included.

German Fountain

The German Fountain, located at the northern end of Sultanahmet Square in Istanbul, across from the Mausoleum of Sultan Ahmed I, is a striking gazebo-style structure. Built to commemorate the second anniversary of German Emperor Wilhelm II’s 1898 visit to Istanbul, the fountain was constructed in Germany, transported in pieces, and assembled on-site in 1900. Designed in the Neo-Byzantine style, it features an octagonal dome supported by eight marble columns, with its interior adorned in stunning golden mosaics.

Hippodrome

The Hippodrome of Constantinople, now known as Sultanahmet Square, was once the grand chariot racing arena and a key social and sporting hub of Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire. Today, it stands in modern-day Istanbul as a public square, renowned for its rich history and the surviving remnants of its ancient structures.

Blue Mosque (Pass by)

The Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque) is one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, famous for its elegant six minarets and beautiful blue Iznik tiles. You’ll admire the mosque from the outside and learn about its history and architectural significance from your guide.

Sultanahmet Square

After a short walk through Sultanahmet Square, you’ll continue to Hagia Sophia, the next stop on your tour.

Hagia Sophia Mosque

1h
Admission ticket not included

Visit the Hagia Sophia with pre-booked tickets and experience one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, deeply rooted in Greek Orthodox history. Discover how this magnificent structure was transformed into a mosque following the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople. Marvel at the unique blend of architectural elements from both a mosque and a church, coexisting harmoniously. Take in the grandeur of its soaring dome, towering minarets, intricate mosaics, vivid paintings, and ancient Roman columns. Learn about the addition of exquisite İznik tiles over the years, the craftsmanship behind the Virgin Mary mosaic, and the Ottoman tradition of burying their sultans in the courtyard.

Basilica Cistern

45m
Admission ticket not included

Walk on the wooden walkways over the water until the famous upside-down Medusa head. The Basilica Cistern, an ancient underground water reservoir in Istanbul, features stunning columns and a mysterious ambiance, reflecting the city's rich history and architectural brilliance. The cistern was known in Byzantium as thebasilica Cistern, Justinian was the founder of the largest underground cistern, built after the Nika Revolt in 532. A must-visit marvel.

Topkapi Palace

1h 30m
Admission ticket not included

Topkapi Palace Museum / Topkapı Sarayı More than just an Imperial Residence of Ottoman Sultans, it was the seat of the Supreme Executive and Judiciary Council for almost 400 years long. Topkapi Palace is a great monument of Oriental architecture which resembles the power of the Ottoman Empire.

Kapali Carsi

Grand Bazaar / Kapalı Çarşı One of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world with over 4,000 shops with colourful products of ceramic, leather, rugs, carpets, handicrafts, clothes, silver, and gold.

Day 3:

9 stops
Meals: Not included
Accommodation: Not included

Chora Museum

45m
Admission ticket not included

Meet your licensed guide at Kariye Mosque and begin your walking tour through the historic Fener and Balat areas. Admire the impressive Byzantine architecture and learn about the site's long history in Istanbul.

Private Fener Greek High School (Pass by)

Continue downhill towards the iconic Fener Greek High School, one of the most distinctive landmarks in the area. Take a moment to admire its striking red-brick architecture from the outside.

Colorful houses

Walk through the charming streets of Fener and Balat, known for their colourful historic houses, traditional architecture, and lively area atmosphere. This is a great opportunity to take photos and experience local Istanbul.

Colorful Stairs

Continue through the picturesque side streets to discover Balat's famous colourful stairs. Stop here for photos and enjoy one of the neighborhood's most recognisable scenes.

Venerable Patriarchal Church of St. George

Continue to the Ecumenical Patriarchate and St. George Church, an important centre of the Greek Orthodox community in Istanbul. Your guide will introduce you to the site's history and significance.

Saint Stephen’s Bulgarian Orthodox Church

Visit the remarkable Bulgarian St. Stephen Church, also known as the Iron Church. Admire its unique cast-iron architecture and beautiful location along the Golden Horn.

Fener & Balat

Continue your walk towards the Balat waterfront, leaving the colourful streets behind as you reach the shores of the Golden Horn. Enjoy a relaxing walk along the waterfront and take in the views.

Golden Horn

End your walking tour at Şair Nedim Park, where you can relax by the waterfront and enjoy beautiful views of the Golden Horn. From here, you can easily continue to your hotel by public transport or taxi.

Whirling Dervishes Istanbul

1h
Admission ticket included

Experience the spiritual beauty of a traditional Whirling Dervish ceremony and witness the mesmerising Sufi ritual of the Mevlevi tradition, offering a unique glimpse into one of Türkiye’s most fascinating cultural traditions.

Location

Activity location

Istanbul
- Istanbul, Turkiye

Meeting/Redemption Point

Sabiha Gökçen International Airport
- 34906, Sanayi, İstanbul, Turkiye
Istanbul Airport
- No:1 Terminal Caddesi
- 34283, Tayakadın, İstanbul, Turkiye

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