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Offered languages
- English
Experience Istanbul’s rich history with the Istanbul Old City and Bosphorus tour. This Tour will take you through the city’s most remarkable landmarks and immerse you in the captivating allure of Constantinople. In just 12 hours, you can explore the historical epochs of Istanbul and embrace the ancient vibes of Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans.
This Tour is ideal for all travelers, whether you’re here for business or leisure. You will visit the Suleymaniye Mosque, one of the most important mosques in history and a historical landmark of the old city of Istanbul, as well as other iconic sites.
Take advantage of this chance to witness the magnificent beauty of Istanbul! Secure your spot today and embark on a remarkable journey through the city's varied and contrasting landscape.
Discover the sights, relish the flavors, and indulge in the distinct charm of Istanbul – the city that links two continents.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Pickup is available only for packages that include transfers. We offer service from select central Istanbul areas.
Pickup time is usually 8:20 for hotels in Istanbul's city center, except the Asian side of Istanbul.
Enter your hotel name and full address, or the full location details for apartment or Airbnb stays.
Provide a valid phone number with country code, preferably one that supports WhatsApp.
Transfers are shared so that times may vary due to traffic, route order, and hotel location. Be ready at the confirmed time.
If the vehicle cannot reach your accommodation, we will provide a nearby meeting point.
Please check your seat and belongings before leaving the vehicle.
Meet us at our Sirkeci office. Please arrive at our office to check in. Please arrive 15 minutes before the activity begins. Please provide a valid phone number so we can contact you if needed. If you need help, contact us anytime on WhatsApp.
The tour will end at Eminönü Square, near the Spice Bazaar.
Itinerary
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1Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
Discover one of Istanbul's most important landmarks and learn about its Byzantine and Ottoman history, architecture, mosaics, and Islamic details. (Hagia Sophia entrance is not included. Guests who do not wish to enter will receive the guide's explanation from outside.)
1 hour • Admission ticket not included -
2TopkapI Palace
Learn about the former residence of the Ottoman sultans and the imperial life that once centered around this vast palace complex. (Topkapi Palace entrance is not included. You will receive information from the guide outside the palace area.)
30 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
3Sultanahmet District
Explore the historic heart of Istanbul’s Old City, once the center of Byzantine Constantinople and later of Ottoman Istanbul. See the famous square and learn about the ceremonies, public events, and daily life that shaped this area over centuries.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4The Blue Mosque
Visit one of Istanbul's most recognizable mosques, famous for its elegant domes, six minarets, and blue Iznik tiles. Learn about its architecture and religious importance while experiencing the atmosphere of this active place of worship.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5Eyup
Enjoy free time in the historic Eyup area, with the opportunity to have lunch and explore the neighborhood. (Lunch is included only if specified in the selected option. Guests without lunch included can purchase a meal separately on-site.)
1 hour • Admission ticket not included -
6Saint Stephen’s Orthodox Church
Visit the distinctive Bulgarian Iron Church, renowned for its unusual cast-iron construction. Learn about the history of Istanbul’s Bulgarian Orthodox community and the story behind this remarkable church.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7Venerable Patriarchal Church of Saint George
Visit the spiritual center of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate in Istanbul. Explore its richly decorated interior and learn about its religious significance and long-standing role in the Orthodox Christian world.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
8Balat
Explore Balat’s colorful streets and historic character, one of Istanbul’s most photogenic neighborhoods. See traditional houses, local cafes, narrow streets, and traces of the area’s multicultural past.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
9Suleymaniye Mosque
Visit one of the great works by Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan. Admire its impressive architecture and peaceful courtyard while enjoying elevated views across Istanbul, learning about its place in Ottoman history.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
10Bosphorus Strait
Relax on a scenic 2h cruise between Europe and Asia while viewing Istanbul from the water. See waterfront palaces, mosques, bridges, fortresses, historic mansions, and both shores of the city.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
Additional info
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Hagia Sophia: Entrance is not included. Guests who wish to visit inside may purchase a ticket on-site. Guests who do not enter will receive the guide’s explanation from outside.
- Topkapi Palace: Interior visit is not part of this tour due to the limited tour schedule. The guide will provide information and historical explanations from outside.
Additional info
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Hagia Sophia: Entrance is not included. Guests who wish to visit inside may purchase a ticket on-site. Guests who do not enter will receive the guide’s explanation from outside.
- Topkapi Palace: Interior visit is not part of this tour due to the limited tour schedule. The guide will provide information and historical explanations from outside.
- Lunch is included only when stated in the selected option. Guests without lunch included may purchase a meal separately during the tour.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only with the Hotel Pickup option.
- Guests who prefer not to join the Bosphorus cruise may finish the tour after the land portion. Travelers with hotel drop-off included will be returned to their hotel, while guests without drop-off will finish the tour in Eminonu.
- The itinerary order may change due to traffic, local conditions, weather, sea conditions, or operational requirements, and the Bosphorus cruise operates subject to suitable weather and sea conditions.
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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