Best of Istanbul in 1 Day: All-inclusive Tour of Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, and More

This comprehensive one-day journey covers the key sites of interest in Istanbul, designed specifically for newcomers. The itinerary encompasses the Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, The Hippodrome, and the vast Grand Bazaar.

Duration: 7 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Hagia Sophia Mosque - The magnificent Byzantine Church of all times; one of the finest and largest architectural works of art in the world.
What's Included
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
  • Professional Licensed Tour Guide
What's Not Included
  • Lunch
  • Entrance fees
  • Entrance fees
  • Drop off to Hotels (Tour ends in Grand Bazaar)
Additional Information
  • Entrance fees to Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia is excluded
Location
German Fountain
At Meydanı Caddesi
Infront of the German Fountain
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.7
(68 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
846peggyk
Apr 7, 2026
Female Aslan is the BEST. - We had an amazing day with Kemal Aslan. He took us to all of the places on the list while making a few extra stops that we requested. He shared the history while throwing in humor to keep things from getting overwhelming. We HIGHLY recommend him for anyone looking for a guide who knows the subject but who is flexible enough to keep the tourist happy and engaged.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
256diedreb
Mar 15, 2026
Full day in Istanbul - Great experience with excellent history
Review provided by Tripadvisor
W6029wbmelanieg
Jan 25, 2026
1. Visit Istanbul with a great guide - We booked this tour as an excursion from the cruise ship. In advance, we received a welcome message via WhatsApp with a detailed description incl. Photos and video to the meeting place, which we also found easily. There Kemal Aslan received us and accompanied us through the day. Actually a small group was planned but with the other visitors something came up so we were alone with Kemal. Kemal was very knowledgeable, he not only reeled off memorized texts, but also has extremely in-depth knowledge of the city, the sights and their history. He responded to our wishes and advised us well when it came to shops or other locations that interest us. During dinner or one or the other shopping he discreetly withdrew and gave us our time. Not like with other tours where you consistently look at the time and it's "going on in 15 minutes". On the paths between the sights there was also time for a small talk or two. Kemal has made Istanbul a great experience for us, therefore 100% recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Daveonearth
Jan 5, 2026
Super varied and interesting day with expert guide - Super interesting and varied day with a guide who is very knowledgeable about regional history. Kemal Aslan is probably the best guide we ever worked with anywhere. Friendly and knowledgeable, he adapted the tour to our interests, showed us the unexpected and went above and beyond. Thanks!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
T8684kvamyh
Dec 15, 2025
Amazing guide - We had a really amazing guide and it was a great way to learn the history / architecture of Istanbul. Highly recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
J429ilkimberlyf
Nov 4, 2025
Best tour guide ever! - I don't write reviews, but I felt compelled to write this one because we had such a great experience. Kemal Aslan with City of Sultans met us at the Galaport terminal entrance and we took a small bus to the Hippodrome area. We then visited the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar in the morning. After a traditional Turkish lunch which was awesome, we visited a cistern and explored Topkapi Palace in the afternoon. Kemal is so knowledgeable about these site's and explained things in great detail. He speaks superb English and is also fluent in Chinese and knows Russian. He has his Master's degree in East Rome history. Kemal encouraged questions and I learned so much. He is the best guide we've ever had. We plan to look him up when we're back in 2027.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sebastiandn3760li
Nov 4, 2025
Great Tour to See Istanbul in a Day - Baris was fantastic! I had an amazing time on the tour and learned a ton and saw a lot of cool sight around Istanbul. Baris was informative, funny, and a great tour guide! Definitely would recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Joannf711
Oct 23, 2025
Outstanding Walking Tour with Kemal. - Highly recommend a tour with Kemal who went above and beyond to make the tour special. His knowledge of Istanbul is amazing! Thank you for sharing!! Really appreciate how hard you worked to give each visitor a unique experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
517briannaf
Oct 23, 2025
Great Istanbul Tour - Tour was great!! Kemal Aslan was our tour guide and he was fantastic! Got to see all of the big sights in the city and he was super knowledgeable. Kemal gave us lots of other recommendations in the city as well. Would definitely recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nomad12401905013
Oct 21, 2025
My first ever solo tour with great people and tour guide Mr Kemal Aslan - Mr Kemal Aslan was very knowledgeable and helpful from the beginning till the end of tour. He even went all the way to get me a taxi ride home when there’s alot of drivers that rejected he never gave up and finally got me a ride. He gave me a pleasant memories for Istanbul ❤️
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $49
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).