Private Istanbul: Topkapi Palace, St Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar

Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey and is the leading industrial, commercial and cultural center. The population of the city is estimated to be more than 10 million.

On this tour you will have the opportunity to visit the following historic sites:

Hippodrome:
Once the site of a Roman Imperial Palace and later of horse-drawn chariot races. Here is located the famous obelisk from Egypt, a remarkable pink granite monument built 3,500 years ago by an Egyptian pharo and brought to Byzantium in the 4th century.

Blue Mosque:
Just across the Hippodrome, showing itself as one of the most famous monuments in both Turkish and Islamic worlds is the Sultan Ahmet Mosque (also known as the Blue Mosque). One of the truly superb creations in the classical Turkish architectural style, it stands unique with six towering minarets and 260 windows that illuminate its vast main chamber decorated with more than 20,000 beautiful Iznik tiles.

St. Sophia:
One of the finest and largest architectural works of art in the world. The Saint Sophia Museum was built in the 6th century by the Emperor Justinian, it 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. It has been nominated to be the 8th wonder of the world by many historians. Take a moment to linger here to absorb the majestic serenity and admire the fine Byzantine mosaics.

Topkapi Palace:
Now, for what many people consider as one of the most unique places in the world, as well as being the world's largest and oldest Palace: The Topkapi Palace and Museum. Here is the crown jewel of the Ottoman Empire, showing its treasures.

Please note:
The Grand Bazaar is not open on Sundays and St Sophia is not open on Mondays.

Schedule Details Departs:

Daily, except Tuesday

Unavailable Dates:

• January 01 (New Year's Day)
• December 25 (Christmas Day)
• December 31 (New Year's Eve)

 

Departure Point: Tour departs from centrally located Istanbul hotels Departure Time: 9:00am Return details: Tour returns to original point of departure at approximately 5:00pm Hotel Pickup:

Tour departs from centrally located Istanbul hotels. Please include the details of your hotel at the time of booking. You MUST call the supplier at least 24 hours prior to tour commencement to reconfirm all tour and departure details. If the supplier does not pickup from your hotel, they will advise you of the meeting point when you call. The contact details will be listed on your voucher.

Port Pick-up:
For passengers arriving / departing Istanbul by cruise ship, a pick up is available from Istanbul port. If you wish to be picked up at Istanbul port you must advise the cruise line, ship name, docking and departure time in the Special Requirements box, at time of booking. Please allow 30 minutes from cruise arrival time to disembark and meet the tour. Please note, you may be picked up from the cruise port and dropped off at a city hotel or vice versa.

Additional Information