• Blue Mosque - Known as the Sultan Ahmet Camii (or Sultan Ahmed Mosque), this stunning structure is one of the most magnificent Ottoman mosques in Turkey.
  Please note that there is no priority entrance for guides at the mosques. We skip the lines at the museums Be cautious of anyone claiming otherwise!
• Hippodrome - The Hippodrome of Constantinople, located in Sultanahmet/Istanbul, was a public arena primarily for chariot races. The term hippodrome is derived from the Greek words hippos (horse) and dromos (way). The Hippodrome of Constantinople also hosted gladiatorial games, official ceremonies, celebrations, protests, and punishments for convicts. It was active during the Roman (203-330 CE), Byzantine (330-1453 CE), and Ottoman (1453-1922) periods.
• The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, Istanbul - The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque / Ayasofya-i Kebir Cami-i Şerifi, with its groundbreaking architecture, rich history, religious importance, and extraordinary features, has stood the test of time for centuries. It was the largest Eastern Roman Church in Istanbul, built three times on the same site, and is the world’s oldest and fastest-completed cathedral. Its awe-inspiring domes, monolithic marble columns, and unique mosaics make it a marvel of architectural history. The mosque’s dazzling beauty, with its magnificent play on space, light, and color, inspires worship in believers! Hagia Sophia is located on the first hill of Istanbul, at the tip of the historic peninsula, surrounded by the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus, and the Golden Horn on three sides.
  Please note that there are two lines: one for buying tickets with cards, and if you bring cash, we can skip the ticket line to enter.
• Basilica Cistern - This underground structure was commissioned by Emperor Justinian and constructed in 532. It is the largest surviving Byzantine cistern in Istanbul, built with 336 columns, many of which were repurposed from ruined temples and feature finely carved capitals. Its symmetry and grandeur are breathtaking, and its cool depths offer a great retreat on hot summer days.
  We skip the lines here as this is a museum and guides can have priority.
• Topkapi Palace - It served as the main residence and administrative headquarters of the Ottoman sultans:
  Topkapı Palace and Harem (Topkapı Sarayı) likely have more colorful stories than most of the world’s museums combined. Lustful sultans, ambitious courtiers, beautiful concubines, and scheming eunuchs lived and worked here between the 15th and 19th centuries when it was the court of the Ottoman Empire. A visit to the palace’s opulent pavilions, jewel-filled Treasury, and sprawling Harem offers a fascinating glimpse into their lives.
  Please note that seeing the entire palace takes a full day, so we focus on the main highlights according to your preferences. We skip the lines here as this is a museum and guides can have priority.*
• Grand Bazaar - Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı in Turkish) is one of the world’s premier shopping destinations and, covering 30,700 square meters, the largest covered market globally.
• Bosphorus Strait - A Bosphorus cruise on a public boat will last 90 minutes.
  The Bosphorus is worth visiting not only for business but also for leisure and its visual appeal. Along the Strait on both continents, there are exceptionally attractive views of Ottoman architecture, including manor houses and palaces. Many tourist attractions also offer this magnificent scenery.
• Dolmabahce Palace - ONLY ON TUESDAYS WE VISIT Dolmabahce Palace, built in the 19th century, is one of the most glamorous palaces in the world. It served as the administrative center of the late Ottoman Empire, with the last Ottoman Sultans residing there.
• Buyuk Mecidiye Cami - Located just before the Bosphorus Bridge, the Ortaköy Camii, Turkey (Ortaköy Mosque Turkey) boasts one of the most picturesque settings among Istanbul mosques. Indeed, photos of Ortaköy Mosque with the bridge in the background are often used to showcase Istanbul’s unique blend 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 Bosphorus Strait’s shore at its narrowest point, approximately 660 meters across. It is directly opposite Anadolu Castle (Anadolu Hisarı), another Ottoman castle built in 1394 by Bayezid I. Both Anadolu Castle and Rumeli Castle were constructed by Ottoman sultans to prevent military and economic aid to the Byzantine Empire from the north, Black Sea. Thus, the Bosphorus Strait connects the Black Sea with the Marmara Sea.
• Kucuksu Pavilion - This charming part of the Istanbul Strait on the Asian shore is mentioned by Byzantine historians and became one of the imperial parks known as Kandil Bahçesi (Lantern Garden) during Ottoman times. Sultan Murad IV (1623-1640) was particularly fond of Küçüksu and named it Gümüş Selvi (Silver Cypress). From the 17th century onwards, the name Bağçe-i Göksu is used in several sources.

During Mahmud I’s reign (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 - Often described as a smaller version of Dolmabahce Palace but without the crowds, the Beylerbeyi Sarayı (Beylerbeyi Palace) was commissioned by Sultan Abdülaziz as an imperial summer residence. With 24 rooms, 6 halls, and a hamam, it was quite the summer home and was also used to entertain visiting dignitaries.
• Galata Tower - Also known as the Galata Kulesi Museum, this iconic symbol is located in the Galata quarter of Istanbul, Turkey.
  Considered one of the oldest towers in the world and a symbol of Istanbul, Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi) was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Temporary List in 2013. Galata Tower, one of the most important structures shaping Istanbul’s silhouette, was used as a long-term fire watchtower and was named Galata Fire Tower.
• Anadolu Hisari Fort - Constructed under the order of the Ottoman emperor Yildirim Bayezid in today’s Beykoz district to aid in Istanbul’s conquest, the Anatolian Fortress is a significant contributor to Istanbul’s charming silhouette.

• 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.