Istanbul Highlights: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque & Grand Bazaar
Perfect for cruise passengers or travelers short on time, this private half-day tour covers Istanbul's Old City highlights. Explore Sultanahmet Square, the Byzantine Hippodrome, and admire the exterior of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Then enjoy free time at the Grand Bazaar while your guide shares its history and traditions before returning to your hotel or cruise port.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Galataport Cruise Port & Hotels & Airbnb
- Meet your guide at your centrally located hotel, Airbnb, or Galataport Cruise Terminal. This private tour can be customized to suit your interests and pace whenever possible. If you're staying outside the city center, an alternative meeting point can be arranged.
Hippodrome
Visit Hippodrome.
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
Hagia Sophia (Panaromic)
Blue Mosque
Visit the Blue Mosque
Grand Bazaar
Visit the Grand Bazaar
Ending Point
Galataport Cruise Port & Hotel & Airbnb
Want to personalize this tour?
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This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Professional Guide
Private tour
Public transportation ( tram )
Food and drinks
Entrance fees
Private vehicle
Tour Important Information
•Most travelers can participate
•wheelchair accessible
•This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
•Blue Mosque is closed to visitors until 2.30 pm on Friday for Friday pray
•Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays ,can be changed with Spice Bazaar
•Please dress modestly when visiting mosques. Women should bring a headscarf to cover their hair. Both women and men should wear clothing that covers the knees. Shoes must be removed before entering.
Important message from the supplier
All tours can be customized for you. Send me a message with your requests!
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
About Tour Guide Nazmiye E.
As a licensed professional guide in lstanbul,l offer authentic and personalized experiences in the Old City and along the Bosphorus.Travelers choose me for clear communication, reliable local knowledge and a friendly approach that makes each tour smooth, engaging and memorable.l focus on more than just sightseeing-l help guests truly experience Istanbul through its history, culture and local atmosphere.
Reviews
Sanober S.
“Another Fantastic Day with Nazmiyeh”
Our second day with Nazmiyeh was just as fantastic as the first. We explored Topkapi Palace and enjoyed a beautiful Bosphorus cruise, and once again she was prompt, professional, exceptionally knowledgeable, and incredibly engaging throughout. She explained everything so well and shared many fascinating details that truly brought the history to life. Her warm and friendly nature made the entire experience even more enjoyable. I’m so glad I chose Nazmiyeh as our guide in Istanbul. She made both days memorable for our family and I would highly recommend her to anyone visiting the city.
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Nazmiye E.
Thank you so much for your wonderful comment! l am very happy to hear that you enjoyed the Topkapi Palace and Bosphorus tour. Your recommendation means a lot to me, and I hope to welcome you back to Istanbul again one day!
Sanober S.
“A Fantastic Tour We Will Never Forget”
Nazmiyeh was an absolutely wonderful tour guide and truly made our day in Istanbul special. Her knowledge and passion for the history and culture of the city were exceptional, and she explained everything in such an engaging and easy-to-understand way. What stood out the most was how patient and warm she was with my son, who had endless questions throughout the tour. She answered every single one thoughtfully and made him feel genuinely involved and excited to learn. He enjoyed every moment of the experience. Nazmiyeh also went above and beyond the planned itinerary by taking us to a pottery demonstration, which ended up being one of the highlights of the day for my son. He absolutely loved getting the chance to try pottery himself and was so excited about the whole experience. Beyond being an excellent guide, Nazmiyeh is a truly warm, kind, and lovely person. By the end of the tour, it honestly felt like we had spent the day with a friend rather than just a guide. We are so grateful for such a memorable experience and would highly recommend her to anyone visiting Istanbul.
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Nazmiye E.
Thank you so much for your incredibly kind words. It truly means a lot to me that you and your family enjoyed the tour. It was such a pleasure spending the day with you, and I especially loved seeing your son’s curiosity and excitement throughout the experience. His questions made the tour even more enjoyable for me as well! I’m so happy he enjoyed the pottery experience — seeing his enthusiasm there was one of the highlights of my day too. Thank you again for your warmth, kindness, and wonderful company. I’m very grateful our paths crossed in Istanbul, and I hope to welcome you back again someday. Wishing you and your family many more beautiful travels together!
$230/ per group
More tours by Nazmiye E.
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Private Istanbul Old City Tour – Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque & Topkapi Palace
Discover the best of Istanbul on this private full-day Old City tour. Visit iconic landmarks including Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar while learning about the city's Byzantine and Ottoman heritage. Enjoy a flexible itinerary, personalized attention, and local insights at a comfortable pace.
Private Istanbul Old City Tour – Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque & Topkapi Palace
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Half-Day Istanbul Tour – Spice Market Visit & Bosphorus Boat Ride
Explore two of Istanbul’s must-see experiences in one half-day tour. Visit the vibrant Spice Bazaar, filled with colorful spices, Turkish delights, and local treats, while learning its rich history from your guide. Then enjoy a relaxing Bosphorus cruise between Europe and Asia, passing Ottoman palaces, waterfront mansions, and historic landmarks with stunning city views.
Half-Day Istanbul Tour – Spice Market Visit & Bosphorus Boat Ride
Other Popular Shore Excursion Tours in Istanbul
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Private Hagia Sophia Sultanahmet Blue Mosque Cistern Grand Bazaar walking Tour
Experience a walking tour starting with a tramway or taxi from the port or hotel, led by a professional, licensed tour guide. With extensive knowledge and insider tips, our guides will take you on a journey like no other. We like to help our guests enjoy the city through its culture, history, and local foods. This private guiding service is ideal for families, solo travelers, and friends who want to learn about Istanbul with its insides and culture of the royal city without losing time in queues
Private Hagia Sophia Sultanahmet Blue Mosque Cistern Grand Bazaar walking Tour
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Majestic Istanbul through the Bosphorus
Discover Istanbul from the water on this unforgettable Bosphorus cruise. Sail between two continents as you admire the stunning skyline, elegant palaces,and historic landmarks along the strait. During the journey, you will pass by highlights such as Dolmabahçe Palace,Ortaköy Mosque, the Bosphorus Bridge,and the graceful Ottoman mansions that line the shores. This relaxing cruise offers the perfect balance of history,culture,and breathtaking views—an ideal way to experience the magic of Istanbul.
Majestic Istanbul through the Bosphorus
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ISTANBUL shore excursion
Welcome to the city of tales. I will be meeting you at cruise terminal and take you to the old city which was once called Constantinople via short public tram ride. Most of the sights within the walking to each other.
ISTANBUL shore excursion
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