Istanbul Highlights Customizable Expert Guided Tour

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. GRAND BAZAAR- Step into one of the world’s oldest historic labyrinths, standing proud since 1461. Walk through its ancient alleys to hear the echoes of imperial trade and immerse yourself entirely in the profound history and captivating atmosphere of a bygone era.

   45 min

2. An elegant fusion of Ottoman tradition and European influence. Completed in 1755, this architectural masterpiece marks a stunning shift into the Ottoman Baroque style, where light beautifully illuminates its grand archways.

   30 min

3. The historic epicenter of Istanbul’s old city. Once the grand Hippodrome of Constantinople, this iconic square served as the civic, sports, and social center of the Byzantine Empire, famous for its thrilling chariot races and political gatherings. Today, it stands as a breathtaking open-air museum showcasing magnificent ancient monuments—such as the Egyptian Obelisk of Theodosius, the mystical Serpentine Column, and the Walled Obelisk—each anchoring centuries of imperial heritage and atmosphere.

   45 min

4. Step into a mystical monument that forever changed architectural history. Built in the 6th century under Emperor Justinian I, Hagia Sophia is a timeless masterpiece where the grand legacies of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires flawlessly intertwine. Led by our specially licensed English-speaking guide, you will marvel at the epic engineering of its massive dome, stand beneath centuries-old golden mosaics, and uncover the deep, layered mysteries of this iconic world heritage site. A truly unforgettable journey into the soul of Istanbul.

   40 min

5. Step inside a breathtaking vision of imperial grandeur. Commissioned by Sultan Ahmet I and completed in 1616, this 17th-century masterpiece is world-renowned for its unique cascading domes and six towering minarets that elegantly define Istanbul’s historic skyline. While its magnificent exterior commands the ancient square, its true magic lies within: over 20,000 handmade, intricate İznik tiles bathe the vast interior in a mystical light, creating an atmosphere of profound serenity and absolute architectural triumph.

   40 min

6. Journey through millennia of human history at the world-class Istanbul Archaeology Museums. Housing over one million artifacts, this magnificent complex holds priceless treasures of ancient empires. Your expert guide will bring legendary pieces to life—from the breathtaking Alexander Sarcophagus to ancient cuneiform tablets—connecting antiquity's greatest stories directly to Istanbul's deep historical roots.

   30 min

7. Topkapı Palace is the 15th-century imperial home of the Ottoman Sultans and the grand center of the Ottoman Empire. With its magnificent courtyards, priceless treasures, and breathtaking Bosphorus views, it stands as one of the world's finest palace museums.

   40 min

8. The Basilica Cistern is a massive and magnificent underground water reservoir located in the historical peninsula of Istanbul, built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinianus in the 6th century. Taking its name from the ancient basilica that once stood above it, the structure is a mesmerizing architectural masterpiece famous for its hundreds of marble columns—particularly the columns featuring Medusa head motifs—and its mysterious atmosphere.

   30 min

9. Constructed in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian I—even before the grand Hagia Sophia—this is one of the oldest surviving Byzantine masterpieces in Istanbul. An elegant example of early Byzantine architecture, its peaceful courtyard features historic rooms with roots tracing back to an ancient Byzantine monastery, which later served as madrasah cells during the Ottoman era. Tucked away from the city's noise, this unique stop allows you to discover ancient engineering among centuries-old columns and immerse yourself in the mystical, deep serenity of the old monastery garden.

   25 min

10. A mystical subterranean secret dating back to the 5th and 6th centuries during the early Byzantine era. Hidden quietly beneath the surface, this beautifully preserved ancient monument offers a captivating pause on your journey. Walk among its historic, centuries-old columns to discover ancient engineering and immerse yourself completely in the silent, atmospheric depths tucked away from the bustling city streets above.

    45 minAdmission included

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

Ratings come from 1 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Know before you go

How it compares in Istanbul

• Its from-price is 24% below the median of the 346 day trips we list in Istanbul.
• It is shorter than most of them.
• By number of reviews it ranks 207 of 346.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Istanbul

Istanbul straddles Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus, with Byzantine and Ottoman monuments, busy bazaars and ferries crossing between continents.

The historic peninsula holds the greatest landmarks. Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome face each other in Sultanahmet, the Basilica Cistern lies beneath the streets, and Topkapı Palace spreads across the hill above the Golden Horn. A short walk away, the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar have traded for centuries, and Süleymaniye Mosque, built by the great Ottoman architect Sinan, crowns one of the city's seven hills.

Top-ranked sights in Istanbul: Dolmabahce Palace (Dolmabahce Sarayi), Bosphorus, Bosphorus Bridge (Bogazici Koprusu).

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