ISTANBUL BEST : Iconic Landmarks FullDay Private Guided City Tour

based on 362 reviews

Duration:6 hours to 8 hours (approx.)
Location: Istanbul, Turkey

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This is a great private guided tour which will enhance your point of view of Ottomans vs Byzantines. It's not only a tour from the past but also an outlook on the future.

•Hippodrome where used to organize chariot races with its Egyptian Obelisk, Serpent and Constantine Obelisk and German Fountain.

•Visit the famous Sultanahmet Mosque, as Blue Mosque due to its magnificent interior decoration of royal Iznik tiles

• Face the highlight of the earth, St. Sophia built in 537 A. D.

• See Topkapi Palace where the great empire was ruled

•See Underground Cistern where Dan Brown's book ''INFERNO '' ended up. and Second Oldest Movie of James Bond " from Russia with love"

•Finalize the day at the famous Grand Bazaar with 4000 shops.

• Get the personalized experience of a private tour with private guide

• Make the Best of your limited time in
Istanbul by saving memories.

• Learn about Turkish handicrafts ( carpet, leather and Tiles)

• Transportation depends on option selected

WHAT'S INCLUDED

✓ Unique time to discover Turkish Handicrafts Traditional Shopping Opportunities at BILGINS
✓ Fast Track Ticket Avaliable
✓ Private Tour
✓ We will skip the line to buy the tickets for Topkapi palace and Basilica Cistern
✓ Guide will meet you at central Istanbul Hotels, Airbnb Locations or ISTANBUL CRUISE PORT GALATAPORT
✓ Professional Private Guide

✗ Lunch
✗ Full Day Vehicle or Transfer (Depends on option selected)
✗ Museum/Attraction Tickets
✗ Gratuities (suggested)
✗ Entry/Admission - Topkapi Palace - 1500 TL per Person
✗ Entry/Admission - Basilica Cistern - 600 TL per Person
✗ Entry/Admission - Hagia Sophia - 25 Euro Per Person

WHAT TO EXPECT

1. Hagia Sophia Mosque
The Hagia Sophia, also known as Ayasofya in Turkish, is a famous historic building located in oldtown Istanbul. It was originally built as the biggest cathedral in the world by Byzantine Empire in the 6th century and later converted into a mosque during the Ottoman Empire. The building is renowned for its massive dome and beautiful mosaics that reflect its rich history and architectural significance. In 1935, it was converted into a museum and in 2020, it was reconverted into a mosque. The Hagia Sophia has an important place in the art world with its architecture, grandness, size and functionality.The Hagia Sophia is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all around the world.
2. Blue Mosque
The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, is a historic mosque in Istanbul, Turkey. It was built between 1609 and 1616 during the rule of Sultan Ahmed I. The mosque is known for its stunning architecture, with its six minarets and beautiful blue tiles adorning the interior, which give it the nickname "Blue Mosque." It is a popular tourist attraction and a significant symbol of Istanbul's skyline.
3. Hippodrome
The Hippodrome of Constantinople, also known as the Sultanahmet Square, is an ancient chariot racing track and the sporting and social center of Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire. Located in present-day Istanbul. the site is now a public square known for its historical significance and the remnants of its ancient structures. The Hippodrome was a major venue for chariot races and other public events during the Byzantine era. It was adorned with monuments and sculptures, some of which still stand today, including the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpent Column, and the Column of Constantine. These monuments are important relics from the Roman and Byzantine periods and provide a glimpse into the city's rich history. Today, the Hippodrome area is a popular tourist destination and a public space where visitors can explore the ancient ruins, learn about the historical and cultural heritage of Constantinople and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of modern Istanbul.
4. Topkapi Palace
The Topkapi Palace is a grand and historically significant palace located in Istanbul. It served as the primary residence and administrative headquarters of the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. The palace complex is known for its stunning architecture, beautiful courtyards, and extensive collections of art, manuscripts, and other treasures. The Topkapi Palace consists of several interconnected courtyards and buildings, including the Imperial Harem, where the sultan's family resided. The palace also houses the Treasury, which contains an impressive collection of priceless jewels, including the famous Spoonmaker's Diamond and Topkapi Dagger. Today, the Topkapi Palace is a popular museum and a major tourist attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Ottoman sultans and the rich history of the empire. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, drawing visitors from around the world to explore its magnificent grounds and learn about its fascinating past.
5. Basilica Cistern
Basilica Cistern Museum is one of the most important cultural assets where we can trace the traces of glorious Istanbul history. This grand underground cistern, built by Eastern Roman Emperor Justinian I (527-565), is nicknamed “Yerebatan Sarayı” (Sunken Palace) among the public due to its numerous marble columns rising from the water. It is also known as “Bazilika Sarnıcı” (Basilica Cistern) by some, as it was built on the site of the former Stoa Basilica, which was a basilica. the Basilica Cistern visited by former U.S. President Bill Clinton. Impresive Roman empire structure as featured in Dan Brown's novel, "Inferno" and James Bond "From Russia with Love" The Basilica Cistern is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all around the world.
6. Sultanahmet District
Unique time to Discover Turkish Handcrafts ( Turkish Carpets, Leathers, ceramics) shopping opportunities
7. Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar, also known as the Kapalıçarşı, is one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets, located in the heart of Istanbul. Dating back to the 15th century, the Grand Bazaar is a sprawling complex of over 60 streets and alleys, housing more than 4,000 shops and stalls. The bazaar is a vibrant and bustling place, offering a wide array of goods, including jewelry, carpets, textiles, ceramics, spices, leather goods, and traditional Turkish crafts. It's a paradise for shoppers looking for unique souvenirs and gifts. The architecture of the Grand Bazaar is a sight to behold, with its labyrinthine layout, vaulted ceilings, and colorful displays. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich history and culture of Istanbul as they wander through the maze of shops and interact with local merchants.
8.
Biggest Leather and Carpet Producer in Turkey. Traditional shopping opportunities.
9. Sultanahmet District
Home to some of Istanbul’s most recognizable attractions, the Sultanahmet District is an ideal place to explore the city’s complex history. With the rose-colored Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya) sitting across from the six minarets of the Blue Mosque and down the street from the energetic Grand Bazaar, this neighborhood packs in a wealth of culture.

