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Istanbul Highlights Tour: Discover the Heart of the City
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Joined 2025
Explore the best of Istanbul in one unforgettable tour! Visit iconic landmarks such as Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar while learning the fascinating stories that shaped this timeless city.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
German Fountain
- The monumental fountain with green dome, the one at the entrance of ancient hippodrome of Constantinople.
Ancient Hippodrome of Constantinople
Once the social and sporting center of Constantinople, the Hippodrome hosted thrilling chariot races and grand public events. Today, visitors can admire its historic monuments such as the Serpent Column, Obelisk of Theodosius, and the Walled Obelisk.
The Blue Mosque / Sultanahmet Mosque
Bathed in blue light from thousands of İznik tiles, the Blue Mosque whispers stories of sultans, prayers, and dreams beneath its six towering minarets.
Hagia Sophia / St Sophia
A place where empires rose and fell, Hagia Sophia holds centuries of secrets within its soaring dome and shimmering mosaics. Step inside and feel the mystical spirit of Istanbul’s timeless soul.
Topkapi Palace
Once the heart of the Ottoman Empire, Topkapi Palace hides behind its gates a world of power, intrigue, and treasures that shaped centuries of history.
Lunch break : Taste of Turkish Cuisine
In the midst of our journey, we will pause at a charming local restaurant where you can savor the rich flavors of traditional Turkish cuisine. From sizzling kebabs to delicate mezes, this meal offers not just food, but a true taste of Istanbul’s soul.
Grand Bazaar
A labyrinth of colors, scents, and hidden gems, the Grand Bazaar invites you to lose yourself in its endless maze where every corner holds a secret.
Burnt Column (Column of Constantine)
Rising in the heart of Istanbul, this ancient column was built by Emperor Constantine and has witnessed fire, earthquakes, and empires. Its weathered stones still radiate mystery—making it the perfect place to conclude our journey through the city’s timeless wonders.
Ending Point
Burnt Column (Column of Constantine)
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
* the official licensed tour guide service
* the public transportation (if needed when with your tour guide)
* skip the line for topkapi palace museum
* the transportation
* personal expenses
* lunch
* museum entry fees
Tour Important Information
* This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
* This tour is not recommended for those with severe back/knee problems.
* This tour is NOT wheelchair/stroller accessible at SOME of the sites.
* Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.
* Please remember the moderate dress code is necessary for the entrance to the mosques. (the knees & shoulders should be covered for everyone and a headscarf is needed for female visitors)
Important message from the supplier
I can give day tours and evening tours as well as excursions far from the city that I currently live in such as Cappadocia,Ephesus,Kuşadası,İzmir,Sardes,Antalya,Fethiye,Bodrum etc. (simply all around Turkey & Balkan countries along with Georgia and Northern Cyprus.)
For those tours which requires a remote city visit (and for the ones that we’ll customize together for you) I will need an advance booking (best to book 3-5 weeks prior and earlier)
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
Joined 2025
About Tour Guide Yağmur B.
I’ve been a professional tour guide for9 years, and let me tell you, I absolutely adore my job. I love showcasing my country, Turkiye, with all its cultural, historical, and modern treasures. Every day, I get to share my enthusiasm and pride for my homeland with visitors. I truly enjoy making everyone feel like a cherished guest, and I take great pleasure in introducing them to the unique wonders of Turkiye with both joy and a touch of humor. For me, every tour is a delightful experience, and it’s all about making memories and having fun along the way!
Reviews
Lucy A.
“Our visit to Istanbul with Yagmur”
Yagmur, thank you so much for spending the day with us and for sharing your beautiful country with us. We truly enjoyed your company, and your knowledge brought the places we visited to life. You made our visit to Istanbul unforgettable, and we are so grateful to have had you as our guide. Thanks for introducing me to the baklava and ice cream dessert it was delicious. We highly recommend Yagmur to anyone visiting Istanbul!
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Yağmur B.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! It was such a pleasure spending the day with you and sharing Istanbul’s history, culture, and little hidden gems. I’m so happy you enjoyed our time together, and especially that you loved the baklava and ice cream! Thank you for your kind words and recommendation. I hope our paths cross again someday, whether in Istanbul or somewhere else in the world. Sending you my warmest wishes!
Mary K.
“Istanbul when you have visited all the famous tourist spots”
The full day tour we did with was so good. It was our second visit to Istanbul and we were keen to see other places in the city. Yağmur was really fabulous. She was professional and friendly and with her we saw another side of Istanbul. We visited neighborhoods we would never have found without her and also saw some wonderful frescoes and mosques in those areas. She was quick to understand what we were interested in. I would highly recommend her tour. It was just a lovely day.
Yağmur B.
Thank you so much, Mary! It was such a pleasure exploring a different side of Istanbul with you. I’m so happy we got to discover some of the city’s hidden gems together. I truly enjoyed our day and hope our paths cross again someday!
Jane J.
“2 days in Istanbul ”
Our multigenerational family of 7, from a 7 year old to 79 year old spent 2 days with Yagmur. She offered us a wonderful experience in Istanbul and adapted experiences and activities to suit everyone. A wonderful experience.
Yağmur B.
Thank you so much, Jane! It was such a pleasure spending these two days with you and your lovely family. I truly enjoyed every moment with you all and hope to welcome you back to Istanbul someday!
$270/ per group
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Half Day : The Imperial Heart of Byzantium & the Ottomans
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Half Day : The Sultan’s World – Topkapi Palace & The Grand Bazaar
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Don’t get lost in the crowds or overwhelmed by textbook facts. In this fast-paced, deeply engaging 2.5-hour tour, we bypass the confusion and dive straight into the beating heart of the Ottoman Empire. We will explore the majestic courtyards, the dazzling imperial treasury, and the scandalous, intrigue-filled corridors of the Harem. Perfect for families with teens, couples, and travelers with a tight schedule who want maximum context in minimum time.
The Secrets of Topkapi Palace & Harem: An Express Insider Journey with Skip the Line Tickets
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