Questions and answers
Everything guests ask before they book, answered in one place. Where the answer depends on which tour you are on, every version is here with the tour it belongs to.
Booking, paying and changing
How do I know the booking worked?
You get a confirmation email with the meeting point and the start time within a few minutes. If it has not arrived, check the spam folder and then message us.
Can I change the date after booking?
Yes, subject to availability. Ask more than 24 hours before and there is no charge.
Do I need to print anything?
No. Your name is on the list and the guide has it.
What if I am running late on the day?
Call or WhatsApp the number in your confirmation. The guide waits where they can, and will tell you where to catch the group up.
Is there a minimum number of people?
Scheduled group tours need three people to run. If that is not met we offer another date or a full refund.
Can I book for tomorrow?
Often yes. Message or call rather than using the form, and you will get a straight answer about whether we can do it.
Do you answer at the weekend?
Yes. The tours run every day and so does the inbox.
Can you help if I am already in Istanbul?
Yes. Most last minute bookings come from people who have just landed. WhatsApp is the quickest route.
What is the minimum number for a private tour?
Our scheduled small group tours can also be booked privately, with a minimum of four people. Ask us for a quote and we will price it for your group.
Can I cancel and get my money back?
Yes, up to 24 hours before the start time, in full. Inside 24 hours we cannot refund.
What if not enough people book?
Scheduled group tours need three people. If that is not met you are offered another date or a full refund, and we tell you as early as we can.
How is it priced?
One fixed price for the whole car, set by the airport and the number of people, and shown in the table above. It is the same in either direction. A return trip is two journeys and is priced as two.
Which day should we not book?
Tuesday. Topkapı is closed on Tuesdays and the tour does not run that day.
On the day itself
How much time do you need at the end?
We aim to have you back three hours before an international departure.
Which tram do most visitors use?
The T1. It runs from Kabataş through Karaköy, over the Galata Bridge and along the spine of the old city past the Grand Bazaar, Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.
How long is the ferry to the Asian side?
The Eminönü to Kadıköy crossing takes twenty minutes and costs a couple of lira on an Istanbulkart. It is the cheapest way to get the skyline that appears on every postcard.
Which metro line goes to Taksim?
The M2, which climbs the modern European side through Şişhane and Taksim towards Levent. The M4 does the same job on the Asian side, out of Kadıköy.
How do I avoid getting lost in the Grand Bazaar?
Four thousand shops and sixty one streets, and no useful way to memorise it. Pick a gate, note its name, and if you get lost ask for that gate by name. Beyazit Gate opens onto the university square at the west end and Nuruosmaniye Gate onto its mosque at the east.
Are these network maps current?
Metro Istanbul publish the official maps and update them whenever a line opens. The one on this page still shows several lines as under construction, so treat it as a shape rather than a timetable.
Do we travel by car?
In the old city you travel by tram and on foot, because a private car in Istanbul traffic is usually the slowest way between two sights that are ten minutes apart. Itineraries that reach further out use a car with a driver.
Are entrance fees included?
Entrance fees and public transport fares are covered on most of the itineraries here, and each one lists what its own price covers. Food, drinks and anything you buy along the way are not included unless your quote says otherwise.
Which sights close, and on which day?
As things stand, Topkapı Palace and the Harem close on Tuesdays, the Grand Bazaar closes on Sundays, Dolmabahçe Palace closes on Mondays, and Chora and Rumeli Fortress close on Wednesdays. The days move with the season and with restoration work, so we check them again before we confirm your date and rearrange the order rather than walk you to a locked door.
Can two half days be joined into one?
Yes. Finish times move when they do, because traffic, queues and the weather do not read itineraries.
Where does the day start?
Your guide meets you at your hotel or at the cruise port and confirms the plan with you there. At the end of the day you are free to carry on by yourself, or your guide walks you back.
Can you build something that is not on the site?
Yes. Ottoman architecture, textiles, photography, the Byzantine city, food only, a route your family can manage in the heat. Tell us what you want and we will say honestly whether it works.
What do you need to know from us?
