
Istanbul Byzantine and Ottoman Tour: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar
Traveler rating
4.4/5
Based on 39 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Istanbul Byzantine and Ottoman Tour: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar worth booking?
Istanbul Byzantine and Ottoman Tour: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar is a 8-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from $69 per person. It scores 66 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.4/5 rating across 39 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 66 / 100
- Rating
- 4.4/5 (39)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $69 per person
Admire the best of Byzantine and Ottoman Istanbul on this full-day tour of this endlessly absorbing city. Traveling in a luxury minivan with a knowledgeable guide, check out five top Istanbul attractions that recall these two all-powerful empires. Visit the extraordinary Hagia Sophia and beautiful Blue Mosque, marvel at the treasures of the Topkapi Palace, once the court of Ottoman sultans, and explore the atmospheric Grand Bazaar, whose roots date to the 15th century. With numbers limited to 12, this small-group tour ensures you get in-depth attention from your guide.
What you get
About this experience
Admire the best of Byzantine and Ottoman Istanbul on this full-day tour of this endlessly absorbing city. Traveling in a luxury minivan with a knowledgeable guide, check out five top Istanbul attractions that recall these two all-powerful empires. Visit the extraordinary Hagia Sophia and beautiful Blue Mosque, marvel at the treasures of the Topkapi Palace, once the court of Ottoman sultans, and explore the atmospheric Grand Bazaar, whose roots date to the 15th century. With numbers limited to 12, this small-group tour ensures you get in-depth attention from your guide.
What's included
Included
- Local guide
- Pick up from designated pick up points
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Entrance fees
- Entrance fees
What you'll see and do
TopkapI Palace
The former imperial residence from where the Great Ottoman Empire was ruled. Today a spectacular museum that has one of the largest collections of Chinese and Japanese porcelain and the very famous treasury of the royal family.
120 minutes here · Admission not included
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
The magnificent Byzantine Church of all times; one of the finest and largest architectural works of art in the world. It has been nominated to be the 8th wonder of the world by many historians.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Hippodrome
The former center of sportive and political activities of Constantinople. During the visit you'll be able to see the Obelisk from Egypt, Serpentine Column from Delphi, and fountain of Wilhelm II.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Blue Mosque
One of the biggest mosques of Istanbul from 17th. century architecture is one of the principal adornments on the skyline of Istanbul. Also famous for its blue tiles and 6 minarets.
45 minutes here · Admission included
Grand Bazaar
In addition to its historical importance, it's a bazaar that will tempt even the nonshoppers with its rich collection of precious handmade carpets, jewellery, leather and souvenirs.
90 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Istanbul
In front of the German Fountain monument in Sultanahmet
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 45 minutes before departure.
Ends at
In front of the German Fountain monument in Sultanahmet
Options you can book
Istanbul Byzantine and Ottoman Tour: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar
Pickup included
Private
Private Tour Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- ja, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- City of Sultans
Know before you go
- 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
- Entrance Fees to Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace is excluded
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 39 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
39 verified traveler reviews for Istanbul Byzantine and Ottoman Tour: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great visit to Istanbul off cruise ship
We did a tour off of a cruise boat (through shore excursions group) of the blue mosque, hagia sophia and topkapi. Kemal was our guide. He was really great - very informative and pleasant. I would really recommend this tour
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for choosing our services. We are very happy to hear that you had great time with our tour guide :) We all hope to see you again in Turkey with a longer trip..
via Tripadvisor
Excellent Start to Istanbul
We had a wonderful tour with Kamel. He is very knowledgeable and moved at the pace we preferred. Not only did we learn a lot about history ( which he is highly educated in) he helped with local shopping suggestions. He gave good advice on navigating the city on our own.
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for choosing our services. We are very happy to hear that you had great time with our guide Mr. Kemal :)
via Tripadvisor
Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and more
Our tour of Istanbul was extaordinary. We were given an thorough explanation of each of the locations we visited and were given adequate time to take pictures and explore. Kemal our guide went above and beyond to ensure our experiences was outstanding. I would definitely recommend the our and the tour guide. He makes you feel like you are being guided by a long time friend.
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for choosing our services. We are very happy to hear that you had great time with our guide Mr. Kemal:)
via Tripadvisor
Come back to Istanbul when there isn’t so much construction on sites
Could only see 30%Topkapi palace due to renovations. Couldn’t enter the blue mosque under after 230 due to it being Friday so the lines were MEGA long (our group opted to skip it) and it’s not even summer. Very disappointed that we were not informed of this in advance.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your feedback, and we’re sorry for the inconvenience. At times, especially when cruise ships are in port, major sites in Istanbul can become very crowded. We do our best to manage this with timing and skip-the-line tickets where possible. As mentioned in the tour details, mosques are closed during prayer times, particularly on Fridays, when access can be more limited. Additionally, some sections of Topkapi Palace may be under renovation, which is beyond our control. We appreciate your understanding and your feedback.
via Viator
Excellent experience of the Istanbul tour.
Kemal Aslan was a great tour guide. Very insightful and gave a very well paced tour. He was able to give us all the historical facts behind the attraction.
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for choosing our services. We all hope to see you in Turkey with a longer trip..
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $69 to $179
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 14
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by City of Sultans, who run 20 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 58.0.
See everything City of Sultans runsWhy this scores 66
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Istanbul Byzantine and Ottoman Tour: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Istanbul.
How much does Istanbul Byzantine and Ottoman Tour: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar cost?
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Prices start at $69 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Istanbul usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Istanbul Byzantine and Ottoman Tour: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar take?
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Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Istanbul is not rushed.
Is Istanbul Byzantine and Ottoman Tour: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 66 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.4/5 across 39 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Istanbul, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Istanbul Byzantine and Ottoman Tour: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Istanbul Byzantine and Ottoman Tour: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Istanbul Byzantine and Ottoman Tour: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar?
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Around 14 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Istanbul can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Istanbul and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Istanbul Byzantine and Ottoman Tour: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Istanbul within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Istanbul?
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On Outty we rank every Istanbul experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Princes Islands Blue Journey from Old City Istanbul, Famous Istanbul Pub Crawl #1 Nightlife Experience, Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Istanbul?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Istanbul?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Istanbul Byzantine and Ottoman Tour: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar?
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Included: Local guide; Pick up from designated pick up points; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Not included: Food and drinks; Entrance fees; and Entrance fees. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Istanbul Byzantine and Ottoman Tour: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 16 listed pickup locations in and around Istanbul. Be ready about 45 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Istanbul Byzantine and Ottoman Tour: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar offered in?
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It is offered in Japanese and English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Istanbul Byzantine and Ottoman Tour: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Istanbul Byzantine and Ottoman Tour: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Istanbul Byzantine and Ottoman Tour: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Istanbul. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Istanbul Byzantine and Ottoman Tour: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar?
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Across 39 reviews averaging 4.4 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Istanbul Byzantine and Ottoman Tour: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Istanbul Byzantine and Ottoman Tour: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar, Private. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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