• Sultanahmet District - The historic heart of Istanbul, where visitors can explore numerous attractions such as Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, and the Blue Mosque.
• Topkapi Palace - Serving as the administrative center and royal residence (Harem) of the Ottoman Empire for nearly 400 years, Topkapi Palace is an expansive open-air museum with four courtyards. It was home to Sultan Mehmet II and subsequent sultans until Sultan Abdulmecid.
• Hagia Sophia Mosque - A must-see for every traveler in Istanbul, Hagia Sophia has been built three times on the same site. Initially a Greek Orthodox cathedral until the Byzantine Empire’s end, it became a mosque after Sultan Mehmed II’s conquest of Constantinople in 1453. This remarkable monument features Byzantine mosaics, a grand dome, and Ottoman-era additions. After years as a museum, it is now open as a mosque.
• Blue Mosque - Constructed by Architect Sedefkar Mehmet Aga for Sultan Ahmet I in 1617, the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii) is renowned for its 22,000 handmade blue İznik tiles and six minarets. It stands directly opposite the magnificent Hagia Sophia.
• Hippodrome - The Hippodrome features three significant monuments:

1. The Egyptian Obelisk, built in the 16th century BC by Pharaoh Tuthmosis in Egypt and brought to Istanbul in the 4th century AD.
2. The Serpentine Column, originally from the Temple of Delphi in Greece, with one of its bronze snake heads now in the archaeological museum.
3. The Column of Constantine, believed to date from the 10th century, was once covered in bronze and silver until the Crusaders melted them down in 1204.

• Basilica Cistern - Beneath the Historic Peninsula lies a mysterious world, with the Basilica Cistern being the largest and best-excavated of the few open to visitors. Located west of Hagia Sophia, it held 80,000 cubic meters of water and has been featured in international films like James Bond’s “From Russia with Love” and Dan Brown’s “Inferno.”
• Kapali Carsi - The Grand Bazaar, established in 1461 after Sultan Mehmet II’s conquest of Istanbul, offers an authentic Ottoman atmosphere. Each section specializes in a specific type of merchandise, giving each street its unique name.
• Misir Carsisi (Spice Market) - The Spice Market, or Egyptian Bazaar, is located behind the New Mosque in Eminonu Square. Built in 1660 by Hatice Turhan Sultan, it was funded by taxes on Egyptian imports. The market features around 100 shops, primarily traditional spice merchants.
• Dolmabahce Palace - Situated on the Bosphorus’s southern shore in Besiktas, Dolmabahce Palace was constructed in the mid-19th century and served as the residence for the last six Ottoman sultans. Influenced by European architectural styles, it was converted into a museum in 1984.
• Galata Tower - A significant remnant of the Genoese colony in Istanbul, Galata Tower was first built in the 14th century. It stands atop the Galata Walls at the Golden Horn’s entrance and has been restored and repurposed over the years. Its prominent location offers a memorable view of the city.
• Bosphorus Bridge - A Bosphorus Cruise is a must-do for every Istanbul visitor. Experience the city’s iconic landmarks, nostalgic mansions, and imperial palaces on both the Asian and European sides during a nostalgic boat journey.
• Taksim Square - Taksim is a key tourist area in Istanbul, historically serving as a water distribution hub. Located in the city’s heart, it blends historical sites with modern touches, enhancing its beauty. The bustling commercial markets in Taksim Square and Istiklal Street are always lively with tourists and shoppers.
• Istiklal Caddesi - Extending from Taksim Square to Karakoy, Istiklal Street is one of Istanbul’s most famous streets, featuring one of the city’s oldest trams, dating back about a century.
• Fener & Balat - Fener and Balat are among Istanbul’s most historically rich districts and are UNESCO heritage sites. Their cobblestone alleys and colorful Ottoman houses create a labyrinth-like charm, offering a unique glimpse into Istanbul’s past.
• Balat - Adjacent to Fener, Balat captivates visitors with its vibrant cafes, antique shops, and traces of Jewish heritage. Once home to Greek-speaking Jews, it became a Sephardic settlement in the 15th century. Balat’s rich Byzantine heritage includes numerous synagogues and Jewish establishments.
• Fener Rum Patrikhanesi - The Fener Greek Patriarchate and the Patriarchal Church of St. George are located in Fener, along the Golden Horn. The Patriarchate remains the mother-church for 300 million people worldwide, maintaining its Istanbul center for over seventeen centuries.
• St. George - The Church of St. George, the fifth to house the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate since the 15th century, was once a convent for Orthodox nuns before becoming the patriarchal offices between 1598 and 1601.
• Bulgarian Orthodox Church - The Church of Saint Stephen, built for the Bulgarian community in the Ottoman Empire’s final years, is known as the “Iron Church” due to its iron and steel construction. Recently restored, it impresses visitors with its interior decor and icon wall.
• Pierre Loti Tepesi - Pierre Loti Hill, named after French writer Julien Viaud, is a must-visit in Istanbul’s Eyüp district. Viaud, who settled in Istanbul in 1876, frequented a local coffee house to write his novels. The hill offers a romantic and unique atmosphere.
• Halic - The Golden Horn, once a Byzantine trading harbor and residential area, was protected by a massive chain to prevent unwanted ships. During the Ottoman era, it was home to Jewish immigrants from Spain. The diverse mix of Armenians, Greeks, Gypsies, and Turks along its shores reflects the city’s vibrant ethnic mosaic.

• Pick-up by guide from central hotels or port on foot
• Private Tour
• Skip the ticket line with the official tour guide
• Private Expert Local Tour Guide

• Admission fees of museums.
• Food and drinks
• Gratuities
• Transportation

Explore the wonders of Constantinople, the illustrious capital of the Eastern Roman and Byzantine Empires. This city is a vibrant hub of multicultural life, rich history, magnificent architecture, delectable cuisine, and a pivotal center for global trade, bridging Asia and Europe.

My Guide Turkey provides exceptional private tour guide services. Engage with experts who possess unparalleled knowledge of Istanbul. Our experienced, knowledgeable, and professional guides are eager to welcome you.

Recommended daily tour itineraries:

Option 1 (Old City):

• Hagia Sophia
• Hippodrome of Constantinople
• Blue Mosque
• Basilica Cistern
• Topkapi Palace
• Grand Bazaar

Option 2:

• Dolmabahce Palace
• Taksim Square
• Istiklal Street
• Galata Tower
• Bosphorus Cruise
• Spice Market

Option 3:

• Fener and Balat Districts
• St. Stephen Church
• The Patriarchal Cathedral Church of St. George
• Pierre Loti Panoramic Hill by Cable Car
• Spice Market

Alternatively, customize the itinerary to suit your preferences.

• Dolmabahce Palace is closed on Mondays. Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays. Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.
• Tour guides doesn’t have skip the line priority in Hagia Sophia. You may need to wait in the ticket and security line.
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
• If there is a chance to use public transportation that will be paid by travellers.
• This is a walking tour.
• At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time.
• While visiting a mosque, women need to cover their heads, shoulders, knees. You can carry your own scarf to cover your head but please note scarves are provided at the entrance of every mosque (available at a charge). If you are wearing leggings, tights or skirts, wraps will be provided at the entrance (available at a charge).
• Men also need to cover the knees if the shorts or bermudas are over the knees.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.