Your dates and whether they can move, how many of you and the ages if children are coming, where you are staying so we can plan the start, what you would be disappointed to miss, how far you are happy to walk and whether anyone needs a slower pace, and anything you cannot eat.
What if I do not know what I want to see?
That is the normal case and it is easy to work with. Answer in whatever shape it arrives: a list of names, a half memory of a photograph, or nothing more specific than the old city and somewhere good to eat. We turn it into a route that works on the ground, in an order that does not have you crossing the city twice.
Do closing days change the plan?
Topkapı Palace closes on Tuesdays and the Grand Bazaar closes on Sundays. Other closing days move with the season and with restoration work, so rather than print a list that goes stale we check what is open on your date and build the route around it.
Where do we meet?
- Istanbul Morning Food Tour At Itimat Fabrika Satış Yeri in Rüstem Paşa, a short walk from the Eminönü tram stop. The tram runs from 6am until around midnight, so it is easy to reach from anywhere central.
- Istanbul Evening Food & Culture Tour A short walk from the Karaköy tram stop. You get the exact address when you book. The tram runs from 6am until around midnight.
- Top Sights of Old Istanbul (half day) Your guide comes to your hotel, or to the cruise ship port. From there you go by tram or on foot, depending on where you are staying.
How is this different from the morning tour?
The morning tour starts with a full Turkish breakfast. This one is savoury from the first stop and catches the city at dusk.
Do we cross to Asia on both tours?
Yes, both cross the Bosphorus by public ferry. It is the best twenty minutes in Istanbul.
Where exactly do we meet?
Just outside the terminal, at the Meet and Greet area. Airport rules keep our staff out of the arrivals hall. At Istanbul Airport you walk out through Gate 13 and look for the board reading SW 39. At Sabiha Gökçen you go out through the West Entrance by column 9 and look for the board reading F84. Give the representative your name and they will take you to the car.
Do we go inside all four?
Yes, subject to prayer times at the Blue Mosque and any closure days, which your guide checks the day before.
Is there a dress code?
- Istanbul Old City Highlights Tour Yes, for the mosque. Shoulders and knees covered, and a scarf over the hair for women. Shoes come off at the prayer area. The full note is on this page under the meeting point.
- Istanbul Off the Beaten Path Tour We go inside two working mosques. Cover your shoulders and knees, and women need a scarf for the head. Shoes come off at the door.
- Fener & Balat Walking Tour Yes, for the churches. Shoulders and knees covered, and no shorts or tank tops inside St George's. Women do not need to cover their hair. The full note is on this page under the meeting point.
Is there a queue at the Blue Mosque?
There is no priority entrance there, so expect 10 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the day is. The other two entries are skip the line.
Can we go inside the buildings?
Where they are open to visitors, yes. Opening days vary and your guide plans around them.
Are entrance tickets included?
Yes. Both tickets, the palace and the Harem, are in the quote, so there is nothing to buy at the gate.
Is the Harem included?
Yes. The palace and the Harem are sold as two separate tickets at the gate, and both are covered.
Will this tour run again?
Possibly. It is not scheduled at the moment. Tell us your dates and we will say honestly whether we can arrange it privately.
What should I wear inside the mosques?
Shoulders and knees covered, and a scarf over the hair for women. Scarves are available at the mosque door if you do not bring one. Shoes come off inside, so wear something you can slip off.
Do I have to share a room?
No. If you book on your own you get your own room.
When does it actually end?
The last night is in Istanbul and you fly home on day 9. The departure airport transfer is not included, but your guide will help you arrange one.
Which sights do we go into?
Hagia Sophia, the Basilica Cistern, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome area and the Grand Bazaar. If you would rather swap one for something else, say so when you book.
Can we add the Harem at Topkapı?
Yes. It is a separate ticket and is not in the price. Ask us to add it when you book, or tell your guide on the day.
Which bazaar do we go to?
Whichever suits the day. The Grand Bazaar closes on Sundays, so on a Sunday we go to the Spice Bazaar, which sells much the same things.
Is the cruise a private boat?
No, it is a scheduled public ferry, which is how Istanbul actually crosses the Bosphorus. It runs about ninety minutes.
How much of the day is on transport?
Taksim, İstiklal and Galata are walked. The rest uses the ferry and public transport, which in Istanbul traffic is usually quicker than a private car.
Airports, flights and transfers
What if my flight is delayed?
- Layover tours of Istanbul Tell us the flight number when you book and we watch it. The plan shortens to fit whatever time is left.
- Private Airport Transfer, Istanbul We watch the flight number you give us when you book, so a delay or an early landing is already known to us and the pick up moves with it. The driver waits up to an hour after landing. If you need longer, or anything else changes, tell us on WhatsApp straight away.
Can I do this if I am staying airside?
- Layover tours of Istanbul No. You need to clear immigration, which means your passport must allow it.
- Istanbul Layover Tour Only if you clear immigration. Most nationalities enter Turkey visa free or on an e-visa bought online in a few minutes, but it is your passport, so please check it.
Which airport do you cover?
- Layover tours of Istanbul Both. Istanbul Airport on the European side and Sabiha Gökçen on the Asian side.
- Istanbul Layover Tour Istanbul Airport only. The layover tour is not offered from Sabiha Gökçen.
Which airports?
Both Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gökçen.
Are the vehicles licensed?
Yes. The vehicles are licensed and insured to carry passengers, and the drivers work with us regularly rather than being whoever is free that day.
Am I met at the airport?
Yes, the arrival transfer is included. Send us your flight details when you book.
What about luggage on the internal flights?
The trip includes two domestic flights, so pack for an airline allowance. We confirm the exact limits with your booking, and you can leave anything extra at the Istanbul hotel where the trip starts.
How long a gap do I need?
Eight hours between flights is the minimum we can run. Under that the drive in and out takes most of it, and we will say so rather than sell you a rushed tour.
What if my flight is late?
We track the arrival. The tour starts when you land and we shorten the route rather than the margin at the other end.
What happens to our bags?
They stay in the vehicle with the driver, so you walk the city with your hands free.
Food and what you eat
Is there a vegetarian version?
Yes, tell us when you book and the guide will swap the meat stops for vegetarian ones. Vegan is harder but possible with notice.
Will I need lunch afterwards?
No. People usually skip the next meal entirely.
Are drinks included?
Local drinks are included. Anything extra you order is not.
Is lunch included?
- Istanbul Old City Highlights Tour No. Your guide will point you at somewhere good nearby afterwards.
- Secrets of Istanbul: Half Day Walking Tour No. The tour finishes around one o'clock near Eminönü, and your guide will point you at somewhere good.
- Top Sights of Old Istanbul (half day) No. This is a half day with no meal stop built in. Your guide will point you at somewhere good when you finish.
- The Ultimate Old Istanbul Tour (full day) No. Your guide breaks the day somewhere good and you pay for your own meal.
Is lunch included in the price?
Lunch is not included, budget roughly 10 to 15 USD. Your guide orders for the table if you want them to.
Is there vegetarian food at the lunch stop?
Yes. Tell your guide and they will order accordingly.
Is there vegetarian food?
Salads and grilled vegetables are always available. The southeast is not used to cooking vegetarian, so the choice is narrower than it would be in Istanbul. Tell us before you book.
Weather and closing days
What happens if it rains?
The tour runs. Istanbul is worth seeing wet. If conditions are genuinely unsafe we cancel and you choose a refund or another date.
What if it rains?
- Istanbul Morning Food Tour The tour runs in all weather. Bring a jacket and shoes you do not mind getting wet. We only cancel in genuinely unsafe conditions, and then you get a full refund.
- Istanbul Evening Food & Culture Tour The tour goes ahead. Dress for it and bring an umbrella. We only cancel for genuinely unsafe weather, and then you get a full refund.
- Istanbul Old City Highlights Tour The tour runs in all weather, and most of it is indoors or under cover. Bring an umbrella for the walk between sights.
