Top Sites of Istanbul Tour - Half Day - Small Group
This tour is perfect for those who want to explore Istanbul’s top sights in just half a day with an expert, official tour guide. Enjoy a small-group experience as you visit iconic landmarks like the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, and Grand Bazaar, gaining deep insights into their rich history. Plus, skip the ticket lines and make the most of your time.
Our team of expert tour guides is dedicated to making your journey seamless, comfortable, and enriching. Join us for an unforgettable experience as we uncover the beauty and history of one of the world’s most captivating cities.
Our walking tour begins at the German Fountain, where we’ll explore the historical ties between the Turks and Germans, as well as gain insights into Turkey’s rich past. Next, we’ll visit the Hippodrome, once the heart of chariot races and grand ceremonies.
From there, we step inside the magnificent Sultan Ahmet Mosque, widely known as the Blue Mosque, named for its stunning blue tiles and intricate ceilings. Here, we’ll delve into the mosque’s architectural significance and discuss the principles of Islam.
Our journey continues to one of the world’s greatest wonders—Hagia Sophia. Originally built as a church in the 6th century, it was transformed into a mosque in the 15th century. Your guide will reveal its fascinating secrets and layered history.
Next, we descend into the Basilica Cistern, a breathtaking underground reservoir supported by 336 ancient columns.
After a refreshing break with Turkish tea or coffee, we’ll navigate the vibrant Grand Bazaar, where your guide will provide valuable tips and recommendations, including local lunch options. Our tour concludes inside the Grand Bazaar, leaving you free to explore its treasures at your own pace.
Departure: 9:30 Am
Duration: 4 Hours
Group Size: 2-12 people
Meeting Point: Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant, Divanyolu Caddesi No.6 34400, Sultanahmet, Istanbul. For further explanation perhaps use the Sultanahmet tram stop as a reference. The restaurant is located on the street where the tram lines run through Sultanahmet, an approximately 1-minute walk from the Sultanahmet tram stop. Our guides will be waiting with a yellow umbrella. Google Map Link
Tour Price: 50 Euros per person
Please Note:
- Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays and will be replaced with Spice Bazaar.
- This tour involves entering Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. Ladies and gentlemen are required to dress appropriately by covering their shoulders and ensure coverage past their knees. Ladies will need to cover their heads.
- We have right the skip the lines at Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia but none has priority to skip the lines at the mosques
What is Included
Price: 50 Euros pp
What is included:
- Guiding by licenced tour guide
- Tea or Turkish Coffee
- Skipping ticket lines at museums
What is not included:
- Foods and drinks
- Tipping tour guide
- Personal expenses
- Entry Fees; Hagia Sophia 25 Euros pp, Basilica Cistern 1300 TL pp. Due to Turkey’s high inflation rate, entrance fees may change without prior notice. While we do our best to keep you informed of any updates, price adjustments are beyond our control. We appreciate your understanding and will always strive to provide you with the most up-to-date information
Regular tours start at Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant very close to the Sultanahmet tram stop. You can easily use the tram with Visa and Mastercard to reach the meeting point.
To ensure a seamless experience, we will purchase the tickets in advance to skip the lines. Please have the entrance fees ready in cash to be given to your guide. Payments can be made in Turkish Lira (TL), Euros, or USD.
Guests are able to bypass the ticket lines at the Basilica Cistern and Hagia Sophia however, it is important to note that there are no special privileges for skipping lines at the Blue Mosque or other mosques. Thank you for your understanding.
Depending on the queue lengths, your guide may pause for a short break, giving you the opportunity to enjoy a cup of tea or Turkish coffee. After the tour, you’ll have time for lunch, and your guide will be happy to recommend great local dining spots.
All the sites are conveniently located near each other, with the Grand Bazaar being the farthest at just a 7-minute walk. As the Old City is closed to traffic, we will explore entirely on foot, making for a smooth and immersive experience.
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