Recently Viewed
Istanbul Byzantine and Ottoman Tour: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar
4.4
23 Ratings
Istanbul
Immerse yourself in the rich history of Istanbul on this full-day tour. Explore iconic landmarks such as Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar.
Duration:
8 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Topkapi Palace - The former imperial residence from where the Great Ottoman Empire was ruled. Today a spectacular museum that has one of the largest collections of Chinese and Japanese porcelain and the very famous treasury of the royal family.
- Hagia Sophia Mosque - The magnificent Byzantine Church of all times; one of the finest and largest architectural works of art in the world. It has been nominated to be the 8th wonder of the world by many historians.
- Hippodrome - The former center of sportive and political activities of Constantinople. During the visit you’ll be able to see the Obelisk from Egypt, Serpentine Column from Delphi, and fountain of Wilhelm II.
- Blue Mosque - One of the biggest mosques of Istanbul from 17th. century architecture is one of the principal adornments on the skyline of Istanbul. Also famous for its blue tiles and 6 minarets.
- Grand Bazaar - In addition to its historical importance, it’s a bazaar that will tempt even the nonshoppers with its rich collection of precious handmade carpets, jewellery, leather and souvenirs.
What's Included
- Local guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Transport by air-conditioned Mercedes minivan
What's Not Included
- Food and drinks
- Entrance Fee to Hagia Sophia (25 € EUR)
- Entrance Fees to Topkapi Palace (1500 TL Per Person)
Additional Information
Experience the finest of Byzantine and Ottoman Istanbul with this comprehensive one-day tour of the city. Comfortably seated in a deluxe minivan and guided by an informed companion, explore five of Istanbul’s premier attractions that echo its rich Ottoman and Byzantine past. Discover the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia and the stunning Blue Mosque, admire the riches of the Topkapi Palace, once the royal residence of the Ottoman sultans, and stroll through the historic Grand Bazaar, established in the 15th century. An intimate group size of up to 12 ensures personalised attention from your guide.
- Entrance Fees to Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace is excluded
Location
Topkapi Palace
Cankurtaran Mahallesi, Gulhane Park, Near Sultanahmet Square
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.4
(23 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Phillip_g
Apr 9, 2024
Celebrating culture and history. - The Blue Mosque,is stunning and Baris our guide was brilliant in bringing its history to life.At every part of our tour Baris was engaging in doing this ,a wonderful experience.
Review provided by Viator
Tom_g
Oct 31, 2023
Great tour - The whole tour was terrific because our guide UFKU was terrific. Knowledgeable, helpful, and knew how to pace it. Possibly the best tour guide we’ve ever had!
Review provided by Viator
Ariel_l
Oct 14, 2023
A wonderful day in Istanbul - The sites included in the tour were extremely interesting. I was very impressed by all of the facts provided by our guide who is extremely knowledgeable and courteous.
Review provided by Viator
Karen_o
Oct 11, 2023
Very good tour - The tour was very good, thoroughly enjoyed it. Enjoyed the sites, the guide was very good and knowledgeable
Review provided by Viator
Louann_g
Sep 25, 2023
Istanbul - Love Istanbul. Our tour guide was most informative and we enjoyed all the sites! The blue mosque was most impressive and liked The Hague Sophia
Review provided by Viator
Mrsjacqueline_c
Sep 4, 2023
Our first visit to Istanbul & loved it. - It was an excellent day tour visiting all the historic sites we wished to see. Our Guide, Ozgur, was very knowledgeable & fun to be with. Would definitely recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Ctseadog
Jul 22, 2023
Wonderful day in Istanbul - Wonderful tour with Ahmet. He did a great job of making sure we got to see all the sights we wanted. He was very knowledgeable and shared his insights with our family. Thank you Ahmet!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Curiosity65242688994
Feb 11, 2023
Loved the experience - The guide was really good, he was very knowledgeable and gave good insights on the history and the places that it is now.
Loved the overall experience
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Eduardo_f
Aug 11, 2023
Great tour but ADMISSION TICKETS ARE FREE - The guide was very cordial and engaging. The low score is because Admission to Aya Sofia and Blue Mosque are FREE and all tours listed in Viator omit such information.
Review provided by Viator
Mayuresh
Feb 17, 2023
Istanbul Byzantine Ottoman Tour Review - This tour seems to be a loot, since tripadvisor claims to include admission/entry fees for Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome and Blue Mosque, which are actually public places and free for all. There is NO entry fee for these 3 places, but tripadvisor says 'INCLUDED' in their list. The only legitimate charge is for Topkapi Palace and the guide. Secondly, the Blue Mosque is closed for public due to renovation, so there's no question of any entry fee or sightseeing related to it. Thirdly, the whole trip was on foot, so no air-conditioned Mercedes minivan was required either. We walked to all the places, and no vehicle was there to take us around ...which was almost 10 kms in all.
The main attraction of the tour was the Blue Mosque, but the site has no mention of the fact that it is closed for renovation. If this had been mentioned, we would have probably not booked the tour at all.
So, I am unclear about the price charged for this tour, which was on foot and there was free entry to most places covered in the tour.
In fact, I have been charged excess unnecessarily for the INCLUSIONS mentioned in the trip details, many of which were actually free.
I would like a proper explanation/clarification for the price charged, which is INR 11,533.86/- for 2 adults and a refund for the money charged for the places, where there were no entry/admission charges.
My trip booking ref is BR-972911934 and Tour Operator was City of Sultans, date of tour: Feb 17, 9 am.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
