Small Group Istanbul Full-Day Shore Excursion: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome and Grand Bazaar
Istanbul, Turkey

Small Group Istanbul Full-Day Shore Excursion: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome and Grand Bazaar

Outty Ranking 58 4.9 · 7 traveler reviews8 hoursFrom $278
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Outty Ranking

58/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.9/5

Based on 7 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Small Group Istanbul Full-Day Shore Excursion: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome and Grand Bazaar worth booking?

Small Group Istanbul Full-Day Shore Excursion: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome and Grand Bazaar is a 8-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from $278 per person. It scores 58 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 7 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
58 / 100
Rating
4.9/5 (7)
Duration
8 hours
From
$278 per person

Tour will start with the visit of Byzantine Hippodrome. Then, you will proceed to Blue Mosque, he most beautiful mosque of Istanbul. The Church of the Holy Wisdom of God is your next magnificent destination. Hagia Sophia is a symbol of the city and a very important monument that is a pole of attraction not only for those seeking religious tourism. You will visit the exotic Grand Bazaar. Turkey's largest covered market with 4000 shops offering excellent shopping as beautiful tiles, copper and brassware, apparel made of leather, cotton and wool, meerschaum pipes and all sorts of other things. After lunch you continue with the visit of Topkapi Palace and Little Hagia Sophia Mosque.

What you get

    About this experience

    Tour will start with the visit of Byzantine Hippodrome. Then, you will proceed to Blue Mosque, he most beautiful mosque of Istanbul. The Church of the Holy Wisdom of God is your next magnificent destination. Hagia Sophia is a symbol of the city and a very important monument that is a pole of attraction not only for those seeking religious tourism. You will visit the exotic Grand Bazaar. Turkey's largest covered market with 4000 shops offering excellent shopping as beautiful tiles, copper and brassware, apparel made of leather, cotton and wool, meerschaum pipes and all sorts of other things. After lunch you continue with the visit of Topkapi Palace and Little Hagia Sophia Mosque.

    What's included

    Included

    • Professional English speaking tour guide
    • Lunch
    • Port pickup and drop-off

    Not included

    • Drinks
    • Gratuities

    What you'll see and do

    1. Blue Mosque

      Blue Mosque is one of the principal adornments on the skyline and also famous for its blue tiles and 6 minarets.

      30 minutes here · Admission included

    2. Hippodrome

      See the Obelisk from Egypt, the Serpentine Column from Delphi and the fountain of Willhelm II.

      30 minutes here · Admission not included

    3. Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

      One of the most magnificent Byzantine churches, and nominated the 8th wonder of the world by many historians.

      60 minutes here · Admission included

    4. Grand Bazaar Jewelers

      Grand Bazaar tempting souvenir-hunters with its rich collection of precious handmade carpets, jewellery and leather.

      60 minutes here · Admission not included

    5. TopkapI Palace

      The imperial residence from which the Great Ottoman Empire was ruled but today a museum holding large collections of Japanese and Chinese porcelains and displaying holy relics.

      120 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Karavan Travel

    Know before you go

    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Children must be accompanied by an adult
    • Dress code is smart casual
    • At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
    • Visit to the Harem section in Topkapi Palace is not included. Entrance will be at your own expense. St. Sophia is closed on Mondays. Instead you will visit Underground Cistern. Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays instead you will take a Bosphorus Cruise. Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays, instead you will visit the open-air bazaar
    • Clients should to wear suitable clothing and bring their own head scarf before enter to Hagia Sophia.
    • Important Information Regarding the Restoration Works at Hagia Sophia: A comprehensive restoration project is currently underway at Hagia Sophia Mosque to improve its earthquake resistance. As part of the project, the main dome is being reinforced and a temporary steel protective structure is being installed. The restoration is expected to take approximately 3–5 years. During this period, the mosque will remain open to visitors, and guests will continue to have access to view the historic mosaics.

    Photos

    Blue Mosque, Small Group Istanbul Full-Day Shore Excursion: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome and Grand BazaarObelisk - Hippodrome Area, Small Group Istanbul Full-Day Shore Excursion: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome and Grand BazaarSmall Group Istanbul Full-Day Shore Excursion: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome and Grand Bazaar, photo 4Grand Bazaar, Small Group Istanbul Full-Day Shore Excursion: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome and Grand BazaarSmall Group Istanbul Full-Day Shore Excursion: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome and Grand Bazaar, photo 6Small Group Istanbul Full-Day Shore Excursion: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome and Grand Bazaar, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 7 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    5 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    5 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Food and drink

    3 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Traveler reviews

    7 verified traveler reviews for Small Group Istanbul Full-Day Shore Excursion: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome and Grand Bazaar. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    6
    4 star
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    Sort
    Marco · July 2024

    Great tour!

