Discover the Exclusive Wonders of Istanbul With Lunch
Discover Istanbul's charm on our exclusive city tour, blending cultural exploration with authentic Turkish experiences. Visit iconic landmarks and enjoy a traditional lunch on this unforgettable journey.
Overview
Embark on an enriching journey through Istanbul, where history and culture converge. This tour takes you to the city’s most famous landmarks, blending centuries-old architecture, fascinating tales, and vibrant local life. From the grandeur of ancient empires to the bustling energy of the Grand Bazaar, immerse yourself in Istanbul’s unparalleled charm.
Your tour begins at the Hippodrome of Constantinople, once the heart of Byzantine social and sporting life. As you stroll through this historic square, admire its remarkable monuments, including the Obelisk of Theodosius, brought from Egypt; the Serpentine Column, an artifact from Delphi; and the German Fountain of Wilhelm II, gifted by the German emperor. Your guide will recount the rich history of this iconic site, where chariot races and public events once captivated thousands.Next, visit the world-famous Blue Mosque, an architectural wonder renowned for its six towering minarets and over 20,000 hand-painted İznik tiles that create its mesmerizing blue interior. As your guide shares stories of its design and spiritual significance, marvel at its intricate craftsmanship and serene ambiance, which make it a symbol of Ottoman splendor.From there, proceed to the Topkapi Palace, the opulent residence of Ottoman sultans for over 400 years. Walk through its lavish courtyards and gaze at spectacular views of the Bosphorus. Inside, explore the jewel-encrusted treasury, imperial collections, and priceless Oriental porcelains, each telling a story of the empire's grandeur. Should the Topkapi Palace be closed during your visit, the tour will include a stop at the awe-inspiring Basilica Cistern, a Byzantine marvel with its iconic Medusa head columns.
Continue to the Hagia Sophia Mosque, an architectural masterpiece that served as a Byzantine church, an Ottoman mosque, and now stands as a symbol of Istanbul’s rich, layered history. Marvel at its grand dome, exquisite mosaics, and stunning interior, as your guide narrates tales of its transformation over centuries.Round off your journey at the bustling Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, boasting over 3,500 shops. Meander through its vibrant aisles, brimming with a treasure trove of goods, including handcrafted carpets, dazzling jewelry, exquisite ceramics, and leather items. As you explore, let the aromas of spices, dried fruits, and Turkish delights like lokum tantalize your senses. Enjoy the lively atmosphere of this cultural hub and capture the essence of Istanbul's vibrant commerce.
Your unforgettable journey concludes at the Grand Bazaar, where you can continue to explore at your leisure or relax after a day of discovery. This tour is a perfect blend of Istanbul's historical, cultural, and modern-day charm, leaving you with lasting memories of this magnificent city.
Select date, participants and language
Excursion Itinerary
On this tour, we will pick you up from your hotel and begin our journey to the first stop, the iconic Hagia Sophia.
Duration: 1 hour , Extra Fee
Hagia Sophia Mosque, once a Byzantine church and Ottoman mosque, symbolizes Istanbul’s rich history. Admire its grand dome, mosaics, and stunning interior as your guide shares its centuries-long story
Duration: 45 minute
Next, visit the Blue Mosque, famous for its six minarets and 20,000 İznik tiles. Admire its serene ambiance and Ottoman craftsmanship as your guide shares its design and spiritual significance.
Duration: 30 minute
Explore this historic square, home to the Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpentine Column, and German Fountain, as your guide shares its fascinating Byzantine history.
Duration: 2 hour , Extra Fee
Proceed to Topkapi Palace, home to Ottoman sultans for 400 years. Explore its courtyards, treasury, and imperial collections. If closed, visit the stunning Basilica Cistern with its Medusa columns.
Duration: 1 hour
End your journey at the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest markets with over 3,500 shops. Explore vibrant aisles of carpets, jewelry, ceramics, and spices, soaking in the lively atmosphere.
For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.
Highlights
- ● Admire the architectural brilliance of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.
- ● Walk through the historic Sultanahmet Square and marvel at ancient monuments.
- ● Explore the grandeur of Topkapi Palace and its treasures.
