Discover Istanbul's beauty and history on a half-day guided tour. Ideal for travelers with limited time, this tour offers a rich exploration of the city's iconic landmarks and cultural treasures.
Your journey begins with a visit to Hagia Sophia, one of the most celebrated landmarks of Istanbul. Originally built as a Byzantine church in the 6th century, this awe-inspiring structure later became a mosque and now stands as a museum showcasing centuries of history, art, and faith. Marvel at the grandeur of its massive dome, intricate mosaics, and rich historical significance.
Continue to the Blue Mosque, another architectural gem and one of the most recognized symbols of the city. Known for its magnificent dome, six minarets, and over 20,000 handmade Iznik tiles that give the mosque its name, this masterpiece of Ottoman craftsmanship offers a tranquil atmosphere for reflection and admiration.
Next, explore the Hippodrome, the ancient heart of social and political life during the Byzantine and Ottoman eras. This historical square was once a venue for grand chariot races and public ceremonies. Today, remnants like the Serpent Column and the Obelisk of Theodosius stand as fascinating glimpses into the past.
Conclude your tour at the vibrant Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest covered markets in the world. Wander through its labyrinth of over 4,000 shops, brimming with colorful textiles, sparkling jewelry, fragrant spices, and unique souvenirs. This bustling marketplace offers a sensory feast and a chance to engage with the local culture.
We will pick you up from your hotel and begin our journey to the first stop, the magnificent Hagia Sophia.
As part of our group tour, we will spend approximately 75 minutes exploring the iconic Hagia Sophia, delving into its rich history and architectural splendor.
Our group tour will continue to the Blue Mosque, where we will spend 60 minutes admiring its stunning architecture and learning about its historical significance.
Our group tour will proceed to Sultanahmet Square, where we will spend 30 minutes exploring its historical landmarks and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.
Our group tour will conclude at the Grand Bazaar, where we will spend 1 hour 30 minutes exploring its vibrant shops and rich cultural atmosphere.
For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.
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Nigel Griffiths - United Kingdom
14 March
Our guide was excellent, always taking the time to provide clear explanations. Friendly and cheerful, his presence made the experience very enjoyable. Many thanks to him for his warm hospitality.
Rose Kavanagh - United Kingdom
27 March
We had a fascinating, fun, and truly enjoyable afternoon in Istanbul. Our guide, whose name I unfortunately can’t recall, was very attentive to our individual needs and ensured we had everything required. Many compliments to her
All reviews are from verified customers who purchased the activity. Reviews can only be submitted after the activity takes place.
Overall Rating
4.6/5
Based on 8 Reviews
4.6/5
4.6/5
4.6/5
Our guide was excellent, always taking the time to provide clear explanations. Friendly and cheerful, his presence made the experience very enjoyable. Many thanks to him for his warm hospitality.
Helpful? Yes
We had a fascinating, fun, and truly enjoyable afternoon in Istanbul. Our guide, whose name I unfortunately can’t recall, was very attentive to our individual needs and ensured we had everything required. Many compliments to her
Helpful? Yes
Overall, the tour was good, but I felt we spent too much time at the Grand Bazaar. I would have preferred to explore more of the city beyond just the mosques. Also, our guide didn’t often check if the group was keeping up, and at times some of us lost sight of him.
Helpful? Yes
Our sightseeing guide was very friendly and knowledgeable. However, our small group of nine included two couples who caused repeated delays, so we weren’t picked up until 1:30 p.m. instead of 12:45 p.m. We then only had time to visit two sites, spending about 30 and 60 minutes there on our own. At 5 p.m., a shuttle was supposed to take us back to the hotel in nice weather, but we declined since 100 euros felt way too expensive. The guide focused mainly on the typical, well-known sights found in any travel guide, which we could have explored ourselves. I had hoped to see more unique places that wouldn’t usually be on a standard itinerary. Overall, it was a basic Istanbul classics tour without any special highlights, and I felt it was overpriced for what was offered.
Helpful? Yes
Our guide was highly professional and flexible, tailoring the tour to our requests. Visiting the key sights gave us a great overview of the charm and authenticity of this historic city. We had meaningful exchanges that deepened our understanding of the local culture, making it a truly enriching experience. The lunch, featuring local cuisine, perfectly complemented our immersion in the spirit of Istanbul. Many thanks to our guide for such a rewarding day.
Helpful? Yes
Thanks to our guide Mustafa’s detailed explanations, we gained a deep understanding of the history. He kindly took family photos for us and patiently waited while we took our own pictures. He answered many questions and also shared helpful tips about local restaurants, which was much appreciated.
Helpful? Yes
Our guide was very friendly and knowledgeable, and the air conditioned car was comfortable and of high quality. The guide spoke perfect German, making the tour engaging and informative. Everything was extremely well organized and punctual, resulting in a perfect day for us.
Helpful? Yes
Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and attentive, adapting the tour to our interests. The vehicle was comfortable and air-conditioned, which made the day even better. The tour was perfectly organized and ran exactly on schedule. We truly enjoyed every moment and felt fully immersed in the local culture. It was a flawless experience from start to finish.
Helpful? Yes
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