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 well-planned days.
Your tour starts with a pick-up from your Istanbul hotel or port, followed by a guided walking tour through the lively historic streets of Turkey’s largest city.
The first stop is Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of architectural brilliance and one of the most important monuments of both the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. For centuries, it was the largest church in the world and still features the fourth-largest dome after St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, and Florence Cathedral. Dedicated to “Divine Wisdom,” Hagia Sophia remains one of the greatest surviving examples of Byzantine architecture.
Continue to the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque), famous for its striking blue İznik tiles and elegant design. Once regarded as the Supreme Imperial Mosque of Istanbul, it is one of the city’s most iconic 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 was home to 25 sultans. Overlooking the Golden Horn, the palace is surrounded by tranquil gardens. Explore the museum sections to admire exquisite İznik tiles, imperial collections, and the ornate 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 ancient monuments, including the Egyptian Obelisk, Serpentine Column, Column of Constantine, and the elegant German Fountain of Wilhelm II, constructed with eight marble columns.
End the day with a visit to 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 the day at the Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Market) in the historic Fatih district. During the Ottoman period, goods imported from Egypt were sold here, giving the market its name. Today, it remains one of Istanbul’s most colorful and aromatic bazaars.
Continue with an exploration of the Bosphorus Strait, the narrow waterway separating Europe and Asia and connecting the Black Sea to the Marmara Sea. Along the Bosphorus, admire magnificent Ottoman palaces, mosques, and waterfront mansions. You will also see Rumeli Fortress and Anadolu Fortress, located at the narrowest point of the strait.
Next, visit Dolmabahce Palace, built in the 19th century as the administrative center of the late Ottoman Empire and residence of its final sultans. The palace was constructed by filling a small bay along the Bosphorus—hence its name, derived from the Turkish words dolma (“filled”) and bahçe (“garden”).
Conclude your tour with a walk along Istiklal Street, Istanbul’s most famous pedestrian avenue, lined with shops, cafés, restaurants, and historic buildings. From here, enjoy a scenic walk toward the Tünel and Galata Tower area, one of the city’s most atmospheric neighborhoods.
✅ Licensed professional tour guide during all tours
❌ Personal expenses
❌ Lunch and Drinks during lunch (optional)
❌ Dinners
❌ Transportation by air-conditioned minivans
❌ Entrance fees to museums and sites mentioned in the itinerary
✅ Licensed professional tour guide during all tours
❌ Personal expenses
❌ Lunch and Drinks during lunch (optional)
❌ Dinners
❌ Transportation by air-conditioned minivans
❌ Entrance fees to museums and sites mentioned in the itinerary
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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.
