1 day

Popular

Private

Full Day

Instant confirmation

About this activity

On this tour you will visit the following historic sites:

Blue Mosque:

Just across from the Hippodrome, the Sultan Ahmet Mosque (also known as the Blue Mosque) is a superb creation in the classical Ottoman style. The mosque has six towering minarets and 260 windows illuminating its vast main chamber, which is decorated with more than 20,000 Iznik tiles.

Hagia Sophia:

One of the finest and largest architectural works of art in the world, this former basilica and mosque is now the Saint Sophia Museum. Many historians have nominated it as the 8th wonder of the world. Take a moment to linger here to admire the fine Byzantine mosaics.

Underground Cistern or Nakkas Cistern:

The Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayı), is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath the city of Istanbul. The cistern, located 500 feet (150m) southwest of the Hagia Sophia on the historical peninsula of Sarayburnu, was built in the 6th century during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I.

Topkapi Palace:

The largest and oldest palace in the world, Topkapi is the crown jewel of the Ottoman Empire. With its treasury and exotic buildings overlooking the Golden Horn, your visit to Topkapi promises to be a truly fascinating experience. (Closed on Tuesdays; will be replaced with Istanbul Archaeology Museum)

Hippodrome and Obelisk:

The Hippodrome was once the heart of Constantinople’s political and sporting life, and the scene of games and riots through 500 years of Ottoman history. Today it is a city park called the Horse Grounds (At Meydanı) because of its function in Ottoman times. The Hippodrome includes the 3500-year-old Egyptian granite Obelisk, brought to Constantinople by Emperor Theodosius in 390 AD.

Grand Bazaar:

In operation since the 14th century, the Grand Bazaar is one of the world's largest covered markets, with 58 streets and over 4,000 shops. The bazaar is specially known for its jewelry, leather, pottery, spices and carpets. (Closed on Sundays; additional time will be spent at the other locations.)
*On Mondays from (October 20, 2015) when Hagia Sophia is closed, this visit will be replaced with a similar museum.

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Included

Hotel pickup and drop off
Lunch
Local guide
Transport by private vehicle
Entry/Admission - Hagia Sophia Museum / Church (Ayasofya)
Entry/Admission - Topkapi Palace
Entry/Admission - Basilica Cistern

Not included

Gratuities
Food and drinks, unless specified
Entrance to Harem Section in the Topkapi Palace

Additional

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not recommended for children aged 4 and under
In the event of any museum closures, an alternative similar museum will be visited
During religious holidays July 28, 29 and 30 and October 4, 5, 6 and 7, 2014 the Spice market and Grand Bazaar will be closed
Customers booking this tour for shore excursions will not have time to visit the Basilica Cistern, due to the limited time in Istanbul
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

Features

Tourism

95%

Cultural

80%

Reviews

4.5

197

A

AnilahQ

5 | 2018-05-16

Fantastic tour! Had a couple of people with me who had never been to Istanbul and this tour was just the right thing for us all. Highly recommended to anyone new to Istanbul or who love visiting this city.

A

AnilahQ

5 | 2017-10-13

Recently visited Istanbul and had most amazing experience. Our tour guide 'Sevilay' was brilliant. Informative and full of knowledge. She made the whole experience memorable. This private tour was perfect for first time visiting the city. We managed to see all important historical sites in just a few hours. Highly recommend this tour for visitors regardless of how many times you have been.

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