Turkey · City Tours

Private: Topkapi Palace, St. Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, Hipodromme

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

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Private full-day tour of Istanbul’s major landmarks
  • 02 Visit the Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Grand Bazaar
  • 03 Travel with a professional private guide and air-conditioned minivan
  • 04 Learn about Istanbul’s Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman history
  • 05 Explore one of the world’s oldest covered markets at the Grand Bazaar
  • 06 Flexible private itinerary with hotel or port pickup and drop-off

Discover some of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks on this private full-day tour, with your personal guide and private air-conditioned vehicle at your service from pickup to drop-off. Explore the city’s layered Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman heritage as you visit the Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar.

Along the way, learn the stories behind these celebrated sites, from ancient chariot races at the Hippodrome to the Ottoman sultans’ residence at Topkapi Palace. You’ll also have the flexibility and comfort of a private tour, with time to enjoy photos, browse the bazaar, and experience Istanbul at your own pace.

Discover some of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks on this private full-day tour, with your personal guide and private air-conditioned vehicle at your service from pickup to drop-off.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 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

Hippodrome

Our Professional Tour guide will meet guests at Hotel or port Pick up time will be given during your confirmation.

Then walk or drive to Hippodrome Square where used to take place for chariot races and the Byzantine riots during Roman & Byzantine period

Blue Mosque

Blue Mosque, has its fame from its beautiful blue Iznik tiles

Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia built in 532 AD by Roman Emperor Justinian I.

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 .

Topkapi Palace

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.

Grand Bazaar

We will visit Grand Bazaar where is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with more than 58 covered streets and over 1,200 shops which attract between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily. Opened in 1461, it is well known for its jewelry, pottery, spice, and carpet shops.

Drive back to Istanbul port or to your 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 · 8 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Professional Private tour guide
  • Private tour
  • Transport by private air-conditioned minivan
  • Worry-Free Shore Excursion Guarantee
  • Local tax

What's Not Included

  • Lunch and Drinks
  • Gratuities
  • Entrance Fees ( Our guide will have pre-paid tickets )

Know before you go

  • INFANT SEATS AVAILABLE
  • At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
  • Visit to holy places of worship such as churches, monasteries, mosques, synagogues bare shoulders are not permitted, nor shoes in mosques.
  • In the event of any museum closures, an alternative similar museum will be visited. On Tuesdays : Topkapi Palace replaced by Underground Cistern, On Sundays : Grand Bazaar will be replaced by Spice Market. Grand Bazaar will be closed on Public holidays, it will be replaced by Arasta Bazaar. Because, Spice Market will also be closed.
  • Blue Mosque is open from 14.30 to 16.30 on Fridays
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Not suitable for pets
  • No public transportation nearby
  • Infants must not sit on laps
  • Not recommended for people with heart conditions
  • Pick up Places Istanbul Cruise guests : Istanbul Cruise Terminal 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 8 hours finish where they began, in Pickup service provided in İstanbul..

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