Private Istanbul Guided Tour Day: Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, Grand Bazaar

Blue Mosque - Known as Sultanahmet Camii in Turkish, the Blue Mosque is a historic mosque in Istanbul. It is famously called the Blue Mosque due to the blue tiles that adorn its interior walls.

Topkapi Palace - Topkapi Palace was not only the residence of the Ottoman sultans but also served as the administrative and educational center of the state. Initially built between 1460 and 1478 by Sultan Mehmed II, the conqueror of Constantinople, it was expanded and modified many times throughout its history. The palace was home to the Ottoman sultans and their court until the mid-19th century. ENTRANCE TICKET IS 50 EURO PER PERSON

Hippodrome - The Hippodrome of Constantinople, located in Sultanahmet/Istanbul, was a public arena primarily for chariot races. The term hippodrome is derived from the Greek words hippos (horse) and dromos (way). It also hosted gladiatorial games, official ceremonies, celebrations, protests, and punishments.

Hagia Sophia Mosque - The Hagia Sophia is a historical architectural marvel that still stands today, holding a significant place in the art world with its architecture, grandeur, size, and functionality. It is the largest church built by the Eastern Roman Empire in Istanbul and has been constructed three times on the same site. ENTRANCE TICKET IS 25 EURO PER PERSON

Grand Bazaar - Known as Kapali Carsi, the Grand Bazaar is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, spanning 30,700 square meters with over 60 streets and alleys and 4,000 shops.

Sultanahmet District - This district is home to some of Istanbul’s most iconic attractions, making it an ideal place to explore the city’s rich history. With the rose-colored Hagia Sophia facing the six minarets of the Blue Mosque and the bustling Grand Bazaar nearby, this neighborhood is rich in culture.

Basilica Cistern - Also known as the Yerebatan Cistern or the Sunken Palace, the Basilica Cistern is an ancient underground water reservoir in Istanbul, Turkey. It is a popular tourist attraction and an architectural wonder.

Historical Background:
The Basilica Cistern was built during the reign of Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century AD. At that time, Istanbul was known as Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire. The cistern was constructed to provide a reliable water supply for the Great Palace of Constantinople.

Architecture and Features:
The cistern is a vast underground chamber covering about 9,800 square meters (105,000 square feet). It is supported by 336 marble columns arranged in 12 rows, with each row having 28 columns.

The cistern can hold up to 80,000 cubic meters (2,800,000 cubic feet) of water. ENTRANCE TICKET IS 40 EURO PER PERSON

Private Istanbul Guided Tour: Spice Bazaar, Bosphorus Cruise, Dolmabahce Palace, Istiklal Street, and Taksim

Dolmabahce Palace - Located along the European shore of the Bosphorus Strait, Dolmabahce Palace was originally a shallow bay where the Ottoman fleet anchored their ships. After the 17th century, the coast was filled in and transformed into a beautiful garden with pavilions known as the Besiktas Waterfront Palace complex, where the sultans relaxed and enjoyed the views. ENTRANCE TICKET IS 50 EURO PER PERSON

Taksim Square - Taksim Square (Taksim Meydani), Istanbul’s main modern hub, is situated at the end of the pedestrian thoroughfare Istiklal Avenue (Istiklal Caddesi). A popular meeting spot, Taksim Square is anchored by the Monument of the Republic and is lively day and night. It historically hosts public celebrations, parades, and demonstrations.

Bosphorus Strait - The Bosphorus Strait is a defining feature of Istanbul, dividing Europe and Asia and connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. It is lined with parks and elaborate Ottoman mansions, including Dolmabahce Palace, and is crossed by three intercontinental bridges. The Bosphorus is truly the heart of the city. A Bosphorus cruise is available via public ferry. ITS TICKET IS 250 TL PER PERSON

Bosphorus Bridge - The Bosphorus Bridge (Bogazici Koprusu) in Istanbul is one of three bridges spanning the Bosphorus Strait, connecting Europe and Asia. When it opened in 1973, it was the fourth-longest suspension bridge in the world at 5,118 feet (1,560 meters). Though it has since fallen in the rankings, it remains an impressive sight.

Kiz Kulesi - Maiden’s Tower (Kiz Kulesi) is located on an islet in the Bosphorus Strait, just offshore from Istanbul’s Uskudar neighborhood. This historical site has inspired myths and legends. The Ottomans expanded and rebuilt the structure, and today it houses a restaurant and bar with city views.

