• Istanbul - The attractions listed below are not intended to be visited on every tour due to time constraints. The itinerary can be adjusted by the guide’s recommendation or the traveler’s preferences, with the traveler’s agreement, considering factors such as crowds, restoration work, personal interests, fitness levels, weather conditions, closure times, public gatherings, political rallies, religious/public holidays, marathons, traffic, and flight arrival times. A tentative itinerary will be shared before the tour day.
• Hippodrome - Modeled after Rome’s Maximus Circus, the Byzantine Hippodrome in the new capital of the Roman Empire is a site of historical significance. Hear tales of triumphant chariot racers and marvel at monuments like the Egyptian Obelisk, Serpent Column, and Column of Constantine, erected by ambitious Roman engineers.
• Blue Mosque - As a functioning mosque, the guide will take visitors inside the mosque complex between prayer times and provide scarves or skirts if needed. It is closed until 2:00 pm on Fridays due to the Friday noon prayer service.
• Hagia Sophia Mosque - Discover the architectural wonder of Hagia Sophia Mosque with a licensed tour guide, exploring its importance in architecture, religion, and politics. Note that Hagia Sophia opens at 10:00 am, closes on Fridays until 2:00 pm, and is open to visitors until 10:00 pm.

Hagia Sophia serves as both an active mosque for Muslim worshippers and a museum for international visitors. Please note that the admission fee is 850 TL or 28 USD, and the tour lasts approximately 45 minutes. Admission tickets are not included.

• Basilica Cistern - Descend the stairs to find a palace-like underground water system, built by the Romans in the 6th century. Its vast size allowed it to store enough water for the Roman Palace and nearby areas until it was forgotten. Today, it awaits rediscovery.

The admission fee for this historic site is 1500 TL or 35 USD.

• Grand Bazaar Jewelers - Built in the 1460s by order of Ottoman Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror to generate income for maintaining their newly converted mosque, the Grand Bazaar is the world’s oldest shopping mall. Located at the crossroads of oriental trade routes, it became grand and famous. Today, with 3,000 shops, it offers a wide range of colorful items, from simple souvenirs to expensive jewelry, carpets, mosaic lamps, magnets, and leather goods.

The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.

• Suleymaniye Mosque - Active since 1556 and named after its commissioner, Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent, this mosque is located on the 3rd hill of the old city. A short walk from the Grand Bazaar along the Istanbul University wall, visitors can enjoy a guided tour and rest while taking in the stunning view of the Asian side and the new city from the terrace.
• Misir Carsisi (Spice Market) - Sample delicious Turkish delights, nuts, and dried fruits while exploring this 400-year-old structure. The Spice Market offers insights into the origins of spices and Turkish cuisine.
• Bosphorus Strait - Take a public ferry for a quick intercontinental trip to the Asian side of Istanbul. Enjoy views of Istanbul from old to new while passing by the Bosphorus Bridge in the distance. The cost is 2 USD per person.
• Kadikoy Carsisi - Discover the trendy neighborhood of Kadıkoy and indulge in the Kadıkoy Food Market. Sample Turkish cuisine sourced from local suppliers. Consider trying home-cooked style dishes at Ciya Sofrası, recently featured on Netflix.
• Topkapi Palace - Explore the iconic Topkapi Palace, learn about Ottoman history, and view impressive collections ranging from treasury items to medieval weapons in this expansive museum. The museum is closed on Tuesdays. The admission fee is 2400 TL or 60 USD.
• Galata Tower - Enjoy a panoramic view of the city from this iconic tower, built in the late 13th century by the Genoese Colony as part of a defense and watchtower.
• Yeni Camii - The New Mosque, later known as the New Valide Sultan Mosque after partial reconstruction and completion between 1660 and 1665, is an Ottoman imperial mosque located in the Eminönü quarter of Istanbul.

• Round-trip private airport transfers
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Private tour
• Professional guide

• Food & Drinks
• Entry/Admission - Basilica Cistern and Topkapı Palace
• Cabin Bags and Carry-ons should be stored at the Left Lugagge.
• Visa Requirements; Please check evisa.gov.tr/en
• Full Time Driving Tour with Dedicated Driver & Van
• Admission fees
• Admission fees
• Admission fees

Istanbul Layover Tours primarily offers tour services during layovers at Istanbul Airports.

Meet and Greet: Locating your driver at the airport has been simplified. A welcome host will meet you and escort you to your vehicle at a designated location and time.

Prompt & Secure Transportation: Experience a stress-free round-trip transfer to and from the airport in our private, spacious vans.

Quick Access: Enjoy the VIP experience and save time at museum ticket kiosks, thanks to our tour guides accredited by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Professional and Passionate Guides: Our guides are not only well-versed in history, but also serve as your travel companions. Gain insights on culture, politics, and religion through personal stories and insights.

Dining like a local: Savor delicious, affordably-priced, non-tourist local cuisine at eateries frequented by locals. We cater to a variety of food restrictions.

• Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia are closed until 2.30 pm on Fridays.
• Topkapı Palace and Hagia Irene is closed on Tuesdays

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