Full Day Istanbul Tour: Explore History and Culture in the Heart of Turkey

Immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of Istanbul with our full-day guided tour. Explore iconic landmarks, enjoy delicious cuisine, and discover hidden gems in the company of our knowledgeable Spanish-speaking guides.

Duration: 8 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Hagia Sophia Mosque - We begin our tour with a guided visit from the outside to the Hagia Sophia mosque; one of the most iconic monuments in the city. The narration is done from the outside as the entry of tourist guides is prohibited.

Originally, Hagia Sophia was built as a Christian cathedral in the year 537 during the Byzantine Empire. For almost a thousand years, it served as one of the most important churches in Eastern Christianity. Then, in 1453, after the conquest of Constantinople by the Ottomans, the church was converted into a mosque.

Later, with the founding of the Republic of Turkey, it was converted into a museum but today it is used as a mosque again.
Hagia Sophia is famous for its impressive architecture and its giant dome, its mosaics and frescoes: Although many of the original Christian-themed mosaics and frescoes were covered or removed after the conversion into a mosque, some of them have been restored and can be admired .

  • Blue Mosque - The second stop on our tour is the most famous Mosque of the Ottoman Empire.

The Blue Mosque, known as the “Sultanahmet Camii” in Turkish, is a famous mosque located in Istanbul, Turkey.

Name: Its nickname “Blue Mosque” is derived from the blue ceramic tiles that adorn its interior.

Location: It is located in the Sultanahmet district, in the historic heart of Istanbul.

Architecture: It was built between 1609 and 1616 during the reign of Sultan Ahmed I, and combines elements of the Ottoman architectural style with Byzantine influences.

Decoration: The interior is decorated with more than 20,000 blue ceramic tiles, hence its name.

Characteristics: The mosque has a large central courtyard and a fountain for ablutions.

Religious Use: Although a popular tourist attraction, the Blue Mosque remains an active place of worship, with all five daily prayers and Friday prayers being held.

  • Hippodrome - The Istanbul Roman Hippodrome, known in Turkish as “At Meydanı”, is a former sports and entertainment venue that was an important part of the social and political life of ancient Constantinople (now Istanbul) during the Roman and Byzantine Empires. . Some key points about the Roman Hippodrome are:

History: Built in 203 AD. by the emperor Septimius Severus, the hippodrome was used for chariot races and other public events, as well as for exhibitions and athletic competitions.

Location: It is located in the Sultanahmet district, in the historic heart of Istanbul, near the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia Mosque.

Layout: The hippodrome had an oblong shape and was surrounded by stands and monuments. It could accommodate tens of thousands of spectators.

Obelisks and Columns: Several notable monuments were erected at the hippodrome, including obelisks brought from Egypt and columns with bronze statues.

  • Topkapi Palace - Topkapi Palace is an iconic historical palace located in Istanbul, Turkey, and was the main residence of the Ottoman sultans for several centuries. Here are some highlights about Topkapi Palace:

History: Built in the 15th century by Sultan Mehmed II, Topkapi Palace was the residence of the Ottoman sultans from the 15th century

Architecture: The palace features impressive architecture that combines Ottoman and Persian elements.

Functions: In addition to serving as a royal residence, the palace also housed the empire’s administration

Imperial Treasury: One of the most famous attractions at Topkapi Palace is the Imperial Treasury, which houses valuable jewels, treasures, and historical artifacts.

Harem: The palace includes an area called the Harem, where the sultan’s wives, concubines, and family members lived.

Panoramic views: From the palace you get panoramic views of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn

  • Grand Bazaar - Guided Tour and Free Time in the Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is one of the oldest and largest markets in the world. Located in the historic heart of the city, it is a place famous for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse offer of products, such as jewelry, textiles, spices and handicrafts.

  • Topkapı Sarayı Harem Dairesi - The harem of Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, Turkey, was where the women of the Ottoman royal family lived and were raised. This complex, built in the 15th century, housed not only the sultan’s wives, but also concubines, eunuchs and other members of the court.

The harem was a luxurious and private space, where women received education, participated in cultural activities and played an important role in palace life. However, access was strictly controlled, and the harem was kept a mystery to the outside world.

What's Included
  • Certified Guide Service in Spanish
  • Tickets to the Museums
  • Lunch
What's Not Included
  • Drinks During Lunch - Less than 30 Euros per person
Additional Information

It is strongly suggested to hire a Spanish-speaking guide for tours in Istanbul. They impart historical and cultural knowledge, and give reliable details about various attractions. Guides also captivate tourists with intriguing tales and narratives that bring the place to life. They are efficient in showing only the most significant sites, thus saving time. They assist in overcoming language obstacles and grant entry to exclusive locations. Furthermore, they provide local tips, companionship, and safety. In essence, a Spanish tour guide can greatly elevate your Istanbul visit by deepening your comprehension of the city.

