Ticket Hall

Private Istanbul Sightseeing Tours: Historical Peninsula

Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya)

  • 6–7 hours
  • Free cancellation up to 24h before
  • Guided in English
  • Instant confirmation

Highlights

Istanbul has been an autochthonous city with the rich history of 8.500 years. It was the capital of three empires interwining the elegance and the art of Byzantion, extraordinary glory of the Eastern Roman Empire and the maginificence of Ottoman Empire. * The tour provides a unique experience with local surprises in the hidden spots. * Exclusive tour led by a private guide. *There are no shopping stops made during our tour but if our guests would like to do some shopping following the conclusion of the tour we can be of assistance.

Inclusions

What's included

  • Private Tour
  • Professional Local Guide

What's not

  • Lunch
  • Gratitudes
  • Museum Tickets

Itinerary

  1. The palace was the political center of the Ottoman Empire between the 15th and 19th centuries, until they built Dolmabahce Palace by the waterside.

    3 h

  2. Hagia Sophia is one of the most impressive museums of Istanbul; built as a Christian church, then converted into a mosque, now serving as a museum.

    Passes by

  3. Also known as the Sultan Ahmet Camii (or Sultan Ahmed Mosque), this breath-taking building is one of the most majestic Ottoman mosques in all of Turkey. This mosque was built by Sultan Ahmet I between 1609 and 1616 and is located in the district of old Istanbul that is named after this Ottoman Sultan and it is distinguished by its six slender minarets.

    30 min

  4. Hippodrome of Constantinople, located in Sultanahmet/Istanbul, was a public arena mainly for chariot races. The word hippodrome comes from the Greek hippos (horse) and dromos (way). The Hippodrome of Constantinople was also home to gladiatorial games, official ceremonies, celebrations, protests, torture to the convicts and so on. Hippodrome functioned all in Roman (203-330 CE), Byzantine (330-1453 CE), and Ottoman (1453-1922) periods.

    20 min

  5. Descending into the Basilica Cistern's ancient subterranean chambers, one is enchanted by dimly lit waters, majestic Medusa heads, and awe-inspiring architecture—a mesmerizing journey through history beneath Istanbul's bustling streets.

    1 h

Cancellation

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

Know before you go

Pickup
Pickup is offered, or you can meet at the starting point.
Ticket type
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operated by
Istanbul the Ultimate Guide
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

How it compares in Istanbul

  • Its from-price is 33% above the median of the 3649 experiences we list in Istanbul.
  • Its length is typical for the group.
  • 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

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