Istanbul Essentials: 1-Day Private Guided Tour (Pick-up/Drop-off)

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Recommended by 100% of reviewers

| Istanbul, Turkey

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6 hours (approx.)

Hotel pickup offered

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Overview

An Istanbul tour covering highlights like Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar, Bosphorus cruise, Galata Tower, Fener-Balat district & Spice Bazaar. Tour offers a chance to see important landmarks, historical sites, rich cultural heritage, a range of periods & architectural styles, daily life in Istanbul through visits to bazaars and panoramic view of the city.

This tour offers the opportunity to see the most important landmarks and historical sites in Istanbul, and to experience the city's rich cultural heritage, it covers a wide range of historical periods and architectural styles, from the ancient Byzantine to the Ottoman Empire, and gives a glimpse of the daily life in Istanbul with the visits to the bazaars, and the opportunity to take a Bosphorus cruise and enjoy the panoramic view of the city.

What's Included

Meeting in your accommodation
Private Guided Tour
Professional Licensed Local Tour Guide

Lunch and Drinks
Entrance Fees: Topkapi Palace: 2.400TRY / Basilica Cistern: 1.500TRY
Transportation (Unless the option chosen)
Gratuities
Tipping for Guide and Driver (Suggested)

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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point

Meeting point

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

What To Expect

TopkapI Palace

Topkapi Palace is a historic palace in Istanbul, Turkey that was the primary residence of the Ottoman sultans for approximately 400 years. It is located on the Seraglio Point, a promontory overlooking the Golden Horn and the Sea of Marmara. The palace is a complex of buildings, courtyards, and gardens, and includes several important structures such as the Harem, the Imperial Council Hall, and the Treasury. The palace also houses an extensive collection of Ottoman art and artifacts, including manuscripts, weapons, and jewelry. Today, it is a popular tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

2 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is a historic mosque located in Istanbul, Turkey. It was built in the early 17th century during the rule of the Ottoman Sultan Ahmed I. The mosque is famous for its blue tile work, which gives it its name, and its six minarets, which is a feature that sets it apart from other mosques. The Blue Mosque is considered a masterpiece of Islamic architecture and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Istanbul. The mosque is still an active place of worship and visitors are asked to dress modestly and take off their shoes before entering. The mosque is also famous for its intricate tile work, calligraphy, and decoration, which is a blend of Ottoman and Islamic architectural styles.

45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Hippodrome

The Hippodrome of Constantinople was a public space in Istanbul, Turkey, that was built during the Roman period. It was used for chariot races and other public events, and it was considered the social and cultural center of the city. The Hippodrome was located in the center of the ancient city of Constantinople, and it was surrounded by important structures such as the Emperor's Box, the Obelisk of Theodosius, and the Serpent Column.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Basilica Cistern

The Basilica Cistern is an ancient underground water storage system located in Istanbul, Turkey. It was built in the 6th century AD during the Byzantine Empire to provide water for the city. The cistern is located beneath the city and covers an area of approximately 9,800 square meters. It is supported by 336 marble columns, each 9 meters high, arranged in 12 rows of 28 columns each. The cistern is famous for its two Medusa head columns, which were used as a base for two of the cistern's columns. The cistern was rediscovered in the 16th century and it is open to the public as a tourist attraction. It is one of the most famous cisterns in Istanbul and it is a popular tourist destination due to its unique design and historical significance.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar is a historic market in Istanbul, Turkey that dates back to the 15th century. It is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with over 60 streets and 4,000 shops. The bazaar is a labyrinth of shops and stalls selling a wide variety of goods, including textiles, jewelry, ceramics, spices, and souvenirs. The bazaar is also known for its beautiful architecture, with many of the shops and buildings dating back to the Ottoman period. The Grand Bazaar is a major tourist attraction and an important cultural and economic center in Istanbul. It is also a vibrant place where locals and tourists alike can shop, socialize, and experience the local culture. Visitors to the bazaar should be prepared to haggle over prices and to navigate the crowded and busy streets.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Bosphorus Strait

The Bosphorus is a narrow strait that separates Europe and Asia and connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. The cruise offers stunning views of the city's landmarks, such as the Ottoman palaces, the Bosphorus Bridge, and the European and Asian coastlines. During the cruise, visitors can also see the historic wooden mansions and the Ottoman-era fortresses, as well as the modern skyline of Istanbul.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
If you're booking at the last minute or departing later in the day, keep in mind that some museums and sites close at 5:30 PM. Your guide will suggest alternative options. Meet-up will be at central Istanbul hotels or Galata Port. If your hotel is not centrally located, the meeting point will be Vogue Hotel Supreme Istanbul. If you don't choose van service, the guide will come by foot to the centrally located hotels. Please note that surcharge may apply for hotels located on the Asian side or outside the city center if private van service is booked.

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Istanbul Essentials: 1-Day Private Guided Tour (Pick-up/Drop-off)?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (+03). Read more Apr 2025