Istanbul City Tour – Full Day Imperial Experience
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Duration 8 Hours
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Type City Tour
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Group Size Small group
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Tour Hours 08:30 AM – 17:30 PM
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Languages English
From / Person
About This Tour: Discover the Soul of the City – Full Day Istanbul City Tour
Explore where East meets West on this immersive 8-hour Istanbul City Tour, showcasing the city’s most iconic landmarks from the Byzantine and Ottoman eras.
Walk through centuries of history as you visit the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar — each revealing Istanbul’s imperial elegance and spiritual depth.
Enjoy a seamless day with hotel transfers, a professional English-speaking guide, and a traditional Turkish lunch served on a rooftop terrace overlooking the Bosphorus.
Perfect for first-time visitors, this tour blends culture, history, and authentic local experiences into one unforgettable day.
Istanbul City Tour Highlights
Begin your day by exploring the timeless beauty of Imperial Istanbul on a full-day Istanbul City Tour. Experience the city’s iconic landmarks — from the Hippodrome and Blue Mosque to the magnificent Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace — guided by expert narration.Enjoy a traditional rooftop lunch overlooking the Bosphorus before discovering the vibrant Grand Bazaar. Here are the main highlights you’ll visit:
- Ancient Roman Hippodrome – See the Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpent Column, and German Fountain, once at the heart of Byzantine Constantinople.
- Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque) – Admire six graceful minarets and dazzling interiors adorned with 20,000 handmade Iznik tiles.
- Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya) – Step inside one of the world’s most majestic monuments — a masterpiece blending Byzantine and Ottoman heritage.
- Topkapi Palace and Harem – Walk in the footsteps of sultans, exploring royal courtyards, treasury rooms, and the mysterious private Harem.
- Rooftop Lunch with Bosphorus View – Enjoy a delicious Turkish meal with sweeping views of the Bosphorus and Marmara Sea.
- Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı) – Wander through one of the world’s largest and oldest covered markets with more than 4,000 colorful shops.
- Expert Guided Experience – Learn the stories and legends that bring Istanbul’s imperial past to life.
- Convenient Transfers – Hotel pick-up and drop-off ensure a smooth, stress-free experience.
Istanbul City Tour Description
Begin your journey at the Hippodrome, once the center of Byzantine life, where emperors and crowds gathered for chariot races. Continue to the Blue Mosque, a symbol of harmony and architectural brilliance, followed by the Hagia Sophia, where domes, mosaics, and marble columns tell the story of empires that shaped the city.
Afterward, explore the grand halls of Topkapi Palace, once home to Ottoman sultans. Visit its glittering treasures, lush courtyards, and the enchanting Harem section. Enjoy a rooftop lunch overlooking the sea — a perfect moment to rest and take in Istanbul’s breathtaking skyline. The day concludes at the Grand Bazaar, where you can experience the city’s vibrant spirit while browsing for carpets, jewelry, and souvenirs.
With an expert guide by your side, this Imperial Istanbul Tour offers not only sightseeing but a deep connection with the history and culture that make Istanbul timeless.
Inclusions for Istanbul City Tour
- Professional English-speaking tour guide
- 2Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Comfortable air-conditioned vehicle
- Traditional Turkish lunch at a rooftop restaurant
- Small-group format for a relaxed pace
Exclusions for Istanbul City Tour
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Museum entrance fees:
- -- Hagia Sophia:_ €25 per person
- -- Topkapi Palace & Harem:_ €45 per person
- Personal expenses
- Beverages during lunch
Good to Know
- Blue Mosque: Closed until 14:00 on Fridays (tour adjusted accordingly).
- Topkapi Palace: Closed on Tuesdays (alternative sites visited).
- Grand Bazaar: Closed on Sundays (alternative markets visited).
- Dress Code: Modest attire required for mosque entry (scarves available on-site).
- Walking: Comfortable shoes recommended; tour involves walking between landmarks.
- Group Size: Small groups ensure comfort, attention, and a more intimate atmosphere.
5 Reasons to Book This Tour
- See All of Istanbul in One Day - Visit the city’s most famous landmarks in a single, perfectly planned route.
- Expert Local Guidance - Gain insights and stories you won’t find in guidebooks.
- Small-Group Comfort - Personalized attention and a friendly atmosphere.
- Seamless Experience - Hotel transfers, tickets, and logistics all arranged for you.
- Authentic Turkish Lunch - Enjoy local cuisine with panoramic Bosphorus views.
Full Day Istanbul City Tour Gallery
