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

Hagia Sophia Mosque - The Hagia Sophia stands as a monumental piece of historical architecture, renowned for its grand design, size, and functionality. Originally constructed by the East Roman Empire in Istanbul, it has been rebuilt three times on the same site. Initially named Megale Ekklesia (Big Church), it was later called Hagia Sophia (Holy Wisdom) from the fifth century onwards. This church was a significant site for crowning rulers and served as the largest cathedral in the city during the Byzantine era. The first church, built by Emperor Konstantios in 360, was destroyed by fire in 404. The second church, constructed by Emperor Theodosios II in 415, was demolished during the Nika revolts in 532. The current structure, ordered by Emperor Justinianos, was completed in 537. The Hagia Sophia features a combination of basilical and central dome plans, with materials sourced from various regions, including columns from the Temple of Artemis in Ephessus. The interior is adorned with mosaics made from gold, silver, glass, and colorful stones. After the Ottoman conquest in 1453, it was converted into a mosque and later into a museum in 1935 by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. The Hagia Sophia is registered as “Ayasofya-i Kebir Camii Şerifi” on behalf of the Fatih Sultan Mehmed Foundation.

Read more about Best of Istanbul: 1 or 2 Day Private Tour 2019 - Viator

Topkapi Palace - Topkapı Palace served as the residence of Ottoman sultans and the administrative and educational center of the state. Built between 1460 and 1478 by Sultan Mehmed II, it was the home of the Ottoman court until the mid-19th century. The palace became a museum in 1924 following the abolition of the Ottoman monarchy. The design of Topkapı Palace, influenced by the Edirne Palace, includes courtyards, gardens, and various buildings for state business and residence. It is located on the Sarayburnu at the tip of the Istanbul peninsula, surrounded by the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus, and the Golden Horn. The palace complex includes three main gates, four courtyards, the Harem, and the Royal Gardens.

Blue Mosque - The Blue Mosque, or Sultanahmet Camii, is a historic mosque in Istanbul known for its blue tiles that adorn the interior walls. Built between 1609 and 1616 during the rule of Ahmed I, it includes a tomb, a madrasa, and a hospice. The mosque remains an active place of worship and a popular tourist attraction. Visitors are advised to enter from the west side, near the Hippodrome.

Kapali Carsi (Grand Bazaar) - The Grand Bazaar is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, spanning 30,700 square meters with over 60 streets and 4,000 shops. Established in 1461, it has expanded over the centuries to include various amenities such as restaurants, a hammam, a mosque, and a police station.

Hippodrome - The Hippodrome of Constantinople, located in Sultanahmet, was a public arena for chariot races and other events. Built by Roman Emperor Septimius Severus in 203 CE and expanded by Constantine I in 330 CE, it could hold approximately 40,000 spectators. The area, now known as Sultanahmet Square, still features monuments like the Serpent Column and the Obelisk of Theodosius.

2-Day Istanbul Tour: Spice Bazaar, Bosphorus Cruise, Dolmabahce Palace, Istiklal Street, and Taksim

Misir Carsisi (Spice Market) - The Spice Market is a vibrant indoor bazaar offering a variety of spices, teas, Turkish delight, nuts, ceramics, and souvenirs.

Dolmabahce Palace - Located along the European shore of the Bosphorus Strait, Dolmabahce Palace was built in 1856 by Sultan Abdülmecid I. It served as a secondary palace and later as a presidential palace. The palace complex includes three main sections: Administrative apartments, Ceremonial Hall, and Imperial Harem, along with various other buildings. It was converted into a museum in 1952.

Taksim Gezi Park - Taksim area.

Bosphorus Strait - The Bosphorus cruise tour lasts 1.5 hours.

• Professional guide
• Private Tour
• 1 or 2 Day (depending on option selected)

• Food and drinks
• Entrance fees Gratuities

Experience the enchantment of Istanbul with a private walking tour for 1 or 2 days. Take pleasure in a scenic river cruise and navigate through the prominent sights of the city, which include the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, Dolmabahce Palace and Istiklal Street.
Enjoy individualized service on private tours 1-day tour itinerary includes all major attractions in the Old City
2-day tour agenda extends to Bosphorus, Dolmabahce Palace, and more Facility of comfortable pick up and drop at your Istanbul hotel.

• Please note the following closing times:
• Grand Bazaar - Sundays
• Hagia Sophia - Mondays
• Topkapi Palace - Tuesdays
• Dolmabace Palace - Mondays and Thursdays
• If the museum is closed on your chosen day, the local supplier will move the itinerary to the next available day. If not, they will replace the tour with a trip to the underground cistern or Galata tower.
• A 1-way transportation ticket costs 15 TL, the equivalent of roughly 1 EUR.
• This tour always includes hotel or harbour pick-up and drop off, regardless of which option is selected.
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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.