1 or 2-Day Private Guided Tour with Hotel Transfer

Highlights

• Visit the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia
• Learn about Ottoman sultans at Topkapi Palace
• Try out your bargaining skills at the Grand Bazaar
• Tour the inside of Dolmabahce Palace, home to the last Ottoman sultans
• Admire the Bosphorus Bridge, which connects Europe and Asia

Description

Explore Istanbul on a Private Guided Tour Discover Istanbul’s timeless beauty with a private 1- or 2-day guided tour. Choose a 1-day itinerary covering top highlights such as Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar, or extend your journey to 2 days with a scenic Bosphorus cruise, Dolmabahce Palace, Spice Bazaar, and Istiklal Street. You may also select between a walking or a driving tour for added comfort. Day 1 – Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace & Grand Bazaar Begin your journey with a hotel pick-up and a stroll through the vibrant streets of Istanbul. Visit the magnificent Hagia Sophia, once the largest church in the world and a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. Dedicated to “divine wisdom,” its vast dome and mosaics still impress visitors centuries later. Continue to the Blue Mosque, renowned for its stunning blue tiles and status as one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks. Nearby stands Topkapi Palace, the heart of the Ottoman Empire for nearly 400 years. Wander through its gardens, admire exquisite Iznik tiles, and step into the lavish chambers of the harem. At the Hippodrome of Constantinople, once the center of Byzantine life, see ancient monuments including the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpentine Column, and the Constantine Column. Pause at the ornate German Fountain of Wilhelm II before heading to the Grand Bazaar. One of the world’s largest covered markets, it dazzles with hundreds of shops offering carpets, jewelry, spices, and souvenirs—perfect for practicing your bargaining skills. Day 2 – Spice Bazaar, Bosphorus Cruise, Dolmabahce Palace & Istiklal Street Start your second day with the Spice Bazaar, historically known as the Egyptian Market, where the aroma of herbs, teas, and Turkish delights fills the air. Then enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, the natural boundary between Europe and Asia. From the water, admire majestic palaces, mosques, and fortresses lining the shores. Next, visit Dolmabahce Palace, an opulent 19th-century residence of the last Ottoman sultans. Built on reclaimed land along the Bosphorus, the palace combines Ottoman tradition with European grandeur, boasting ornate halls and glittering chandeliers. Conclude your tour on lively Istiklal Street and Taksim Square. This bustling area offers shops, cafés, and vibrant city life, with a leisurely walk leading down to the Galata Tower district. With expert guidance, insider stories, and a flexible itinerary, this tour is the perfect way to experience the wonders of Istanbul in just one or two days.

Includes

Guide Pickup and drop-off (selected option)

Important Information

• Please note the following closing times: Grand Bazaar - Sundays Hagia Sophia - Mondays Topkapi Palace - Tuesdays Dolmabace Palace - Mondays and Thursdays • If the museum is closed on your chosen day, the local supplier will move the itinerary to the next available day. If not, they will replace the tour with a trip to the underground cistern or Galata tower. • Your local guide will take you around by tram, train, ferry, taxi, and bus. • A 1-way transportation ticket costs 3 TL, the equivalent of roughly 1 EUR. • This tour always includes hotel or harbour pick-up and drop off, regardless of which option is selected. • The Blue Mosque is being renovated until end of 2020 so some parts of the ceiling might be temporarily covered.

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund