Explore the captivating beauty and rich history of Istanbul on our private 1 or 2-day walking tour. With a river cruise, hotel transfer, and guided tour of the city’s most iconic sites, this is the ultimate Istanbul experience you’ve been waiting for.
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Embark on a memorable journey through the historic city of Istanbul on this private 1 or 2-day walking tour. Enjoy the convenience of hotel transfer, personalized attention from a professional guide, and a flexible itinerary tailored to your interests. Choose between a 1-day tour covering the most important attractions like Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace, or a 2-day tour with additional experiences like a Bosphorus cruise and visits to Dolmabahce Palace and Istiklal Street.
Day 1 – Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar
Begin your private full-day walking tour with pick-up from your Istanbul hotel. Venture through the city’s vibrant streets to visit the magnificent Hagia Sophia Museum, a stunning architectural marvel and significant monument of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Admire the largest dome in the world and explore its rich history as the former basilica of the Hagia Sophia.
Next, visit the iconic Blue Mosque, known for its striking blue tiles and its official name, the Sultanahmet Mosque. As the Supreme Imperial Mosque in Istanbul, it stands proudly near Topkapi Palace and is a must-see attraction.
Continue your journey to Topkapi Palace, a symbol of the Ottoman Empire’s glorious past. Stroll through its tranquil gardens and visit the museum to marvel at the beautiful Iznik tiles and the opulent harem stateroom.
Explore the historic Hippodrome, a former circus built in 203 AD by Roman Emperor Septimus Severus. Discover the Egyptian Obelisk, Serpentine Column, and Constantine Column, the remaining monuments from the original structure, and admire the German Fountain of Wilhelm II.
Conclude your day at the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s largest and oldest covered markets. Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere, haggle with local vendors, and shop for unique souvenirs.
Day 2 – Spice Bazaar, Bosphorus Cruise, Dolmabahce Palace, Istiklal Street, and Taksim
Kick off the second day of your tour with a visit to the Spice Bazaar, a historic market known for its exotic spices and flavors. Originally named the Egyptian Market, it once sold Egyptian imports during the Ottoman period.
Next, embark on a Bosphorus cruise and admire the stunning Ottoman palaces, mosques, and fortresses that line the narrow strait connecting the Black Sea and the Marmara Sea. Explore Dolmabahce Palace, a 19th-century architectural masterpiece and the former administrative center of the Ottoman Empire. Home to the last Ottoman sultans, the palace’s name in Turkish, “Dolma” meaning ‘filled’ or ‘stuffed,’ and “bahce” meaning ‘garden,’ reflects its creation by filling in a small bay on the Bosphorus.
Stroll along the bustling Istiklal Street, a lively hub of shops, restaurants, and bars. This 2-kilometer walk leads to the historic Galata Tower area and the Tunel, offering a glimpse into Istanbul’s vibrant culture.
Finish your day at Taksim Square, the heart of modern Istanbul, where you can explore the surrounding neighborhoods, savor delicious Turkish cuisine, or enjoy a traditional Turkish coffee.
What’s Included
- Expert local guide
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- All entrance fees
- Transportation (by tram, train, ferry, taxi, and bus)
- Optional: Lunches and drinks
Know Before You Go
- Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays
- Hagia Sophia is closed on Mondays
- Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays
- Dolmabahce Palace is closed on Mondays and Thursdays
- In the event of a museum closure on your chosen day, the tour operator will either reschedule the itinerary or offer alternative attractions such as the Underground Cistern or Galata Tower
- The tour utilizes various modes of transportation (tram, train, ferry, taxi, and bus) with a one-way ticket costing approximately 3 TL (1 EUR)
- Hotel or harbor pick-up and drop-off are always included, regardless of the selected option
- The Blue Mosque is undergoing renovation until the end of 2020, and some parts of the ceiling may be temporarily covered
- This tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for people with mobility impairments
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Istanbul’s rich history and captivating beauty. Choose between our 1 or 2-day private guided tours for an unparalleled experience of this enchanting city, tailored to your interests and preferences. Book now to secure your spot on this incredible adventure.