ADDITIONAL INFO

CANCELLATION POLICY

Posted By : azrin_vtr
This turned out to be a 1x1 private tour instead of a group. The licence tour guide Caner Oztekin was nothing but brilliant. Highly experienced and gave us a tour that really suits our pace and liking. We are pretty laid back and just have average expectations. He did his very best to accommodate.

Well worth the asking price for a day tour.

Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-01-03 02:57:37

Posted By : LiSheng_K
Great job. He was very accommodating to the family. We were able to skip the lines and got to see more in less time. Thank Matt!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-01-03 00:59:12

Posted By : Georgina_W
Mustafa was fantastic. He helped us make the very most of our time explaining not only the many sites we visited but also the history and culture of the city and country. We only had a day in Istanbul and this was such a brilliant and good value way of spending it. Highly recommend
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-01-01 09:08:44

Posted By : thumper1
Fatih did a great tour today. I appreciate the time he spent with our group of 8 friends. He picked us up for the walking tour, on time, at our hotel. The walk from site to site was a little more than a mile, but walking around the sites added a lot of steps to our walk. Fatih’s command of English is very good, his knowledge of the attractions we visited was excellent, and his willingness to answer our questions contributed to a thoroughly enjoyable experience for all of us. He had a sense of time and moved us along at a good pace, making sure that we were together before moving on. I heartily recommend IstanbulTourMatt (and Fatih). This was one of the best tour experiences I have ever had.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-11-30 15:07:39

Posted By : Carey_S
Excellent walking tour of many of the major spots in Istanbul. Our guide made the first day of our visit so easy. Highly recommend this tour!!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-11-29 17:25:09

Posted By : Brooke_O
We had a great time in a whirlwind Saturday tour of Istanbul with Serkan! Our cruise was there for a short day trip and Serkan made sure we saw the highlights while still enjoying our time. Highly recommend!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-11-26 02:37:14

Posted By : IonutCosmin_P
The guide was exceptional. Knowledge to the sky. We time traveled to 1453 and we felt the final battle for Constantinopole as it was happening in front of our eyes. A trully amazing tour all for yourself with a private and exclusive guide.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-11-24 16:28:34

Posted By : Christopher_M
Comprehensive and flexible tour. Alize is an excellent guide. Very knowledgeable and informative and full of suggestions for our stay.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-11-24 13:01:07

Posted By : Barbara_D
Four couples booked a full day tour to ensure we were able to see the sights we were most interested in. Our guide, Caner Öztekin, was magnificent! His vast knowledge and wonderful personality made for a fantastic day. He was able to adjust the pace to the needs of the group and still make sure we had a full experience. Highly recommend!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-11-24 07:02:13

Posted By : PAGbeach2
A visit to IST was a bucket trip list for us. We spent day one with our guide Kenan who took us to all the major sites, a local lunch, and a little shopping in/around the Grand Bazaar. We did so much in one day! Kenan's ability to help our party of 2 navigate around the looong lines was invaluable! He was knowledgeable and gracious. What a beautiful, historic, amazing city! People were kind and welcoming to us in all of our interactions. Ladies bring a scarf to cover your head for the mosques, be prepared to walk alot - there is so much traffic that walking is really the only option. The excitement of it all kept us going no problem! Do yourself a big favor and work with a private guide from this team to get the most out of your IST visit!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-11-16 17:05:27