Experience Istanbul from its iconic waterway on this half-day tour. You'll begin at the vibrant Spice Bazaar, then visit the elegant Rustempasa Mosque. Next, you'll cross the Bosphorus Bridge to explore the stunning Beylerbeyi Palace on the Asian side. A cruise along the Bosphorus offers breathtaking views of the city, culminating with a panoramic perspective from Camlica Hill.
Duration: 9 am to 4 pm
One of the most beautiful sights in the world, the Bosphorus, is the strait separating two continents - Europe and Asia.
This tour includes a Bosphorus Cruise and visits the Spice Bazaar, Rustempasa Mosque, Beylerbeyi Palace, Bosphorus Bridge and Camlica Hill
The heart of Istanbul remains its fascinating Old City, home to some of the most historic sites of this vibrant megapolis. Dramatically located on a peninsula pointing across the Bosphorus Strait to Asia, Sultanahmet was formerly the capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires. In this 8-hour tour of Istanbul, you will get to admire the former church and mosque of the Hagia Sophia, see the site of Byzantine sports at the Roman Hippodrome, explore the alleys of the Grand Bazaar, and much more. You will be accompanied by our knowledgeable and passionate tour guides who have dedicated their lives to both learn and share history.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Experience a beautiful and ancient tradition with the Mevlevi Sema Ceremony at the Hodjapasha cultural dance theatre. This UNESCO-recognized performance, lasting about 45 minutes, features a traditional orchestra and the mesmerizing whirling dance of the dervishes, symbolizing a spiritual journey. The historic setting is enhanced by 360-degree video and lighting effects, creating a truly unforgettable evening.
Duration : 1 hour
Don't miss the opportunity to see whirling dervishes perform the Mevlevi Sema Ceremony at Istanbul's Hodjapasha cultural dance theatre. The ceremony features a complex musical repertoire called 'ayin' and the whirling dance performed by the dervishes represents the mythical journey of man's spiritual ascent through mind and love to perfection. It is a tradition more than 800 years old, and in 2005 it was proclaimed as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
The ceremony starts after a 15 minute classical instrumental performance by a traditional Turkish orchestra and lasts for around 45 minutes. It is accompanied by 360 degree video special effects projected on the walls of the beautiful historic building and some amazing lighting, adding to the atmosphere of this captivating ceremony. The total duration is one hour, and seats are numbered, so be sure to book early.
Experience Istanbul's most famous landmarks in one full-day tour. You'll explore the iconic Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque before discovering the grandeur of Topkapi Palace and its mystical Underground Cistern. Your journey through history concludes with a lively stroll through the vibrant atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar.
Duration: 9 am to 4 pm.
Visit the most important popular sites of Istanbul in one full day tour.
Start your day at the St. Sophia Museum (Hagia Sophia) to marvel at its rich history and stunning architecture. Just across the way, visit the iconic Blue Mosque before heading to the grand Topkapi Palace, the Harem and its Byzantine gem, Hagia Irene. Explore the ancient Hippodrome and descend into the mysterious Underground Cistern. Conclude your tour with a lively stroll through the Grand Bazaar, immersing yourself in its vibrant marketplace.
Topkapı Palace, residence of Ottoman Sultans exhibiting imperial treasury, sacred Islamic relics
of Prophet Mohammed, kitchen, Chinese porcelain, weapons, calligraphy section etc. Live guide commentary is not allowed in special sections.
(Harem is not included in the program)
Spoonmaker's Diamond
The Hagia Irene located in the outer courtyard of Topkapı Palace is the oldest church of the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine). It was also the second largest church in İstanbul after Hagia Sophia. It’s a typical Byzantine structure with its materials and architecture, was built on the site of an old temple in 330.
Spend a pleasant afternoon exploring the Bosphorus Strait during this spectacular 4.5-hour lunch cruise. Take in the iconic sights along the way and stop for a visit in the fishing village of Anadolu Kavagi and discover the old fortress remnants on a hill with breathtaking views of Bosphorus and the Black Sea.
Climb aboard a gorgeous boat and forget your worries as you enjoy a relaxing half-day cruise down the Bosphorus Strait. Admire the views of beautiful castles, palaces, old mansions and the minarets of the city mosques. During the cruise you will have plenty of time to relax, sit back and indulge in two course lunch that offers a variety of delicious dishes and fresh seasonal fruits.
