• Blue Mosque - The Sultan Ahmet Camii, known as the Blue Mosque, is a stunning and grand Ottoman mosque. Its cascading domes and six slender minarets beautifully punctuate Istanbul’s skyline. Completed in 1616 under Sultan Ahmet I, it was designed to rival the splendor of Hagia Sophia.

Inside, a serene beauty awaits. Over 20,000 blue Iznik ceramic tiles adorn the walls, creating an ethereal glow as sunlight filters through more than 200 stained-glass windows. The soaring central dome, supported by four massive fluted pillars, evokes a profound spiritual calm. Every detail, from the mihrab’s mother-of-pearl to the minbar’s carved marble, showcases exquisite craftsmanship. It’s an immersive experience, a testament to Istanbul’s rich heritage.

Important Visitor Information:

Note: There is no priority entrance for guides at mosques. Priority lines are only available at museums. Be cautious of any claims to the contrary.

• Hippodrome - The Hippodrome of Constantinople, located in Istanbul’s vibrant Sultanahmet district, was the bustling public arena of ancient Byzantium and Constantinople, primarily known for its thrilling chariot races. Its name fittingly combines the Greek words hippos (horse) and dromos (way).

More than just a race track, this vast space was the epicenter of city life. It hosted grand gladiatorial games, elaborate official ceremonies, joyous celebrations, and even fervent public protests. In darker times, it was used for the torture of convicts, reflecting its complex role in the city’s history. The Hippodrome seamlessly functioned through three monumental eras: the Roman (203-330 CE), Byzantine (330-1453 CE), and Ottoman (1453-1922) periods, bearing witness to centuries of imperial power, public spectacle, and profound societal change. Today, though much reduced, its spirit lives on in Sultanahmet Square, surrounded by iconic landmarks, still inviting visitors to imagine its storied past.

• The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, Istanbul - The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque / Ayasofya-i Kebir Cami-i Şerifi is a marvel of innovative architecture and rich history, once Istanbul’s largest Eastern Roman Church. Constructed three times in the same location, it stands as the world’s oldest and fastest-completed cathedral. Its breathtaking domes, seemingly suspended in air, grand monolithic marble columns, and unparalleled mosaics solidify its place as a true wonder of architectural history. The mosque’s dazzling beauty, a magnificent interplay of space, light, and color, profoundly inspires awe in every visitor. Strategically located on Istanbul’s first hill, precisely at the historic peninsula’s tip, it is gracefully embraced by the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus, and the Golden Horn on three sides.

Important Visitor Information: Tickets are required for entry to Hagia Sophia’s designated tourist section. Our guides will assist with your entry process.

• Basilica Cistern - Step into a breathtaking subterranean world commissioned by Emperor Justinian in 532. The Basilica Cistern, Istanbul’s largest surviving Byzantine marvel, mesmerizes with its sheer scale and symmetry. Its vast, cavernous depths are supported by 336 ancient columns, many salvaged from ruined temples with exquisitely carved capitals. This architectural wonder offers a serene and cool escape from the summer heat.

Please be aware that museum guides may have priority access, allowing their groups to skip lines.

• Topkapi Palace - Explore Topkapı Palace, the grand residence and administrative headquarters of the Ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries. The palace and its legendary Harem hold more colorful stories than most world museums combined—tales of powerful sultans, clever courtiers, and beautiful concubines. A visit to its opulent pavilions and jewel-filled Treasury offers a captivating glimpse into their lives.

A comprehensive tour takes a full day, so our visit will focus on the key highlights of your choice. As licensed guides, we can bypass the queues for immediate entry.

• Grand Bazaar - Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı in Turkish) is one of the world’s greatest shopping destinations and, spanning 30,700 square meters, the largest covered market in the entire world.
• Bosphorus Strait - We will do a Bosphorus cruise on a public boat for 90 minutes. The Bosphorus is worth visiting not only for business but also for recreation and eye appeal. Alongside the Strait on both continents, there are exceptionally attractive views of Ottoman architecture created by manor houses and palaces. Most of the tourist attractions also have some kind of this magnificent scenery.
• Dolmabahce Palace - ONLY ON TUESDAYS WE DO VISIT Dolmabahce Palace, built in the 19th century, is one of the most glamorous palaces in the world. It was the administrative center of the late Ottoman Empire, with the last of the Ottoman Sultans residing there.
• Buyuk Mecidiye Cami - Located just before the Bosphorus Bridge, the Ortaköy Camii, Turkey (Ortaköy Mosque Turkey) has one of the most picturesque settings of all the Istanbul mosques. Indeed, Ortaköy Mosque photos, with the bridge in the background, are often used to demonstrate that particular Istanbul juxtaposition of traditional and modern.
• Rumeli Fortress - Rumeli Castle (Rumeli Hisarı) is an Ottoman fortress dating back to 1452. It was built by Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II (Mehmed the Conqueror) in preparation for the conquest of Constantinople. The castle is situated on the shore of the Bosphorus Strait at its narrowest point, approximately 660 meters. It is just opposite Anadolu Castle (Anadolu Hisarı), another Ottoman castle built in 1394 by Bayezid I. Both Anadolu Castle and Rumeli Castle were built by Ottoman sultans to prevent military and economic aid to the Byzantine Empire coming from the north, Black Sea. Thus, the Bosphorus Strait connects the Black Sea with the Marmara Sea.
• Kucuksu Pavilion - This attractive part of the Istanbul Strait on the Asian shore is mentioned by Byzantine historians, and in Ottoman times became one of the imperial parks known as Kandil Bahçesi (Lantern Garden). Sultan Murad IV (1623-1640) was particularly fond of Küçüksu and gave it the name Gümüş Selvi (Silver Cypress), and in several sources from the 17th century onwards, the name Bağçe-i Göksu is used.

