Colors of Istanbul: 1, 2 or 3-Day Guided Private Istanbul Tours

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7 to 14 hours (approx.)

Hotel pickup offered

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Overview

1-day tour, begins with a visit to the Hagia Sophia, a 6th-century Byzantine cathedral adorned in spectacular gold mosaics. Then, cover attractions like the ancient Basilica Cistern in the heritage district of Sultanahmet, and learn how the Blue Mosque got its nickname. You also have time to explore Topkapi Palace, once home to the Ottoman sultans and their famous harems.

2-day tour, begin with Dolmabahce Palace, which was built in the 19th century is one of the glamorous palaces in the world. Then, visit Spicy Bazaar that you can buy delightful and lovely presents.

You have Bosphorus cruise by boat and you see Ciragan Palace, Ortakoy Mosque and Rumeli Fortress.

Suleymaniye Mosque, was built in the 16th century by the great Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan. The mosque is the largest mosque of Istanbul.

3-day tour, covers the vibrant pedestrian street of Istiklal, and make a stop at Galata Tower, a medieval stone monument with incredible panoramas over the city. Fener & Balat District.

What's Included

Private Tour
Guide Will Meet You at Your Hotel in the Sultanahmet
Professional Licensed Local Tour Guide

Personal Expenses
Admission fee to Hagia Sophia 25 €
Pick Up & Drop Off (from/to hotel, between sites)
Meal & Beverages
Admission fee to Topkapi Palace 2000 TRY
Guide Gratitude (Suggested)

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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point

Pickup details

*Tour guide will meet you at Sultanahmet hotels or Galata Port. If the hotel is not centrally located, the meeting point will be in front of the German Fountain.If vehicle service is not selected your guide will pick you up at located in Sultanahmet hotels by foot.Hotel pickup is offered. View the hotel list on our checkout page to see if yours is included among the pickup points.

What To Expect

Sultanahmet District

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Hippodrome

It was the center of sports activities in Constantinople. Famous with 4 monuments; The German Fountain of Wilhelm II, Egyptian Obelisk, Serpentine Column, and Column of Constantine.

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

Haghia Sophia, is the most famous museum in Turkey and one of the greatest marvels of architecture. Hagia Sophia was built as a church in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian then in 1453 renovated into a mosque by Ottoman Emperor Fatih Sultan Mehmet. It was converted into a museum in 1935 and welcomed both local and foreign visitors.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Blue Mosque

Blue Mosque, as known as the Sultanahmet Mosque, this breathtaking building is one of the most majestic Ottoman mosques in all of Turkey. Also, it was built with unique 6 minarets. (Closed on Friday)

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Basilica Cistern

Byzantine Cistern, was the water storage of Byzantine Empire providing clean drinkable water to the city citizens, especially during period of siege.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

TopkapI Palace

Topkapi Palace, which has been home to the Ottoman dynasty for many years, was used for educational administration and as the art center of the state. Get knowledge about the imperial treasury´s sacred Islamic relics, palace kitchens, and weapons. (Closed on Tuesday)

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Grand Bazaar

Grand Bazaar, is the biggest market and the most attractive shopping center of Istanbul which has lots of shopping opportunities with carpets, leather, jewelry, Turkish delight, gold, antique tiles, etc.. (Closed on Sunday)

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Bosphorus Strait

(If 2 day option chosen) You have a Bosporus tour by shared public boat and you see Dolmabahce Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, Ciragan Palace, Ortakoy Mosque, Rumeli Fortress and more.

2 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Istiklal Caddesi

Istiklal Street, which is one of the most popular streets in the city for locals and tourists. It is full of small boutique shops, big international stores, embassies, luxury hotels, apartment buildings, churches, museums, and more, so it will be an interesting walk with lots to see! There are also many restaurants, cafes, bars, and clubs. At night, Istiklal Street is one of the busiest spots in the city.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Suleymaniye Mosque

Suleymaniye mosque, or better known as the mosque of Suleyman the Magnificent, was built in the 16thcentury by the great Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan for Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent, also known as the Legislator.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Misir Carsisi (Spice Market)

Spicy Bazaar where you can buy delightful and lovely presents for your family and mates.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Historic Areas of Istanbul

You will head to the area of Galata, at the end of Istiklal street. It is one of the most historic areas in Istanbul.

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Dolmabahce Palace

Dolmabahce Palace, which was built in the 19th century is one of the glamorous palaces in the world. It was the administrative center of the late Ottoman Empire with the last of Ottoman Sultans was staying there. The first parliament convened in the grand hall.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Balat

We then pass onto Balat, walking through the splashes of color and the vibrancy of its street life, the crisscross of washing lines on the crumbling buildings, the synagogues, the churches, and the labyrinth of cobblestone streets teeming with kids playing football and women in headscarves beating rugs.Starting in 1492, Balat grew to become a thriving cultural melting pot of Sephardic Jews from Spain, Greek and Armenian Christians, and Muslims. During our walking tour, we take a break in this vibrant neighborhood and enjoy watching people in their everyday activities.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Fener & Balat

Fener, where we see the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate housing a column that is believed to have been used for the binding and flogging of Jesus in Jerusalem. The Greek Orthodox Patriarchal Church is an essential part of this tour because it’s the most sacred site for all of the 300 million Orthodox people in the world. We talk about why Mehmet II, who conquered Constantinople, let the site stay in Istanbul. What is its importance in the Christian world? How are they equal to the Catholic church? We learn this and much more.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Galata Tower

We will see Galata Tower from OUTSIDE which was built in 1348 by the Genoese colony who lived there and called the " Tower of Christ" From that time to 1453, when Constantinople was conquered by the Ottomans, Galata was mostly inhabited by Genoese and Venetian Catholics, as well as some Greek, Armenian and Jewish families.

15 minutes • 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 are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Grand Bazaar is closed on every Sunday can be replaced with Spice Market, Topkapi Palace is closed on every Tuesday can be replaced with alternatives, Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia closed until 2 pm on Fridays, will be visited in the afternoon.
Galata Tower will be visited from outside unless you would like to pay entrance fee there.

At the time of booking the tour with vehicle, if your hotel is located in Sultanahmet area you will be steps away from the museums, so the vehicle will not be used as much.
Yearly Closing Dates of museums and bazaars in Istanbul are; January 1 – New Year April 21, 22, 23 – Ramadan Celebrations June 28, 29, 30, July 1 – Eid al-Fitr Celebrations October 29 – Republic Day
As Hagia Sophia is not a museum anymore, tour guides don't have skip-the-line priority there. You may need to wait in the security line, in order to avoid queues we suggest departing at 8:30am or 9:00am.
Admission fee to Hagia Sophia is 25 € per person.
Admission fee to Topkapi Palace is 2000 TRY per person. You can pay to the guide for skip-the-line tickets.

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Colors of Istanbul: 1, 2 or 3-Day Guided Private Istanbul Tours?

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