- ● Indulge in an authentic Turkish lunch.
- ● Learn captivating stories from an expert guide.
What's Included and What's Not?
Included
- Hotel pickup from centrally located hotels
- Transportation for pick up service
- Professional Licenced Tour Guide
- Lunch at a Turkish local restaurant
Not Included
- Topkapi Palace entry fee (1500 TL per person to be paid in cash)
- Hagia Sophia entry fee (€25 per person)
Not Suitable For This Activities
- ●People with mobility impairments
Not Allowed This Activities
- ●Smoking indoors
Important Information
What to Bring
Information Before Booking
- ●This tour involves moderate walking; it is not suitable for those with mobility issues.
- ●The Blue Mosque may have restricted access during prayer times.
- ●Lunch includes vegetarian options upon request.
Know Before You Go
- ●Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the scheduled start time to avoid delays.
Highlighted reviews from other travelers
Stella van Esch - Netherlands
20 July
Istanbul has so much to offer, and this tour was the perfect way to see it all in one day. The Blue Mosque was truly magnificent. Our guide was wonderful and shared so much interesting information that I would never have learned otherwise. Topkapi Palace was another highlight, especially the view fr...
Read More
Mathilde Kuijpers - Netherlands
21 July
My wife and I took this tour as part of our honeymoon, and it was a wonderful experience. The Blue Mosque was breathtaking, and Topkapi Palace gave us a glimpse into the luxurious lives of the sultans. The guide was really knowledgeable and tailored the experience to our interests, which made it fee...
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Customer Reviews
All reviews are from verified customers who purchased the activity. Reviews can only be submitted after the activity takes place.
Overall Rating
4.9/5
Based on 7 Reviews
4.9/5
4.9/5
4.9/5
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20 July
Istanbul has so much to offer, and this tour was the perfect way to see it all in one day. The Blue Mosque was truly magnificent. Our guide was wonderful and shared so much interesting information that I would never have learned otherwise. Topkapi Palace was another highlight, especially the view from the Bosphorus. Wandering around the Grand Bazaar was so much fun.
Helpful? Yes
21 July
My wife and I took this tour as part of our honeymoon, and it was a wonderful experience. The Blue Mosque was breathtaking, and Topkapi Palace gave us a glimpse into the luxurious lives of the sultans. The guide was really knowledgeable and tailored the experience to our interests, which made it feel more personal. Finishing the tour at the Grand Bazaar was perfect. We bought some lovely souvenirs.
Helpful? Yes
22 July
As a solo traveler, I was looking for a tour that would help me learn more about Istanbul's rich history, and this tour was exactly what I wanted. The Hagia Sophia, in particular, is a fascinating structure steeped in layers of history. The Grand Bazaar was vibrant and lively, but it can get a little overwhelming with all the vendors, so if you're like me and prefer a more relaxed pace, be prepared.
Helpful? Yes
23 July
My family and I had a wonderful time on this tour. We especially loved the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace. The children were captivated by our guide's stories about the sultans and the palace treasures. It was a perfect blend of sightseeing, culture, and shopping.
Helpful? Yes
24 July
I've visited many cities around the world, but Istanbul truly stands out. This tour was a great introduction to the city. I loved how the guide explained the significance of each site, such as how the Sultanahmet Mosque's design was influenced by other mosques in the area. Ending the day at the Grand Bazaar was a wonderful way to experience the local culture. I left feeling like I had a deeper understanding of Istanbul's past and present.
Helpful? Yes
25 July
We took this tour as a group of friends, and it was a wonderful way to spend the day together. Seeing the Hagia Sophia in person was even more impressive, and I loved how our guide explained its transformation over the years. The Grand Bazaar was also a definitely fun part of the tour.
Helpful? Yes
26 July
My boyfriend and I took this tour and had a wonderful time. The Blue Mosque was a very peaceful experience, and we spent a lot of time admiring its tiles and architecture. Topkapi Palace gave us a fascinating glimpse into the Ottoman Empire. Our guide was very engaging and shared stories that really brought everything to life. The Grand Bazaar was perfect for shopping for souvenirs and sampling Turkish delicacies.
Helpful? Yes
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