• Sultanahmet Square - Sultanahmet Square is located on the site of the ancient Hippodrome of Constantinople, which was once the social and political hub of the Byzantine Empire. Today, it is an open public square surrounded by some of Istanbul’s most renowned landmarks, making it an ideal starting point for exploring the city. The square is a UNESCO World Heritage site as part of the “Historic Areas of Istanbul.”
• Hippodrome - The Hippodrome of Constantinople was a public space in ancient Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul, Turkey) used for chariot races and other public events. Constructed in the 4th century AD by Roman Emperor Septimius Severus, it was later expanded and adorned by subsequent emperors. The Hippodrome was rectangular and could accommodate up to 100,000 spectators. It featured statues, obelisks, and monuments from various parts of the Roman Empire, including the famous Serpent Column and the Obelisk of Theodosius. The Hippodrome was in use until the 5th century AD, after which it fell into decline and was eventually abandoned. Today, the Hippodrome is a popular tourist attraction, and some of the ancient monuments that once stood there can still be seen.
• Hagia Sophia Mosque - Hagia Sophia is a historic mosque and former Byzantine cathedral located in Istanbul, Turkey. Originally built as a cathedral in the 6th century AD, it was later converted into a mosque in the 15th century. In 1935, it was transformed into a museum and opened to the public. In 2020, the Turkish government announced that the Hagia Sophia would be converted back into a mosque, sparking controversy and criticism from some international leaders and religious groups.
• Blue Mosque - The Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is a historic mosque located in Istanbul, Turkey. Constructed in the early 17th century under the Ottoman Empire, the mosque is famous for its blue tiles and six minarets, which give it its nickname. The interior is adorned with intricate tile work, calligraphy, and painted decorations. The Blue Mosque is still used as a place of worship and is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world.
• Basilica Cistern - The Basilica Cistern (Βασιλική Κινστέρνα) is the largest underground cistern of Byzantine Constantinople. It was built beneath the Basilica located west of Hagia Sophia. Also known by its Turkish name Yerebatan Sarayı (“Sunken Palace”), it is one of the major tourist attractions of modern Istanbul. The Basilica Cistern, along with churches like Hagia Sophia, gives an impression of the massive construction projects once undertaken by Justinian I (527-565). The Basilica Cistern is the only remaining structure of an important complex of buildings in the vicinity during Late Antique Constantinople. The cistern gets its name from the Basilica, often known as the Basilica Stoa or the Basilica of Illus, once located above it. Nothing is known about the site before Byzantium was inaugurated as Constantine’s capital. It was located west of the Augustaion and Hagia Sophia, and northwest of the Milion, the milestone at the beginning of the Mese.
• Topkapi Palace - Topkapi Palace is a historical palace in Istanbul, Turkey that served as the primary residence of the Ottoman sultans for 400 years. Built in 1459, it was the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire during its peak. The palace complex consists of several buildings and courtyards, including the Imperial Harem, the Divan (Council) Hall, and the Treasury, which houses valuable items such as the Spoonmaker’s Diamond. Topkapi Palace is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Grand Bazaar - The Grand Bazaar is a historic market in Istanbul, Turkey. It is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with more than 61 streets and 4,000 shops. The bazaar is known for its jewelry, ceramics, spices, textiles, and carpets. It is a popular tourist destination and a major economic center for the city. The Grand Bazaar is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Taksim Square - Taksim Square (Taksim Meydani), Istanbul’s main modern hub, is located at the end of the pedestrian thoroughfare Istiklal Avenue (Istiklal Caddesi). A popular meeting place, Taksim Square is anchored by the Monument of the Republic and buzzes with activity day and night. The area historically hosts public celebrations, parades, and demonstrations.
• Dolmabahce Palace - Dolmabahce Palace is a historical palace located in Istanbul, Turkey. Built between 1843 and 1856, it served as the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire during its later period. The palace was designed in the European style, with a mix of Baroque, Rococo, Neoclassical, and traditional Ottoman elements. The palace complex includes several buildings and courtyards, such as the Imperial Harem, the Ceremonial Hall, and the State Apartments. The palace also houses a large collection of European art, including paintings by renowned artists like Franz Xaver Winterhalter and Osman Hamdi Bey. The palace is now a museum and open to visitors.
• Galata Tower - Rising high above its namesake neighborhood, Istanbul’s Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi) dates back to the Genoese presence in Constantinople in the 14th century. An elevator takes you up to a viewing platform located under the roof, which offers panoramic views of the Old City peninsula and Beyoglu neighborhood.
• Bosphorus Strait - The Bosphorus Strait defines Istanbul. It is the divide between Europe and Asia, and the main connection between the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara. Dotted with parks and elaborate Ottoman mansions, including Dolmabahce Palace, and spanned by three intercontinental bridges, the Bosphorus is the veritable heart of the city.
• Taksim Square - Taksim Square is located in the Beyoğlu district and serves as a central gathering point for both locals and visitors. Its name “Taksim” means “distribution,” referring to the stone reservoir that once distributed water to the city. Today, it is a cultural, commercial, and social hub — and the starting point of İstiklal Avenue, Istanbul’s most famous pedestrian shopping street.
• Istiklal Caddesi - İstiklal Caddesi is a 1.4 km (0.9 mile) long pedestrian avenue stretching from Taksim Square to Galata (near the historic Galata Tower). Its name means “Independence Avenue,” reflecting its importance in the early years of the Turkish Republic. This bustling street is lined with shops, cafés, restaurants, galleries, and historic buildings, and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every day — making it one of the most vibrant spots in Istanbul.
• Galata Tower - During the tour, the Galata Tower will be admired from the outside. Due to current regulations, tour guides unfortunately do not have skip-the-line privileges, and the wait time to enter can be quite long. Instead, the guide will share fascinating stories about the tower’s history, architecture, and its importance to Istanbul’s skyline, allowing visitors to fully appreciate its beauty without the wait.
• Misir Carsisi (Spice Market) - The Spice Bazaar (Turkish: Mısır Çarşısı) is one of Istanbul’s most colorful and aromatic landmarks. Built in 1664 as part of the New Mosque complex, it was funded by taxes collected from Egypt — which is how it got its name (“Mısır” means Egypt in Turkish). Today, it remains a lively marketplace and a paradise for anyone who loves spices, sweets, and traditional Turkish products.
• Suleymaniye Mosque - Süleymaniye Mosque is considered the masterpiece of Mimar Sinan, the greatest Ottoman architect. Commissioned by: Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent (Kanuni Sultan Süleyman) Completed in: 1557 Purpose: A grand imperial mosque and social complex symbolizing the height of Ottoman power. It is not just a mosque but a külliye (complex) that once included a hospital, madrasa (school), public kitchen, caravanserai, and hammam — serving both spiritual and social needs.
• Balat - Balat is located on the Golden Horn in the Fatih district of Istanbul. Historically, it was home to Jewish, Greek, and Armenian communities, making it one of the most multicultural parts of the city. Today, it’s known for its pastel-colored houses, narrow streets, antique shops, and cozy cafés — a true “old Istanbul” experience. Its name is believed to come from the Greek word palation (palace), referring to the nearby Byzantine Blachernae Palace.
• Pierre Loti Tepesi - Pierre Loti Hill is named after the French novelist Pierre Loti (real name Julien Viaud), who lived in Istanbul in the late 19th century. He was a frequent visitor of the hilltop café, where he wrote about the city and fell in love with Turkish culture. Today, it remains one of Istanbul’s best-known panoramic viewpoints, offering a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
• Halic - The Golden Horn (Turkish: Haliç) is a natural horn-shaped estuary that separates the historic peninsula (Old City) from the districts of Beyoğlu and Eyüp. Length: About 7.5 km (4.6 miles) Width: 750 meters at its widest point Name Origin: Its name comes from both its shape (like a horn) and the way the water turns golden during sunrise and sunset. It has served as a natural harbor for thousands of years, making Istanbul (Constantinople) a key center for trade and naval power.

