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

Blue Mosque - Discover the splendor of Ottoman architecture at the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii), situated on Istanbul’s Old City peninsula. Opened in 1616 to compete with the Byzantine-era Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya) nearby, its six minarets dominate the Istanbul skyline, and its interior is adorned with 20,000 blue Iznik tiles designed to leave visitors in awe.

Hagia Sophia Mosque - Turkey’s (officially the Republic of Türkiye) stunning Hagia Sophia features a mix of swooping domes and various minarets added over its long history. The grand interior is a series of domed and arched spaces, centered around the shell-like apse and the massive dome that appears to float unsupported, giving the church its remarkable sense of space. Efforts continue to reveal the golden Christian mosaics and colorful frescoes from the Byzantine era, which were covered by the Ottomans.

Topkapi Palace - Marvel at the imperial complex of Ottoman sultans at Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi), the royal residence in Istanbul for the first 400 years of the Ottoman Empire. The palace includes numerous buildings and courtyards, such as a treasury, harems, an armory, imperial halls, and royal chambers—all featuring intricate Iznik tilework and lavish architecture.

Hippodrome - The current Hippodrome follows the path of the ancient race track, though the actual remains are still underground. The square includes the Obelisk of Theodosius, a pink granite column from Egypt brought to Istanbul in the fourth century and one of the city’s oldest monuments. Also present are a spiraled obelisk from the temple of Apollo, the Walled Obelisk, and the German Fountain, a gift from Kaiser Wilhelm in the early 20th century.

Basilica Cistern - The Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayi) is a beautiful yet eerie underground well dating back to the Byzantine era. Built in the mid-500s on the former site of a basilica, the vast cistern is supported by more than 300 marble columns, creating a grand and serene atmosphere for what was essentially subterranean water storage.

Grand Bazaar - Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar (Kapali Çarsi) is the ultimate covered market. With over 5,000 vendors selling carpets, beaded bracelets, gold and silver jewelry, multicolored lanterns, leather goods, ceramics, belly-dancing outfits, and more, you’re sure to find the perfect souvenir in the bazaar’s maze-like alleys.

Private Istanbul Guided Tour: Spice Bazaar, Bosphorus Cruise, Dolmabahce Palace, Istiklal Street, and Taksim

Bosphorus Strait - The Bosphorus Strait is the defining feature of Istanbul. It separates Europe and Asia and connects the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara. Lined with parks and elaborate Ottoman mansions, including Dolmabahce Palace, and crossed by three intercontinental bridges, the Bosphorus is the true heart of the city.

Dolmabahce Palace - Inspired by the luxurious European palaces of the time, Dolmabahce Palace was the brainchild of Sultan Abdulmecid I. The last six sultans of the Ottoman Empire and Turkey’s first president, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, all resided in the palace. Today, it is preserved as an extravagant museum, showcasing the gilded details of the early 20th century.

Misir Carsisi (Spice Market) - Built in the 17th century, the covered Spice Bazaar is Istanbul’s aromatic hub for all things flavorful. Stalls selling pepper, saffron, teas, and dried apricots sit alongside shops offering colorful Turkish delight, silk scarves, and glass mosaic lamps. Take time to chat with vendors, sip tea, and haggle for the best price.

Taksim Square - Taksim Square (Taksim Meydani), Istanbul’s main modern hub, is located at the end of the pedestrian thoroughfare Istiklal Avenue (Istiklal Caddesi). A popular meeting spot, Taksim Square is anchored by the Monument of the Republic and is bustling with activity day and night. The area is known for hosting public celebrations, parades, and demonstrations.

Istiklal Caddesi - (Turkish: İstiklal Caddesi, lit. ’Independence Avenue’) is a 1.4-kilometer (0.87 mi) pedestrian street in the historic Beyoğlu (Pera) district of Istanbul, Turkey. It is one of the city’s most famous avenues. It received its modern name after the declaration of the Republic on 29 October 1923, commemorating Turkey’s victory in its War of Independence. The street begins at the northern end of Galata (the medieval Genoese quarter) at Tünel Square and extends to Taksim Square. Historically, it was known as the Grand Avenue of Pera (Ottoman Turkish: جادهٔ كبیر, romanized: Cadde-i Kebir; Greek: Μεγάλη Οδός του Πέραν, romanized: Megali Odos tou Peran).

Private Istanbul Guided Tour: Suleymaniye Mosque, Fener Rum, Pierre Loti Hill

Suleymaniye Mosque - Commissioned by Suleyman the Magnificent and constructed in the 16th century by the renowned Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, Süleymaniye Mosque (Süleymaniye Camii) is the largest imperial mosque in Istanbul. Surrounded by a vast landscaped courtyard and offering a clear view of the Bosphorus Strait, it’s a magnificent and active place of worship to visit in Turkey (officially the Republic of Türkiye).

Fener Rum Patrikhanesi - The Patriarchate traces its origins to the early Christian community in Byzantium, later known as Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul, Turkey). It became a significant center of Christianity after Emperor Constantine the Great moved the Roman capital to Byzantium in 330 AD, renaming it Constantinople. The status of the Patriarchate was elevated through various ecumenical councils, particularly the Council of Chalcedon in 451 AD, which recognized the Patriarch of Constantinople as second in honor after the Bishop of Rome.

Pierre Loti Tepesi - Pier Loti Hill, also known as Pierre Loti Tepesi in Turkish, is a popular hilltop viewpoint located in the Eyüp district of Istanbul, Turkey. The hill offers stunning panoramic views of the Golden Horn and the city of Istanbul, making it a favorite spot for both locals and tourists. Named after the French author Pierre Loti, who frequently visited Istanbul and the hill, it was named in his honor after his death in 1923. Visitors can take a cable car ride from the Eyüp district to reach the top, where a small café named after Pierre Loti offers Turkish tea or coffee with breathtaking views. Besides its scenic beauty, Pier Loti Hill is also known for its historical significance, housing the Eyüp Sultan Mosque, one of Istanbul’s most important Islamic sites.

Balat - Location: Balat is situated on the European side of Istanbul, along the southwestern shore of the Golden Horn. History: Balat has been home to diverse communities, including Jews, Greeks, Armenians, and Turks, reflecting Istanbul’s multicultural history. It is known for its narrow streets, colorful houses, and historic religious buildings.

• Professional guide
• Private Tour
• 3, 2, or 1 day options

• Museum/Ferry/Cable Car Tickets
• Transportation from/back to hotel and between sites (unless option selected)
• Lunch

Embark on a one-of-a-kind Istanbul adventure with a 3-day private sightseeing tour. Explore the entirety of the Old City and the Grand Bazaar on the first day. On the second day, visit the Spice Bazaar, Dolmabahce Palace, Taksim, and Istiklal Street, and enjoy a Bosphorus cruise. Your guide is flexible and can adjust the itinerary to suit your personal interests, ensuring a personalized experience.

• most of the customer can join

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