Turkey · City Tours

Istanbul Byzantine and Ottoman Tour: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar

8 Hours Round trip from Istanbul Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Visit Hagia Sophia, one of Istanbul’s most celebrated landmarks
  • 02 Explore Topkapi Palace, former residence of the Ottoman sultans
  • 03 See the Blue Mosque, famous for its blue tiles and six minarets
  • 04 Discover the historic Hippodrome of Constantinople
  • 05 Browse the Grand Bazaar’s traditional shops and souvenirs
  • 06 Small-group experience with a knowledgeable local guide
  • 07 Walking tour with pickup from designated pickup points

Discover the rich layers of Istanbul on a full-day journey through the city’s Byzantine and Ottoman heritage. Visit some of its most iconic landmarks, from the magnificent Hagia Sophia and the elegant Blue Mosque to the historic Hippodrome, where the political and sporting life of Constantinople once unfolded.

Continue to Topkapi Palace, the former imperial residence of the Ottoman sultans, and explore the atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar, one of the city’s most famous shopping districts. With a knowledgeable local guide and a small-group setting, this tour offers an engaging way to experience Istanbul’s history, architecture, and culture.

Discover the rich layers of Istanbul on a full-day journey through the city’s Byzantine and Ottoman heritage.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Hours
Tour type Shared
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Not included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
City Istanbul
Languages English, Japanese

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Topkapi Palace

The former imperial residence from where the Great Ottoman Empire was ruled. Today a spectacular museum that has one of the largest collections of Chinese and Japanese porcelain and the very famous treasury of the royal family.

Hagia Sophia

The magnificent Byzantine Church of all times; one of the finest and largest architectural works of art in the world. It has been nominated to be the 8th wonder of the world by many historians.

Hippodrome

The former center of sportive and political activities of Constantinople. During the visit you'll be able to see the Obelisk from Egypt, Serpentine Column from Delphi, and fountain of Wilhelm II.

Blue Mosque

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 minarets.

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.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Istanbul 1 city · 8 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Pick up from designated pick up points
  • Local guide
  • Transportation is being used only for the Pick Up service. The rest of the tour is a fully walking tour

What's Not Included

  • Food and drinks
  • Hagia Sophia
  • Topkapi Palace

Know before you go

  • STROLLER OR PRAM ACCESSIBLE
  • PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION NEARBY
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Not suitable for pets
  • Infants must not sit on laps
  • Infant seats unavailable
  • Not recommended for people with back problems
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for people with heart conditions
  • Entrance Fees to Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace is excluded
  • We provide pick up from designated pick up points

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Istanbul, TR
Tour start
Istanbul, TR
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 8 hours finish where they began, in Istanbul.

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