The Best of Istanbul Private Walking Tour
- Visit the best attractions Istanbul has to offer in this full day walking tour
- Marvel at the impressive structures of Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Suleymaniye Mosque
- Take in the beauty of the opulent Topkapi Palace
- See the historic Obelisk of Theodosius at the Hippodrome
- Stroll around the bustling yet iconic Grand Bazaar
- Enjoy the intimacy of a private/small group tour
Options
Private tour
Inclusions
English-speaking guide
Lunch
Drinking water
Exclusions
Admission to Topkapi Palace (2400 Turkish Lira, Museum Pass accepted)
Admission to Basilica Cistern (1500 Turkish Lira)
Admission to Hagia Sophia (EUR 25 per person)
Other personal expenses
Hagia Sophia Entrance fee (EUR 25/person. New fee added by Turkish Government from 15th of Jan 2024)
Additional Info
Children aged 12+ will be charged the same rate as adults
This tour involves a considerable amount of walking and stairs. Please make sure you are fit enough to participate
Please note that during peak seasons, long queues are anticipated at Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, potentially leading to extended tour durations
The restaurant is situated close to the Mosque, and as is customary in the Muslim faith, it is not possible to serve alcoholic beverages in the establishment
Tour guidance inside the mosque is forbidden. Guides can still escort the groups but they can't give any explanation. Silence is mandatory
The mosque provides information through audio guides available in multiple languages. Tourists must have their own headphones or purchase one in the entrance for 100 TRY. They will scan QR codes to listen the content
Museum cards are not accepted
The upper gallery is accessible by stairs, it is not recommended for tourists with mobility issues
Knees and shoulders must be covered. Headscarf is mandatory for women and can be purchased at the entrance
Expect long entrance lines at some of the more popular attractions (e.g. Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque). Hagia Sophia entrance fee needs to be purchased in advance, we will help you to get the tickets so you can skip the line and enjoy a better experience.
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Caps or hats
Cash
Camera
Scarf or clothes to cover the shoulders, knees, and head at the mosque
Comfortable shoes
Bug spray
Clothes revealing the shoulders, underarms, back, and knees are not allowed in some sites on this tour; implementation may be strict. Kindly bring a scarf/sweater to cover up or wear clothes that fit the dress code.
What's included in The Best of Istanbul Private Walking Tour
(Subject to Option Inclusions)- [Departure] meet up at Sultanahmet. You can choose to depart at the following times: 08:30, 09:00, 09:30, 10:00. Make sure you take part at the time you selected at booking,.Please arrive at the location 10 mins before the departure time
- [Attraction/experience] 45 min(s), Guided tour, Hippodrome of Constantinople
- [Attraction/experience] 1 hour(s) 30 min(s), Guided tour, Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
- [Attraction/experience] 1 hour(s) 30 min(s), Guided tour, Blue Mosque
- [Dining] 1 hour(s) 30 min(s), Lunch
- [Attraction/experience] 1 hour(s), Guided tour, Basilica Cistern
- [Attraction/experience] 2 hour(s), Guided tour, Topkapi Palace
- [Return] at Topkapi Palace, You can choose to return at the following times: 16:00, 16:30, 17:00, 17:30. Options available can vary based on the departure time you selected at booking and the duration of the itinerary.
Our Favourites
Want to visit the most famous landmarks in Turkey? We’ve got you covered! In this full day trip, you’ll explore the best historic sites in Istanbul all in one day, with the help and knowledge of your friendly Trip Guru!
Our first stop is the classic and ever-popular Hagia Sophia. This great architectural masterpiece boasts a long and storied history, serving as a church, mosque, and now museum. We’ll take in the beauty of the structure with its towering minarets before heading to our next stop.
The Blue Mosque, given its nickname from the myriad blue tiles that are embedded in its design, is actually named after Sultan Ahmed I when it was built in the early 1600s. Its stunning facade and design make it the city’s must-see sights.
After filling our camera rolls with photos of the Blue Mosque, we’ll head to Topkapi Palace. This opulent structure once served as the administrative headquarters of the Ottoman sultans during the 15th and 16th centuries. Today, its beauty is still a sight to behold, with many flocking to the palace to take photos.
We’ll stop for lunch at a local eatery before heading to our next stop, the Hippodrome and the Obelisk of Theodosius. The Obelisk was originally commissioned by the Egyptian Pharaoh Tuthmosis II in the 15th century BC. It was erected in the Hippodrome (a place originally built to race horses during the Roman period) by Theodosius in 388.
After marveling at the history of the hippodrome and the obelisk, we’ll make our way to the Suleymaniye Mosque. While not as popular as Hagia Sophia or the Blue Mosque, Suleymaniye is known for its staggering size and beautiful architecture. It was designed by the legendary architect Mimar Sinan and was considered to be one of his masterpieces.
Our last stop of the day is the Grand Bazaar. As one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, a trip to Turkey would not be complete without a visit to this iconic landmark. Stroll through the numerous stalls and go shopping for some souvenirs to commemorate the day’s adventure.
Meet
Venues
- Hagia Sophia Sultan Ahmet Ayasofya Meydani No 1 34122 Fatih Istanbul
