Istanbul Must See:Hagia Sophia Bluemosqu Topkapı Basilica Cistern Bosphorus Tour

based on 210 reviews

Duration:8 hours to 9 hours (approx.)
Location: Istanbul, Turkey

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Local istanbul experience with a professional licensed tour guide!
With this experince you will see the city from a different window and you will not be same as before.
Firstly we start the day at Sultanahmet area and visit the Hagia Sophia and Bluemosque. After that we will visit the Topkapı Palace. You will listen to different histories about Roman and Ottoman Empires.
Then free time for lunch, we will go Bosphorus tour (on a public bosphorus boat) to see marvellous istanbul from the sea.for 90 minutes.
These are only starters, you will have the main course on the tour :-)
What we will see in this tour:
Hagia Sophia
Bluemosque
Hippodrome
Basilica Cistern
Grand Bazaar (Closed on Sundays)
Topkapi Palace
Bosphrous cruise (90 minutes -(public bosphorus boat)

Private tour option is also available. Check details.
If you are arriving to Galataport (Cruise terminal) it is easy to reach to meeting by tram in 20 minutes

WHAT'S INCLUDED

✓ Arriving to Galataport (Cruise terminal)? it is easy to reach to meeting point by tram in 20 min
✓ Professional Guidance in English
✓ Public transportation tickets if required

✗ Pick up and drop off from the hotels are not included.
✗ Topkapı Palace Museum entrance ticket is extra which exactly 50 USD pp
✗ Lunch
✗ On Tuesdays Dolmabahce Palace entrance ticket is extra which is exactly 35 USD pp
✗ Basilica Cistern ticket is excluded (25 USD pp)
✗ Bosphorus tour ticket is excluded (10 USD pp)cash please
✗ Gratuities
✗ *** Please note that there isn't any priority entrance with the guides at the mosques.***
✗ ***if you pick up the early timings we don't wait at the mosque lines a lot. (recommended)
✗ The entrance fee for Hagia Sophia is 28 USD pp) cash please

WHAT TO EXPECT

1.
Hippodrome of Constantinople, located in Sultanahmet/Istanbul, was a public arena mainly for chariot races. The word hippodrome comes from the Greek hippos (horse) and dromos (way). The Hippodrome of Constantinople was also home to gladiatorial games, official ceremonies, celebrations, protests, torture to the convicts and so on. Hippodrome functioned all in Roman (203-330 CE), Byzantine (330-1453 CE), and Ottoman (1453-1922) periods.
2.
Known as the Sultan Ahmet Camii (or Sultan Ahmed Mosque), this breath-taking building is one of the most majestic Ottoman mosques in all of Turkey. *** Please note that there isn't any priority entrance for the guides at the mosques. We skip the lines at the museums*** Don't trust who can do that!
3.
The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque / Ayasofya-i Kebir Cami-i Şerifi, with its innovative architecture, rich history, religious significance and extraordinary characteristics has been fighting against time for centuries, was the largest Eastern Roman Church in Istanbul. Constructed three times in the same location, it is the world’s oldest and fastest-completed cathedral. With its breathtaking domes that look like hanging in the air, monolithic marble columns and unparalleled mosaics, is one of the wonders of world’s architecture history. The sheer dazzling beauty of mosque with its magnificent play on space, light, and color provokes worship in the believer! Hagia Sophia pose on the ground of the first hill of Istanbul, precisely at the tip of the historic peninsula, surrounded by the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn on three sides. *** Please note that there are 2 lines one for buying tickets with cards and if you bring cash we can skip the tickets line to go in***
4.
it served as the main residence and administrative headquarters of the Ottoman sultans: Topkapı Palace and Harem (Topkapı Sarayı) are likely to have more colourful stories than most of the world's museums put together. Libidinous sultans, ambitious courtiers, beautiful concubines and scheming eunuchs lived and worked here between the 15th and 19th centuries when it was the court of the Ottoman empire. A visit to the palace's opulent pavilions, jewel-filled Treasury and sprawling Harem gives a fascinating glimpse into their lives. *** Please note that to see all palace takes one full day that's why we spend our time to see main highlights according to your desire. *** We skip the lines here as this is a museum and guides can have priority.***
5.
This subterranean structure was commissioned by Emperor Justinian and built in 532. The largest surviving Byzantine cistern in İstanbul, it was constructed using 336 columns, many of which were salvaged from ruined temples and feature fine carved capitals. Its symmetry and sheer grandeur of conception are quite breathtaking, and its cavernous depths make a great retreat on summer days. *** We skip the lines here as this is a museum and guides can have priority.***
6.
Istanbul's Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı in Turkish) is one of the world's greatest shopping destinations and, spanning 30,700 square meters, the largest covered market in the entire world.
7.
We will do a bosphorus cruise on a public boat for 90 minutes. Bosphorus is worth to visit not only for business but also for recreation and eye appeal. Alongside the Strait on both continents, there are exceptionally attractive views of Ottoman architecture created by manor houses and palaces. Most of the tourist attractions also have some kind of this magnificent scenery.
8.
***ONLY ON TUESDAYS WE DO VISIT ***Dolmabahce Palace built in 19 th century is one of the most glamorous palaces in the world. It was the administrative center of the late Ottoman Empire with the last of Ottoman Sultans was residing there.
9.
Located just before the Bosphorus Bridge, the Ortaköy Camii, Turkey (Ortaköy Mosque Turkey) has to have one of the most picturesque settings of all of the Istanbul mosques. Indeed, Ortaköy Mosque photos, with the bridge in the background are often used to demonstrate that particular Istanbul juxtaposition of traditional and modern.
10.
Rumeli Castle (Rumeli Hisarı) is an Ottoman fortress dating to 1452. It was built by Ottoman sultan Mehmed II (Mehmed the Conqueror) in preparation for the conquest of Constantinople. The castle is situated on the shore of the Bosphorus Strait at its narrowest point with approximately 660 meters. It is just opposite of Anadolu Castle (Anadolu Hisarı) which is another Ottoman castle built-in 1394 by Bayezid I. Both Anadolu Castle and Rumeli Castle were built by Ottoman sultans in order to prevent military and economic aid to the Byzantine Empire coming from the north, Black Sea. Thus, the Bosphorus strait connects the Black Sea with the Marmara Sea.
11.
This attractive part of the İstanbul strait on the Asian shore is mentioned by Byzantine historians, and in Ottoman times became one of the imperial parks known as Kandil Bahçesi (Lantern Garden). Sultan Murad IV (1623-1640) was particularly fond of Küçüksu and gave it the name Gümüş Selvi (Silver Cypress), and in several sources from the l7th century onwards the name Bağçe-i Göksu is used. During the reign of Mahmud I (1730- 1754) Divittar Mehmed Paşa built a two storey timber palace on the waterfront here which continued to be used by Selim III (1789-1807) and Mahmud II (1808-1839).
12.
Described by some as a miniature Dolmabahce Palace but without the crowds, the Beylerbeyi Sarayı (Beylerbeyi Palace) was commissioned by Sultan Abdülaziz to act as an imperial summer residence. With 24 rooms, 6 halls, and a hamam, it would have been quite the summer home and was also used to entertain visiting dignitaries.
13.
Also known as the Galata Kulesi Museum, an iconic symbol situated in the Galata quarter of İstanbul, Türkiye. Considered among the oldest towers in the world and one of the symbols of İstanbul, Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi) was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Temporary List in 2013. Galata Tower, one of the most important structures that make up the silhouette of İstanbul, was used as a long-term fire watchtower and was named Galata Fire Tower.
14.
Constructed under the edict of the ottoman emperor, yildirim bayezid, in beykoz district today to facilitate to istanbul’s conquer, the anatolian fortress is one of the pieces that greatly contributes to the charming silhouette of istanbul.

