• Istanbul - The attractions listed below are not intended to be visited on every tour due to time constraints. The itinerary can be adjusted or shortened based on the guide’s suggestions or the traveler’s preferences, with the traveler’s consent. Factors such as crowds, restoration work, personal interests, fitness levels, weather conditions, closure times, public gatherings, political rallies, holidays, marathons, traffic, and flight arrival times may influence the itinerary. A tentative schedule will be provided before the tour day.
• Hippodrome - Similar to the Maximus Circus in Rome, the Byzantine Hippodrome in the new capital of the Roman Empire was a grand arena. Hear tales of chariot racers and marvel at monuments like the Egyptian Obelisk, Serpent Column, and Column of Constantine, erected by ambitious Roman engineers.
• Blue Mosque - As an active mosque, your guide will take you inside the mosque complex between prayer times and provide a scarf or skirt if needed. It is closed until 2:00 PM on Fridays due to the noon prayer service.

Please note: Ongoing restoration work may obstruct the view with scaffolding.

• Hagia Sophia Mosque - Discover the architectural wonder of Hagia Sophia Mosque with our licensed tour guide, exploring its significance in architecture, religion, and politics. Hagia Sophia opens at 10:00 AM, closes on Fridays until 2:00 PM, and is open to visitors until 10:00 PM.

Hagia Sophia functions both as an active mosque for Muslim worshippers and a museum for international visitors. The admission fee is 850 TL or 28 USD, and the tour lasts approximately 45 minutes. Admission is not included.

• Basilica Cistern - Descend the stairs to find a palace-like underground water system built by the Romans in the 6th century. Its vast size allowed it to store enough water for the Roman Palace and nearby areas until it was forgotten. Today, it awaits rediscovery.

The admission fee is 600 TL or 20 USD.

• Grand Bazaar Jewelers - Built in the 1460s by Ottoman Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror to generate income for maintaining a newly converted mosque, the Grand Bazaar is the world’s oldest shopping mall. Located at the crossroads of oriental trade routes, it became grand and famous. Today, it houses 3,000 shops offering a wide range of items, from simple souvenirs to expensive jewelry, carpets, mosaic lamps, magnets, and leather goods.

The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.

• Suleymaniye Mosque - Active since 1556, this mosque is named after its commissioner, Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent. Located on the 3rd hill of the old city, it is a short walk from the Grand Bazaar along the Istanbul University wall. Enjoy the stunning view of the Asian side and the new city from the terrace.
• Misir Carsisi (Spice Market) - Taste delicious Turkish delights, nuts, and dried fruits while exploring this 400-year-old structure. The Spice Market offers insights into the origins of spices and Turkish cuisine.
• Bosphorus Strait - Take a public ferry for a quick intercontinental trip to the Asian side of Istanbul. See the city from old to new as you pass by the Bosphorus Bridge in the distance.
• Kadikoy Carsisi - Explore the trendy neighborhood of Kadıkoy and indulge in the Kadıkoy Food Market. Sample Turkish food from local suppliers and perhaps try home-cooked dishes at Ciya Sofrası, recently featured on Netflix.
• Topkapi Palace - Visit the iconic Topkapi Palace to learn about Ottoman history and view impressive collections, from the treasury to medieval weapons, in this vast museum. The museum is closed on Tuesdays. Admission is 1500 TL or 50 USD.
• Galata Tower - Enjoy a panoramic view of the city from this iconic tower, built in the late 13th century by the Genoese Colony as a defense and watchtower.
• Yeni Camii - The New Mosque, later renamed the New Valide Sultan Mosque after partial reconstruction and completion between 1660 and 1665, is an Ottoman imperial mosque located in the Eminönü quarter of Istanbul.

• Public Transportation tickets - Ferry & Tram
• Round-Trip Private Airport Transfers (not dedicated full time)
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Private Tour
• Professional Guide

• Food & Drinks
• Entry/Admission - Basilica Cistern and Topkapı Palace
• Cabin Bags and Carry-ons should be stored at the Left Lugagge.
• Visa Requirements; Please check evisa.gov.tr/en
• Full Time Driving Tour with Dedicated Driver & Van

Istanbul Layover Tours primarily offers tour services during layovers at Istanbul Airports.

Meet and Greet: Locating your driver at the airport has been simplified. A welcome host will meet you and escort you to your vehicle at a designated location and time.

Prompt & Secure Transportation: Experience a stress-free round-trip transfer to and from the airport in our private, spacious vans.

Quick Access: Enjoy the VIP experience and save time at museum ticket kiosks, thanks to our tour guides accredited by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Professional and Passionate Guides: Our guides are not only well-versed in history, but also serve as your travel companions. Gain insights on culture, politics, and religion through personal stories and insights.

Dining like a local: Savor delicious, affordably-priced, non-tourist local cuisine at eateries frequented by locals. We cater to a variety of food restrictions.

• Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia are closed until 2.30 pm on Fridays.
• Topkapı Palace and Hagia Irene is closed on Tuesdays

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