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Istanbul Panoramic Experiences: Discover Historic Sites and Bosphorus Cruise

5.0

206 Ratings

Fatih

Experience the best of Istanbul with a professional tour guide. Visit historic sites like Hagia Sophia and Topkapı Palace, and take a scenic Bosphorus cruise. Private tour option available.

Duration: 9 hours

Cancellation: 1 day learn more

Highlights

Hippodrome - The Hippodrome of Constantinople, situated in Sultanahmet/Istanbul, was a public venue primarily for chariot races. The term hippodrome is derived from the Greek words hippos (horse) and dromos (way). The Hippodrome of Constantinople also hosted gladiatorial contests, official ceremonies, celebrations, protests, and the punishment of convicts. It was operational during the Roman (203-330 CE), Byzantine (330-1453 CE), and Ottoman (1453-1922) periods.
Blue Mosque - Known as the Sultan Ahmet Camii (or Sultan Ahmed Mosque), this stunning structure is one of the most magnificent Ottoman mosques in Turkey.
Please note that there is no priority entrance for guides at the mosques. We skip the lines at the museums Don’t trust anyone who claims otherwise!
Hagia Sophia Mosque - The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque / Ayasofya-i Kebir Cami-i Şerifi, with its groundbreaking architecture, rich history, religious importance, and unique features, has stood the test of time for centuries. It was the largest Eastern Roman Church in Istanbul. Built three times on the same site, it is the world’s oldest and fastest-completed cathedral. With its awe-inspiring domes that seem to float, monolithic marble columns, and unmatched mosaics, it is one of the marvels of architectural history. The mosque’s stunning beauty, with its magnificent interplay of space, light, and color, inspires worship in believers! Hagia Sophia is located on the first hill of Istanbul, 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 are two lines: one for buying tickets with cards, and if you bring cash, we can skip the ticket line to enter.
Topkapi Palace - It served as the primary residence and administrative center of the Ottoman sultans:
Topkapı Palace and Harem (Topkapı Sarayı) likely have more colorful stories than most of the world’s museums combined. Lustful 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 lavish pavilions, jewel-filled Treasury, and sprawling Harem offers a fascinating glimpse into their lives.
Please note that seeing the entire palace takes a full day, so we focus on the main highlights according to your preferences.
We skip the lines here as this is a museum and guides have priority.
Basilica Cistern - This underground structure was commissioned by Emperor Justinian and built in 532. The largest surviving Byzantine cistern in Istanbul, it was constructed using 336 columns, many of which were repurposed from ruined temples and feature finely carved capitals. Its symmetry and sheer grandeur are breathtaking, and its cavernous depths provide a great retreat on hot summer days.
We skip the lines here as this is a museum and guides have priority.
Grand Bazaar - Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı in Turkish) is one of the world’s premier shopping destinations and, covering 30,700 square meters, the largest covered market globally.
Bosphorus Strait - We will take a 90-minute Bosphorus cruise on a public boat.
The Bosphorus is worth visiting not only for business but also for leisure and its visual appeal. Along the Strait on both continents, there are exceptionally attractive views of Ottoman architecture, including manor houses and palaces. Many tourist attractions also offer this magnificent scenery.
Dolmabahce Palace - ONLY ON TUESDAYS WE VISIT Dolmabahce Palace, built in the 19th century, is one of the most glamorous palaces in the world. It was the administrative center of the late Ottoman Empire, with the last Ottoman sultans residing there.
Ortakoy Mosque - Located just before the Bosphorus Bridge, the Ortaköy Camii (Ortaköy Mosque) in Turkey has one of the most picturesque settings of all Istanbul mosques. Indeed, photos of Ortaköy Mosque with the bridge in the background are often used to showcase Istanbul’s unique blend of traditional and modern.
Rumeli Fortress - Rumeli Castle (Rumeli Hisarı) is an Ottoman fortress dating back 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 Bosphorus Strait’s shore at its narrowest point, approximately 660 meters across. It is directly opposite Anadolu Castle (Anadolu Hisarı), another Ottoman fortress built in 1394 by Bayezid I. Both castles were constructed by Ottoman sultans to prevent military and economic aid from reaching the Byzantine Empire from the north, via the Black Sea. The Bosphorus Strait connects the Black Sea with the Marmara Sea.
Kucuksu Pavilion - This charming part of the Istanbul Strait on the Asian shore is mentioned by Byzantine historians and became one of the imperial parks known as Kandil Bahçesi (Lantern Garden) during Ottoman times. Sultan Murad IV (1623-1640) was particularly fond of Küçüksu and named it Gümüş Selvi (Silver Cypress). From the 17th century onwards, it was also referred to as Bağçe-i Göksu.
During the reign of Mahmud I (1730-1754), Divittar Mehmed Paşa built a two-story timber palace on the waterfront here, which continued to be used by Selim III (1789-1807) and Mahmud II (1808-1839).
Beylerbeyi Palace - Often described as a smaller version of Dolmabahce Palace but without the crowds, the Beylerbeyi Sarayı (Beylerbeyi Palace) was commissioned by Sultan Abdülaziz as an imperial summer residence. With 24 rooms, 6 halls, and a hamam, it was quite the summer home and was also used to entertain visiting dignitaries.
Galata Tower - Also known as the Galata Kulesi Museum, this iconic symbol is located in the Galata quarter of Istanbul, Turkey.
Considered one of the oldest towers in the world and a symbol of Istanbul, Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi) was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Temporary List in 2013. Galata Tower, one of the most significant structures in Istanbul’s skyline, was used as a long-term fire watchtower and was named Galata Fire Tower.
Anadolu Hisari Fort - Constructed under the orders of Ottoman Emperor Yildirim Bayezid in the Beykoz district to aid in the conquest of Istanbul, the Anatolian Fortress is a key part of Istanbul’s charming silhouette.

