Istanbul Highlights: Small-Group Tour with a Local Expert Discount Tickets

5.0
★★★★★ ★★★★★
Based on 551 reviews |
location pin icon Istanbul, Turkey
location pin icon Istanbul
5.0 /5
551 reviews
View all Istanbul Highlights: Small-Group Tour with a Local Expert photos
View all Istanbul Highlights: Small-Group Tour with a Local Expert photos

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12% OFF Refundable
Small Group Tour W/O Tickets
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$34.17

REG. $39.00

Offer details

Please note that:: Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays. Topakapı Palace Museum is closed on Tuesdays and we visit Dolmabahce Palace Museum tickets aren't included

Overview

Your Authentic Istanbul Adventure: Guided by a Local Expert! Ready to truly experience Istanbul? This immersive tour, led by a licensed professional, offers a unique window into the city's heart. You'll leave with a profound connection, unlike any other visit. Our day begins in Sultanahmet, where we'll be captivated by the architectural wonders of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Next, discover the opulent Topkapi Palace and its rich narratives of empires past. After a delightful lunch break, we'll embark on an unforgettable 90-minute Bosphorus cruise (public boat), showcasing Istanbul's stunning beauty from the shimmering waters. These major sights are just the start of your adventure! Your exclusive itinerary features: Hagia Sophia Blue Mosque Hippodrome Basilica Cistern Grand Bazaar Topkapi Palace Bosphorus cruise (90 mins, public boat) Private tour option is available If you're at Galataport (Cruise Terminal), reaching our meeting point is a breeze with a 20-minute tram ride.

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

I'll be at the German Fountain (Hippodrome area), holding a yellow umbrella. It's the green-domed fountain by the Blue Mosque's Gate B. For your safety, only accept help from guides with a visible license around their neck.

End Point

End point

Depending on the flow of the tour, we may sometimes finish here.

