Turkey · City Tours

Private 7 hours Istanbul Highlights Sightseeing Tour with Bazaars

7 Hours Round trip from Pickup service provided in İstanbul. Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Private Istanbul highlights tour with guide and transport
  • 02 See the Hippodrome and its historic monuments
  • 03 Visit the exterior of the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and Basilica Cistern
  • 04 Explore Hagia Sophia, one of Istanbul’s most famous landmarks
  • 05 Browse the Grand Bazaar’s traditional shops and souvenirs
  • 06 Enjoy free time at the Spice Bazaar surrounded by aromatic spices
  • 07 Flexible private itinerary with time for photos and personal pace

Discover Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks on a private sightseeing tour that blends imperial history, monumental architecture and the atmosphere of the city’s famous bazaars. With a private guide and included transportation, you can explore at a comfortable pace while taking in highlights such as the Hippodrome, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, the Basilica Cistern, the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar.

This experience is ideal for travellers who want a flexible introduction to the city without the rush of a larger group. Along the way, enjoy time for photos, browse traditional shops and soak up the sights, scents and stories that make Istanbul one of the world’s most fascinating cities.

Discover Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks on a private sightseeing tour that blends imperial history, monumental architecture and the atmosphere of the city’s famous bazaars.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Hours
Tour type Private
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Not included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
City Istanbul
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Istanbul

Your tour guide will be ready at Istanbul port with a sign. Meeting time will be given during your confirmation 

Hippodrome

Our first stop is Hippodrome Square which was the former center of sprotive and political activities of Constantinople. You will be able to see the Obelisk from Egypt, Serpentine Column from Delphi and fountain of Willhelm II.

Blue Mosque

(No interior visit) We are going to visit Blue Mosque which is the one of the biggest mosques of Istanbul from 17th century architecture is one of the principal adornments on the skyline of Istanbul. Also famous for its blue tiles and 6 minarest.

Topkapi Palace

(No interior visit) We will continue walking to Topkapi Palace, was not only the residence of the Ottoman sultans, but also the administrative and educational center of the state. It was constructed between 1460 and 1478 by Sultan Mehmed II, the conqueror of Constantinople. We will visit the Topkapi Palace including weapons section.

Hagia Sophia

After Topkapi Palace, we are going to visit Hagia Sophia which is The magnificent Byzantine Church of all times; one of the finest and largest architectural works of art in the world.

Update for St. Sophia interior visit : 

Live guiding is not allowed in St. Sophia after the 15th January 2024. Guests have to have their smart phones and headphones during their visit. If guests do not have a headphone, they can buy at the entrance at the cost of 3,5-USD

The system is similar to audio guide system. Guests who does not have smart phones will follow the signs and the given informations on the signs .

Basilica Cistern

(No interior visit) We will continue with Underground Cistern which was the largest covered water reservoir in Istanbul, built by Justinian I.

Grand Bazaar

After the visit to the cistern we will continue with Grand Bazaar. In addition to its historical importance, it’s a bazaar that will tempt even the nonshoppers with its rich collection of precious handmade carpets, jewellery, leather and souvenirs.

Spice Market

As our last stop,you will have free time in Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar): The air here is filled with the enticing aromas of cinnamon, caraway, saffron, mint, thyme and every other conceivable herb and spice.

After Spice Market back to our hotel. The end of our services.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Pickup service provided in İstanbul. 1 city · 7 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Professional tour guide
  • Transportation with brand new air-conditioned minivan/minibus
  • Local taxes

What's Not Included

  • Gratuities
  • Food and drinks
  • Entrance Fees ( no interior visits to Topkapı Palace, St. Sophia, Underground Cistern, Blue Mosque )

Know before you go

  • Bare shoulders are not permitted in holy places of worship such as churches, monasteries, mosques and synagogues.
  • Shoes are not permitted in mosques
  • In the event of any museum closures, an alternative similar museum will be visited
  • Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays, Spice market will be visited instead
  • During religious holidays the Spice market and Grand Bazaar will be closed. Arasta bazaar will be visited instead
  • Not recommended for participants with walking difficulties
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Not suitable for pets
  • No public transportation nearby
  • Infants must not sit on laps
  • Not recommended for people with back problems
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for people with heart conditions
  • • Comfortable walking shoes are recommended • Ages 12 and under only require a birth certificate.
  • Pick up from Your Hotel in Istanbul Europen Side and Istanbul Cruise Terminal for cruise guests. Suggested pick up time will be given on your confirmation message.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Pickup service provided in İstanbul.
Tour start
Pickup service provided in İstanbul.
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 7 hours finish where they began, in Pickup service provided in İstanbul..

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