What's Included

Public transportation tickets included when used
Professional English-speaking guide

What's Not Included

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 (25 USD pp)
Bosphorus tour ticket is excluded (10 USD pp)cash please
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 28 USD pp) cash please

Additional Information

Explore Istanbul like never before with an expert licensed tour guide! This experience will offer you an exceptional perspective of the city, transforming your views. We kickstart our journey in the Sultanahmet area, dropping by the iconic Hagia Sophia and Bluemosque. Next, we head to explore the Topkapı Palace, immersing in fascinating narratives about the Roman and Ottoman Empires. Post a leisure break for lunch, we get aboard a public Bosphorus boat for a breathtaking Bosphorus tour to behold the mesmerizing sights of Istanbul from the sea. Following a 90-minutes scenic ride, we step into the exotic Spice Bazaar. But remember, these are just the appetizers, the main feast waits on the tour :-) Please be mindful that the Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays and will be substituted with a tour of the Dolmabahce Palace. Highlights of this tour include: Hagia Sophia, Bluemosque, Hippodrome, Basilica Cistern, Grand Bazaar (Closed on Sundays), Topkapi Palace, Bosphorus cruise (90 minutes - public Bosphorus boat), and the Egyptian Bazaar (Spice Market). Customized private touring options are available. See details for more.

Location

German Fountain

At Meydanı Caddesi

I will be holding a yellow umbrella in front of the German Fountain which is at the Hippodrome area. It is green dommed fountain on the corner of the Blue Mosque. It is near to the gate B of the Blue Mosque. Please don't get help from the people who doesn't have a guide license on their neck.

Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings

5.0

(206 Ratings)

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Lyudmyla_a

Jun 20, 2024

A good opportunity to see the main attractions in Istanbul - All parts of trip were interesting. Sultan Akhmet Mosque was impressive! Agija Sophia was even more interesting! The Cystern Basilica was fantastic. The trip to Bazaar allowed to shop for souvenirs and presents. The boat trip helped to relax and shake off tiredness. The guide was knowledgeable and attentive. It was a chance to see the best of Istanbul in one day!

Review provided by Viator

Climber23004957860

Jun 13, 2024

One of the best tour guide i had . - I really had amazing time with Lutfuallah Not just he is extremely kind and sweet and gave me advices on how to save money , but The trip was really well organized . Plus he was very knowledgeable about history and architecture, learnt so much from him And he gave me free time every know and then which I ve really appreciated. It worths every dollar , I highly recommend it !👏🏻