The open air observation deck gives you the perfect place to capture photos. Go for a stroll on deck to soak up the sun and see the many famous sights that line both coastlines, such as Galata Tower and the immense Bosphorus Bridge that connects Asia and Europe. Sail towards the Black Sea, and then make your way to the small coastal town of Anadolu Kavagi.
Drop anchor and take a walk in the lush hills of the surrounding area. See the ruins of a medieval fortress and other landmarks before the journey back to Istanbul in the late afternoon.
Escape the city for a full-day wine tour in Turkey's historic Thrace region. Just 2.5 hours from Istanbul, you'll visit two prestigious wineries, Chateau Nuzun and Arcadia Vineyards.
Enjoy guided tastings, explore beautiful vineyards, and learn about the winemaking process. This tour is a perfect blend of scenic countryside and exquisite wine, returning you to your hotel by early evening.
We depart at 8:00 a.m. from your centrally located Istanbul hotel by air-conditioned vehicle and head to Thrace, a region with a deep-rooted wine-growing heritage dating back to the 2nd century AD. After a scenic drive of about 2.5 hours, our first stop will be Chateau Nuzun near the village of Çeşmeli, where you will enjoy a guided tasting of their signature wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel and Pinot Noir while learning about their organic production methods. Around noon we continue to Lüleburgaz for lunch (not included in the price), followed by a visit to Arcadia Vineyards, one of Turkey’s most prestigious wineries, where you will explore the vineyards, discover their winemaking techniques and taste a fine selection of their award-winning wines. With two enriching tastings completed, we will depart from Arcadia around 4:00 p.m. for the return journey, arriving back at your Istanbul hotel at approximately 6:00 p.m.
Short on time but want to see the highlights of Istanbul? First-time visitor to this fantastic city? This unique full-day tour takes you to the best must-see attractions for any visitor to Istanbul.
Visit Topkapi Palace, the former imperial residence from where the Great Ottoman Empire was ruled, which today is a spectacular museum with one of the largest collections of Chinese and Japanese porcelain and the famous treasury of the Royal Family. In addition, explore the famed Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sophia, the Hippodrome, and the world-famous Grand Bazaar! Not only is it historically very significant, but the bazaar will tempt even the strictest nonshoppers with its rich collection of precious handmade carpets, jewelry, leather, and souvenirs.
Book today and see the top sites of Istanbul in just one day.
This private tour is designed for travelers who want to explore the historical treasures of Istanbul and its iconic highlights in a flexible and efficient way. With a private English-speaking guide and comfortable transportation (if Guide and Vehicle option is booked), you’ll enjoy a fully personalized experience, including pick-up from the Istanbul Port, or hotels in Sultanahmet or Taksim and drop off (if Guide and Vehicle option is booked)
Suggested stops include the magnificent Hagia Sophia, the stunning Blue Mosque, the opulent Topkapi Palace, the fascinating Harem, and the historic Hagia Irene. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a first-time visitor, this tour offers a tailored journey through Istanbul’s rich past and vibrant culture. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to delve deeper, this tour offers an enriching and flexible way to experience the best of Istanbul.
Discover Istanbul’s timeless treasures on a private tour tailored to your preferences. Your tour begins with pick-up from your hotel or Istanbul Port in a private vehicle (for Guide and Vehicle) or by meeting your guide for a walking tour (for Guide Only), depending on your location. While we recommend exploring 4-5 of the city’s iconic attractions, please note that it’s not possible to visit all in one day. The itinerary may need to be adjusted on the tour day depending on how much time you wish to spend at each location. Typically, 4-5 attractions take around 5-6 hours to visit. Your tour begins with pick-up from your hotel or Istanbul Port in a private vehicle or by meeting your guide for a walking tour, depending on your location. The final itinerary will be tailored to your chosen attractions and adjusted for traffic, walking convenience, and the time you prefer to spend at each site. Drop-off is available only with Guide and Vehicle option.
Top highlights of Istanbul in 4 hours is a half-day tour that takes you to the main tourist attractions in Istanbul. This tour includes visit to the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, The Hippodrome, and the worlds-famous Grand Bazaar. Accompanied by a professional guide, you can experience the historical center of Istanbul, learn about the city and explore Sultanahmet neighborhood. Get skip-the-queue access to famous tourist destinations like Hagia Sophia, the Grand Bazaar, the Blue Mosque, and more. We also offer pick up from centrally located hotels.
