• Hagia Sophia Mosque - Originally a Greek Orthodox patriarchal cathedral, Hagia Sophia became an imperial mosque during the Ottoman era, served as a museum from 1935 to 2020, and has recently been reconverted into a mosque. Constructed in 537 AD at the dawn of the Middle Ages, it is renowned for its enormous dome. It was the largest building in the world and an engineering marvel of its era. It is regarded as the pinnacle of Byzantine architecture and is said to have “altered the course of architectural history.”
• German Fountain - A gift from Kaiser Wilhelm II to the Sultan, where you can hear tales of this connection with the East.
• Hippodrome - The Hippodrome of Constantinople was the hub of Byzantine civic life, hosting everything from political and theological debates to chariot races and riots. The term hippodrome is derived from the Greek words hippos, meaning horse, and dromos, meaning path or way. Consequently, it is sometimes referred to as Atmeydanı (“Horse Square”) in Turkish.
• Blue Mosque - The Blue Mosque is a historic mosque situated in Istanbul’s historic peninsula. Built between 1609 and 1616 during the reign of Ahmed I, the complex includes Ahmed’s tomb, a madrasah, and a hospice. The mosque’s interior walls are adorned with hand-painted blue tiles, and at night, it is illuminated in blue as lights highlight its five main domes, six minarets, and eight secondary domes. It is located adjacent to the Hagia Sophia, another renowned masterpiece of the city.
• Deraliye - Enjoy lunch at Deraliye Ottoman Cuisine Restaurant.
• Kapali Carsi - Known as one of the world’s largest covered markets, the Grand Bazaar boasts thousands of shops and stalls spread across nearly 60 blocks. Discover the best shopping spots in this enchanting labyrinth as your local guide introduces you to its finest traders and assists you in securing a few bargains!
• Hagia Irene Museum - Situated in the outer courtyard of Topkapı Palace, Hagia Irene is the oldest church of the Eastern Roman Empire.
• Topkapi Palace - The Topkapı Palace, also known as the Seraglio, is a vast museum in Istanbul, Turkey. In the 15th century, it served as the primary residence and administrative center of the Ottoman sultans. Construction commenced in 1459, commissioned by Mehmed the Conqueror, six years after the conquest of Constantinople. Initially called the “New Palace” to differentiate it from the Old Palace in Beyazıt Square, it was later named Topkapı, meaning Cannon Gate, in the 19th century. The complex expanded over the centuries, with significant renovations following the 1509 earthquake and the 1665 fire. The palace complex comprises four main courtyards and numerous smaller buildings. Female members of the Sultan’s family resided in the harem, and leading state officials, including the Grand Vizier, convened in the Imperial Council building. After the 17th century, Topkapı gradually diminished in importance.
• Sogukcesme Sokak - The street between Hagia Sophia and Topkapı Palace, lined with historical houses.

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Local guide
• Entrance fee of Topkapı Palace and Hagia Irene
• Lunch
• All fees and/or taxes

• Drinks
• Personal expenses

Special Offer: Purchase our ‘Must-See Istanbul 1 + 2 Half Day Afternoon Tour’ and enjoy a complimentary lunch. Enhance your Istanbul experience with our highly recommended Turkish Coffee Experiment (Cooking, Tasting) Half Day Tour!

Istanbul is home to 17 million residents, which can be quite overwhelming for newcomers. This full-day private tour offers a chance to explore all the stunning monuments in Istanbul.

• Our first essential stops include the Hagia Sophia Mosque and the Blue Mosque.

• Next, we visit Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar. Experience the historical ambiance of sultans and harems at Topkapi Palace, and observe local artisans crafting handmade goods at the Grand Bazaar.

• We will also visit Hagia Eirene, the oldest church of Eastern Rome, situated in the outer courtyard of Topkapi Palace.

• The tour concludes at Sogukcesme Street (where ‘Soguk’ means cold and ‘Cesme’ means fountain in English).

• Grand Bazaar is closed on Sunday.

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