Private Customizable Istanbul Day Tour with Licensed Guide

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. A masterpiece of Byzantine architecture and one of Istanbul’s most important landmarks, known for its massive dome, mosaics, and rich historical significance. *Please note that as it's not a museum anymore, tour guides don't have skip-the-line priority there. You may need to wait in the security line, in order to avoid queues we suggest departing at 8:30am or 9:00am.

   1 h

2. One of Istanbul’s most iconic mosques, famed for its elegant domes, six minarets, and interior adorned with thousands of blue Iznik tiles, reflecting the grandeur of Ottoman architecture.

   30 min

3. Once the social and sporting center of Byzantine Constantinople, the Hippodrome features historic monuments such as the Obelisk of Theodosius and offers insight into the city’s ancient past.

   15 min

4. An impressive underground reservoir dating to the Byzantine era, known for its atmospheric columns, vaulted ceilings, and the mysterious Medusa head carvings.

   30 min

5. A late-Ottoman landmark gifted by Kaiser Wilhelm II, this elegant octagonal fountain features intricate mosaics and marks the historic heart of Sultanahmet Square.

   10 min

6. The former residence of Ottoman sultans for centuries, this vast palace complex offers insight into imperial life, with courtyards, pavilions, and sweeping views over the Bosphorus and Golden Horn.

   2 h

7. One of Istanbul’s oldest churches, Hagia Irene is a rare example of a Byzantine church that was never converted into a mosque, known for its simple interior and historical significance.

   15 min

8. One of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets, the Grand Bazaar is a lively maze of shops selling textiles, jewelry, ceramics, spices, and traditional Turkish goods.

   1 h

Cancellation

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

Reviews

Ratings come from 76 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 3649 experiences we list in Istanbul.
• Its length is typical for the group.
• By number of reviews it ranks 301 of 3649.
• 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