Full Day Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private City Guided Tour

This is a private 1, 2, or 3-day sightseeing tour in Istanbul tailored to your interests, ideal for visitors seeking a comprehensive city experience.

Highlights

• Create a customized sightseeing tour of Istanbul
• Admire the blue Iznik tiles of the Blue Mosque
• Explore monuments from the Byzantine and Ottoman empires

Description

Explore Istanbul's key attractions with flexibility over one to three days. Highlights include the Hagia Sophia Museum, the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar, and the Hippodrome obelisk.

Possible sites on your tour:

• Hagia Sophia: An architectural masterpiece and significant Byzantine and Ottoman monument. Once the largest church globally, it features the fourth largest dome after St. Paul's (London), St. Peter's (Rome), and the Duomo (Florence). Also called 'divine wisdom,' it stands as a prime example of Byzantine architecture.
• Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque): Known for its striking blue Iznik tiles, it was considered Istanbul's Supreme Imperial Mosque. Located near Topkapi Palace.
• Topkapi Palace: Former home to 25 Ottoman sultans over 400 years. Situated overlooking the Golden Horn in tranquil gardens, it showcases beautiful Iznik tiles and an ornate harem stateroom.
• Grand Bazaar: One of the world's largest and oldest covered markets, offering hundreds of shops selling handmade carpets, Turkish coffee, and more. A key place to practice bargain skills.
• Spice Bazaar: Located in Fatih and historically known as the Egyptian Market for Ottoman-era Egyptian exports.
• Bosphorus Strait: The narrow waterway connecting Europe and Asia, linking the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara.
• Dolmabahce Palace: Built in the 19th century, it was the administrative center for the Ottoman Empire and residence of its last sultans. Created by filling in a Bosphorus bay, its name means “filled garden”.
• Istiklal Street: A lively pedestrian avenue featuring shops, restaurants, and bars. A 2-kilometer walk leads to the Tunel and Galata Tower area.

Sample Itinerary

• Day 1: Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, Grand Bazaar, Hippodrome
• Day 2: Spice Market, Bosphorus Cruise, Dolmabahce Palace, Taksim Square, Istiklal, Galata Tower
• Day 3: Suleymaniye Mosque, Chora Church, Fener/Balat Districts, Pierre Loti Hill

Includes

• 1, 2, or 3-day tour
• Licensed guide
• Hotel or port pickup and drop-off

Excludes

• All entrance fees
• Lunch
• Transportation (unless specifically booked)

Important Information

• The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays, Topkapi Palace on Tuesdays, and Hagia Sophia on Mondays starting October.
• The Blue Mosque is under renovation until the end of 2021; some ceiling sections may be covered.

Easy Cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

For the best experience, book in advance and wear comfortable shoes for walking. Check opening days of key attractions to plan your visit effectively.