- Fener & Balat Walking Tour The tour runs. Almost all of it is outdoors and the cobbles turn slippery, so bring proper shoes and a jacket. We only cancel in unsafe weather, and then you get a full refund.
- Private Topkapı Palace & Harem Tour The pavilions, the treasury and the Harem are all indoors. The courtyards between them are open, so bring an umbrella.
What happens if I book a Friday?
Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque close on Friday mornings for prayers, so the Friday tour runs in the afternoon, 13:30 to 17:30.
What happens on a Sunday?
The Grand Bazaar closes on Sundays. We go to the Spice Bazaar instead, which is open every day and sells much the same things.
Do closure days matter?
They do. Hagia Sophia closes on Mondays from September to April, and the Grand Bazaar closes on Sundays. Send us your date and we will build the day around what is open.
What happens if we book a Tuesday?
Topkapı closes on Tuesdays. On a Tuesday we visit Dolmabahçe Palace instead, which is a very different building and a good day in its own right.
What happens if we book a Monday?
Dolmabahçe Palace closes on Mondays. Send us your date and we will either move the palace or swap it for something else worth the time.
Walking, children and access
Are children allowed?
Yes on every tour, at a reduced price on the group ones. The tour page says the ages.
Can you plan around someone who cannot walk far?
Yes. Tell us how far you are happy to walk and whether anyone needs a slower pace, and the route is built around that rather than trimmed on the day.
How much walking is there?
A morning of it, all flat or gently sloping, with plenty of sitting down to eat between the stops.
Can children come?
- Istanbul Morning Food Tour Yes. Children aged 5 to 11 are €50 each, and from 12 they pay the adult price. For under 5s a private tour works better, because the pace and the standing about do not suit them.
- Istanbul Evening Food & Culture Tour Yes. Children aged 5 to 11 are €50 each, and from 12 they pay the adult price. Under 5s do better on a private tour, because the pace and the late finish are hard on small children.
- Istanbul Old City Highlights Tour Yes. Children of 5 and under are free, and from 6 a child is charged the adult price, because that is the age the museums start charging for a ticket. Bring their passport or ID: the ticket desks ask for it.
- Istanbul Off the Beaten Path Tour Yes. Children aged 5 to 11 come free, and from 12 they pay the adult price. Under 5s do better on a private tour where the pace is yours.
- Fener & Balat Walking Tour Yes. Children aged 5 to 11 come free, and from 12 they pay the adult price. Under 5s do better on a private tour, because of the steps and the slopes.
- Private Topkapı Palace & Harem Tour Yes. Children under 6 do not need an entry ticket, but bring a passport or ID for them, because the ticket office asks for proof of age.
- Top Sights of Old Istanbul (half day) Yes. Children under 6 do not take a place in the group, so they are free. From 6 a child counts as one person in the group size, because the sights charge the full ticket price from that age.
- The Ultimate Old Istanbul Tour (full day) Yes. Children under 6 do not take a place in the group, so they are free. From 6 a child counts as one person in the group size.
- Istanbul Layover Tour Yes. Children aged 5 to 11 come free, and from 12 they pay the adult price.
How much walking?
Three hours of it at an easy pace, with a tram ride at each end and a sit down for lunch in the middle.
Is it very hilly?
There are some slopes and cobbles. Comfortable shoes matter more than fitness.
How fit do I need to be?
It is rated 3 out of 5. There is a lot of walking on uneven ground, a climb at Nemrut and some long drives. Minimum age is 16.
Guides and languages
Do you speak anything other than English?
Tours run in English every day. Spanish and German are available on private tours by arrangement, and Salih speaks Turkish.
Can we have a guide in another language?
- Private tours of Istanbul Private tours run with English speaking guides, and we also have German, Spanish and Italian speaking guides. Tell us which you need when you ask for a quote and we will confirm who is free on your dates.
- Top Sights of Old Istanbul (half day) Our guides work in English, German, Spanish and Italian. Tell us which you need when you book and we will confirm availability for your date.
Not here
Ask us instead
These 80 are the ones that come up. Anything else, and the fastest answer is a message: it is usually the same day.