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Posted By : Christin_W
Such a great tour and highly recommended. We were lucky enough to be the only people on that day and had the best time with Lütfullah. He has so much knowledge!! We loved that he rearranged the tour a bit as well as we had already seen some sightseeing spots ourselves. Thank you for having us.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-07-03 06:18:31

Posted By : Inspire74946
Ludwig was very personable and knew history of the places we visited. He also knew how to avoid the queues as we had cruise ships passengers lining up at the same places. He gave us enough free time to look around on our own after he gave use the history of the site.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-07-03 03:54:20

Posted By : MarkCBurbank
Great tour and guide. It was like we were exploring the city with an old friend. It was wonderful. Istanbul is a city that has so much to offer and we were happy that we spent it with Lutfullah. Choose him and this tour when you visit Turkey.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-07-02 13:44:42

Posted By : Global404640
If you want to visit all the important places including the Bosphorus this is the one! Be prepared to walk a lot! Lufti gave us great explanations of everything. Allowed us to take photos and have time to walk around the areas. Gave us great tips in the Palace. Took us to a great turkish restaurant. Even helped us with what we wanted to buy at the Bazaar. He is a very considerate person. Helped us to get the tickets and spend no time in line. Took photos and had a good conversation during the ferry travel. Gave us great directions to return to our hotel. He also gave us ideas to visit other areas in Istambul for the rest of our stay. Thank you Lufti!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-30 07:07:13

Posted By : NorthStar555216
The tour was comprehensive, educational and Lutfullah is a very informed and approachable guide well suited to those prepared to listen and with an interest in history, architecture and culture.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-26 00:46:18

Posted By : jane45
We were only in Istanbul for 3 days so thought this trip would be the best way to see as much as possible. Ludwig sent us info in all the stops beforehand be how much each attraction would be - so we were prepared. The tour was great. We got to see so much and hear all about the places and the history. We never had to queue even though there were queues for all the sites. ludwig was able to get us straight in! It is a packed day and was tiring but def worth it - highly recommend
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-24 14:11:31

Posted By : Lyudmyla_A
All parts of trip were interesting. Sultan Akhmet Mosque was impressive! Agija Sophia was even more interesting! The Cystern Basilica was fantastic. The trip to Bazaar allowed to shop for souvenirs and presents. The boat trip helped to relax and shake off tiredness. The guide was knowledgeable and attentive. It was a chance to see the best of Istanbul in one day!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-20 00:56:17

Posted By : Climber23004957860
I really had amazing time with Lutfuallah
Not just he is extremely kind and sweet and gave me advices on how to save money , but The trip was really well organized .
Plus he was very knowledgeable about history and architecture, learnt so much from him
And he gave me free time every know and then which I ve really appreciated.
It worths every dollar , I highly recommend it !👏🏻
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-13 06:32:07

Posted By : 13chuckt
I was in Istanbul for a 22 hours layover and decided to last minute book a tour to see the city. I am glad I did it! Everything thing was organized and went so well! As soon as I arrived , Lutfi sent me a message immediately to tell me what the plan was. Communication was great!
Lutfi was amazing and very personable! He showed me and explained the history behind all the things we saw. Great personality and was really funny ( I appreciated that) he kept the day fun and interesting! We were able to see many great attractions within that time. I recommend this tour with him! You will not be disappointed!

He knows the city in and out!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-09 14:13:28

Posted By : G2582CPjoaquinl
I would recommend everyone who want a full day tour in Istanbul to take Lutfi’s as he would give you valuable information on every place you are visiting . Also he would kindly answer to any question you may have regarding a place you are visiting, recommendation to have lunch or where to buy in the Grand Bazar, etc.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-05 13:14:33