Explore the highlights of Istanbul with an enjoyable tour that includes Topkapı Palace and Harem, Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, and Hagia Sophia, accompanied by an expert guide. Don't miss this fun historical tour!
Tour TimingsDuration: 08 Hours
Open: The tour starts at approximately 09:00 a.m. & ends around 05:30 p.m.
Itinerary
- Discover the wonders of the Basilica Cistern with a guide
- Step into the 6th-century Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque and delve into its rich history.
- Experience the grandeur and allure of Islamic architecture at the Blue Mosque
- Explore the residence of sultans at Topkapı Palace & Harem with a guide
- Look for a bargain as you pass by hundreds of stalls in the Grand Covered Bazaar
- Uncover the mysteries of Constantinople's first church, the Hagia Irene Church
Discover the wonders of Istanbul with our expert guide as you embark on a journey through the city's rich history and cultural gems. Whether you find your guide at the meeting point or opt for the convenience of being picked up from centrally-located hotels, our air-conditioned coach ensures a comfortable ride to the departure point.
Your adventure begins at the iconic Blue Mosque, where you'll marvel at its 20,000 blue Iznik ceramic tiles and six towering minarets. Delve into its history, learning how it was constructed for Sultan Ahmet I, marking the culmination of the Classical period.
Next, immerse yourself in the sporting and social center of ancient Constantinople at the Hippodrome. Explore the German Fountain of Wilhelm II, the Bronze Serpentine Column, the Obelisk of Theodosius, and the Column of Constantine. Pause in awe in front of the historic Hagia Sophia, a 6th-century marvel built by Emperor Justinian as a Greek Orthodox Church. Gain insights into its transformative journey, having been the largest church in the world for a millennium.
Continue your exploration at the enchanting Basilica Cistern, avoiding ticket lines to uncover its wonders beneath Istanbul's streets. Stroll through intriguing chambers, marvel at impressive architecture, and encounter the legendary Medusa heads from Greek mythology.
Indulge in a shopping experience for memorable gifts at a selected store before entering the bustling Grand Bazaar, the oldest and biggest covered market in the world. Lose yourself in its 65 streets with over 4000 shops.
After the lunch break continue your adventure with a Visit to Topkapi Palace, the opulent former residence and administrative center of Ottoman Sultans for over four centuries. Don't wait in the ticket line for hours, pay your ticket fee in Turkish Lira cash to your guide.
Let your guide buy your skip the line ticket for you. Marvel at the priceless treasures on display, including sacred Islamic relics, imperial artifacts, and exquisite works of art.
Admire the intricacies of the Harem, a secluded residence within Topkapı Palace, housing the sultan, his mother, concubines, wives, and other female relatives. Explore its myriad rooms, courtyards, and chambers reflecting the cultural, social, and political intricacies of the Ottoman Empire.
Proceed to the Hagia Irene Church, a significant Byzantine landmark and the first church constructed in Constantinople. Gain insights into the early Christian heritage of the city through this ancient structure. Conclude your immersive journey with a comfortable drop-off at your hotel, ensuring a seamless and convenient end to your day of exploration in Istanbul, Turkey.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Inclusions:
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (If option selected)
- Local guide
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Local taxes
Exclusions:
- Topkapı Palace & Harem & Hagia Irene Church entrance ticket (1700 Turkish Liras cash, per person)
- Basilica Cistern entry ticket (800TL cash, per person)
- Gratuities
- Drinks
- Lunch
Ticket Information
Tour without pick up:
- Adults: 08 - 99 €48.75
- Children: 04 – 07 €36.12
- Infant: 00 - 03 free
Group organization & language: English
Meeting Point: In front of Buhara 93 Restaurant
Address: Sultan Ahmet, Nakilbent Sk. 15/A, 34122 Fatih/Istanbul
Pin Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/vdv6fwCrgM2i7BcU8
Tour with Pick up:
- Adults: 08 - 99 €57.75
- Children: 04 – 07 €42.75
- Infant: 00 - 03 free
Accessibility:
- Stroller accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- Near public transportation
Hotel Pick Up
- Pick-up from hotels (If option selected) in the Sisli, Osmanbey, Harbiye, Taksim, Findikli, Karakoy, Tepebasi, Sirkeci, Sultanahmet, Kadirga, Beyazit, Laleli, Aksaray, Yenikapi, Findikzade, Topkapi areas
- This is a shared transfer and pick up could be early or late.
- For each hotel there is a fixed pick-up time.
- Please wait in the hotel lobby 10 minutes before your scheduled pick-up time.
- Once the booking is confirmed, we will notify the customer for the pick-up time.
- Shared transfer with Minibus or Midibus.
Important Things to know before you visit
- Topkapı Palace & Harem & Hagia Irene Church entrance ticket (1700 Turkish Liras cash, per person)
- Basilica Cistern entry ticket (800TL cash, per person)
- Operated all year round except on Tuesday & Friday.
- Please dress appropriately when entering sacred sites.
- Participants are advised to wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt.
- Please bring a scarf to cover head.
- You will be notified of your pick-up time after we have received your booking.
- The Grand Bazaar is closed on religious holidays and Sundays.
- Since January 2024, the Hagia Sophia Mosque main Saloon is closed for the visit of tourists. After the tour is over, you can visit mosque for an additional fee of 25 Euros.
- You will be granted the privilege to bypass the ticket line after paying your entrance fee to your guide in Turkish Lira and cash