Language Offered

English-GUIDE

Itinerary

1. Blue Mosque
The Sultan Ahmet Camii, the Blue Mosque, is a breathtaking, majestic Ottoman mosque. Its cascading domes and six slender minarets pierce Istanbul's skyline. Completed in 1616 under Sultan Ahmet I, it rivaled Hagia Sophia's splendor. Inside, serene beauty awaits. Over 20,000 blue Iznik ceramic tiles adorn walls. These intricate floral tiles create its ethereal glow as sunlight filters through 200+ stained-glass windows. The soaring central dome, on four massive fluted pillars, evokes immense spiritual calm. Every detail, from mihrab's mother-of-pearl to minbar's carved marble, highlights exquisite craftsmanship. It's an immersive experience, a testament to Istanbul's rich heritage. Important Visitor Information: Note: No priority entrance for guides at mosques. We only skip lines at museums. Be cautious of contrary claims.
Duration: 30 mins
2. Hippodrome
The Hippodrome of Constantinople, nestled in Istanbul's vibrant Sultanahmet district, was ancient Byzantium and Constantinople's bustling public arena, primarily famed for its exhilarating chariot races. Its name, fittingly, combines the Greek words hippos (horse) and dromos (way). Far more than just a race track, this vast space was the epicenter of city life. It hosted grand gladiatorial games, elaborate official ceremonies, joyous celebrations, and even fervent public protests. Darker chapters saw it used for the torture of convicts, reflecting its complex role in the city's history. The Hippodrome seamlessly functioned through three monumental eras: the Roman (203-330 CE), Byzantine (330-1453 CE), and Ottoman (1453-1922) periods, bearing witness to centuries of imperial power, public spectacle, and profound societal change. Today, though much reduced, its spirit lives on in Sultanahmet Square, surrounded by iconic landmarks, still inviting visitors to imagine its storied past.
Duration: 30 mins
3. The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, Istanbul
The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque / Ayasofya-i Kebir Cami-i Şerifi, a marvel of innovative architecture and rich history, was Istanbul's largest Eastern Roman Church. Constructed three times in the same location, it stands as the world's oldest and fastest-completed cathedral. Its breathtaking domes, seemingly suspended in air, grand monolithic marble columns, and unparalleled mosaics solidify its place as a true wonder of architectural history. The mosque's sheer dazzling beauty, a magnificent interplay of space, light, and color, profoundly inspires awe in every visitor. Strategically located on Istanbul's first hill, precisely at the historic peninsula's tip, it is gracefully embraced by the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus, and the Golden Horn on three sides. Important Visitor Information: Tickets are required for entry to Hagia Sophia's designated tourist section. Our guides will assist with your entry process.
Duration: 40 mins
4. Basilica Cistern
Step into a breathtaking subterranean world commissioned by Emperor Justinian in 532. The Basilica Cistern, İstanbul's largest surviving Byzantine marvel, mesmerizes with its sheer scale and symmetry. Its vast, cavernous depths are supported by 336 ancient columns, many salvaged from ruined temples with exquisitely carved capitals. This architectural wonder offers a serene and cool escape from the summer heat. Please be aware that museum guides may have priority access, allowing their groups to skip lines.
Duration: 45 mins
5. TopkapI Palace
Explore Topkapı Palace, the grand residence and administrative headquarters of the Ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries. The palace and its legendary Harem hold more colorful stories than most world museums combined—tales of powerful sultans, clever courtiers, and beautiful concubines. A visit to its opulent pavilions and jewel-filled Treasury offers a captivating glimpse into their lives. A comprehensive tour takes a full day, so our visit will focus on the key highlights of your choice. As licensed guides, we can bypass the queues for immediate entry.
Duration: 120 mins
6. Grand Bazaar
Istanbul's Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı in Turkish) is one of the world's greatest shopping destinations and, spanning 30,700 square meters, the largest covered market in the entire world.
Duration: 60 mins
7. Bosphorus Strait
We will do a bosphorus cruise on a public boat for 90 minutes. Bosphorus is worth to visit not only for business but also for recreation and eye appeal. Alongside the Strait on both continents, there are exceptionally attractive views of Ottoman architecture created by manor houses and palaces. Most of the tourist attractions also have some kind of this magnificent scenery.
Duration: 90 mins
8. Dolmabahce Palace
***ONLY ON TUESDAYS WE DO VISIT ***Dolmabahce Palace built in 19 th century is one of the most glamorous palaces in the world. It was the administrative center of the late Ottoman Empire with the last of Ottoman Sultans was residing there.
9. Buyuk Mecidiye Camii
Located just before the Bosphorus Bridge, the Ortaköy Camii, Turkey (Ortaköy Mosque Turkey) has to have one of the most picturesque settings of all of the Istanbul mosques. Indeed, Ortaköy Mosque photos, with the bridge in the background are often used to demonstrate that particular Istanbul juxtaposition of traditional and modern.
10. Rumeli Fortress
Rumeli Castle (Rumeli Hisarı) is an Ottoman fortress dating to 1452. It was built by Ottoman sultan Mehmed II (Mehmed the Conqueror) in preparation for the conquest of Constantinople. The castle is situated on the shore of the Bosphorus Strait at its narrowest point with approximately 660 meters. It is just opposite of Anadolu Castle (Anadolu Hisarı) which is another Ottoman castle built-in 1394 by Bayezid I. Both Anadolu Castle and Rumeli Castle were built by Ottoman sultans in order to prevent military and economic aid to the Byzantine Empire coming from the north, Black Sea. Thus, the Bosphorus strait connects the Black Sea with the Marmara Sea.
11. Kucuksu Pavilion
This attractive part of the İstanbul strait on the Asian shore is mentioned by Byzantine historians, and in Ottoman times became one of the imperial parks known as Kandil Bahçesi (Lantern Garden). Sultan Murad IV (1623-1640) was particularly fond of Küçüksu and gave it the name Gümüş Selvi (Silver Cypress), and in several sources from the l7th century onwards the name Bağçe-i Göksu is used. During the reign of Mahmud I (1730- 1754) Divittar Mehmed Paşa built a two storey timber palace on the waterfront here which continued to be used by Selim III (1789-1807) and Mahmud II (1808-1839).
12. Beylerbeyi Palace
Described by some as a miniature Dolmabahce Palace but without the crowds, the Beylerbeyi Sarayı (Beylerbeyi Palace) was commissioned by Sultan Abdülaziz to act as an imperial summer residence. With 24 rooms, 6 halls, and a hamam, it would have been quite the summer home and was also used to entertain visiting dignitaries.
13. Galata Tower
Also known as the Galata Kulesi Museum, an iconic symbol situated in the Galata quarter of İstanbul, Türkiye. Considered among the oldest towers in the world and one of the symbols of İstanbul, Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi) was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Temporary List in 2013. Galata Tower, one of the most important structures that make up the silhouette of İstanbul, was used as a long-term fire watchtower and was named Galata Fire Tower.
14. Anadolu Hisari Fort
Constructed under the edict of the ottoman emperor, yildirim bayezid, in beykoz district today to facilitate to istanbul’s conquer, the anatolian fortress is one of the pieces that greatly contributes to the charming silhouette of istanbul.

