Meet your private, licensed tour guide at your hotel or cruise port and begin an in-depth exploration of Istanbul’s most iconic highlights over two perfectly planned days.
Your tour begins with a pick-up from your Istanbul hotel or cruise port, followed by a guided walking tour through the vibrant historic heart of Turkey’s largest city.
The first stop is Hagia Sophia, one of the world’s most extraordinary architectural masterpieces. For centuries, it was the largest church in the world and today still features the fourth-largest dome after St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, and Florence Cathedral. Dedicated to “Divine Wisdom,” Hagia Sophia stands as one of the finest surviving examples of Byzantine architecture and reflects Istanbul’s unique blend of Byzantine and Ottoman heritage.
Continue to the iconic Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque), renowned for its elegant blue İznik tiles and impressive symmetry. Once regarded as the Supreme Imperial Mosque of the Ottoman capital, it remains one of Istanbul’s most recognizable landmarks.
Next, visit Topkapi Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. At its peak, the palace housed approximately 4,000 people and served as the home of 25 sultans. Set on a promontory overlooking the Golden Horn, Topkapi Palace is surrounded by tranquil gardens. Explore its museums to admire exquisite İznik tiles, imperial collections, and the richly decorated chambers of the Harem.
Your journey continues at the Hippodrome of Constantinople, originally built in 203 AD by the Roman Emperor Septimius Severus. See the remaining monuments from the ancient chariot-racing arena, including the Egyptian Obelisk, Serpentine Column, and Column of Constantine, and pause at the elegant German Fountain of Wilhelm II, constructed with eight marble columns.
No visit to Istanbul is complete without time at the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets. With hundreds of shops selling handmade carpets, ceramics, jewelry, spices, and Turkish coffee, the bazaar offers a lively atmosphere and a perfect opportunity to experience local culture and traditional bargaining.
Begin your second day by visiting the Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Market), located in the historic Fatih district. The market earned its name during the Ottoman era when spices and goods imported from Egypt were sold here. Today, it remains one of Istanbul’s most colorful and aromatic marketplaces.
Continue with an exploration of the Bosphorus, the narrow strait separating Europe and Asia and connecting the Black Sea to the Marmara Sea. Along the Bosphorus, admire magnificent Ottoman palaces, waterfront mansions, and mosques. You will also see the impressive Rumeli Fortress and Anadolu Fortress, located at the narrowest point of the strait and built to control maritime traffic.
Next, visit Dolmabahce Palace, constructed in the 19th century as the administrative center of the late Ottoman Empire and residence of its final sultans. Built by filling a small bay along the Bosphorus, the palace’s name comes from the Turkish words dolma (“filled”) and bahçe (“garden”). Explore its lavish interiors, blending Ottoman and European architectural styles.
Conclude your tour with a walk along Istiklal Street, one of Istanbul’s most vibrant avenues, lined with shops, cafés, restaurants, and historic buildings. From here, enjoy a scenic walk toward the Tünel and Galata Tower area, soaking in the lively atmosphere of modern Istanbul.
At the end of the second day, your guide will accompany you back to your hotel or port, completing a memorable two-day journey through Istanbul’s rich history and culture.
✅ Licensed professional tour guide
✅ Hotel or cruise port pick-up and drop-off by the guide
✅ Walking tour
✅ All local taxes
❌ Personal expenses
❌ Entrance fees to attractions
❌ Lunch
❌ Transportation by air-conditioned, non-smoking van or coach
✅ Licensed professional tour guide
✅ Hotel or cruise port pick-up and drop-off by the guide
✅ Walking tour
✅ All local taxes
❌ Personal expenses
❌ Entrance fees to attractions
❌ Lunch
❌ Transportation by air-conditioned, non-smoking van or coach
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This form is not a form of direct booking. You will receive an email from our travel counsellors and this email will direct you about the confirmation to your reservation.
