Discover Istanbul's iconic sites like Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Basilica Cistern. Explore historic landmarks, hear fascinating tales, and unwind with tea in Gülhane Park—ideal for history and culture enthusiasts!
Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Istanbul on this captivating guided tour of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Begin your journey at the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia, a 1,500-year-old marvel that seamlessly blends Byzantine and Ottoman architecture. Once a church, then a mosque, and now a museum, this UNESCO World Heritage site holds centuries of religious and cultural significance.
Next, step into the grandeur of the Blue Mosque, known for its stunning blue İznik tiles and intricate domed ceilings. As one of Istanbul’s most famous mosques, it offers a serene space to admire Islamic art and learn about its historical significance.
Continue to the Basilica Cistern, an underground wonder built during the Byzantine Empire. Admire the atmospheric columns, including the famous Medusa heads, as you learn about this ancient engineering marvel that once supplied water to the city.
Take a leisurely stroll through the Roman Hippodrome, once the heart of chariot races and public events. Marvel at historical relics like the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpent Column, and the German Fountain while your guide shares captivating tales of Istanbul's past.
Enjoy a tranquil break at Gülhane Park, once the royal gardens of Topkapı Palace. Savor a cup of Turkish tea or coffee while surrounded by lush greenery and the soothing sounds of nature. Watch herons nesting in the trees and take in the peaceful atmosphere.
Finally, visit the famous Spice Bazaar, where the scents of exotic spices, dried fruits, and Turkish delights fill the air. Discover the vibrant market culture of Istanbul, sample some local treats, and shop for unique souvenirs.
Throughout the tour, your knowledgeable guide will bring the history and culture of Istanbul to life, making this an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a cultural explorer, or simply curious about Istanbul’s rich past, this tour offers something for everyone.
Start at Hagia Sophia, a 1,500-year-old marvel that transitioned from a Byzantine cathedral to an Ottoman mosque and museum, embodying Istanbul's rich history.
Visit the Blue Mosque, famed for its stunning blue İznik tiles and grand architecture. Understand its importance in Ottoman culture and its place in the religious life of Istanbul.
Descend into the mysterious Basilica Cistern, an ancient underground water reservoir featuring the famous upside-down Medusa heads.
Walk through the historic Roman Hippodrome, once the center of Byzantine public life. Admire the German Fountain, a symbol of Turkish-German friendship.
Enjoy a tranquil tea break in Gülhane Park, once the royal garden of the Ottoman palace. Relax amidst greenery while observing the birds and taking in the serene atmosphere.
Visit the historic Orient Express Train Station, a reminder of the romance of early 20th-century travel. Discover its role in connecting East and West.
End the tour at the bustling Spice Bazaar, where you can indulge in the aroma of Turkish delights, spices, and teas. It's the perfect spot to shop for souvenirs.
For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.
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Maëlis Dufort - France
04 September
This tour was very well organized and perfectly timed which helped us avoid the long lines. Mert our guide, truly stood out he was incredibly knowledgeable and had a warm, engaging personality. He made the entire experience enjoyable for both me and my wife, always going the extra mile. I would high...
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Filip Kowalczuk - Poland
01 August
Mert was such a knowledgeable guide and had fascinating insights about all the landmarks we visited. These are things you simply wouldn’t hear on your own. Even though it rained during the tour, we all had a great time. This is definitely a tour worth taking.
All reviews are from verified customers who purchased the activity. Reviews can only be submitted after the activity takes place.
Overall Rating
4.8/5
Based on 44 Reviews
4.8/5
4.8/5
4.8/5
This tour was very well organized and perfectly timed which helped us avoid the long lines. Mert our guide, truly stood out he was incredibly knowledgeable and had a warm, engaging personality. He made the entire experience enjoyable for both me and my wife, always going the extra mile. I would highly recommend him to anyone visiting Istanbul.
Helpful? Yes
Mert was such a knowledgeable guide and had fascinating insights about all the landmarks we visited. These are things you simply wouldn’t hear on your own. Even though it rained during the tour, we all had a great time. This is definitely a tour worth taking.
Helpful? Yes
Our guide Merit (I hope I got the spelling right) was fantastic. He shared deep knowledge in an easy to understand way and set a pace that worked well for our family of four. We especially appreciated how he pointed out small details that really brought the history to life.
Helpful? Yes
This tour was absolutely wonderful. The guide was not only well informed but also super friendly, making the whole experience enjoyable from start to finish.
Helpful? Yes
Matt exceeded all expectations as our guide. He spoke clearly, shared rich historical knowledge, and ensured we felt comfortable throughout. He was always attentive to our needs and made our time in Istanbul extra special. If I could rate it 10 stars, I would.
Helpful? Yes
Ozkan was an outstanding guide who tailored the tour exactly to our requests. He had an impressive knowledge of the history and significance of every site we visited. Meeting us at our hotel was a huge convenience and saved time. I definitely suggest this kind of customizable tour to anyone wanting a more personal experience.
Helpful? Yes
Everything ran smoothly and professionally. The guide was friendly, well-prepared, and made the whole day feel relaxed and insightful. A great experience overall.
Helpful? Yes
The guide’s kindness and commitment truly stood out. You could tell they were passionate about what they do, and it made a real difference in how much we enjoyed the tour. Thank you so much.
Helpful? Yes
Berat is a fantastic guide with an infectious passion for the landmarks we saw. Despite the hectic traffic and crowds in the city, he stayed calm and adapted to keep the tour enjoyable. His patience and attention to detail were remarkable. This tour is highly recommended.
