Top Istanbul Sightseeing Tours

Prepare to be awed by Istanbul’s magnificent architecture, rich history, and eclectic bazaars as you discover the unmissable highlights of the Old City on this 1-, 2-, or 3-day private tour. Marvel over the glorious Hagia Sophia, learn how the Blue Mosque earned its famous nickname, and see the ancient Basilica Cistern. Tour Topkapi Palace to gain an insight into the lavish lifestyles of the Ottoman sultans and their harem, and browse the legendary Grand Bazaar, where you find everything from carpets to Turkish delight. Flexible daily itineraries: Day 1 - Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome Square, German Fountain, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar. Day 2 - Bosphorus Cruise by Public Ferry, Dolmabahce Palace, Taksim Square, Istiklal Street, Cicek Passage, Galata Tower (from outside), Spice Market. Day 3 - Suleymaniye Mosque, Fener and Balat Districts, St. Stephen Church (Iron Church), Pierre Lotti Panoramic Hill by Cable Car, Rahmi Koc Museum (or alternative sites).

Enjoy stunning, sunset views of Istanbul’s top heritage sites, all from the comfort of a luxury yacht. During this exclusive, private Bosphorus cruise, you’ll sail down both European and Asian sides of the renowned strait, covering highlights like 19th-century Dolmabahce Palace, imposing Rumeli Fortress, and the iconic towers of Maiden and Galata. Guided tours include complimentary refreshments, including fruit and homemade lemonade.

Enjoy stunning views of historic Istanbul from the water during this narrated boat tour down the Bosphorus. Cover many of the city’s top attractions from the scenic strait, passing highlights like Galata Tower, Dolmabahce and Topkapi palaces, and Rumeli Fortress. You’ll also head to Asia and back, with a get-down stop on Istanbul’s Anatolian side and free time to explore on your own.

Take the time to explore Istanbul’s most magnificent sites at your own pace with a full-day, guided tour of the city's historic places and landmarks. Follow in the footsteps of charioteers and Roman soldiers at the Hippodrome, then see the arcing tiles of the Blue Mosque. Listen for the whispers of courtiers and sultans inside Topkapi Palace, then see Hagia Sophia’s stunning murals and minarets. Browse the vibrant displays at the iconic Grand Bazaar, with inside tips on the best places to find carpets, handicrafts and local souvenirs.

The Bosphorus Strait divides Europe from Asia, and a Bosphorus cruise is a signature Istanbul experience. This round-trip yacht cruise, with live commentary and fun facts from an experienced guide, covers all the classic waterfront sights—bridges, palaces, the Maiden’s Tower, the Rumeli Fortress, and more. But it also includes a stop for coffee and snacks in the characterful Kanlıca neighborhood and onboard Wi-Fi so you can share as you go.

Fit all of Istanbul's attractions at the top of your bucket list into one packed day, with the help of an expert local guide. Stroll Istanbul’s historic Sultanahmet neighborhood, brimming with iconic buildings and storied streets. Tour the Blue Mosque, one of the most important sites in the Muslim world. Delve into history of the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Istanbul Hippodrome as well as the 'sunken palace' of Basilica Cistern. And you won’t want to miss the bustling Grand Bazaar.

Experience Istanbul’s timeless sights on a full-day tour of the city’s stunning historic places. Listen for the ancient echoes of pounding hooves and charioteers at Hippodrome Square and spot the distinctive tiles of the Blue Mosque. See the Byzantine mosaics and minarets of Hagia Sophia, then follow in the footsteps of powerful sultans, courtiers, and generals at Topkapi Palace. Finish your tour in the vibrant Grand Bazaar, browsing bright displays of handicrafts, carpets, and souvenirs.

Explore the top attractions in Sultanahmet (the old city) on a full-day tour with a knowledgeable guide. Take in UNESCO World Heritage sites and famous monuments in Istanbul including the stunning Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Hippodrome. Then follow your guide through the Grand Bazaar, browsing the shops of hundreds of vendors with an array of textiles, jewelry, perfumes, spices and more. Your guide shares the long history of Istanbul with your small group, which is limited to 10 participants to ensure a more intimate experience.

Instead of driving around Istanbul all day in a stuffy tour bus, discover the city’s beauty in style on this relaxing sunset cruise down the Bosphorus, the waterway that marks the border between Asian Turkey and European Turkey. From the open-air deck of your luxury yacht, see riverside landmarks like the Dolmabahçe Palace, the Ortaköy Mosque and the Rumeli Fortress, all lit by the beautiful dusk light.

Step aboard a cruise between Europe and Asia on the Bosphorus to enjoy dinner and shoreline views. Eat a 3-course menu of traditional Turkish meze accompanied by soft drinks and alcohol. In addition to enjoying views of the sites on shore—such as the Fatih Sultan Mehmed Bridge and the Bosphorus Bridge—enjoy a show of traditional Turkish entertainment.

Recall the days of ancient Rome on this full-day trip to Ephesus from Istanbul by air. With a professional guide, explore the spectacular Greco-Roman Ephesus, Turkey’s archaeological showpiece. Stroll the ancient streets to marvel at the Basilica of St. John and the Temple of Artemis. You also get time to walk through the Ephesus Archaeological Museum to see the excavations of the ancient city and shop for local handicrafts.

