Istanbul: Best of The City Full-Day Tour with Transfers

based on 65 reviews

Duration:7 hours (approx.)
Location: Istanbul, Turkey

From $40

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Best of Istanbul 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 Romans used to organize chariot races and gladiators' fights with its remaining Egyptian Obelisk, Serpentine Column, Constantine Column and German Fountain.

•Visit the famous Sultanahmet Mosque, also known 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. - unlike any other construction in the globe-.

• See Topkapi Palace where the great empire was ruled

•See Underground Cistern where Dan Brown's book ''INFERNO '' ended up.

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

• Get the personalized experience of a private tour

• Take your Photos as remarkable memory

• Make the Best of your limited time in
Istanbul

• Learn about Turkish handicrafts

• If selected option (Private Tour)

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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 around the world.
5. 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.
6. 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.

ADDITIONAL INFO

CANCELLATION POLICY

Posted By : NabilDada
The views were amazing, Arda our tour guide was very good. His cat was more popular than him. We had to have cash for tickets, which was something I didn’t realize beforehand but we were able to stop at ATM for cash
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-16 16:41:27

Posted By : Jet51249935154
It was amazing tour. My tour guide waited for me to prepare cash (I didn’t have enough cash. They accepted only cash )when enter the places, and he taught me how to get on trams after the tour.
He never showed bad emotions in any situation, and he explained everything we asked.

This tour was long enough and I could really enjoy Istanbul.

Thank you so much.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-16 12:15:57

Posted By : 967anishad
I took the trip as a solo traveller. Burak was the guide of our tour group, which had 7 members only. Burak’s knowledge on history as well as his communication skills really made the entire experience a pleasureable one. I’d highly recommend his services.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-12 12:09:12

Posted By : maryaN2561OW
As a solo traveler that was the best thing that I did , Bruk was very helpful and understanding,I wasn’t interested to go inside the mosque and he arrange that I stay more time in Bazar and see them after ,also he help me out to talk to driver when I decided to go to different hotel after the tour not the one they pick me up in the morning. Keep in your mind if you have TL in cash that make it easier for everyone in the group to pay for tickets to get inside the mosque he has connections to skip some of those line .
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-12 05:06:54

Posted By : elisakass
Mustafa was a fantastic guide. Pick up was on time, very professional. He took us to the must-see attractions and we didn’t have to wait in lines to get in. He told us all about culture and history and let us spend the perfect amount of time in each location. He also took us to some hidden gems in the grand bazaar. We would highly recommend this tour for anyone who wants to see as much as possible in Istanbul in a short period of time.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-11 10:18:41

Posted By : caseya338
The attractions on the tour were amazing! And our guide Arda was absolutely incredible. He knew his information and was very friendly. We recommend this tour if you would like to visit and learn more about Turkey’s history. It was also very helpful to skip the queues, it saved plenty of time.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-11 07:29:13

Posted By : MartaGersbach
Our guide met us at our hotel, and accommodated a slightly later start time so we could have breakfast. He explained each step of the tour, and skipping the queues was a pleasure-he had a knack for getting us into a queues before other bigger tour groups. He was friendly and informative and overall were very glad we paid for his time and to skip the queues. It was a full, fun day with memories I’ll treasure forever. Thanks Arda!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-10 12:54:18

Posted By : Sara_O
As a solo traveler, this was a great way to see the main sights in Istanbul. The transfers to and from my hotel were key in me selecting this tour and they proved to be very convenient. My small group ended up being myself and one other person! Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and took us seamlessly between the different sights.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-10 05:49:32

Posted By : fasoares74
We took a lot of pictures and our guide, Arda, was simply awesome with his knowledgement about Turkey, religion, wars etc. Answered it everything.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-08 11:42:33

Posted By : Barbara_P
So many sightings! We saw a lot this day and it was all incredible. Our guide Arda was awesome. He was so knowledgeable and so helpful. We highly recommend this tour, lots to see and learn!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-06 03:41:31