2 Full Days Guided Istanbul City Tour With Skip the Line Entry
This 2-day, 7-hours-per-day experience offers a perfect balance of history, culture, and flavor—all without the long lines or exhausting pace. You’ll explore many of Istanbul’s most iconic monuments with skip-the-line access, saving time and energy while enjoying richer, in-depth storytelling at each site. What makes this tour truly special is the added touch of Turkish hospitality: along the way, you’ll savor some of the finest dishes from Turkish and Ottoman cuisine, turning your cultural journey into a delightful gastronomic adventure. It’s not just a tour—it’s a full-sensory experience through the heart of Istanbul.
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2 Full Days Guided Istanbul City Tour With Skip-the-Line Entry
Pickup included
What's included in 2 Full Days Guided Istanbul City Tour With Skip the Line Entry
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
TopkapI Palace
Step into the opulent world of the Ottoman Empire with a 3-hour guided tour of Topkapi Palace, including the mysterious Harem section—no long lines, no waiting. With fast-track entry, we’ll explore the palace’s vast courtyards, imperial halls, sacred relics, and the private quarters of the sultans and their families. Walk in the footsteps of Mehmed the Conquerer, who made this palace the heart of his empire, and Magnificent Süleyman, who ruled during its golden age. Inside the Harem, you’ll uncover hidden stories of powerful women, royal intrigue, and daily palace life. With captivating stories and local insights, I’ll help you experience the grandeur, secrets, and legacy of one of the most iconic places in Istanbul. A deep and unforgettable journey into Ottoman history.
The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, Istanbul
Explore the majestic Hagia Sophia with a 1-hour guided tour—no long lines, no waiting. With fast-track entry, we’ll step straight into this architectural masterpiece and uncover its rich history as a church, mosque, and museum. You’ll marvel at its massive dome, ancient mosaics, and the unique blend of Byzantine and Ottoman artistry. As we walk through, I’ll share captivating stories, symbolic details, and local insights that bring this iconic monument to life. A deep and unforgettable journey into the soul of Istanbul!
Hippodrome
Discover the heart of ancient Constantinople with a 30-minute guided walk around the historic Hippodrome. Once the center of Byzantine chariot races and imperial ceremonies, this open-air museum now showcases iconic monuments like the Egyptian Obelisk, Serpent Column, and the German Fountain. I’ll bring the stories to life as we stroll through this lively square—perfect for photos, local tips, and a deeper understanding of Istanbul’s layered history. A quick but unforgettable glimpse into the city’s glorious past!
Inclusions
- Bosphorus Boat Tour Tickets
- No waiting in the long ticket lines
- Professional, Certified Guiding service
- 2 Lunches (Traditional food included soft drinks- 1 day picnic style, 1 day full lunch)
- Guided visits to Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque & Dolmabahce Palace
- Tickets for Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Dolmabahce Palace
- Tram tickets
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Not suitable for those having walking difficulties
- Please note that skip-the-line access is not available at the Blue Mosque; all visitors must wait in the regular queue.
- Since entry tickets will be purchased from the priority guide counter, they can be obtained much faster than the regular ticket line—especially on busy days. However, everyone is required to wait in the security line at the entrance.
- Please note that children under 7 are not permitted on this tour.
- This is a private activity, only for your group, minimum 1, maximum 15 person.
- Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia may close without prior notice, as they are active mosques (e.g. for official visits).
- Women must wear a headscarf inside the mosques.
- Both men and women must cover shoulders and knees. Revealing clothes (e.g. shorts, sleeveless tops) are not allowed.
- Religious symbols, political, religious, or ideological items (e.g. signs, flags, banners) are not allowed inside Hagia Sophia.
- To fully complete the tour, a certain level of walking ability is required. Please also note that the entry queue for the Blue Mosque may affect the overall timing.
- The tour can be customized based on your interests, and adjustments may be made during the tour when possible.
- Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque will be visited in the afternoon, on fridays
- Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays and can be replaced with Basilica Cistern, Asian Side or Pera-Istiklal district.
- Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays can be replaced with Suleymaniye Mosque.
- Dolmabahce Palace is closed on Mondays and can be replaced with Pera-Istiklal districts
- Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar are closed during Eid(March 30, 31, April 1, June 6, 7, 8, 9 in 2025)
- Museum opening hours or days may change due to national holidays.
- For guests who wish to be picked up from distant hotels or the cruise terminal and dropped off at the same location, some places mentioned in the itinerary may not be visited due to the portion of the tour time allocated for transportation. If the meeting and tour end location is in the old city, you will have more time to explore.
- To explore Istanbul, a lot of walking is required. For guests with walking difficulties or limited mobility, I can modify the program to suit their walking condition. However, this may require removing some visit points from the itinerary.
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You can choose to be picked up from a list of locations, or alternatively, have the choice to make your own way to the meeting points
Please arrive at the pick up point 15 minutes before departure time.
Additional Information
I can pick you up from your hotel if you're staying in or near the Old Town. Otherwise, we can meet at the German Fountain, which is very close to the monuments. I'll be waiting with your name next to the fountain. For the ones arriving by cruise, Galataport Watch Tower is a few minutes walking distance on the left direction of cruise terminal main exit.
Meeting Points
- A few minutes walking distance on the left direction of the cruise terminal main exit.
- This is the "end point for Day 1. if your hotel is in the old town I can bring you to your hotel as well.
End Points
- End Point for Day 2- If you're staying in the old city, you can easily return to your hotel from this tram stop I’ll be guiding you to.
- This is the "end point for Day 1. if your hotel is in the old town I can bring you to your hotel as well.