Helpful? Yes
We had a fantastic day exploring the city with Mert. He was incredibly knowledgeable and explained everything clearly, which made the whole experience more meaningful. From start to finish, he handled everything with care and professionalism. I’d absolutely recommend this tour to anyone visiting.
Helpful? Yes
Nur was such a helpful guide. She was not only informative but also really personable, which made the whole day more enjoyable. We appreciated how she shared both historical details and practical tips. Thank you for making our visit special.
Helpful? Yes
Fatih led a wonderful tour, full of insights and interesting stories. He was very flexible with timing and gave us space when needed, but always nearby to answer questions. We learned a lot and never felt rushed.
Helpful? Yes
A truly enjoyable day. The guide was welcoming and provided a lot of great background on each place we visited. Everything was well paced, and we never felt hurried. I’m very glad we booked this tour.
Helpful? Yes
It was a very smooth and informative tour. Our guide really knew his stuff and had a good sense of humor as well, which made the day both fun and educational. Highly recommend if you're curious about the city’s past.
Helpful? Yes
The friendliness and attention from our guide were so appreciated. Every detail was thoughtfully explained and we felt very well taken care of throughout the day.
Helpful? Yes
It was a real pleasure to tour with Mert. His passion for Istanbul's landmarks shines through in everything he does. Even with the traffic, he made sure the tour went smoothly. Highly recommended.
Helpful? Yes
Berat was simply excellent. He didn't just walk us through Istanbul’s history but also gave us suggestions on where else to go in Turkey. As first-time visitors, we appreciated every bit of guidance he gave us.
Helpful? Yes
Such a warm and dedicated guide! I was traveling alone and really valued the personal attention and kindness I received throughout the tour.
Helpful? Yes
A heartfelt thanks to Fatih, whose energy and knowledge made this tour a highlight of our trip. Istanbul traffic can be intense, but he handled everything with ease.
Helpful? Yes
Ozkan made Istanbul’s history come alive. His storytelling was both engaging and informative. On top of that, his recommendations for restaurants and places outside Istanbul were spot on.
Helpful? Yes
Our guide was very friendly and focused on giving us a great experience. I felt safe and comfortable the whole time. Very grateful.
Helpful? Yes
Nur was a fantastic guide, sharing stories and facts that gave so much depth to the places we visited. Despite the city's hustle, she remained calm and professional.
Helpful? Yes
Soner took us through an amazing journey in Istanbul. He was patient with our questions and very knowledgeable. We learned a lot and had fun too.
Helpful? Yes
Being on this tour with such a friendly and dedicated guide was wonderful. It made the whole day smooth and enjoyable.
Helpful? Yes
Gorkem impressed us with how much he knew about the sites and how he went out of his way to make sure everyone was enjoying themselves, even in heavy traffic.
Helpful? Yes
We truly appreciated Mert’s patience and detailed explanations. Traveling as a large group isn’t always easy, but he managed it effortlessly.
Helpful? Yes
This tour exceeded my expectations. The guide was not only kind but also very committed to making our experience memorable.
Helpful? Yes
Berat’s deep understanding of Istanbul's culture and history really elevated this tour. He navigated traffic and unexpected changes like a pro.
Helpful? Yes
Ozkan offered a well-paced and educational experience that suited all seven of us perfectly. It was a great way to start our Turkish adventure.
Helpful? Yes
Our guide’s kindness and knowledge made this tour a real joy. I’d recommend it to anyone visiting Istanbul for the first time.
Helpful? Yes
It was a decent tour overall, but I had a hard time figuring out exactly where the meeting location was. It caused a bit of stress at the beginning.
Helpful? Yes
The experience was alright, but the price felt too high considering the Basilica Cistern ticket wasn’t even included. At least that should’ve been part of the package.
Helpful? Yes
The guide was friendly, but he didn’t share much information about the places. On the bright side, he was happy to help with taking photos.
Helpful? Yes
The tour itself wasn’t bad, but we were surprised that lunch wasn’t part of what we had paid for, even though it was shown differently before booking. It might’ve been a mistake on the platform.
Helpful? Yes
Our guide was knowledgeable and the city tour kept us engaged. However, waiting in line at Hagia Sophia was quite long, and despite what was written, you don’t actually skip the line. Also, important details about extra entrance fees and lunch were not clearly stated beforehand. Felt a bit misled.
Helpful? Yes
The energy and commitment of our guide made this tour really enjoyable. Even with all the chaos in the city that day, he made sure everything ran smoothly. He was enthusiastic about every stop and gave us plenty of time to explore. This was definitely worth it.
Helpful? Yes
Such a wonderful day. The guide shared fascinating insights and was great at answering all our questions. We loved how relaxed the atmosphere was, yet we still saw so much in just a few hours. Highly recommended if you want a stress-free and insightful tour.
Helpful? Yes
From the very beginning, everything was well organized. The guide was not only informative but also very approachable and kind. We got to see so many highlights in just one day, and I appreciated how smoothly everything went. Truly one of the best guided experiences I’ve had.
Helpful? Yes
This tour exceeded all expectations. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and made the history come alive with engaging stories. The timing of each stop was perfect, and we never felt rushed. It was a great balance of information and free time to look around.
Helpful? Yes
The tour was one of the highlights of our trip. Everything was well-paced, and our guide explained the history behind each site in such a clear and engaging way. We really appreciated the attention to detail and how comfortable the whole experience was from start to finish.
Helpful? Yes
Excellent experience all around. Our guide was patient, well-informed, and very friendly. He gave us plenty of time at each location and made sure we didn’t miss any of the important landmarks. This tour was both relaxing and educational – we absolutely loved it!
Helpful? Yes
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