• Professional guide
• Private Tour
• 1 - 2 or 3 Days (depending on option selected)

• Museum/Attraction Tickets
• Transportation from/back to hotel and between sites (unless option selected)
• Lunch

Discover the captivating sights of Istanbul that intrigue you the most with a personalized 1, 2, or 3-day tour led by a private guide. Choose a single day to explore the entire Old City and the Grand Bazaar. Extend your adventure to a second day to include the Spice Bazaar, Dolmabahce Palace, Taksim, Istiklal Street, and enjoy a Bosphorus cruise. Your guide is delighted to tailor the itinerary to suit your specific interests.

Day 1: Private Istanbul Guided Tour: Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, Grand Bazaar
Day 2: Private Istanbul Guided Tour: Spice Bazaar, Bosphorus cruise, Dolmabahce Palace, Istiklal Street, and Taksim
Day 3: Private Istanbul Tour: Galata Tower, Fener Rum Patriarchate, Kariye Museum, Pierre Loti Hill

• A private guide ensures a more personalized experience
• Choose a 1, 2, or 3-day private tour by walking or van
• Discover the local streets on a walking tour of the city
• Adjust the itinerary to fit your schedule.

• Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays
• Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays
• Blue Mosque is closed until 2pm on Fridays
• Dolmabahce Palace is closed on Mondays
• Galata Tower will be visited from outside as tour guides have no priority to skip the line due to Galata Tower regulation
• Hagia Sophia will be closed for visit during praying time
• Families with young children will be accompanied by kid-friendly tour guide
• For last minute bookings, tour starting time can be flexible
• N-A

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