
Istanbul Highlights! Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapı and More
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 684 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Istanbul Highlights! Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapı and More worth booking?
Istanbul Highlights! Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapı and More is a 8-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from $175 per person. It scores 89 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 684 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 89 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (684)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $175 per person
This tour is a must in Istanbul with a small group (10 people max) with all the tickets included! We start from German Fountain- a gift of Kaiser Wilhelm next to Roman Hippodrome, where the chariot races were organised and take place. Blue Mosque the only mosque with six minarets. Next, you will see the. Hagia Sophia - The Church of Divine Wisdom is the highlight of this day. Following the visits you will be guided to Nakkas Cistern and presented to a presentation of old Istanbul and demonstration of Turkish Handicrafts and Grand Bazaar for thousand of shops. Magnificent Topkapı Museum is the big one, the most important museum of Turkey and Balkan Peninsula. First, second, third and fourth courtyards; the Audience Hall, Treasury, gardens, kiosks. Hagia Irene Church. Your lunch will be served en route in a local and authentic restaurant where you will be able to taste various types of local tastes. To see these things with a great guide. Well, you will never be quite the same again.
What you get
About this experience
This tour is a must in Istanbul with a small group (10 people max) with all the tickets included! We start from German Fountain- a gift of Kaiser Wilhelm next to Roman Hippodrome, where the chariot races were organised and take place. Blue Mosque the only mosque with six minarets. Next, you will see the. Hagia Sophia - The Church of Divine Wisdom is the highlight of this day. Following the visits you will be guided to Nakkas Cistern and presented to a presentation of old Istanbul and demonstration of Turkish Handicrafts and Grand Bazaar for thousand of shops. Magnificent Topkapı Museum is the big one, the most important museum of Turkey and Balkan Peninsula. First, second, third and fourth courtyards; the Audience Hall, Treasury, gardens, kiosks. Hagia Irene Church. Your lunch will be served en route in a local and authentic restaurant where you will be able to taste various types of local tastes. To see these things with a great guide. Well, you will never be quite the same again.
What's included
Included
- Topkapı palace + Harem + Hagia Irene (Combine Tickets)Included! ’$62 USD’
- Bottled water
- Lunch
- All Fees and Taxes
- English Speaking Professional Tour Guide
- Tea and coffee
- Hagia Sophia Ticket Included! ‘$28.5 USD’
Not included
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
German Fountain
In hippodrome square built in late Ottoman period sent by German king Whilliam the 2nd.
15 minutes here
Blue Mosque
Free entrance. Most visited mosque of Istanbul dating 1616 and every detail of this beautiful structure.
45 minutes here
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
Entry admission fees for Hagia Sophia €25 is included in the tour price!
30 minutes here · Admission included
Obelisk of Theodosius
In between Ibrahim Pasha palace and Blue Mosque 35 hundred years old of an masterpecie and its dept history will be given by your guide.
15 minutes here
Serpent Column
24 hundred years of history brouth to Constantiople in 4rt century
15 minutes here
Hippodrome
Hippodrome was built for the biggest entertainment of roman citizens.
15 minutes here
Nakkas Oriental Rugs & Textiles
Naklibent cistern with exhibition of Ancient Constantinople and Hippodrome ruins. Constantinople in 1200 AD Exhibition. Demonstration of Turkish Handicrafts.
20 minutes here
Grand Bazaar
4 thousand shops and 62 streets
60 minutes here
Lunch break in well known restaurant nearby Blue Mosque, Tamara restaurant Soup of the day Mix kebab, or (vegetarian option) Local dessert or fruit
60 minutes here · Admission included
TopkapI Palace
biggest palace in Istanbul which served Ottoman Empire's 25 Sultans
120 minutes here · Admission included
Hagia Irene Museum
6th century church of holly piece
20 minutes here · Admission included
Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum (Turk ve Islam Eserleri Muzesi)
In the same square as Hippodrome square
Pass by without stopping
Column of Constantine
The forum square built by emperor Constantine in 4th century
10 minutes here
Nuruosmaniye Camii
18th century earliest Mosque Built with baroque style
10 minutes here
Jewelry Market
Antique and jewellery market of Grand Bazaar
15 minutes here
Sogukcesme Sokak
On the side to Topkapi Palace walls a street with mansion built in Ottoman period
5 minutes here
Divanyolu Street
Ceremonial Street of Ottoman empire
10 minutes here
This tour will also cover Harem Museum Of Topkapi Palace
20 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Istanbul
German Fauntain is just by Blue Mosque and 2 mınutes walk from Sultan Ahmet Tram Station
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
German Fauntain is just by Blue Mosque and 2 mınutes walk from Sultan Ahmet Tram Station
Options you can book
Private Guided Tour
Private Guidance Servise Duration: 7 hours 3 course lunch: Startters Mix Kebab Menu or Vegetarian option Dessert and Tea Tailoring the route : With your private guide you can add and skip some of the sites upon your will and tailor the itinerary for the day together.
