Istanbul Must See:Hagia Sophia Bluemosqu Topkapı Basilica Cistern Bosphorus Tour | La Vacanza Travel

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

Duration: 8 to 9 hours
Destination: Türkiye, İstanbul, Istanbul
from
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  • 8 to 9 hours
  • Istanbul
  • E-Voucher
  • Lowest Price
  • Not-Cancellable

Overview

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. After 90 minutes ride we will visit the Spice Bazaar.
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)
Egyptian Bazaar (Spice Market)
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

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Hagia Sophia Mosque, Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya MeydanI No:1, Istanbul 34122 Turkiye

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 isn't any priority entrance for the guides at the mosques. We skip the lines at the museums*** Don't trust them!!!

Duration: 40 minutes

Stop At: Blue Mosque, Sultanahmet Mah At Meydani Cad No 7, Istanbul 34122 Turkiye

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!

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Hippodrome, Binbirdirek, Sultan Ahmet ParkI No:2, Istanbul Turkiye

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.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Basilica Cistern, Alemdar Mahallesi, Yerebatan Caddesi, No:1/3, Istanbul 34410 Turkiye

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.***

Duration: 45 minutes

Stop At: Topkapi Palace, Cankurtaran Mahallesi Gulhane Park, Near Sultanahmet Square, Istanbul 34122 Turkiye

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.***

Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Grand Bazaar, Grand Bazaar, Istanbul

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.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul 34122 Turkiye

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.

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: Misir Carsisi (Spice Market), Rustem Pasa Mahallesi, Erzak Ambari Sok. No:92 Eminonu - Fatih, Istanbul 34116 Turkiye

No visit to Istanbul is complete without stopping by the atmospheric Spice Bazaar. While the Grand Bazaar may be the largest and most famous of Istanbul's covered bazaars, this spice market wins the prize for being the most colorful, fragrant, and often the most fun – as visitors can taste the goods on offer.

Duration: 30 minutes

Pass By: Dolmabahce Palace, Visnezade Mahallesi Dolmabahce Cd, Istanbul 34357 Turkiye

***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.

Pass By: Ortakoy Mosque, Mecidiye Koprusu Sk. No:1 Besiktas/Istanbul, Istanbul 34347 Turkiye

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.

Pass By: Rumeli Fortress, Yahyakemal Cad. No.28, Istanbul 34470 Turkiye

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.

Pass By: Kucuksu Pavilion, Kucuksu Cad. No:12, Istanbul 34810 Turkiye

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).

Pass By: Beylerbeyi Palace, Abdullahaga Cad., Istanbul Turkiye

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.

Pass By: Galata Tower, Buyuk Hendek Cad. 2, Istanbul Turkiye

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.

Pass By: Anadolu Hisari Fort, Anadolu Hisari, Istanbul Turkiye

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.

Inclusions
  • Professional Guidance in English
  • Public transportation tickets if required
  • If you are arriving to Galataport (Cruise terminal) it is easy to reach to meeting by tram in 20 min

Exclusions
  • 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 (20 USD pp)
  • Bosphorus tour ticket is excluded (5 USD pp)
  • 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 27 USD pp
  • ***As the museum fees increased little bit more, you can exclude any of them during the tour.
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Near public transportation
  • Not recommended for travelers with back problems
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
  • Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Departure Point

German Fountain, Binbirdirek, At Meydanı Cd, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye


Return Details

Ayfer Kaur Baharat, Mısır Çarşısı D:7, Eminönü/cağaloğlu, Fatih, İstanbul, Rüstem Paşa, 34116 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

Voucher info

You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.

