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
Explore the highlights of Istanbul in just one day on this convenient, private guided tour.
Capture the details and feel the atmosphere of the Old City by walking from place to place. All the museums and highlights are relatively close to each other, so the walking will not be extreme.
Begin with a walk through the heart of the city of Constantin to visit the dramatic former basilica of the Hagia Sophia. Move on to the Blue Mosque, officially known as the Sultanahmet Mosque. Continue to Topkapi Palace, a relic of the glory days of the great Ottoman Empire. You will also visit the Hippodrome, the ancient stadium built in 203 AD by the Roman Emperor Septimus Severus. See the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpentine Column, and the Constantine Column. You'll also get to check out the gazebo-like German Fountain of Wilhelm II, made from 8 marble columns. During the tour, your local guide will answer all your questions and keep you informed about all the places you see. The best part? With the tickets we already have for you, you will get to skip all the entrance lines!
At the end of the monument and sightseeing, we’ll stop at the Grand Bazaar; one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with hundreds of small handicraft shops selling everything from handmade carpets to Turkish coffee. Pick up a souvenir if you wish!