Full Day Private Tour of Istanbul

What's included

What you'll see and do

1. German Fountain

   The German Fountain, also known as the "Deutscher Brunnen," is a historic monument located in Istanbul, Turkey. This ornate and intricate fountain was a gift from the German Emperor Wilhelm II to the Ottoman Sultan Abdulhamid II in the late 19th century, commemorating the close ties between the two nations. The fountain is an exquisite example of Neo-Byzantine architecture and features a central dome surrounded by columns and arches, adorned with intricate decorative details. The fountain is situated in Sultanahmet Square, near the famous Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, making it a prominent and beautiful landmark in Istanbul, drawing both locals and tourists to admire its impressive design and historical significance. We will talk about the 19th century in the Ottoman Empire's history in front of this fountain.

   10 minutes here

2. TopkapI Palace

   Topkapı Palace, also spelled as Topkapi Palace, is a grand and historic palace complex located in Istanbul, Turkey. It served as the primary residence of the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years, from the 15th to the 19th century, making it a symbol of the Ottoman Empire's opulence and power. The palace is situated on a promontory overlooking the Bosphorus Strait, the Golden Horn, and the Sea of Marmara, providing breathtaking views of Istanbul. IMPORTANT NOTE: Entry tickets to the palace cost 950TL (approximately 34$) per person. Entrance into the palace complex is up to the guests. We will enter the Topkapı Palace, after using our express entry, without having to wait in the line for tickets. After visiting the Harem section, we will discover the other remaining sections of the palace and see how the Ottoman Sultans lived and ruled their empire! It is a fairly big complex, so it might take 2-2.5 hours to walk through the palace.

   150 minutes here · Admission not included

3. Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

   Hagia Sophia, a mesmerizing architectural masterpiece in Istanbul, has gracefully witnessed the ebb and flow of history for over a millennium. Originally an awe-inspiring Byzantine cathedral, this iconic edifice, designed by the genius architects Anthemius and Isidore, boasts a breathtaking dome that was an engineering marvel of its era. With its captivating blend of Byzantine and Roman elements, Hagia Sophia has been a symbol of faith and an emblem of architectural splendor, transforming from cathedral to mosque to museum. Its enduring allure continues to draw visitors from around the world, leaving them enchanted by its resplendent history and timeless charm. The mighty sanctuary is open to visits between the prayer times. We will visit the building and see what make this building unique in the history of Roman Empire and the city of Constantinople.

   90 minutes here

4. Hurrem Sultan HamamI

   The Hürrem Sultan Bath is a historic and beautifully preserved Turkish bath (hamam) located in Istanbul, Turkey. Named after the legendary Hürrem Sultan, the wife of the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, this hammam is a testament to the opulence and architectural grandeur of the Ottoman Empire.

   Pass by without stopping

5. Hippodrome

   The Ancient Hippodrome of Istanbul, also known as the Sultanahmet Square, is a historic site in Istanbul, Turkey, once a bustling center of chariot races, games, and political gatherings during the Roman and Byzantine eras. Constructed in the early 3rd century AD by the Roman Emperor Septimius Severus, it served as a prominent social and entertainment arena for centuries. Today, it forms part of Sultanahmet Square and features a few notable relics, including the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpent Column, and the Constantine Obelisk. These remnants of the past provide a glimpse into the rich history of Istanbul and its role as a thriving ancient metropolis. We will walk through the Hippodrome and talk about the remnants situated there. We will travel over three millennia in the history.

   30 minutes here

6. Grand Bazaar

   The Grand Bazaar, or Kapalıçarşı in Turkish, is one of the world's oldest and most renowned covered markets, located in the heart of Istanbul, Turkey. Dating back to the 15th century, this sprawling labyrinth of over 4,000 shops and stalls is a bustling hub of commerce, culture, and history. Visitors to the Grand Bazaar can explore a treasure trove of goods, from exquisite textiles and jewelry to spices, ceramics, and handcrafted items, all while immersing themselves in the enchanting atmosphere of a place steeped in tradition and centuries of trade. It remains a must-visit destination for those seeking a captivating blend of shopping and cultural experience in Istanbul. Here, we will discover the history and how the Grand Bazaar came to be the Bazaar that we know of today. We will also visit the non-touristic hidden parts that only the locals and residents of the Bazaar know of! After our tour, we will visit the selected stores to see what items do the Bazaar offer!

   120 minutes here

7. Basilica Cistern

   (Optional) At the end of the tour, we may also visit the Basilica Cistern, a magical subterranean wonder in Istanbul, is an ancient underground water reservoir that dates back to the 6th century.

   60 minutes here · Admission not included

8. Blue Mosque

   Known to tourists as Blue Mosque, this sanctuary is famous for its blue tiles. It greets us from the year 1617.

   20 minutes here

Where it starts and ends

Before you book

Cancellation

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

Languages

en

Ticket

Mobile Only

Runs on

Fri, Sat, Sun

Group size

Up to 15 travelers per booking

Operated by

Istanbul Odyssey

Know before you go

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Photos