Duration

8 to 9 hours


User's Reviews

Rafael_S

23 Mar, 2024

Lutfi is an exceptional tour guide who made our tour of Istanbul's Old City an unforgettable experience, despite the rainy weather. His extensive knowledge of the city's history, culture, and architecture shone through as he guided us through the main attractions, providing fascinating insights and stories at every turn. The tour itself was diverse and comprehensive, covering all the must-see locations in the Old City. We visited the awe-inspiring mosques, including the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, and explored the rich collections of a beautiful museum. Lutfi's engaging commentary brought each site to life, helping us appreciate the significance and beauty of these historical treasures. One of the highlights of the tour was the visit to the Basilica Cistern, an underground marvel that showcased the ingenuity of ancient engineering. Lutfi's enthusiasm and patience were evident as he took the time to take a thousand pictures with us (lol), answer our questions and ensure that everyone had a chance to take in the sights at their own pace. The boat tour along the Bosphorus was a delightful addition to the itinerary, offering stunning views of the city's skyline and a refreshing break from the walking portions of the tour. Throughout the day, Lutfi's great personality and sense of humor kept us engaged and entertained, making the tour feel more like an adventure with a knowledgeable friend. This tour is an absolute must for anyone looking to explore the main attractions of Istanbul's Old City. Lutfi's expertise, passion, and dedication to providing an exceptional experience make him an outstanding tour guide. His ability to create a comprehensive and enjoyable tour, even in less-than-ideal weather conditions, is a testament to his professionalism and love for his city. I highly recommend this tour and Lutfi as a guide to anyone visiting Istanbul.

Cole_C

22 Mar, 2024

Lutfi was a great guide and provided a memorable experience. As I was on holiday in Istanbul for one week, I decided to take a tour of the major sites in the historic part of the city. I decided to go with Lufi's tour which was great, since he is very patient and knowledgeable. Definitely would recommend.

528ewad

17 Mar, 2024

This jam-packed day trip offered a fantastic introduction to Istanbul's iconic landmarks. From the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia to the serenity of the Blue Mosque, each stop unfolded layers of history brought to life by our exceptional guide, Ltfullah. His passion for the city was contagious, as he expertly navigated us through the grandeur of Topkapi Palace, the mysterious Basilica Cistern, and the breathtaking Bosphorus cruise. But Ltfullah wasn't just a walking history book. His attentiveness extended beyond the planned itinerary, offering insightful recommendations for our next day's exploration. If you have limited time in Istanbul and want to maximize your experience, this tour is a must.

Jenna_E

13 Mar, 2024

We had the privilege of being guided for the day by Lufallah. There was no question (regardless of how obscure) that he did not have an immediate answer for, he was clearly extremely knowledgeable! I was a little hesitant at first since it was the first time doing an all day tour with a guide and I was aware that bring stuck with a poor guide could potentially ruin the experience but we felt incredibly comfortable. It was also great in the sense that we were also given some time with each excursions to explore on our own so it combined the perfect balance between feeling guided and also exploring on our own. Would highly recommend

naeemaa2024

14 Feb, 2024

Tour was amazing and full with so much history. Our guide Lutfi was every thing!! He was excellent and amazing!!! Ensured we all went home safe before he left. So knowledgeable and easy going. Made the tour so fun… I lost my purse and he helped me a great deal in recovering it, thanks to Istanbul Police. I loved everything!! Istanbul was amazing and all thanks to Lutfi.

User's Picture Gallery

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Tour was amazing and full with so much history. Our guide Lutfi was every thing!! He was excellent and amazing!!! Ensure

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Ludo welcomes you to Istanbul with open arms.

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Historic Istanbul in a day

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The best tour guide ever

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Great tour hitting the highlights of Istanbul with Lutfi!

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Great tour with the best guide

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Fabulous food and fabulous food tour!

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Lutfulla the SunShine that will guide and take of you in Istanbul

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Wonderful, in-depth, informative

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Excellent from start to finish ⭐️ Highly Recommend

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Literally a must see

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So glad we used a guide. Turned out to be a great one!!

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The best one day tour of Istanbul

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Great tour in overall

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Best guide in the city!

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Awesome day tour of Istanbul

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