Small-Group Istanbul in One Day Tour Including Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia
Overview
- Full-day Istanbul sightseeing tour around the Sultanahmet neighborhood
- Learn about Istanbul’s history as Constantinople, capital of the Roman Empire
- Visit six top Istanbul attractions with a knowledgeable local guide
- Explore the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Istanbul Hippodrome, Basilica Cistern or Nakkas Cistern and the Grand Bazaar
- Refuel with a 3-course lunch at a traditional Istanbul restaurant in Sultanahmet
- Small-group tour with a maximum of 14 people ensures personalized attention from a guide
From $90.00 USD
Lowest Price GuaranteeVenture to the Blue Mosque, one of the most stunning sights in Istanbul. Admire its six signature minarets and many ornate Iznik tiles that come together to form its dazzling blue walls. Listen as your expert guide tells you about the fascinating history of this Ottoman-era mosque. Then walk to the Hagia Sophia, an UNESCO-listed museum that was once a church and a mosque.
Next, stroll over to Topkapi Palace, a crown jewel of Istanbul. Explore its intricate corridors and intimate rooms where sultans once entertained elite guests—and were entertained by their harems. Your guide will point out interesting bits of backstory to the rooms, bringing to life this ornamental palace and museum. Midway through the day, break for a traditional Turkish lunch (see Itinerary section for sample menu).
Move on to the Hippodrome, where you can admire a granite Egyptian obelisk that was a gift to Istanbul. At one point, this location marked the epicenter of the city’s sports life and also served as a political center. Then it’s on to Istanbul’s sunken palace, the Basilica Cistern, one of the biggest ancient cisterns in Istanbul. Follow your guide as he tells fills you in on the history of these historic places.
Your final stop is also one of the most iconic: the Grand Bazaar. Stroll through its colorful alleys, more than 60 in all, in awe of the crafts, smells, sounds and sights. As one of the most famous souks in the world, you won’t want to miss this. Duck into leather, jewelry and ceramic stores as well as spice stalls and other unique outlets. Say hello to the friendly local shop owners and craftspeople. After, bid farewell to your guide and the rest of your group when you tour concludes with a convenient drop-off at your European-side hotel or in central Istanbul.
Please note: Hagia Sophia is closed on Mondays and the Grand Bazaar is closed Sundays. If your tour is on one of these days, an alternate, such as Chora Museum or another market, may be visited instead. Topkapi Palace, closed on Tuesdays, will be replaced with Istanbul Archaeology Museum).
Itinerary
First course:
- Pastry stuffed with cheese or sausage, served alongside a seasonal salad
- Turkish veal kebab
- Grilled chicken
- Specialty of the day
- Seasonal fruit
Reviews
Viator Traveler's Reviews
I've done Istanbul tours before so I can make the comparison with the one we did a couple of days ago. Hotel pick up/drop off all good, lunch was ok, nothing special. The guide, Hakan, was absolutely horrible. Showed no interest, information provided was basic and essentially left us to do the sightseeing by ourselves. Half an hour in Aja Sofija it's not enough as well as 45 minutes in Grand Bazaar. Hakan was in rush to complete the tour ASAP. All of that was charged 140USD per person which is absolutely outrageous.
We had about 10 people in our group. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. Transportation was with neon tur company and the van was comfortable and clean. The lunch was delicious just some portions. Our guide explained everything at each location first and then allowed free time to go on our own and take pictures. I felt no pressure at the carpet store.
The highlight for me of this tour is Hagia Sophia, being the best out of all of the sites in this tour. Blue Mosque was undergoing reconstruction and Topkapi Palace was too crowded. Felt like the Cistern was just an option because we were asked if we wanted to see it. It was included in the itinerary before this tour is purchased so that should be a no brainer. Before we went to the Bazaar, felt like we were forced to buy these beautiful carpets but I personally did not book this tour to buy carpets. I was hoping we were provided better description on where and what to see in the Bazaar as it is too big and we were already too tired for walking a lot during the day to find our way in the Bazaar.
its was very nice tour, they pickup on time from our hotel, and they offer to drop off on hotel but my wife and I decide to continue on Ground bazaar.
Omar the our tour guide was very nice person, and was educate and he provide much information on every location we visit, he answer all question from us.
the only things that me and my wife did not like is the lunch place, the food was not Turkish food, and it was cold.
I recommend this tour to any on like to visit Istanbul