Inclusion

Professional Guidance in English

Exclusion

Pick up and drop off from the hotels are not included.

Lunch

Gratuities

Museum tickets will be an additional cost.

Cancellation Policy

Check mark icon Refundable tickets

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

  • 100% refund if cancelled 1+ days before the start date
  • 0% refund if cancelled less than 1 day(s) before the start date

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

"This is an all-day walking tour, so comfortable shoes are a must to fully enjoy your experience."

**You can skip any of the places from the list; but if you book the group tour you have to wait us until we visit .***

"Choosing an early tour time is a great way to minimize your wait in line at the mosques, allowing for a more enjoyable experience. We highly recommend this option."

*** Please note that there isn't any priority entrance with the guides at the mosques.***

"Getting to Your Meeting Point (from Galataport Cruise Terminal): The easiest way to reach our meeting point is by tram (T1 line), a journey that takes approximately 30 minutes. Walk to Tophane Tram Stop: Upon exiting Galataport, turn left and walk for about 10 minutes until you see the Tophane tram stop. Take the Tram: Board the T1 tram in the "Bağcılar" direction. Exit at Sultanahmet: Get off at the Sultanahmet tram stop. Walk to German Fountain: From the Sultanahmet stop, the German Fountain (Alman Çeşmesi) is just a 1-minute walk away. Our guide will be waiting there. Tram Fare Payment: You can conveniently pay for your tram fare using your contactless Visa or Mastercard credit card (American Express is not accepted). There's no need to purchase a separate travel card."

“Museum Tickets: Entry tickets are not included if you choose the ‘without tickets’ option. Your licensed guide will assist you with purchasing the required museum tickets on the tour day, so please do not purchase separate online tickets in advance unless you plan to visit the sites independently. This helps us keep the group together and follow the scheduled itinerary. Please note that Tourist Passes, Mega Passes, E-Passes, and similar programs are not valid for entry with our guided group tour.”

During the winter times, we may not able to do the Bosphorus boat the trip because of the bad weather conditions.

"This is a full-day tour with a comprehensive itinerary. To ensure we cover all planned locations, our visit to Topkapı Palace Museum will focus on its main, most significant collections. If you desire a more in-depth exploration of Topkapı Palace, we recommend booking a dedicated tour specifically for the palace."

"Please note that museum entrance fees are subject to change. I'll keep you updated closer to your tour date if there are any adjustments."

Supplied by Lütfullah Fındıkoğlu by Botanas Travel

Reviews

5.0

★★★★★ ★★★★★
Based on 551 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

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