Go to all of the major sites in Istanbul on a private, full-day tour. Admire the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, see Topkapi Palace and learn about the Ottoman Empire, spend time exploring the Hippodrome, and do some shopping at the Grand Bazaar.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
- COVID-19 precautions
- Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
- Mobile ticketing
- Use your phone or print your voucher
- Duration 7 hours
- Starting time 8:45 AM
- Skip the ticket line
- Instant confirmation
- Live tour guide
- English, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese
- Pickup included
- Pick-up from hotel/port
- Private group
Experience
Highlights
- See the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia
- Learn about Ottoman sultans at Topkapi Palace
- Go shopping and try out your bartering skills at the Grand Bazaar
- Explore the Hippodrome and see the original structures that are still standing
Full description
Discover the highlights of Istanbul on a private full-day tour that takes in the major attractions.
Begin with a walk through the lively streets of Turkey's largest city to visit the dramatic former basilica of the Hagia Sophia; a great architectural beauty and an important monument during the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires.
Move on to the Blue Mosque, officially known as the Sultanahmet Mosque. It is the mosque's striking blue tiles that give it its more common name and make it one of Istanbul's most iconic attractions.
Continue to Topkapi Palace, a relic of the glory days of the great Ottoman Empire. You will also visit the Hippodrome, the former circus built in 203 A.D. by the Roman Emperor Septimus Severus. See the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpentine Column, and the Constantine Column. You'll also get to check out the gazebo-like German Fountain of Wilhelm II, made from 8 marble columns.
Finally, stop at the Grand Bazaar; one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with hundreds of small handcraft shops selling everything from handmade carpets to Turkish coffee.
Includes
- Fully-guided day tour
- Professional guide licensed by the Ministry of Tourism
- Air-conditioned VIP Mercedes van
- Entrance fees
- Lunch
- Drinks
Not suitable for
- People with mobility impairments
COVID-19 precautions
Safety measures in place
- All required protective equipment is provided
- All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
- Customers must keep distance in vehicles
- The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
Traveler requirements
- Customers will get a mandatory temperature check
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Prepare for the activity
Important information
What to bring
- Comfortable shoes
Know before you go
- Please note, Hagia Sophia is closed on Monday and Topkapi palace is closed on Tuesday. When closed, these places will be replaced with Yerebatan underground basilica cistern
- Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays and will be replaced with spice bazaar
- Please note that the Blue Mosque will be closed to visitors between March 1 2018 and May 15 2018 due to renovations. During this time there will be no interior visit to the mosque and can be seen from outside
