Guided Tour
Istanbul: Full-Day Private Guided Tour
About this activity
Duration 7 hours
Check availability to see starting times
Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Live tour guide
German, English, Russian, Turkish
Instant Confirmation
Pick-up service
Mobile ticketing
Skip the ticket line
Private group
Highlights
- Explore historical treasures such as the Byzantine Hippodrome, Hagia Sophia, and the Blue Mosque.
- Immerse yourself in the grandeur of the Ottoman Empire at Topkapi Palace, with the option to explore the Harem section.
- Wander through the bustling Grand Bazaar, indulging in a shopping spree in the world's largest covered market.
- Tailors tour, seamlessly aligning with your unique preferences and desires.
Full description
Meet your guide either at your hotel or a predetermined location for a quick introduction to Istanbul's captivating attractions. Foster an open dialogue with your guide throughout the program, ensuring seamless integration of your preferences and any schedule adjustments, shaping the tour to align with your unique interests and desires.
Embark on an enthralling journey through Istanbul, uncovering the rich history of Constantinople. The exploration begins with a hotel pick-up, followed by a visit to the Byzantine Hippodrome, where echoes of ancient chariot races still reverberate. Immerse yourself in the architectural marvel of Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece commissioned by Emperor Justinian to amplify the grandeur of the Roman Empire. The Blue Mosque, adorned with mesmerizing blue tiles, eagerly awaits your exploration.
Indulge in a leisurely lunch break before resuming your adventure to the opulent Topkapi Palace, a royal residence for Sultans spanning nearly four centuries. Marvel at its sumptuous decorations, a testament to the grandeur of Ottoman power vividly reflected in meticulously crafted furniture.
Your adventure concludes with the exploration of the Grand Bazaar, the world's largest covered market. Winding through a labyrinth of streets and alleys beneath a majestic dome roof, the tour wraps up, and you'll be chauffeured back to your hotel, enriched with the historical tapestry of Istanbul.
Includes
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (if preferred)
- Licensed official tour guide
- Entrance fees to the museums
- Lunch
Meeting point
Important information
- The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.
- Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays.
- Skip-the-line service is unavailable for active mosques; an entrance queue exists.
- On Fridays, exterior visits to Hagia Sophia or Blue Mosque due to worship.
- If a mosque isn't visited, Basilica Cistern serves as a replacement.
- Tours starting after 11 am may skip sites as they close by 7 pm. Your guide adapts the program based on your priorities.
- Please wear comfortable shoes, and consider bringing your hat and camera.
This excursion, designed as a walking tour due to the nearby locations, recommends utilizing public tram or metro for efficient navigation, avoiding city traffic, and saving time.
If your hotel is not close to Sultanahmet Square, it is recommended to book this tour with hotel pick-up and drop-off service.