This Imperial Istanbul Tour allows you dedicate a full day to the visit of the beating heart of Istanbul: Ancient Roman Hippodrome, Byzantium Hagia Sophia, Ottoman Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and Grand Bazaar. Forget the traffic, walk to all these sights in the old city of Istanbul and immerse yourself in history!
Visit the best attractions Istanbul has to offer in this full day walking tour
See the historic Obelisk of Theodosius at the Hippodrome
Marvel at the impressive structures of Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Suleymaniye Mosque
Take in the beauty of the opulent Topkapi Palace
Stroll around the bustling yet iconic Grand Bazaar
Enjoy the intimacy of a small group tour
Explore the glory of the Roman, Byzantium and Ottoman Empires on this guided tour of Istanbul. Explore the city’s long history, unfold different periods of time, and get impressed by what Istanbul has to offer in terms of sites and monuments. This full day excursion provides a complete overview of Istanbul’s Ottoman and Byzantine history, and promises an unforgettable journey back in time.
We will meet you at your hotel lobby or cruise port and start your Istanbul Old City Tour;
The Hippodrome is between the mosque od Sultanahmet and the Palace of Justice.
Istanbul Tour: The Hippodrome is between the mosque od Sultanahmet and the Palace of Justice. The Hippodrome was an important sports and entertainment arena during Roman and Byzantine era, up until the 10th century. In this stadium besides chariot (Quadriga) races driven by gladiators, there were musical performances, dancers, acrobats, and exhibitions of fierce animals.
One of the most famous monuments of the Turkish and Islamic world is the Sultan Ahmet Mosque, which enchants visitors of Istanbul. An example of classical Turkish art and architecture, it is the only mosque with six minarets. It is surrounded by two thousand year old historical monuments.
Typical examples of the unique qualities of Byzantine architecture arc found in Istanbul, the capital of ancient Byzantium. Architects, created a new style inspired by ancient nonuments. Such as the basilica, which was basically a market or gathering place, a Roman hall of justice, was Christianized to become a church. In the place of a judge to settle small trade disputes, Jesus became the judge in Christianity.
After the conquest of Istanbul in 1453 Faith (the Conqueror) Sultan Ahmet moved the throne of the Ottoman Empire to this city. Me first palace he set up was in the middle of the city. The second was built in 1470 and has been called Topkapi Palace since recent history.
Lunch is served in a rooftop terrace with a view of the Bosphorus.
Built by Fatih Sultan Mehmet, one of the sultans of the Ottoman Empire, the Grand Bazaar is a shopping market covered with domes. Two bedestens form the backbone of this historical area, which was also known as “Çarsu-yı Kebir” in the past. The first covered bazaar, whose construction started in 1460, was named Cevahir. After the opening of the Cevahir covered bazaar, the sultan of the period created a commercial market by integrating various shops and shopping stalls there.
Pick-up transfer from your hotel in Istanbul at approximately 08:30
Guided full-day Istanbul city tour
All entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary
Transportation in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking coach
Professional English-speaking tour guide
Return transfer to your hotel at approximately 17:00
Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesday
Blue Mosque is under renovation work and some part of it is closed for visitors
Ladies should bring headscarf
Please do not forget to carry a scarf to wear in the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia Mosque.
Experience the vibrant city of Istanbul at sunset and by night on a 4-hour cruise of the Bosphorus and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Golden Horn. Grab your friends, family, or co-workers and embark on an unforgettable cruise.
Imperial Istanbul Tour is a popular sightseeing itinerary that allows visitors to explore the historical and cultural landmarks of Istanbul, Turkey. Istanbul is a city with a rich history and culture, so there are many more places to visit and explore beyond this itinerary.
The best way to tour Istanbul depends on your preferences and time constraints.
Istanbul tour with guided tours: If you want to learn about the history, culture, and architecture of Istanbul, a guided tour is a great option. There are many tour operators that offer guided tours in Istanbul, and you can choose from a variety of options such as walking tours, bus tours, or private tours. A guided tour can help you navigate the city and learn about the landmarks and hidden gems.
guided walking istanbul tour in historical istanbul: Istanbul is a great city to explore on foot, especially in the historic neighborhoods such as Sultanahmet and Beyoglu. Walking allows you to discover hidden alleyways, street art, and local shops and cafes. Just make sure to wear comfortable shoes and be aware of your surroundings.
Ultimately, the best way to tour Istanbul is the way that suits your style and preferences. Istanbul is a city that will fascinate and inspire you.
The ideal length of time for an Istanbul tour depends on your interests, budget, and travel schedule. However, I would recommend spending at least 4-5 days in Istanbul to explore the major landmarks and neighborhoods. Here’s a sample itinerary for a 5-day Istanbul tour:
1st day in Istanbul tour: Arrive in Istanbul and explore the historic neighborhood of Sultanahmet. Visit the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Hippodrome of Constantinople.
2nd day in Istanbul tour: Visit the Topkapi Palace, the Basilica Cistern, and the Grand Bazaar.
3rd day in Istanbul tour: Take a Bosphorus cruise and visit the Dolmabahce Palace.
4th day in Istanbul tour: Explore the neighborhood of Beyoglu, including the Galata Tower, Istiklal Street, and Taksim Square.
5th day in Istanbul tour: Visit the Spice Bazaar, the Suleymaniye Mosque, and the Chora Church.
Of course, there are many more places to visit and things to do in Istanbul, so you can adjust this itinerary according to your preferences. If you have more time, you can consider adding day trips to nearby attractions such as the Prince Islands or the ancient city of Ephesus. Ultimately, the more time you can spend in Istanbul, the more you will be able to appreciate its rich history, culture, and cuisine.
Start your day by visiting the Hagia Sophia, one of the most famous landmarks in Istanbul. This stunning building has served as a church, a mosque, and now a museum. Take some time to admire the intricate mosaics and learn about the building’s fascinating history.
From the Hagia Sophia, you can take a short walk to the Blue Mosque, also known as Sultan Ahmed Mosque. This stunning mosque is famous for its six minarets and beautiful blue tiles.
Head to the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. Here you can find everything from spices and jewelry to souvenirs and textiles. Take some time to explore the maze of streets and find some unique souvenirs to take home.
For lunch, try some traditional Turkish cuisine at a local restaurant. Some popular dishes include kebabs, meze, and baklava for dessert.
After lunch, head to Topkapi Palace, the former residence of the Ottoman sultans. The palace has beautiful gardens, stunning architecture, and interesting exhibitions that offer insight into the life of the Ottoman royals.
Take a relaxing cruise on the Bosphorus Strait, which separates Europe and Asia. From the water, you can get stunning views of Istanbul’s skyline and famous landmarks.
End your day by exploring the vibrant and colorful Taksim Square, known for its bustling restaurants, cafes, and nightlife.
This itinerary covers some of the must-visit attractions in Istanbul and can be customized based on your interests and time available. Make sure to also try some Turkish tea and sweets while exploring the city.
