3-Day Private Istanbul Guided Tour: Explore Sultanahmet, Hagia Sophia, Spice Market and More

Embark on a 3-day private guided tour of Istanbul, exploring iconic landmarks such as Sultanahmet, Hagia Sophia, and the Spice Market. Discover the city’s rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning views on this immersive experience.

Duration: 3 days
Cancellation: 6 days learn more
Highlights

1. Day Private Istanbul Guided Tour visiting: Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, Grand Bazaar

Sultanahmet District - Sultanahmet District

German Fountain - The German Fountain (Turkish: Alman Çeşmesi, German: Deutscher Brunnen) is a gazebo-style fountain located at the northern end of the old hippodrome (Sultanahmet Square) in Istanbul, Turkey, opposite the Mausoleum of Sultan Ahmed I. It was built to mark the second anniversary of German Emperor Wilhelm II’s visit to Istanbul in 1898. Constructed in Germany, it was transported piece by piece and assembled at its current location in 1900. The neo-Byzantine style fountain features an octagonal dome supported by eight marble columns, with the interior of the dome adorned with golden mosaics.

Hippodrome - The Hippodrome of Constantinople, situated in Sultanahmet, was a public arena primarily used for chariot races. The term hippodrome is derived from the Greek words hippos (horse) and dromos (way). The Hippodrome of Constantinople also hosted gladiatorial games, official ceremonies, celebrations, protests, and the torture of convicts.

Obelisk of Theodosius - Theodosius Dikilitaşı (Obelisk of Theodosius)

Hagia Sophia Mosque - Hagia Sophia (Hagia Sophia Mosque)

Blue Mosque - Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii)

Topkapi Palace - Topkapi Palace

Hagia Irene Museum - Hagia Irene (Church) now Museum. Hagia Irene, also known as “St. Eirene” Church, is one of the oldest Byzantine churches in Istanbul and was the second largest church of the Eastern Roman Empire after Hagia Sophia. (Closed on Tuesday)

Kapali Carsi - The Grand Bazaar is the largest market and the most captivating shopping center in Istanbul, offering numerous shopping opportunities. (Closed on Sunday)

2. Day Private Istanbul Guided Tour: Dolmabahce Palace, Bosphorus cruise, Istiklal Street & Taksim Square, Galata Tower, Spice Bazaar

Bosphorus Strait - Bosphorus Strait, Bosphorus Cruise by Public Ferry or Private Cruise (if option is chosen) Boğazda Tekne Turu

Dolmabahce Palace - The Dolmabahce Palace (Dolmabahçe Sarayı) is situated along the European shore of the Bosphorus Strait. Originally, there was a shallow bay where the Ottoman fleet anchored their ships. After the 17th century, the coast was filled in and transformed into a beautiful garden with several pavilions known as the Besiktas Waterfront Palace complex, where the sultans would relax and enjoy the views.

Taksim Square - Taksim Square (Turkish: Taksim Meydanı), located in Beyoğlu on the European side of Istanbul, Turkey, is a major tourist and leisure district renowned for its restaurants, shops, and hotels. It is considered the heart of modern Istanbul and houses the central station of the Istanbul Metro network. Taksim Square is also home to the Republic Monument (Turkish: Cumhuriyet Anıtı), crafted by Pietro Canonica and inaugurated in 1928.

Istiklal Caddesi - Istiklal Street (İstiklal Caddesi) represents the modern and vibrant side of Turkey, featuring churches, modern art galleries, embassies, pubs, cafes, and shops selling a variety of products.

Cicek Pasaji - Cicek Passage / Flower Passage, originally named Cite de Pera

Galata Tower - Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi). We will view the tower from the outside, as tour guides unfortunately do not have skip-the-line privileges here, resulting in long wait times. Your tour guide will provide an explanation about the tower.

Misir Carsisi (Spice Market) - Spice Market (Mısır Çarşısı). The Spice Bazaar (Turkish: Mısır Çarşısı, meaning “Egyptian Bazaar”) in Istanbul, Turkey, is one of the city’s largest bazaars. Located in the Eminönü quarter of the Fatih district, it is the most famous covered shopping complex after the Grand Bazaar.

Pierre Loti Tepesi - Pierre Loti Hill, to be visited with your tour guide for a panoramic view of the Golden Horn.

3. Day Private Istanbul Guided Tour visiting: Fener Rum Patrikhanesi, Chora Museum (Kariye), Suleymaniye Mosque

Fener & Balat - Fener-Balat Neighborhood backstreet walk

Rahmi M. Koc Museum - Rahmi M. Koc Museum

Chora Museum - Chora Museum (Kariye)

Suleymaniye Mosque - Suleymaniye Mosque (Süleymaniye Camii)

Fener Rum Patrikhanesi - Fener Rum Patrikhanesi, Greek Patriarchate

Bulgarian Orthodox Church - Bulgarian Orthodox Church

What's Included
  • Expert local guide service
  • Exclusivity of a private tour
  • Convenient meeting at central hotels
What's Not Included
  • Transportation (from/back to hotel, between sites (unless option selected)
  • Museum Tickets
  • Gratuities (suggested)
  • Hotel Accommodation
  • Lunch and drinks
  • Dinner
Additional Information

Your private tour of Istanbul begins with pick-up from your central Istanbul hotel by your local guide.
Day1:Featuring with a walking tour through Sultanahmet, the heart of historic Istanbul and a visit to Hagia Sophia. Head inside to explore the magnificent basilica-mosque that was once the world’s biggest church, and marvel at the Byzantine & Ottoman treasures housed in its museum (now services as mosque.
Day2:Begin with a visit to the bustling Spice Market, where you can haggle for saffron alongside shoppers. Cruise down the famous Bosphorus, where you might catch sight of river dolphins, explore the vibrant pedestrian street of Istiklal, and make a stop at Galata Tower, a medieval stone monument with incredible panoramas over the city.
Day3:Visit to the Chora Church,FenerGreekPatriarchate,Suleymaniye Mosque. Also you enjoy city views on a cable car ride on Pierre Loti Hill.

If your hotel located Sultanahmet, Sirkeci, Laleli, Beyazit area you do not need to vehicle (van).

Location
Galataport Istanbul
Cancellation Policy

If you cancel at least 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

Customer Ratings
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Valerie_d
May 23, 2024
Excellent tour - The 3-day Istanbul private tour was amazing. It was well-organized, and the communication before the tour was great. The organizer asked about our preferences, and since we wanted to learn about the history and culture, they customized the tour for us. Ali, our tour guide, was very knowledgeable about Istanbul's local spots and history. He seemed to know everyone in the city and took us to the best local restaurants. His passion for the city made the tour even better. I highly recommend this tour for anyone wanting a well-organized and enjoyable experience in Istanbul.
Review provided by Viator
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