Istanbul Essentials: 1-Day Private Guided Tour (Pick-up/Drop-off)

What's included

What you'll see and do

1. TopkapI Palace

   Topkapi Palace is a historic palace in Istanbul, Turkey that was the primary residence of the Ottoman sultans for approximately 400 years. It is located on the Seraglio Point, a promontory overlooking the Golden Horn and the Sea of Marmara. The palace is a complex of buildings, courtyards, and gardens, and includes several important structures such as the Harem, the Imperial Council Hall, and the Treasury. The palace also houses an extensive collection of Ottoman art and artifacts, including manuscripts, weapons, and jewelry. Today, it is a popular tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

   120 minutes here · Admission not included

2. Blue Mosque

   The Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is a historic mosque located in Istanbul, Turkey. It was built in the early 17th century during the rule of the Ottoman Sultan Ahmed I. The mosque is famous for its blue tile work, which gives it its name, and its six minarets, which is a feature that sets it apart from other mosques. The Blue Mosque is considered a masterpiece of Islamic architecture and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Istanbul. The mosque is still an active place of worship and visitors are asked to dress modestly and take off their shoes before entering. The mosque is also famous for its intricate tile work, calligraphy, and decoration, which is a blend of Ottoman and Islamic architectural styles.

   45 minutes here

3. Hippodrome

   The Hippodrome of Constantinople was a public space in Istanbul, Turkey, that was built during the Roman period. It was used for chariot races and other public events, and it was considered the social and cultural center of the city. The Hippodrome was located in the center of the ancient city of Constantinople, and it was surrounded by important structures such as the Emperor's Box, the Obelisk of Theodosius, and the Serpent Column.

   30 minutes here

4. Basilica Cistern

   The Basilica Cistern is an ancient underground water storage system located in Istanbul, Turkey. It was built in the 6th century AD during the Byzantine Empire to provide water for the city. The cistern is located beneath the city and covers an area of approximately 9,800 square meters. It is supported by 336 marble columns, each 9 meters high, arranged in 12 rows of 28 columns each. The cistern is famous for its two Medusa head columns, which were used as a base for two of the cistern's columns. The cistern was rediscovered in the 16th century and it is open to the public as a tourist attraction. It is one of the most famous cisterns in Istanbul and it is a popular tourist destination due to its unique design and historical significance.

   30 minutes here · Admission not included

5. Grand Bazaar

   The Grand Bazaar is a historic market in Istanbul, Turkey that dates back to the 15th century. It is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with over 60 streets and 4,000 shops. The bazaar is a labyrinth of shops and stalls selling a wide variety of goods, including textiles, jewelry, ceramics, spices, and souvenirs. The bazaar is also known for its beautiful architecture, with many of the shops and buildings dating back to the Ottoman period. The Grand Bazaar is a major tourist attraction and an important cultural and economic center in Istanbul. It is also a vibrant place where locals and tourists alike can shop, socialize, and experience the local culture. Visitors to the bazaar should be prepared to haggle over prices and to navigate the crowded and busy streets.

   30 minutes here

6. Bosphorus Strait

   The Bosphorus is a narrow strait that separates Europe and Asia and connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. The cruise offers stunning views of the city's landmarks, such as the Ottoman palaces, the Bosphorus Bridge, and the European and Asian coastlines. During the cruise, visitors can also see the historic wooden mansions and the Ottoman-era fortresses, as well as the modern skyline of Istanbul.

   60 minutes here · Admission not included

Where it starts and ends

Options you can book

• Itinerary 3 + Private Van

  12 Seats Capacity Private Van: You can book this option for up to 12 participants including pick-up with a minivan or minibus (Mercedes Sprinter/Vito) Please Note That: Surcharge may apply for hotels located on the Asian side or outside the city center Modern City + Boat Trip: In this option you will visit: Dolmabahçe Palace, Bosphorus Boat Trip, Taksim Square, Istiklal Street, Galata Tower Pickup included

• Itinerary 2 + Private Van

  12 Seats Capacity Private Van: You can book this option for up to 12 participants including pick-up with a minivan or minibus (Mercedes Sprinter/Vito) Please Note That: Surcharge may apply for hotels located on the Asian side or outside the city center Muti-Cultural Istanbul: In this option you will visit: Galata Tower, Fener Balat Neighborhoods, Ferry ride on Golden Horn, Spice Market Pickup included

• Itinerary 2

  Where to Meet Your Guide?: Your guide will meet you at your centrally located hotel, otherwise the meeting point will be in front of ANEMON HOTEL Muti-Cultural Istanbul: In this option you will visit: Galata Tower, Fener Balat Neighborhoods, Ferry ride on Golden Horn, Spice Market Pickup included

• Itinerary 1

  Where to Meet Your Tour Guide?: If centrally located the guide will meet you at your hotel (on foot), otherwise the meeting point is Foodie-ist Cafe Highlights of Istanbul: In this option you will visit: Hagia Sophia - Basilica Cistern - Blue Mosque - Grand Bazaar - Spice Market Pickup included

• Itinerary 3

  Where to Meet Your Tour Guide?: If centrally located the guide will meet you at your hotel (on foot), otherwise the meeting point is Foodie-ist Cafe Modern City + Boat Trip: In this option you will visit: Dolmabahçe Palace, Bosphorus Boat Trip, Taksim Square, Istiklal Street, Galata Tower. Pickup included

• Itinerary 1 + Private Van

  12 Seats Capacity Private Van: You can book this option for up to 12 participants including pick-up with a minivan or minibus (Mercedes Sprinter/Vito) Please Note That: Surcharge may apply for hotels located on the Asian side or outside the city center Highlights of Istanbul: In this option you will visit: Hagia Sophia - Basilica Cistern - Blue Mosque - Grand Bazaar - Spice Market Pickup included

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

Every day

Group size

Up to 12 travelers per booking

Operated by

Tematique Tours

Know before you go

• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• If you're booking at the last minute or departing later in the day, keep in mind that some museums and sites close at 5:30 PM. Your guide will suggest alternative options. Meet-up will be at central Istanbul hotels or Galata Port. If your hotel is not centrally located, the meeting point will be Vogue Hotel Supreme Istanbul. If you don't choose van service, the guide will come by foot to the centrally located hotels. Please note that surcharge may apply for hotels located on the Asian side or outside the city center if private van service is booked.

Photos

Traveler reviews

5 verified traveler reviews for Istanbul Essentials: 1-Day Private Guided Tour (Pick-up/Drop-off). Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.