We provide a one-of-a-kind city exploration experience led by our extremely capable and friendly guides. We also offer top-rated eateries for lunch stops and maintain small tour groups for personal attention.

Location
Basilica Restaurant
Şeftali Sokak
The Basilica restaurant is located right next to the secondary entrance to the Cistern and opposite the main entrance. It is about 80-100 meters from the Hagia Sophia Mosque
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(17 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Muttos
Jun 10, 2024
I will return 🥰Istanbul - Excellent service, everything in order, friendly guides and such a wonderful country must be presented at its best. I recommend!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Elopezmoure
Jun 8, 2024
Very good experience! - Excellent experience, very professional agency. Coordination of flights, transfers and perfect tours! The guides of the different tours, especially Denize, a 10!! 100% recommended agency.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
424caroh
May 17, 2024
Excellent company that we recommend - We hired Pride to organize us from when we arrived on 3/29, until we left, 4/18, without knowing anyone who had hired her, an adventure that went wonderfully, the attention via WhatsApp with Basak in the first place was the best better, always attentive and ready for whatever we needed and luckily we met her in person; the transfers, absolute punctuality, the excursions, which of them all was better, everything went smoothly and we were super grateful
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Apr 15, 2024
Very good agency, complied with everything, highly recommended - [5/4, 22:19] Liliana Pretel: Hello Tatiana! Already in Argentina and in my house. [5/4, 22:21] Liliana Pretel: I want to thank you, the trip was beautiful, your company is a guarantee, to recommend. All services were excellent! [5/4, 22:24] Liliana Pretel: The hotels, the drivers, Cesur, Atil and Teofic, I think their names were like that, very good guides, they responded to all our concerns [5/4, 22:25] Liliana Pretel: The restaurants on the excursions, everything for a 10. The 8 of us were very happy. Your country is very beautiful, with a fascinating history, as well as the culture of its inhabitants. And what can I say about you, Tatiana, if you were there every moment I needed you. THANK YOU! I didn't know you personally Tatiana, but I imagine the quality of person you are. A big greeting and many congratulations to all. :I'm missing Denis! Excellent 2 days with her, very nice.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Felipecesarm2024
Apr 15, 2024
There is no better way to get to know Turkey than with Pride Travel - They offered an impeccable service, very well coordinated, safe and very complete, the 2 guides we had in Istanbul (Denis) and in Capadoccia Uri) were excellent, both with a lot of knowledge, kindness, respect and help. They always cared about us, going to the important places, making the most of our time and enjoying the trip at all times. I congratulate them for having a very good work team. Our agent in Istanbul also helped us a lot, coordinated everything and cared about us at all times, from the first day to the last. I congratulate you for the beautiful country you have and for the way you show it to the world. We will return very soon and rest assured it will be with Pride Travel
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mvs282017
Apr 3, 2024
Super recommended - Excellent guide Denisse, always friendly and always clear with the history and description of each place. Totally recommended
Review provided by Tripadvisor
446nuriaa
Mar 31, 2024
Good company - Lale has been our guide for a day in Istanbul. We are very happy with her, with the explanations she has given and with the organization We liked it a lot and we would repeat many more times!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Melissaam5776vx
Mar 28, 2024
Spectacular - We had a fantastic experience. Every detail was thoroughly covered, the guides excelled and our contact Bülent was always willing to help us and go the extra mile to satisfy all our wishes. Experience 10/10, highly recommended
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Photovoyager77
Feb 9, 2024
Excellent experience - Excellent agency, very good organization, our agent, Miss Tatiana, concerned at all times, an enriching experience, good guides, good quality hotels, totally recommended, we leave happy and eager to return soon and continue getting to know the country.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Deicyc2018
Jan 25, 2024
Wonderful experience to live - A wonderful experience of landscapes, culture, architecture and history... of flavors and aromas that I will keep in my memory forever. The visit to this charming country would not have been possible without the service of Basah and the company of Tulip, Brave and Teo on the guided routes through Istanbul, Hierapolis, Ephesus, Pamukale and Cappadocia. Kindness and professionalism highlight and consolidate your brand. A special recognition and thanks to Basahk for his diligent attention to cooperating with us in a critical situation that we had to resolve upon our return. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU. I recommend taking your services because the time management, punctuality and attention of the operational and transfer team on all the routes we took were impeccable. Deicy Clavijo from Invernizzi from Bolivia
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Select Date and Tickets
up to 8 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Today