Galata Tower - Rising above its namesake neighborhood, Istanbul’s Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi) dates back to the Genoese presence in Constantinople in the 14th century. An elevator takes visitors to a viewing platform under the roof, offering panoramic views of the Old City peninsula and Beyoglu neighborhood.

Misir Carsisi (Spice Market) - Built in the 17th century, the covered Spice Bazaar is Istanbul’s aromatic hub for all things flavorful. Piles of pepper, saffron, teas, and dried apricots sit alongside shops selling colorful Turkish delight, silk scarves, and glass mosaic lamps. Visitors can chat with vendors, sip tea, and haggle for the best price.

Private Istanbul Guided Tour: Suleymaniye Mosque, Fener Rum, Pierre Loti Hill

Suleymaniye Mosque - The Suleymaniye Mosque, known as Suleymaniye Camii in Turkish, is a magnificent mosque in Istanbul, Turkey. Built during the Ottoman Empire under Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, it was completed in 1557.

Designed by the renowned Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, who also designed many other significant buildings in Istanbul, the Suleymaniye Mosque is considered one of Sinan’s greatest works and a prime example of Ottoman architecture.

The mosque is renowned for its impressive size and striking beauty, featuring a large central dome, four smaller domes, and two minarets. The interior is adorned with intricate tile work and calligraphy, and the central prayer hall is surrounded by a colonnade of marble columns.

Beyond its religious importance, the Suleymaniye Mosque holds rich cultural and historical significance.

Fener Rum Ortodoks Patrikhanesi Kutuphanesi - The Fener Rum Ortodoks Church, also known as the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, is a historic Greek Orthodox church in the Fener district of Istanbul, Turkey. It is the primary church of the Eastern Orthodox Church and serves as the spiritual center of the Orthodox Christian world.

Originally built in the 4th century, the church has undergone numerous renovations and additions over the centuries. It is one of the most important churches in the Orthodox Christian tradition and has served as the seat of the Ecumenical Patriarchate since the 6th century.

The church showcases a striking blend of architectural styles, reflecting its long history and the various cultural influences that have shaped Istanbul. It features a large central dome, numerous smaller domes, and minarets, and is considered one of the most important examples of Byzantine architecture worldwide.

Pierre Loti Tepesi - Pierre Loti Hill, known as Pierre Loti Tepesi in Turkish, is a popular hilltop viewpoint in the Eyüp district of Istanbul, Turkey. The hill offers stunning panoramic views of the Golden Horn and the city of Istanbul, making it a favorite destination for both locals and tourists.

Named after the French author Pierre Loti, who was known for his love of Istanbul and frequent visits to the city, the hill was named in his honor after his death in 1923.

Visitors can reach the top of the hill via a cable car ride from the Eyüp district. At the summit, there is a small café named after Pierre Loti, where visitors can enjoy a cup of Turkish tea or coffee while taking in the breathtaking views.

In addition to its stunning views, Pierre Loti Hill is also a popular destination for its historical significance. The hill is home to the Eyüp Sultan Mosque, considered one of the most important Islamic sites in Istanbul.

• Professional guide
• Private Tour
• 1, 2, or 3 days (depending on option selected)

• Food and drinks
• Gratuities (suggested)
• Museum/Attraction Tickets
• Lunch
• Transportation from/back to hotel and between sites (unless option selected)

Explore the lively culture and rich history of Istanbul with a personalized private guided tour. Whether you have one, two, or three days, your knowledgeable guide will customize the experience to suit your interests and preferences.

1-Day Tour:
Discover major attractions such as the German Fountain, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, and Grand Bazaar.

2-Day Tour:
Experience all the highlights of Day 1, plus enjoy a Bosphorus Cruise via public ferry, visit Dolmabahce Palace, stroll along Istiklal Street, explore Taksim Square, Cicek Passage, view Galata Tower from the outside, and wander through the Spice Market.

3-Day Tour:
Immerse yourself further with visits to Pierre Loti Panoramic Hill, the vibrant Fener and Balat districts, Suleymaniye Mosque, and St. Stephen Church (Iron Church).

Benefit from the flexibility to modify your itinerary, the personalized attention of a private guide, and the convenience of complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off—ensuring you make the most of your brief stay in Istanbul.

• Blue Mosque is closed until 2pm on Fridays
• Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays
• Dolmabahce Palace is closed on Mondays
• For last minute bookings, tour starting time can be flexible.
• Galata Tower will be visited from outside as tour guides have no priority to skip the line due to Galata Tower regulations

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