    Our tour guide was really great....Very knowledgeable and friendly. Definitely recommend to anyone in the area!

    Response from the operator: Dear Sir, greetings from Karavan Travel. Thank you very much for your kind review towards the tour which was operated by Karavan Travel. Nice to host you in Istanbul and hoping to serve you in the future again. Best Regards, Burak

    via Viator

    Paquita_B · October 2023

    Big day out

    It was a great day out, however didn’t have enough time at the Topkapi palace. We missed out on seeing a lot at the palace as the time allowed there was no where near enough. I would have preferred more time at palace than see the clothes at the leather shop.

    Response from the operator: Dear Sir/Madame, greetings from Karavan Travel. Thank you very much for your kind review towards the tour which was operated by Karavan Travel. Nice to host you in Istanbul and hoping to serve you in the future again. Best Regards, Burak

    via Viator

    Rebekah_M · April 2023

    Very enjoyable time

    We had an amazing time on this tour. Our guide Burak was very knowledgeable and was able to answer any questions we had. The meal was enjoyable and nice chance to relax between visiting different sites.

    Response from the operator: Dear Sir/Madame, greetings from Karavan Travel. Thank you very much for your kind review towards the tour which was operated by Karavan Travel. Nice to host you in Istanbul and hoping to serve you in the future again. Best Regards, Nathan.

    via Viator

    Myra_H · November 2022

    Istanbul Turkey Tour

    This tour was wonderful. Our tour guide Sedat was great! He explained all about the history. It was wonderful to finally see Hagia Sofia, Blue Mosque and Topkapki Palace. This tour also came with a delicious lunch. I highly recommend this tour!

    Response from the operator: Dear Sir, Greetings from Karavan Travel Istanbul. Thank you very much for your kind review towards the tour which was operated by Karavan Travel. Nice to host you in Istanbul and hoping to serve you in the future again. Best Regards, Nathan.

    via Viator

    Eric_P · June 2016

    Well worth the money and time. The...

    <p>Well worth the money and time. The places included in the tour were stunning. We wish we had more time to check out Istanbul. Great city. Our guide was very knowledgeable and showed pride in sharing the highlights of his city.</p>

    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
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    2
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Karavan Travel, who run 5 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 58.4.

    See everything Karavan Travel runs

    Why this scores 58

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)82
    Review evidence (18% weight)32
    Booking momentum (14% weight)20
    Value for money (12% weight)34
    Listing quality (10% weight)83
    Local standing (8% weight)57
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Small Group Istanbul Full-Day Shore Excursion: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome and Grand Bazaar: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Istanbul.

    How much does Small Group Istanbul Full-Day Shore Excursion: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome and Grand Bazaar cost?

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    Prices start at $278 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 Small Group Istanbul Full-Day Shore Excursion: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome 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 Small Group Istanbul Full-Day Shore Excursion: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome and Grand Bazaar worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 58 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 7 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 Small Group Istanbul Full-Day Shore Excursion: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome 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 Small Group Istanbul Full-Day Shore Excursion: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome 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 Small Group Istanbul Full-Day Shore Excursion: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome and Grand Bazaar?

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    Around 2 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 Small Group Istanbul Full-Day Shore Excursion: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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 Small Group Istanbul Full-Day Shore Excursion: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome and Grand Bazaar?

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    Included: Professional English speaking tour guide; Lunch; and Port pickup and drop-off. Not included: Drinks; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Small Group Istanbul Full-Day Shore Excursion: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome and Grand Bazaar include hotel pickup?

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    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 2 listed pickup locations in and around Istanbul. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time.

    What languages is Small Group Istanbul Full-Day Shore Excursion: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome and Grand Bazaar offered in?

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    It is offered in English and Spanish. 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 Small Group Istanbul Full-Day Shore Excursion: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome 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.

    What happens to Small Group Istanbul Full-Day Shore Excursion: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome 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 Small Group Istanbul Full-Day Shore Excursion: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome and Grand Bazaar?

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    Across 7 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

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