Istanbul Private Tours: 1, 2 or 3 Day Highlights

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. Embark on a journey through time at the Roman Hippodrome, an ancient chariot racing arena that once stood as the heart of Constantinople, the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire. Step onto the grounds where chariots thundered and crowds roared in excitement during grand sporting events and public gatherings. Today, the Hippodrome is a captivating open-air museum adorned with historic monuments that bear witness to its illustrious past. Marvel at the majestic Obelisk of Theodosius, an ancient Egyptian monument brought to Constantinople by Emperor Theodosius I in the 4th century AD. Admire the ornate Serpent Column, a bronze column adorned with serpent heads, and the elegant German Fountain, a gift from Kaiser Wilhelm II to Sultan Abdulhamid II in the late 19th century. With its rich history and magnificent landmarks, the Byzantine Hippodrome offers visitors a glimpse into the grandeur of Istanbul's imperial past.

   30 min

2. Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the Blue Mosque, one of Istanbul's most iconic landmarks and a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture. Officially known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, this majestic structure takes its name from the striking blue tiles that adorn its interior, creating a mesmerizing visual spectacle. Step inside to marvel at the expansive prayer hall adorned with intricate hand-painted tiles, delicate stained glass windows, and elaborately designed calligraphy. As shafts of sunlight filter through the windows, the interior comes alive with a warm, ethereal glow, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and serenity. Whether you're admiring its exterior from the bustling streets of Istanbul or exploring its sacred interior, the Blue Mosque is a testament to the city's rich cultural heritage and a must-visit destination for travelers from around the world.

   45 min

3. Hagia Sophia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a marvel of Byzantine architecture and a symbol of Istanbul's rich history. Originally built as a Christian cathedral in the 6th century, it later became a mosque and now serves as a museum, showcasing stunning mosaics, intricate calligraphy, and awe-inspiring domes. Dive into centuries of culture, religion, and artistry as you explore this iconic landmark.

   1 h

4. Located in the city center, Caferaga Medresesi is an exhibition hall with exhibits of art and music. The building was designed by Mimar Sinan, one of the most prominent architects of the Ottoman Empire, and originally served as a religious school. Today it hosts 15 halls decorated with works of students and Turkish artists.

   10 min

5. Discover the mesmerizing Basilica Cistern, an ancient underground reservoir that transports you back in time to the heart of Byzantine Istanbul. Built in the 6th century during the reign of Emperor Justinian I, this remarkable architectural marvel is an enduring testament to the ingenuity of the Byzantine engineers. Descend into its dimly lit depths and explore the vast forest of marble columns rising from the still waters, creating an otherworldly atmosphere that has captivated visitors for centuries. Admire the intricately carved Medusa heads and listen to the echoes of history as you stroll along the raised walkways. A visit to the Basilica Cistern is a must for anyone seeking to uncover the hidden treasures of Istanbul's rich past.

   1 h

6. The Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets, is a bustling hub of commerce and culture in the heart of Istanbul. With over 4,000 shops lining its labyrinthine streets, the bazaar offers a treasure trove of treasures, from vibrant textiles and exquisite ceramics to intricate jewelry and aromatic spices. Immerse yourself in the vibrant sights, sounds, and scents of this iconic marketplace as you wander through its bustling alleys and discover the rich tapestry of Turkish craftsmanship and tradition.

   45 min

7. Immerse yourself in the vibrant colors, exotic scents, and bustling atmosphere of Istanbul's historic Spice Market, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar. Dating back to the 17th century, this iconic market is a treasure trove of spices, herbs, dried fruits, nuts, and other culinary delights. Wander through the maze of narrow alleys lined with stalls overflowing with aromatic spices like saffron, cinnamon, and sumac, as well as fragrant teas, Turkish delight, and traditional sweets. Explore the market's rich cultural heritage and witness the lively exchange of goods between locals and visitors. Whether you're a culinary enthusiast seeking rare ingredients or simply want to soak up the sights and sounds of Istanbul's vibrant marketplace, a visit to the Spice Market promises a sensory journey like no other.

   30 min

8. Embark on an unforgettable journey along the Bosphorus Strait with our Bosphorus Boat Tour aboard public boats. Cruise along the scenic waters that divide Europe and Asia, offering panoramic views of Istanbul's iconic landmarks and majestic skyline. Marvel at the sight of historic palaces, grand mosques, and ancient fortresses that dot the shores of this legendary waterway. As you glide past iconic landmarks such as the majestic Dolmabahçe Palace, the ornate Ortaköy Mosque, and the imposing Rumeli Fortress, our knowledgeable guides will provide fascinating insights into the rich history and culture of Istanbul. With comfortable seating, open-air decks, and onboard amenities, our public boat tours offer a convenient and affordable way to experience the beauty and charm of the Bosphorus. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, our Bosphorus Boat Tour promises an unforgettable adventure on Istanbul's legendary waterway.

   2 h

9. Taksim Square is a major tourist and leisure district in the Istanbul suburb of Beyoglu. It is considered the heart of modern Istanbul, with the central station of the Istanbul Metro network.

   1 h

10. Istiklal Caddesi, the city’s main pedestrian boulevard, is lined with 19th-century buildings housing international shopping chains, movie theaters, and cafes. The dense network of side streets is filled with bars, antiques shops, and rooftop eateries with Bosphorus views.

    45 min

11. (Outer visit only) Considered one of the oldest towers in the world, Galata Tower is one of Istanbul’s most recognizable structures. Built in 1348 to protect the city from fires, it was later used as a prison and an observation tower.

    10 min

12. Dolmabahçe Palace is one of the most important palaces in Turkey, located right on the shore of the Bosphorus. It was built in mid 19th century and served as a residence for the monarchs until the abolition of the sultanate in 1922. It has now been converted into a museum.

    1 h

Cancellation

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

Reviews

Ratings come from 28 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 close to the median of the 346 day trips we list in Istanbul.
• Its length is typical for the group.
• By number of reviews it ranks 38 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).

See all 3649 experiences in Istanbul