Arrival in Istanbul

Istanbul Airport - Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your driver and transported to your hotel. After checking in, the remainder of the day is free for you to explore the city at your leisure. Overnight stay in Istanbul.

Treasures of Istanbul

Hagia Sophia Mosque - Hagia Sophia, meaning Divine Wisdom, was once the largest building on earth, surpassed only by the Egyptian Pyramids and the Great Wall of China. The current structure was commissioned by Emperor Justinian in 537 AD and served as the city’s religious center during the Byzantine era. It functioned as a church for 916 years and as a mosque for 481 years. In 1934, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk ordered its conversion into a museum, and it remains open to visitors today.

Topkapi Palace - Topkapi Palace served as both the imperial residence of the Sultan and the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire. It housed the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years until the construction of the Dolmabahçe Palace. In 1924, it was transformed into a museum, now renowned for its harem, royal treasury, and holy relics sections.

Hippodrome - The Hippodrome, constructed by Roman Emperor Septimus Severus in 203 AD, was the civic center during the Roman period, accommodating up to 100,000 spectators. Situated in the heart of Sultanahmet, surrounded by the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace, it is now home to the Egyptian Obelisk (Dikilitaş), the Serpentine Column (Burma sütun), the Constantine Column, and the German Fountain.

Blue Mosque - The Blue Mosque, built by Ottoman Sultan Ahmet I in 1616, stands opposite the Hagia Sophia. It is one of the most iconic landmarks of the old city, known for its six minarets and stunning dome. Officially named Sultanahmet Mosque, it earned the nickname Blue Mosque from visitors due to the exquisite blue tiles adorning its interior walls.

Grand Bazaar - The Grand Bazaar, with 18 entrances and over 4,000 shops, is one of the world’s largest bazaars. Constructed between 1455-1461 by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror, it continues the Ottoman tradition of grouping shops selling similar goods in specific streets or inns. After the tour, you will be driven back to your hotel.

Bosphorus Cruise & Spice Bazaar

Misir Carsisi (Spice Market) - The Spice Bazaar, built in 1664, is L-shaped with six gates. Known as the Egyptian Bazaar during the Ottoman era, it was famous for selling herbs and spices from Egypt and Asia. Today, many spice shops and herb specialists continue their trade, with the enticing aroma of spices detectable from afar.

Bosphorus Strait - Enjoy a cruise on the Bosphorus, where you will be treated to breathtaking views. The Bosphorus not only geographically divides Europe and Asia but also connects them culturally and historically. The shores are lined with old wooden villas, marble palaces, fortresses, and quaint fishing villages. During the cruise, you will pass by the magnificent Dolmabahce Palace, Rustem Pasa Mosque, Rumeli Fortress, and the parks and imperial pavilions of Yildiz Palace. This cruise will be a highlight of your Istanbul visit.

End of Our Service

Istanbul - After breakfast at the hotel, check-out is at 12:00 pm, marking the end of our service.

• Transport in an air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicle
• Lunch included
• Airport transfers provided
• Meal plan as per itinerary
• Breakfast provided
• 3 nights’ stay in Istanbul

• Beverage with meals
• Tips for the guides & drivers (0ptional)
• Admission fees to Topkaip Palace
• Entry fees to Hagia Sophia

Discover Istanbul, the city where Asia meets Europe and served as the capital for three distinct empires. Stroll through the ancient streets of the historic peninsula and admire monuments that reflect the legacy of these empires, including Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, and the Hippodrome. Gain insights into the history of the Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans, and Modern Turks with the help of an expert local guide. Capture stunning photos at prime locations, enjoy shopping alongside locals in the Grand Bazaar, and relish a cruise on the Bosphorus to view Ottoman mansions, Ortakoy Mosque, and Dolmabahce Palace. Savor authentic Turkish cuisine at a local restaurant.

• Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays and Basilica Cistern Cistern will be visited instead
• Entrance fees are excluded (Your guide will have skıp-the-line tıckets for historical sites, so you will skip long ticket lines)
• Free entry for kids 8yr and below (take passport for children if any)
• Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays
• Some historical sites may be closed during religious or national holidays. Before booking the tour, you can contact our team and confirm whether there will be a closed sites for the dates you want to take the tour.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.