Magpie
5.0(3 reviews)

Istanbul Treasures Tour with Lunch

FromTRY 110
6 hours
Istanbul, Turkey

About this activity

Experience Istanbul's iconic landmarks with skip-the-line access, guided tours, and a traditional Turkish lunch in this comprehensive 6-hour tour.

Highlights

  • Skip-the-line access to Hagia Sophia
  • Explore the Blue Mosque's stunning architecture
  • Discover the treasures of Topkapi Palace
  • Wander through the vibrant Grand Bazaar
  • Enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch in Sultanahmet

Full description

Dive into the rich history and vibrant culture of Istanbul on this immersive 6-hour tour. Skip the lines at the city's most iconic attractions, including the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace. Led by an expert local guide, you'll uncover the stories behind these architectural marvels. Wander through the bustling Grand Bazaar, where you can shop for unique souvenirs. Midday, savor a traditional Turkish lunch at a local restaurant, offering a taste of authentic cuisine. This tour is perfect for those looking to experience the best of Istanbul in a single day.

Included / Excluded

  • Skip-the-line access to top Istanbul attractions
  • Guided tour by an expert local guide
  • Traditional Turkish lunch at a local restaurant
  • Personal expenses and gratuities

Itinerary

1

Meaning Divine Wisdom, Hagia Sophia was the largest building on earth barring the Egyptian Pyramids or the Great Wall of China. Today's Hagia Sophia was built by the Emperor Justinian in 537AD. It was the religious center of the city during the Byzantine period. It was used as a church for 916 years and as a mosque for 481 years, In 1934, by the order of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk it was converted into a museum and since it is open to the visitors.

Duration: 1 hourAdmission: NO
2

Built by the Ottoman Sultan Ahmet I in the year 1616, it is located opposite the Hagia Sophia. Blue mosque today is one of the most famous landmarks of the old city with its famous six minarets and magnificent dome. Although it is officially called Sultanahmet Mosque, the name Blue Mosque was given to it by the visitors because of the amazing blue tiles decorating the interior walls

Duration: 1 hourAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3

As well as being the imperial residence of the Sultan, the palace was also the seat of government for the ottoman empire. It housed the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years until the Dolmabahçe palace was built. In 1924 it was converted into a museum. Today it is famous with harem, royal treasury, and holy relics sections

Duration: 2 hoursAdmission: NO
4

Pass by: Built by the Roman Emperor Septimus Severus in 203AD, during the Roman period hippodrome was the civil center for the people of the city where once 100,000 spectators could be held. Located in the heart of Sultanahmet surrounded by Blue mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi palace, today it is home to The Egyptian Obelisk (Dikilitaş), The Serpentine Column (Burma sütun), The Constantine Column and German Fountain.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
5

18 entrances and more than 4000 shops it is one of the greatest bazaars in the world. It was built between 1455-1461 by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror. Today, shops selling the same kind of merchandise tend to be congregated in their own streets or inns as it was the original Ottoman system At the end of the tour drive you back to the departure point

Duration: 2 hoursAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE

Meeting point

Start Location

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı, Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

Important information

Know before you book

  • The tour is conducted in English; ensure you are comfortable with the language.
  • Photography may be restricted in certain areas; follow the guide's instructions.
  • Be prepared for potential crowds at popular sites; patience is advised.

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes as the tour involves significant walking.
  • Bring a hat and sunscreen for sun protection during outdoor visits.
  • Carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated throughout the day.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts

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

Accessibility

  • Stroller Accessible
  • Easy Public Transport
  • Infant Seats Available

Good to know

  • Entry fees to Topkapi Palace (55 USD) and Hagia Sophia (30 USD) are excluded
  • Your guide will have pre-paid skip-the-line tickets to avoid long ticket queues. The cost of used entry tickets can be paid to your guide in cash dollar, euro, Turkish lira
  • Please take passport for childrens if any
  • Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays and Basilica Cistern Cistern will be visited instead
  • We guarantee that you will be dropped off at the port before your ship onboard time. (for cruise guests)
  • Pick-up times will be updated according to your cruise arrival&departure times. (for cruise guests)
  • Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays

Traveler reviews

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An experience not to be missed in Istanbul

This is THE way to savour and be captivated by Istanbul's treasures - especially if like us you have never been to Turkey before, are fairly fit seniors and are lucky enough to be allocated as passionate and helpful a private guide as Ebru. Frankly, you need personal curation to truly appreciate as fully as possible the historical, cultural gems that are Haghia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, the Grand Bazaar etc. Unforunately the Blue Mosque is closed for restoration for some months but we had a good look at it from outside and were taken to remarkable adjoining mosque instead. Ebru was very attentive to our requirements, took numerous pics for us, answered every question and gave us a breather when we needed it. Recommended a not to be missed spice shop at the Grand Bazaar and fixed an excellent lunch. A day of a lifetime at a fair price considering this was a private tour, just the three of us.

OliverMaryApr 17, 2023TRIPADVISOR

Amazing tours .

Our guide had a great knowledge of the history and the different sites of Istanbul . She showed us maps and photos to help us understand the history of turkey .

orlando_tMay 31, 2021VIATOR

It was perfect 👌

Airport transfer - drop was on time. Host - Basir throughly breif me the history of istanbul. I'll rate 10/10 Thanks (Shukran) 😎

Dharmik28Mar 17, 2020TRIPADVISOR

Additional information

Entry fees to Topkapi Palace (55 USD) and Hagia Sophia (30 USD) are excluded Your guide will have pre-paid skip-the-line tickets to avoid long ticket queues. The cost of used entry tickets can be paid to your guide in cash dollar, euro, Turkish lira Please take passport for childrens if any Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays and Basilica Cistern Cistern will be visited instead We guarantee that you will be dropped off at the port before your ship onboard time. (for cruise guests) Pick-up times will be updated according to your cruise arrival&departure times. (for cruise guests) Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays
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