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Offered languages
- English
- English
Discover Istanbul's historic heart on a guided morning tour through Sultanahmet, where Byzantine and Ottoman heritage converge around some of the city's most famous landmarks.
See Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Sultanahmet Square, the ancient Hippodrome, the German Fountain, and the historic setting of Topkapi Palace as your guide shares stories, architectural details, and the Old City's imperial history.
This tour is ideal for first-time visitors seeking a clear introduction to Sultanahmet without spending the entire day on foot. Enjoy guided sightseeing with free time to explore the area at your own pace, including time for guests who wish to visit Hagia Sophia inside with a separately purchased entrance ticket.
Complete the experience with an included 2-hour Bosphorus sightseeing cruise. Sail between Europe and Asia and enjoy views of waterfront palaces, mosques, bridges, fortresses, and traditional mansions along both shores.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Pickup is available only with the Pickup option and is offered from select central Istanbul areas. Please provide the full name and address of your hotel, apartment, Airbnb, residence, or other accommodation, along with a valid phone number, including country code, preferably via WhatsApp. Pickup times may vary depending on traffic, route order, and accommodation location, so please be ready at the confirmed time. If the vehicle cannot reach your exact address, a nearby meeting point will be provided. Return transfer is not included.
Meet at the SeaLand Travel office in Sirkeci and arrive at least 20 minutes before departure to check in. Please provide a valid phone number with country code, preferably via WhatsApp, so we can contact you if needed. If you need help finding the meeting point, contact us via WhatsApp.
Itinerary
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1Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
Discover the remarkable Byzantine and Ottoman history of Hagia Sophia with your guide. Entrance is not included. Guests who wish to visit inside may purchase a ticket from the guide, subject to availability. Guests who do not enter receive the explanation from outside.
1 hour • Admission ticket not included -
2The Blue Mosque
Visit the famous Blue Mosque, renowned for its elegant domes, six minarets, and beautiful blue Iznik tiles. Step inside this active place of worship to experience one of Istanbul's most recognizable symbols.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3Sultanahmet Square
Walk through the historic site that once served as the center of public life in Byzantine Constantinople. See surviving monuments and hear stories of imperial ceremonies, chariot races, and major events from the city’s past.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4German Fountain
See the decorative German Fountain, a distinctive monument gifted to the Ottoman Empire by German Emperor Wilhelm II. Admire its elegant design and learn about the historical connection behind this landmark.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5TopkapI Palace
Learn about the former residence of the Ottoman sultans and its role in Ottoman imperial history. The guide provides historical explanations from outside.
30 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
6Bosphorus Strait
Relax on a scenic cruise between Europe and Asia. Enjoy iconic views of palaces, mosques, bridges, and waterfront mansions while learning about the city from onboard commentary.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
Additional info
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Guests who prefer not to join the Bosphorus cruise finish the Old City tour in Sultanahmet Square. Guests joining the cruise continue to the boat and finish near Eminonu after the cruise.
- The Old City portion lasts approximately 4 hours. Guests joining the Bosphorus cruise should allow approximately 7 hours for the full experience.
Additional info
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Guests who prefer not to join the Bosphorus cruise finish the Old City tour in Sultanahmet Square. Guests joining the cruise continue to the boat and finish near Eminonu after the cruise.
- The Old City portion lasts approximately 4 hours. Guests joining the Bosphorus cruise should allow approximately 7 hours for the full experience.
- Hagia Sophia entrance is not included. Guests who wish to enter may purchase a ticket from the guide, subject to availability; otherwise, the guide provides explanations from outside.
- Topkapi Palace is explained from outside only. An interior visit is not part of this tour.
- Pickup service is one-way only and is included only with the Pickup option. Return transfer to your accommodation is not included.
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.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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