Best of Istanbul Small group!
Licensed Experienced TourGuide Duration: 8 hours 3 Course Lunch Included : Red lentil soup Small Salad and Meze Mix Kebab Plate ( Kebab meatballs, Chicken Shish Kebab, Pide, Lahmacun) Desert, Tea Walking tour old town : Old town of Istanbul is closed for traffic and all the sites are walking distance!
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
- Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Oguzhan Ceylan
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Ladies best bring a head scarf (if not available, it can be arranged during the tour)
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 681 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
9 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
681 verified traveler reviews for Istanbul Highlights! Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapı and More. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Fabulous
One of the best tours I have ever taken. I loved that it was a small group. Made it easier to stick together and also communicate with our guide Ozzy (Oguzhan) His brain was filled to the brim with information about the monuments we visited. He also offered great recommendations for places to eat around Istanbul. Was not bored even for one minute
via Tripadvisor
A Wonderful Way to Discover the Highlights of Istanbul
We had an absolutely wonderful tour of Istanbul with our lovely guide Burak today. It was a long tour (over 8 hours!) but we managed to see so many things and Burak was so kind, friendly and knowledgeable that he kept our interest the whole time. The Topkapi Palace complex was a highlight and Burak knew everything there was to know about every building we visited and made sure we skipped lines and kept together the whole time. We also especially enjoyed the visit to the underground Cistern and learning about the history of the Hippodrome. Thank you Burak for making the day such an interesting one and looking after us so well!
via Tripadvisor
Burak, Our Guide for Istanbul Highlights Was the Best
Burak was a most skillful guide at getting us in and out of crowded areas quickly. Getting us past the long lines and giving us very detailed information on the many places we visited. He was attentive to when we needed to rest, when we needed water and the toilet. Our lunch was delicious as well. Thank you for the opportunity to see Istanbul with just a knowledgeable guide. Many other tour guides we passed kept telling us that Burak was the best. He sure was!!!!!!!
via Viator
Amazing and Exceptional Tour & Guide!
Today was an exceptional and amazing tour day visiting Istanbul’s highlights. Hagia Sophia Mosque, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace were our favorites! Learned so much from our friendly, approachable and welcoming guide Oguzhan. He was generous and flexible with his time, knowledge and stories. His exceptional storytelling made the tour enjoyable! Highly recommend! A must-do tour definitely!
Response from the operator: Hello greetings from Istanbul Türkiye! Thank you for the heartwarming words about your experiences! It was a complete privilege and honour to have met you and be on your guide through your visit! We wish to meet again and explore more and more of Türkiye’s wonders again! Best regards…
via Tripadvisor
Amazing Tour & Highly Recommend!
We had an amazing time during this tour. Learned so much from our guide Oguzhan. He shared history and interesting stories. He was generous and flexible with our time, photos and questions. Highly recommend! Thanks heaps for the tour today!
Response from the operator: Hello greetings from Istanbul Türkiye! Thank you for the heartwarming words about your experiences! It was a complete privilege and honour to have met you and be on your guide through your visit! We wish to meet again and explore more and more of Türkiye’s wonders again! Best regards…
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Price range
- $175 to $250
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 239
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 89
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Istanbul Highlights! Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapı and More: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Istanbul.
How much does Istanbul Highlights! Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapı and More cost?
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Prices start at $175 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 Highlights! Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapı and More 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 Highlights! Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapı and More worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 89 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 684 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in Istanbul, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Istanbul Highlights! Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapı and More?
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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 Highlights! Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapı and More 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 Highlights! Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapı and More?
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Around 239 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 Highlights! Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapı and More 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 Highlights! Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapı and More?
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Included: Topkapı palace + Harem + Hagia Irene (Combine Tickets)Included! ’$62 USD’; Bottled water; Lunch; All Fees and Taxes; and English Speaking Professional Tour Guide. Not included: In-vehicle air conditioning; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Istanbul Highlights! Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapı and More?
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German Fauntain is just by Blue Mosque and 2 mınutes walk from Sultan Ahmet Tram Station Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Istanbul Highlights! Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapı and More offered in?
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It runs in 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 Highlights! Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapı and More?
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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 Highlights! Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapı and More wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Istanbul Highlights! Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapı and More 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 Highlights! Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapı and More?
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Across 684 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
What booking options are available for Istanbul Highlights! Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapı and More?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Private Guided Tour, Best of Istanbul Small group!. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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