ISTANBUL
The pick of Istanbul.
The 15 most popular lunch experiences in Istanbul. A short list of the ones worth planning a day around, with prices, run times and who to book with.
Bursa and Uludag from Istanbul in one packed day: Green Mosque sights, Turkish sweets and jam, included lunch, and optional cable car views.
Most Popular“Best tour ever! Uludag is a must to visit if you are in Turkey!”
One day in Istanbul’s old center with a guide, skip-the-line entry, lunch, and time in the Grand Bazaar, plus optional palace visits.
“The guide Barish (so?) was excellent. He had fantastic knowledge to share and spoke in clear and concise manner We were able to get into the venues easily with his help. It was one of the best tours we have experienced. I did not rate transportation because we used Uber and walked back to Hotel.…”
Cruise from Istanbul to Princes Islands with Ottoman mansions, seagulls and simits, plus lunch and free time on Büyükada.
“Fantastic value for money, for $46 NZD. We were picked up from our hotel right on time and ferry departed at 9.45am, exactly as stated on the itinerary. The ferry is cozy and the food was good. We went to 2 islands, and had a fabtastic time at both places. Enjoyed an ice cream and…”
Guided day trip from Istanbul to Sapanca and Maşukiye with Sapanca Lake time, lunch by a waterfall, cable car, quad rides and zipline.
“Our guide was good, we visited every place written in the program, it is worth the money.”
A 7-hour Princes’ Islands cruise from Istanbul with hotel transfer, lunch onboard, and free time on Büyükada and Kınalıada.
“They are really nice , I was late to arriving point on first island but they were helpful and understanding to get there. Lively atmosphere and music.highly recommended”
Explore Istanbul’s Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and Grand Bazaar with hotel pickup, included tickets, traditional lunch, small group.
“We had a very kind leader, beautiful places checked, and walked around. Thank you so much for your work. Never forget that day. Istanbul is amazing. And has a very good lunch in an amazing restaurant.”
Istanbul Heritage Tour with hotel pickup, guided visits to Hagia Sophia through Topkapi, and a Bosphorus-view lunch with tickets included.
“Points of interest and lunch were great! High pressure sales at the leather shop was not good and sales personnel got mad when we tried to leave and yelled at us as we walked away.”
See Istanbul’s top sights in one day with a live English guide, skip-the-line entries, and lunch, finishing in the Grand Bazaar.
“Awesome! Baris was amazing! He was quick in his feet, very helpful & knowledgeable. He offered great recommendations. Definitely recommend.”
See both sides of Istanbul in one 12-hour tour with Camlica views, Beylerbeyi Palace, lunch, Eyüp Sultan Mosque, Pierre Loti, and a Bosporus cruise.
“Outstanding variety of places visited, some off the beaten track, and knowledgeable, friendly guides.”
Escape Istanbul on a 12-hour Sapanca & Maşukiye day trip with cable car views, optional zipline/ATV thrills, and a lakeside lunch.
“The program was well organized. The guide was helpful and the driver was very careful. There were multiple activities, and participation was completely optional. We rode the cable car and enjoyed a beautiful view. Lunch was nice; we ate at a restaurant by Lake Sapanca. Overall, the tour was good, I would recommend it.”
Small-group Istanbul day tour: skip-the-line Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, Turkish lunch, Egyptian Spice Bazaar, and a Bosphorus cruise.
“Ali was very informative and kept us on track so we saw everthing on the tour agenda. He made good recommendations. Thank you for sharing your country/ city with us.”
Full-day Princes’ Islands escape with ferry views of Topkapi and Maiden’s Tower, Heybeliada and Büyükada time, lunch, and optional hotel transfers.
“Excellent well organised trip from start to finish. Our guide (Kardelen) was very good , she looked after the group and was always at hand for questions. Very good English, i might add.”
Half-day Bosphorus to Black Sea cruise from Istanbul with Turkish lunch, swimming stops, and famous skyline views from the water.
“This was a great trip. It was only 15-20 people on the boat so it was nice size group. The staff was great, friendly and knowledgeable. It was one of the only trips that did the swimming in the Black Sea which was great. The lunch place was fun and beautiful. I would highly recommend.”
Fast, guided Cappadocia from Istanbul with a roundtrip flight, skip-the-line help, Avanos lunch, and classic fairy-chimney viewpoints in one long day.
“It was offered an 8 hr tour, when actually is a 5 hrs tour. From 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Flying from istanbul is to much for only five hours. Don't do it.”
Sail from Kabataş past Istanbul’s palaces and bridges, reach Anadolu Kavağı on the Black Sea, and enjoy a two-course lunch on board.
“The beach on the Black Sea was disappointing. It was very dirty and very crowded.”
From the strait to the old city to the day trips beyond, and every way to see them.