Uncover ancient Greek mythology and the history of the Trojan War during this guided day trip to Troy from Istanbul. During a walking tour, learn about the famous archaeological site of Troy and see a replica statue of the Trojan Horse. Then, delve into the interesting era’s of Troy and discover how this settlement transformed over time. Plus, enjoy a visit to the small coastal town of Eceabat for lunch.

A dinner with dance shows on the catamaran, which is the only one in Istanbul. Food and entertainment... This combination never fails to guarantee having a great time. Especially, when accompanied by the mesmerizing Istanbul views at night, you will experience an unforgettable dinner cruise with us. We are inviting you to feast on amazing foods with unlimited alcoholic drinks while cruising along the European and Asian continents and enjoying traditional Turkish dances and shows with us. Highlights • Discover the Bosphorus Strait, while cruising between European and Asian sides of Istanbul • Watch traditional dances as well as Latin dances and enjoy live DJ performance while cruising • Admire the iconic palaces standing along the strait The boat will be ready to the pier at 08:30 pm. When you get on the boat, your appetizers are ready on the table and you can order drinks. The boat leaves the pier at 09:00 pm. And it's back at around 11:30 pm. The average tour duration is 3 hours.

Istanbul is a city set on the water and to fully experience its beauty and diversity you need to get out onto the Bosphorus Strait. On this ninety-minute cruise you’ll see both the European and Asian halves of Istanbul, enjoy views of many picturesque mosques and palaces, and learn more about Istanbul’s centuries-long history through an audio guide app available in ten languages.

Uncover the sacred practice of the mystical Sufis at an authentic Mevlevi Sema Ceremony held at Istanbul’s Hodjapasha, and witness the 800-year-old tradition that has been preserved on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Be mesmerized by the bizarre yet beautiful sight of the Whirling Dervishes as they perform their unique spiritual rituals during an hour-long show, including a live orchestra and 360-video projections.

Discover Istanbul on a full-day tour that travels on foot and public transit to historic landmarks and local cultural hubs. Start by touring the Hippodrome, Serefiye Cistern and Grand Bazaar, then take a break for Turkish coffee, pastry and hookah (tobacco pipe). Visit the book and paper market Sahaflar Çarşısı, which started in the Byzantine era, then tour Istanbul University. Continue to Suleymaniye Mosque, the Spice Bazaar and the Church of St George before winding through the districts of Fener and Balat — the old Greek and Jewish neighborhoods.

Tick through Istanbul’s highlights without hassles or getting lost, and with a guide to reveal their history on this tour. Admire and hear tales of the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, and Hippodrome that you’d probably miss alone, and clearly hear the guide’s commentary.

Discover the highlights of Istanbul with a coach tour of the Old City, a Bosporus cruise, and a cable car ride down Pierre Loti Hill. Visit the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazar. Morning part of this tour is walking tour WE HAVE MEETING POINT FOR CRUISE PASSENGERS FRONT OF THE PORT BOSPHORUS HOTEL. OPPOSITE THE MAIN EXIT FOR CRUISE PASSENGERS • Marvel at views of Istanbul's skyline during a cruise on the Bosphorus Strait • Step back in time as you learn about the 6th-century Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque • Look for a bargain as you pass by hundreds of stalls in the Grand Covered Bazaar • Delight your palate with local flavors with an included delectable Turkish lunch • Capture pictures of the Golden Horn from Pierre Loti Hill and take a cable car

Get a taste of Turkish culture and see the city from the water on this night time dinner cruise. Depart from your European-side hotel and sail down Istanbul’s Bosphorus Strait. Admire the views of Ottoman palaces and two transcontinental bridges. Enjoy a three-course dinner and watch a Turkish Night Show with belly dancing, folk dancing, a henna ceremony, and more.

Enjoy a traditional Turkish dinner as straddle two continents on a 4-hour dinner cruise in Istanbul.The leisurely nighttime route along the Bosphorus takes you past the most iconic landmarks of both the Asian and European sides of the city. While you dine, enjoy live belly dancing, folk dancing, and whirling dervish performances. Afterwards, you’re free to join in the dancing.

Make it a night to remember in Istanbul when you book this all-inclusive dinner cruise package, with transfers and a show. Dine on a 3-course feast of Turkish cuisine, with fresh fruit, salad, soft and alcoholic drinks, and a choice of mains (including vegetarian and seafood options). Soak up the atmosphere as whirling dervishes, belly dancers and folk dancers strut their stuff. A professional DJ helps the party spirit along.

Cover Istanbul’s top sights in just a few hours during this private, half-day guided tour, designed as a layover excursion for airline passengers. Enjoy hassle-free, front-door pickup from your airport terminal, and transfer comfortably from airport to the city in your own chauffeured, climate-controlled transportation. Highlights include stops at the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and whatever other destinations you select.

Treat yourself to a stress-free arrival or departure in Istanbul during this private, one-way car service between the airport and your hotel accommodation. Travel comfortably in a WIFI-equipped, climate-controlled minivan with driver, with complimentary bottled water. Private rides include wait time for flight delays or traffic at no additional cost.

Step into the golden ages of the Ottoman, Byzantine and Roman empires with a full-day, private tour through Istanbul’s Old City. See the monuments and historic sites of Hippodrome Square, where Roman charioteers raced in ancient times, then explore St. Sophia's stunning architecture and museum. See the iconic tiles, mosaics and slender minarets of the Blue Mosque and browse traditional handicrafts inside the Grand Bazaar. Learn about the lives of sultans and courtiers at Topkapi Palace, which contains a remarkable collection of Turkey's greatest holy relics, imperial treasures and artwork.