Embark on a full-day tour of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks, including Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar. Skip the ticket lines and delve into the rich history of these UNESCO-listed attractions with a knowledgeable local guide. Perfect for cruise passengers, the meeting point is conveniently located in front of the Port Bosphorus Hotel.
- Blue Mosque - Blue Mosque, The Sultan Ahmet Mosque known as Blue Mosque because of its blue 20,000 Iznık Ceramic Tiles. It was built for Sultan Ahmet I by the architect Mehmet, has 6 towering minarets and last great mosque of the Classical period. Due to the renovation in the Blue Mosque, the mosque is only visited from outside until March 31.
- Hippodrome - Hippodrome, It was the sporting and social center of ancient Constantinople for 1000 years, with its monuments, German Fountain of Wilhelm II, Fountain of Sultan Ahmet III, Bronze Serpentine Column, Obelisk of Theodosius and Column Constantine.
- Hagia Sophia Mosque - The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, (Hagia Sophia Museum) It was built in the 6th century by the emperor Justinian as a Greek Orthodox Church also called the church of Divine Wisdom. It was converted into a mosque in 1453 by Sultan Mehmet II The Conqueror and in to a museum by Ataturk in 1935, and it was converted into a mosque in 2020 by Recep Tayyip Erdogan. It was the largest church in the world for 1000 years.
- Basilica Cistern - Basilica Cistern, avoid the hassle of waiting in lengthy ticket lines and uncover the wonders of the Basilica Cistern beneath the enchanting streets of Istanbul. Immerse yourself in the ancient beauty of this subterranean marvel as you stroll through its intriguing chambers, marveling at the impressive architecture and encountering the legendary Medusa heads from Greek mythology.
- Grand Bazaar - Grand Covered Bazaar, visit the oldest and biggest covered market in the world and discover 65 streets and more than 4000 shops containing all kinds of everything. Group will have some free time. We also visit the Leather shop before grand Bazaar.
- Topkapi Palace Museum - Topkapı Palace, It was the private residence of Ottoman Sultans from 19th to the 19th centuries, exhibiting sacred Islamic Relics of Prophet Mohammed, imperial treasury, Chinese porcelain, weapons & calligraphy etc. We have a 1-hour lunch break before visiting Topkapi Palace.
Admire The harem. It situated within the expansive confines of Topkapı Palace, served as the residence for the sultan, his mother, concubines, wives, other female relatives, and the offspring born within this secluded domain. Venturing through the Harem section of Topkapı Palace allows visitors to discover a myriad of rooms, courtyards, and chambers that mirror the intricate cultural, social, and political intricacies of the Ottoman Empire.
- Hagia Irene Museum - Hagia Irene Church, “Hagia Irene” means “Holy Peace”in Greek. Hagia Irene was first built as a basilica with three naves, on the order of during the reign of Constantinos the Great (306–337), on top of a temple, out of wood. Hagia Irene consists of three sections that include; the naos, narthex and atrium, while the standing atrium is the only surviving sample from the Byzantine period
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off (if option selected)
- Hagia Irene Church Guided visit
- Basilica Cistern Guided visit
- Topkapı Palace and Harem Guided visit
- Professional history expert English-speaking guide
- Hippodrome Guided visit
- Grand Bazaar visit & free time
- Blue Mosque Guided visit
- Topkapı Palace entrance ticket (TRY 1700 cash Per Person)
- Basilica Cistern entry ticket (800TL cash, per person)
- Entry to Hagia Sophia
- Gratuities
- Lunch
Skip the ticket line and enter the Topkapı Palace with a professional history expert local tour guide. Learn all the history of the palace. Discover UNESCO-listed attractions, the world-famous Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome and the most popular sites on this full-day guided tour, then experience shopping at the Grand Bazaar.
WE HAVE PICK-UP POINT FOR CRUISE PASSENGERS
FRONT OF THE PORT BOSPHORUS HOTEL.
OPPOSITE THE MAIN EXIT GATE FOR CRUISE PASSENGERS
- Since Januar 2024, the Hagia Sophia Mosque main Saloon is closed for the visit of tourists. Following the tour, you can visit mosque for an additional fee of 25 Euros.
- Please dress appropriately when entering sacred sites. Participants are advised to wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt. Please bring a scarf to cover head.
- The Grand Bazaar is closed on religious holidays and Sundays.
- You will be granted the privilege to bypass the ticket line after paying your entrance fee to your guide in Turkish Lira and cash
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
