Arrival in Istanbul

Istanbul Airport - Upon arriving at Istanbul Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your driver and transported to your hotel. After checking in, the rest of the day is free for you to explore the city at your leisure.

Treasures of Istanbul

Hagia Sophia Mosque - Hagia Sophia, meaning Divine Wisdom, was once the largest building on earth, surpassed only by the Egyptian Pyramids and the Great Wall of China. The current structure was built by Emperor Justinian in 537 AD and served as the city’s religious center during the Byzantine era. It functioned as a church for 916 years and as a mosque for 481 years. In 1934, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk ordered its conversion into a museum, and it remains open to visitors today.

Topkapi Palace - Topkapi Palace served as both the imperial residence of the Sultan and the seat of government for the Ottoman Empire. It housed the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years until the construction of the Dolmabahçe Palace. In 1924, it was transformed into a museum. Today, it is renowned for its harem, royal treasury, and holy relics sections.

Hippodrome - The Hippodrome, constructed by Roman Emperor Septimus Severus in 203 AD, was the civic center during the Roman period, accommodating up to 100,000 spectators. Located in the heart of Sultanahmet, surrounded by the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace, it is now home to the Egyptian Obelisk (Dikilitaş), the Serpentine Column (Burma sütun), the Constantine Column, and the German Fountain.

Blue Mosque - The Blue Mosque, built by Ottoman Sultan Ahmet I in 1616, stands opposite the Hagia Sophia. It is one of the most iconic landmarks of the old city, known for its six minarets and magnificent dome. Officially named Sultanahmet Mosque, it is commonly referred to as the Blue Mosque due to the stunning blue tiles that adorn its interior walls.

Grand Bazaar - The Grand Bazaar, with 18 entrances and over 4,000 shops, is one of the world’s largest bazaars. Constructed between 1455-1461 by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror, it continues the original Ottoman system where shops selling similar goods are grouped together in specific streets or inns.

Cruising on the Bosphorus & Spice Bazaar

Misir Carsisi (Spice Market) - The Spice Bazaar, built in 1664, is L-shaped with six gates. Known as the Egyptian Bazaar during the Ottoman period, it was famous for selling herbs and spices from Egypt and Asia. Today, many spice shops and herb specialists continue their trade, with the enchanting aroma of spices detectable from afar.

Bosphorus Strait - A cruise on the Bosphorus offers breathtaking views, rich history, and stunning natural beauty. The Bosphorus geographically divides Europe and Asia but unites them culturally and historically. The shores are lined with old wooden villas, marble palaces, fortresses, and quaint fishing villages. During the cruise, you will pass the magnificent Dolmabahce Palace, Rustem Pasa Mosque, Rumeli Fortress, and the parks and imperial pavilions of Yildiz Palace. This cruise will be a highlight of your Istanbul visit.

Istanbul Airport - At the conclusion of the tour, you will be driven back to your hotel to collect your luggage, and then transported to Istanbul Airport or the bus station for your next destination. This marks the end of our service.

• 2-night accommodation in Istanbul
• Lunch
• Transfer services from/to Airports
• Meal plan as mentioned in the itinerary
• Breakfast
• Land transportation by air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicle

• Beverage with meals
• Tip to Guide&Driver
• Personal Expenses
• Entry tickets to Historical sites

Discover the magic of Istanbul, the place where Asia and Europe intersect, which once served as the capital of three distinct empires. Stroll along the olden lanes of the historic peninsula, witnessing landmarks that embody the legacies of not just one, but three different empires such as the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, and Hippodrome. Gain historical insights about the Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans, and Modern Turks, relayed to you by your well-informed local guide. Capture unforgettable images at prime photography spots, immerse yourself in local shopping at the Grand Bazaar. Relish a Bosphorus cruise and traditional Turkish Dance Shows, savor classic Turkish gastronomy, and soak in the breathtaking panorama of the Ottoman Mansions, Ortakoy Mosque, and Bosphorus Bridge.

• Entrance fees are excluded (Your guide will have skıp-the-line tıckets, so you will skip long ticket lines)
• Free entry for kids 8yr and below (take passport for children if any)
• Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays and Basilica Cistern Cistern will be visited instead
• Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays
• Some historical sites may be closed during religious or national holidays. Before booking the tour, you can contact our team and confirm whether there will be a closed sites for the dates you want to take the tour.

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