This half-day tour is a great choice for those looking to explore Istanbul in a limited time.
We hired our guide for a full day of private touring the next day. The boat trip itself was awesome! His knowledge of Turkey's Ottoman history and storytelling was incredible! He added interesting details, dates, and anecdotal information and answered my husband's thousands of questions! As a private tour guide, he was amazing as well- our tour was highly personal, well planned, and comprised a full day including lunch and tea. He expertly navigated all the places we wanted to see and pointed out details, large and small! We highly recommend this travel operator!
City sightseeingCruise
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
We will start the day with Spice Bazaar our guide explain the miracle of the herbs and we can taste delicious Turkish delights here. We depart from Spice Bazaar to have a sightseeing tour of the Golden Horn. Then we will join the cruise on Bosphorus by public boat in 90 Minutes. From the awe-inspiring Dolmabahce Palace to the ancient Walls of Constantine and onto the Topkapi Palace, experience the best views the city has to offer while enjoying a wonderfull cruise along the Bosphorus. A journey along the Bosphorus with Cruise will give you a unique insight into the great city’s history.
We will cross from Beşiktaş to Üsküdar by boat and have lunch here in a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, we visit Üsküdar district. We will start our program with Şemsi Pasha Mosque from 16th century, designed by Ottoman imperial architect Mimar Sinan for Grand Vizier Şemsi Pasha. Continue to explore Üsküdar with Yeni Valide Mosque from 18th century. And the last mosque we see here is another masterpiece of Mimar Sinan, dedicated to the daughter of Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent, Mihrimah Sultan Mosque. Before crossing back to European side by boat, we visit local Fish Market. And finally, last stop of the day is Dolmabahçe Palace. We will visit this marvellous palace building which is built in last period of Ottoman Empire in the 19th century.
Walking tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise is a very popular cruise that you can enjoy a memorable evening of food, wine and entertainment. Admire the spectacular views of Istanbul’s beautifully illuminated palaces, mosques and Bosphorus bridges, and enjoy a delicious 3-course dinner with select drinks. Glittering entertainment from belly dancers, whirling dervishes and other artistes is included, along with hotel pickup and drop-off.
Begin your Bosphorus dinner cruise with either a coach pickup from your hotel or join your guide at the port. Then, board your festive boat for a sightseeing cruise of the Bosphorus Strait and see the monument-laden European and Asian coastlines. See the Blue Mosque, the Kiz Kulesi tower and Dolmabahçe Palace glow gold at sunset. As dusk turns to nightfall see the last slivers of light illuminate Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, famously known for connecting the two continents.
Enjoy exciting performance of music and dancing which sheds light on the city’s Anatolian culture. As the show picks up, get ready for classic belly dancing with playful twists and shakes enjoyed by all. Once the show is over, spend the last few minutes admiring the sparkling city as your boat arrives at the port.
Embark on an evening of a lifetime with this four-hour sunset cruise around the Bosphorus. Pass by Dolmabahce Palace, Maiden's Tower and Golden Horn, while enjoying a freshly prepared dinner, perfect views of Istanbul at sunset with a live tour commentary and DJ performance.
We'll bring the adventure, you bring the romance on our Bosphorus Sunset Dinner Cruise. Our stylish boat is the perfect vessel on which to wine and dine. Get up close and personal with the incredible views of Istanbul at sunset. It's good vibes only on this pleasure cruise that includes cocktails, locally-prepared appetizers, dinner and dessert.
Once we're on board, it's time to slow yourself down and let the sightseeing begin. For the ride, we've got a nice selection of snacks finger food, and soft drinks to welcome you. Our entertaining tour guide will share history and legends of Istanbul as we journey around the Bosphorus while going up and down along both European and Asian sides of the Bosphorus.
This relaxed trip is a photographer's dream, with endlessly amazing photo opportunities, courtesy of the breathtaking sunset views above the old City of Istanbul. This is definitely the time to get your new profile pic or your family's next holiday card photo.
At sunset, we'll pause to enjoy the last moments of the day, complete with a champagne toast. Grab your cameras so the crew can capture you and your favorite people with a colorful backdrop of the Bosphorus.