Highlights
- Full-day eight-hour tour of Istanbul and its four main attractions
- Superb Blue Mosque
- Historic Hagia Sophia and its Byzantine mosaics
- Underground Cistern
- Ottoman architecture and museums of Topkapi Palace
- Shopping in the Grand Bazaar
- Lunch included
- English-speaking guide
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Recent Photos of this Tour
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Blue MosqueBlue Mosque, HippodromePhoto by: Prabhu MIndia, 03 2010 -
Inside the Blue MosqueBeautiful interiors comparable to the Alabaster Mosque in EgyptPhoto by: Raymond GPhilippines, 12 2009 -
The Blue MosqueThe wonder that is the Blue Mosque.Photo by: Anonymous09 2009 -
Istanbul City Tour - MusiciansSeeing some local musicians during the city tour of Istanbul.Photo by: Anonymous08 2008 -
Pool at Topkai palaceEnjoy the beauty of the Sultan's pool or look to one side to see the Bosphorus or the other side to see the Sea of ...Photo by: Vee05 2013 -
Turkish cafe near the ...A lovely break in the sightseeing dayPhoto by: Vee05 2013 -
Beautiful view at Topkapi ...quick photo on the way towards the inner courtyard, where the exhibits were held.Photo by: Elyssa P04 2013 -
lovelyayasofiaPhoto by: Anna K03 2013 -
Blue MosqueEntrance after Ablution areaPhoto by: Nilan J03 2013 -
Infront of Blue mosquePeople I met on our tour!Photo by: Nilan J03 2013 -
Ruins of old Hagia SophiaNext to Hagia Sophia museum is the ruins of the previous church.Photo by: John SUSA, 03 2013 -
Aya SofiaStanding in front of Aya Sofia as part of the Istanbul in One Day Sightseeing Tour.Photo by: Diana S02 2013 -
Blue MosqueFront View of the blue mosque as crowded with tourists from all over the worldPhoto by: SAEED A11 2012 -
Hagia SophiaTwo relgions in one historical placePhoto by: SAEED A11 2012 -
IstanbulGrand BazaarPhoto by: Hana10 2011 -
IstanbulBlue MosquePhoto by: Hana10 2011 -
IstanbulBlue MosquePhoto by: Hana10 2011 -
IstanbulHagia SophiaPhoto by: Hana10 2011 -
IstanbulHagia SophiaPhoto by: Hana10 2011 -
IstanbulHagia SophiaPhoto by: Hana10 2011 -
Useful Information
Blue Mosque interior, Istanbul
Blue Mosque:
One of the most famous monuments in both the Turkish and Islamic worlds, the Sultan Ahmet Mosque (also known as the Blue Mosque) is a superb creation in the classical Ottoman style. The mosque has six towering minarets and 260 windows illuminating its vast main chamber, which is decorated with more than 20,000 Iznik tiles.
Hagia Sophia:
Now a museum, Hagia Sophia was built in the 6th century by the Emperor Justinian, and was one of the largest basilicas in the Christian world. After the Ottoman conquest, it was converted to a mosque and is today one of the most magnificent museums in the world. Take a moment to linger here to admire the fine Byzantine mosaics. (closed on Monday; will be replaced with Chora Museum)
Underground Cistern:
The Basilica Cistern (Turkish: Yerebatan Sarayı -"Sunken Palace"), is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath the city of Istanbul The cistern, located 500 feet (150 m) southwest of the Hagia Sophia on the historical peninsula of Sarayburnu, was built in the 6th century during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I.
Topkapi Palace:
The largest and oldest palace in the world, Topkapi is the crown jewel of the Ottoman Empire. With its treasury and exotic buildings overlooking the Golden Horn, your visit to Topkapi promises to be a truly fascinating experience. (closed on Tuesday)
Hippodrome and Obelisk:
The Hippodrome was once the heart of Constantinople’s political and sporting life, and the scene of games and riots through 500 years of Ottoman history. Today it is a city park called the At Meydanı (Horse Grounds) because of its function in Ottoman times. The Hippodrome includes the 3500-year-old Egyptian granite Obelisk, brought to Constantinople by Emperor Theodosius in 390 AD.
Grand Bazaar:
In operation since the 14th century, the Grand Bazaar is one of the world's largest covered markets, with 58 streets and over 4,000 shops. The bazaar is specially known for its jewelry, leather, pottery, spices and carpets. (closed on Sunday additional time will be spent at the other locations)
*On Mondays, when Hagia Sophia is closed, will be replaced with a similar museum.
Reviewed by Vee, May 2013
Super tour and introduction to the most famous sites in Istanbul, plus the guide and driver were helpful and adaptable in maneuvering around some of Istanbul's worst traffic. The tour group in the van was diverse in countries represented and a good time was had by all through the day and over the delicious Turkish meal at lunch time. The guide gave us options throughout the day so that people could go through some sites with him, have some time on their own, and meet together to journey to the next destination.
Reviewed by Matthew H, May 2013
Our tour guide was very knowledgable and informative. The tour itself is pretty full on, but well worth it as you get some excellent insight into Istanbul. Highly recommend it! :)
