Would you like to explore some of the wonders of Istanbul in a day?
If yes, you are at the right place! This tour includes the highlights of this amazing city, so it's a great start especially for the first time visitors. Everything in the itinerary below is within walking distance and guided tours skip the ticket line at Topkapı Palace and the Basilica Cistern.
Please feel free to contact me if you would like to customize this tour!
At your hotel, cruise ship port or a monument such as the German Fountain
It was built as a Roman church between 532 and 537 and turned into a mosque later. I can truly that this breathtaking place is the most iconic building you can see in Istanbul. You'll be amazed by the size of the building and the details of Byzantine mosaics and Ottoman callipgrahy.
Topkapı Palace was the home of the Ottoman royal family from the 15th to the 19th century. It has been a museum since 1924 and is one of the most visited places in Turkiye!
Time to enjoy Turkish food!
Please let me know if you have any allergy or concern about food.
45-60 min.
The Blue Mosque, built by Sultan Ahmed I and officially known as Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is one of the most iconic mosques of Istanbul. It has got hundreds of blue tiles and six minarets which is the only example from the Ottoman era.
The Hippodrome is a giant open-air square where you can see ancient monuments such as the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpent Column and the Walled Column.
It was built as a water reservoir in the 6th century and today it's the largest cistern of Istanbul. This breathtaking place has got 336 marble columns and several spolia/reused materials.
It's one of the oldest and biggest covered markets in the world! It's believed that this giant complex has got 4000 shops and 61 streets.
We'll finish the tour in the Grand Bazaar which is open until 7-7:30 pm, so you can spend more time in the bazaar if you want or I can help you return to your hotel or cruise ship port.
The Grand Bazaar, your hotel, cruise ship port etc.
Guide fee, hotel meet-up
Museum tickets per person below
Topkapi Palace: 1500 TL
Basilica Cistern: 600 TL
Hagia Sophia: 25 Euro
Museums only accept Turkish lira or credit card.
Transportation Fees
Food, Drinks, Snacks
Souvenirs
Please note that the Blue Mosque is closed from morning to afternoon (2:30 pm) on Friday, Topkapı Palace is closed on Tuesday and the Grand Bazaar is closed on Sunday and Eid holidays. There is a dress code for the mosques. I'll send you some instructions about it a few days before our tour.
I can work everyday