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Small Group Istanbul Tour: Explore Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar
4.9
8 Ratings
Fatih
Discover the essential attractions of Istanbul on this small group walking tour, which is limited to 10 participants for a more personalized experience. This tour includes must-see landmarks such as Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, and the Grand Bazaar.
Discover the essential attractions of Istanbul on this small group walking tour, which is limited to 10 participants for a more personalized experience. This tour includes must-see landmarks such as Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, and the Grand Bazaar.
Duration:
5 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Sultanahmet District - The Sultanahmet district is the heart of historic Old Istanbul.
- Hagia Sophia Mosque - HAGIA SOPHIA is a 6th century church, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, welcomes you with its legends and mosaics. You will have a chance to touch the history of this church, a main attraction of the city since its construction….
- Sultanahmet District - The Sultanahmet district is the heart of historic Old Istanbul.
- Hagia Sophia Mosque - HAGIA SOPHIA is a 6th century church, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, welcomes you with its legends and mosaics. You will have a chance to touch the history of this church, a main attraction of the city since its construction.
- Basilica Cistern - Basilica Cistern is the largest underground water reservoir from the Byzantine period. This 6th century underground cistern became famous with the Medusa heads on the inside.
- Hippodrome - HIPODROME: The former center of sportive and political activities of Constantinople. You will be able to see the Obelisk from Egypt, Serpentine Column from Delphi and fountain of Willhelm II.
- Blue Mosque - BLUE MOSQUE, also known as the Sultanahment Mosque is one of the biggest mosques and principal adornments of the Istanbul skyline. It was built in the 17th century. Once inside the mosque, blue Iznik tiles and stained glass will surround you.
- Kapali Carsi - GRAND BAZAAR is both the oldest and the biggest covered bazaar in the world. Your guide will provide the history of the Bazaar as well as some helpful tips on navigating its more than 4000 shops.
What's Included
- Local Taxes
- English Speaking Licensed Local Tour Guide
- Local Taxes
- English Speaking Licensed Local Tour Guide
What's Not Included
- Lunch
- Gratitude (Suggested)
- Entrance fees
- Entrance fees
- Lunch
- Gratitude (Suggested)
- Entrance fees
- Entrance fees
Additional Information
- Grand Bazaar and Spice Market will be closed in 2026 in the following dates; March 20/21/22-Ramadan Celebrations. May 27/28/29/30-Eid Celebrations. October 29-Republic Day.
- Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays. Spice Market will be visited instead.
- Grand Bazaar and Spice Market will be closed in 2026 in the following dates; March 20/21/22-Ramadan Celebrations. May 27/28/29/30-Eid Celebrations. October 29-Republic Day.
- Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays. Spice Market will be visited instead.
Location
Divan Yolu Cd. No:4
Divan Yolu Caddesi
We are meeting in front of Pudding Shop (Lale Restaurant) at 08:30. Your guide will be holding a sign on which you will see our company name - Istanbul Local Guides. Your guide can not wait more than 10 minutes. Please kindly be present at the meeting spot on time.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(8 Ratings)
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1 star
Heidi
Dec 18, 2025
Classic Istanbul - Erkan was fantastic - clearly his luv for Istanbul and its place in the history of the world is apparent - he truly gave us not only his time and energy but his knowledge and wisdom - I would highly recommend him and his tour !
Review provided by Tripadvisor
I5006epkatied
Oct 1, 2025
Highlight of our Istanbul trip! - We started our Istanbul trip with a tour with Semih and it was a highlight of the whole trip. We loved having conversation with him and asking a million questions (all of which he answered in-depth). He is very knowledgeable about the history of Istanbul and all the locations we visited. When one of our destinations had a long line, he stood in it for us and let us explore the area. It was nice that he let us spend however long we needed at each stop. He also took us to local lunch and coffee spots. In the days after our tour, we were still talking about it and how much we enjoyed it. I would recommend this to anyone going to Istanbul.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Timbo144
May 11, 2025
Great trip with a great guide - The tour was well organised. Wireless ear phones worked well enough, guide (‘Jack’ in englisized) was extremely knowledgable and friendly and kept us all focussed even through periods of bad weather and even when some people wandered off. Would recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Adventure797560
Mar 25, 2025
First time in Istanbul… - Loved our half day one on one tour with Mehmet. Far more enjoyable than a large group tour. Mehmet was very informative and very personable. Would highly recommend this tour if it is your first time in Istanbul.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Joyce_s
Sep 26, 2024
Excellent tour of Istanbul’s Must-See sites! - Ugur was a wonderful tour guide! The tour included all as described. Though lines can be long, he knew which sites to see in which order to minimize the waits. Provided a wonderful history lesson as well. We even had time for a coffee or tea break and a snack. He also provided guidance through the Grand Bazaar, which was very helpful. Would definitely recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Eileen
May 2, 2024
Excellent tour! - Private tour for 3 of us for a day. Excellent guide, very knowledgeable, paced the tour well and gave lots of detailed tips. Highly recommended and would love to book again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
238meredithf
Feb 17, 2023
A perfect day in Istanbul - A friend and I were planning a trip to Istanbul and decided to splurge on an all day guided tour-and we are sure glad we did! Aykut was communicative beforehand and punctual with our meeting time. He was very knowledgeable and was able to answer all of our questions while also offering lots of information about the places we visited. He is very good at what he does and you can tell he enjoys his work. We had a great time and would definitely recommend him as a way to orient yourself to the city and get the highlights of some of the main attractions. Thank you for a great day, Aykut!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Heidi_l
Dec 17, 2025
A great small group... - A great small group experience (that ended up being private). It included key sights in the old city plus the guide spent a few hours with us navigating the Bazaar - super helpful!
Review provided by Viator
