Small Group Tour - Full Day Istanbul City Tour
Description
See top Istanbul attractions around every corner on a full-day tour of the incredible Sultanahmet neighborhood, where Turkey’s Ottoman and Byzantine empires once ruled. Traveling by luxury coach, you’ll stop to visit all the city showstoppers including the UNESCO-listed Hagia Sophia Museum, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and Hagia Irene. Before lunch, discover the roar and dazzle of Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar while hearing tales of sultans, harems and all-things-Istanbul from your friendly expert guide! Please note: Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia will be visited from outside on Friday mornings due to noon prayer. Grand Bazaar on Sundays will be replaced with authentic shops. Topkapı Palace on Tuesdays will be replaced with a tour to Byzantium,
Tour Options
Itinerary
Blue Mosque, facing Hagia Sophia, famous with its blue İznik tiles and unique with 6 minarets, built in the name of Sultan Ahmet.
Grand Covered Bazaar, most attractive shopping center and the biggest "souk" in the world with nearly 4000 shops selling antiques, jewellery, gold, carpets, leatherware and souvenir. (Art demonstration of handmade Turkish carpets upon request)
Hagia Sophia, the Church of Divine Wisdom, one of the greatest marvels of architecture, constructed as a basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian.
Hippodrome, center of sportive events (chariot races, athletics) and political activities of the old city. Serpentine Column, Obelisk of Theodosius and German Fountain of Wilhelm II are the onuments decorating the Hippodrome.
Topkapı Palace, residence of Ottoman Sultans exhibiting imperial treasury, sacred Islamic relics of Prophet Mohammed, kitchen, Chinese porcelain, weapons, calligraphy section etc. Live guide commentary is not allowed in special sections. (Harem is not included in the program
Hagia Irene located in the outer courtyard of Topkapı Palace is the oldest church of the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine). It was also the second largest church in İstanbul after Hagia Sophia. It’s a typical Byzantine structure with its materials and architecture, was built on the site of an old temple in 330.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Reviews(64)
The tour was perfect and our guide Akif was supportive, full of knowledge and patient. It was a very pleasant tour with very beautiful places
Akif is a very friendly guide and explains everything very well; the tour is calm and very interesting.
Good day exploring Istanbul with the guide Akif
Tour guide was disappointed that she had only one person in the morning. She spent a lot of time smoking while I have "free time" to take photos.
The city is pretty because there are many monuments and mosques, cultural richness, be careful in the souks it is thieves, the Turks are racist as ever and not open to tourists... pity because beautiful country to visit.
Cher Monsieur, Merci beaucoup pour vos précieux commentaires sur la ville d'Istanbul Vos commentaires sont précieux pour nous. Nous sommes désolés pour votre expérience, mais vos commentaires sur les Turcs, sur le RACISME, vous ne pouvez pas parler de nous comme ça. C'est inacceptable, nous ne savons pas ce qui vous est arrivé mais ce n'est pas l'endroit pour commenter, vous pouvez donner votre avis sur les produits, les guides, les repas, etc. mais gardez ce genre d'idées pour vous. LE MONDE ENTIER CONNAÎT L'HOSPITALITÉ TURQUE,
Arrangements were spot on. We were picked up from the pre-agreed location and dropped off with the tour leader near the Blue Mosque. There was a lot of walking involved. But the tour leader did not rush us. He was very knowledgeable. All in all n good tour if you like history. Recommended.
Thank you for taking the time to provide your feedback. Our guests are free to spend their free time on their own. During the 'free time', if you seem interested with any shop item, you'll be welcome by a seller at this point. Best Regards
The tour was really nice. We went to the blue mosque , ayasophia , topkapai , and grand bazar. Lunch was included in the tour fees . the tour guy Bulut speaks english and Spanish. We really enjoyed it. Bulut explained everything that we wanted to know . The group was also nice which have multi nationalities .
We chose this activity because we had little time in Istanbul We were able to get an idea of the emblematic sites but the tours were a bit quick with guides juggling several languages (we were in an Italian / French group ) that said the guides were competent but overbooked For people with more time can choose another type of activities for more in-depth
Very informative tour guide and well organized tour . Even the lunch was pretty decent . We had some issues in electronic tickets at some counter , however the tour guide has managed it well eventhough it took 1 hour due to the quee . In short i will defenity recomment this company to all .
Amazing city, atmosphere, and if you are first time , just must take the tour from one or other agency.. alone will spend more time and see less especialy if have only 4-3 days.