During the reign of Mahmud I (1730-1754), Divittar Mehmed Paşa built a two-story timber palace on the waterfront here, which continued to be used by Selim III (1789-1807) and Mahmud II (1808-1839).

• Beylerbeyi Palace - Described by some as a miniature Dolmabahce Palace but without the crowds, the Beylerbeyi Sarayı (Beylerbeyi Palace) was commissioned by Sultan Abdülaziz to act as an imperial summer residence. With 24 rooms, 6 halls, and a hamam, it would have been quite the summer home and was also used to entertain visiting dignitaries.
• Galata Tower - Also known as the Galata Kulesi Museum, an iconic symbol situated in the Galata quarter of Istanbul, Türkiye. Considered among the oldest towers in the world and one of the symbols of Istanbul, Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi) was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Temporary List in 2013. Galata Tower, one of the most important structures that make up the silhouette of Istanbul, was used as a long-term fire watchtower and was named Galata Fire Tower.
• Anadolu Hisari Fort - Constructed under the edict of the Ottoman emperor, Yildirim Bayezid, in the Beykoz district today to facilitate Istanbul’s conquest, the Anatolian Fortress is one of the pieces that greatly contributes to the charming silhouette of Istanbul.

• Professional guidance provided in English

• Pick up and drop off from the hotels are not included.
• Lunch
• Gratuities
• Museum tickets will be an additional cost.

Discover the Authentic Istanbul: Guided by a Local Expert!

Eager to truly explore Istanbul? This engaging tour, led by a certified professional, provides a unique glimpse into the city’s core. You’ll depart with a deep connection, unlike any other visit.

The day starts in Sultanahmet, where the architectural marvels of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque will captivate you. Then, explore the lavish Topkapi Palace and its rich tales of past empires.

Following a delightful lunch break, enjoy an unforgettable 90-minute Bosphorus cruise (public boat), highlighting Istanbul’s breathtaking beauty from the sparkling waters. These major attractions are just the beginning of your journey!

Your exclusive itinerary includes:

• Hagia Sophia
• Blue Mosque
• Hippodrome
• Basilica Cistern
• Grand Bazaar
• Topkapi Palace
• Bosphorus cruise (90 mins, public boat)
• Private tour option available

If you’re at Galataport (Cruise Terminal), reaching our meeting point is easy with a 20-minute tram ride.

• “This is an all-day walking tour, so comfortable shoes are a must to fully enjoy your experience.”
• You can skip any of the places from the list; but if you book the group tour you have to wait us until we visit .*
• “Choosing an early tour time is a great way to minimize your wait in line at the mosques, allowing for a more enjoyable experience. We highly recommend this option.”
• Please note that there isn’t any priority entrance with the guides at the mosques.
• “Getting to Your Meeting Point (from Galataport Cruise Terminal): The easiest way to reach our meeting point is by tram (T1 line), a journey that takes approximately 30 minutes. Walk to Tophane Tram Stop: Upon exiting Galataport, turn left and walk for about 10 minutes until you see the Tophane tram stop. Take the Tram: Board the T1 tram in the “Bağcılar” direction. Exit at Sultanahmet: Get off at the Sultanahmet tram stop. Walk to German Fountain: From the Sultanahmet stop, the German Fountain (Alman Çeşmesi) is just a 1-minute walk away. Our guide will be waiting there. Tram Fare Payment: You can conveniently pay for your tram fare using your contactless Visa or Mastercard credit card (American Express is not accepted). There’s no need to purchase a separate travel card.”
• “Museum Tickets: If you book the without tickets option, please do not buy tickets online. We will purchase them together at the guide kiosks. Warning: Tourist Passes, Mega Passes, E-Passes, and similar programs are not valid for this tour and should not be purchased.”
• During the winter times, we may not able to do the Bosphorus boat the trip because of the bad weather conditions.
• “This is a full-day tour with a comprehensive itinerary. To ensure we cover all planned locations, our visit to Topkapı Palace Museum will focus on its main, most significant collections. If you desire a more in-depth exploration of Topkapı Palace, we recommend booking a dedicated tour specifically for the palace.”
• “Please note that museum entrance fees are subject to change. I’ll keep you updated closer to your tour date if there are any adjustments.”

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