• Istanbul - Embark on a personalized exploration of Istanbul, designed to fit your schedule and interests. Opt for a private guide, hotel, Airbnb, or port pickup and drop-off by minivan, or choose a full-day guide and minivan package. Your guide will meet you at your centrally located hotel, allowing for flexible departure times and a fully customizable itinerary. Dive into the UNESCO-listed Historic Areas, visiting landmarks such as Hagia Sophia, TopKapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, and the Hippodrome. Extend your journey with a Bosporus cruise and a visit to the Grand Bazaar. Your guide’s insights will enhance your connection with each site.

• Blue Mosque - The Blue Mosque is not only a place of worship but also a masterpiece of art and architecture. Taking the time to explore its beauty and historical significance can be a highlight of your layover in Istanbul.

• Sultanahmet District - Begin your visit to the main attractions from the Sultanahmet District.

• Topkapi Palace - Founded by Fatih Sultan Mehmed Han in 1473, Topkapi Palace served as the administrative center and residence of Ottoman Sultans and their families for nearly 380 years. It housed 4,000 people and is now one of the largest museums in Istanbul.

• Kapali Carsi - The oldest and most renowned antique mall in the world, built on approximately 4,000 square meters. It features numerous Turkish traditional shops where you can find handmade carpets, jewelry, antiques, silk products, and spice shops.

• Hagia Sophia Mosque - Hagia Sophia, meaning “Holy Wisdom Church,” was built by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. Converted into a mosque during the Ottoman era, it served as a museum for nearly 75 years and is now a mosque again. It is one of Istanbul’s most remarkable architectural achievements, admired for its massive dome, intricate mosaics, and historical significance, reflecting both Christian and Islamic heritage.

• Basilica Cistern - The Basilica Cistern is a historic underground water reservoir in Istanbul.

• Dolmabahce Palace - Dolmabahçe Palace, located in Istanbul, Turkey, is a magnificent Ottoman palace built between 1843 and 1856 by Sultan Abdülmecid. It served as the main administrative center of the Ottoman Empire until 1922. The palace combines Ottoman, Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical architectural styles, showcasing luxurious interiors with crystal chandeliers, gold leaf decorations, and high-quality marble. It covers an area of 45,000 square meters with 285 rooms, 46 halls, and six hammams. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey, also used the palace and passed away there in 1938. Today, it is a museum open to visitors.

• Taksim Square - Taksim Square is a major cultural and political hub in Istanbul, Turkey. It is known for its vibrant atmosphere, historical significance, and central location. The square features the Republic Monument, which commemorates the foundation of the Turkish Republic in 1923. It is surrounded by shops, restaurants, and hotels, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals. Taksim Square is also a key site for public events, celebrations, and demonstrations. The nearby Istiklal Avenue, a famous pedestrian street, is lined with historic buildings, cafes, and cultural venues.

• Istiklal Caddesi - İstiklal Caddesi (Istiklal Avenue) is one of the most famous and lively streets in Istanbul, Turkey. Stretching about 1.4 kilometers from Taksim Square to Galata, it is a bustling pedestrian avenue lined with historic buildings, shops, cafes, restaurants, and cultural venues. The street is known for its vibrant atmosphere, street performers, and nostalgic red tram, which runs along its length. İstiklal Caddesi is a key destination for shopping, dining, and nightlife, attracting both locals and tourists. It also houses historical landmarks such as churches, consulates, and art galleries, reflecting Istanbul’s rich cultural heritage.

• Galata Tower - Galata Tower is a historic landmark in Istanbul, Turkey, built in 1348 by the Genoese. Standing 67 meters tall, it offers panoramic views of the city and the Bosphorus. Originally used as a watchtower, it later served various purposes, including as a fire observation post. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction and museum, showcasing Istanbul’s rich history.

• Cicek Pasaji - Çiçek Pasajı (Flower Passage) is a historic arcade in Istanbul, located on İstiklal Avenue. Built in 1876, it features elegant European-style architecture with a glass-covered ceiling. Originally home to flower shops, it later became famous for its lively restaurants, taverns, and cafés. Today, it is a popular spot for dining and enjoying traditional Turkish mezes in a vibrant atmosphere.

• Misir Carsisi (Spice Market) - The Mısır Çarşısı (Spice Bazaar) in Istanbul is one of the city’s oldest and most famous covered markets. Built in 1664 as part of the New Mosque complex, it was historically a hub for the spice trade, with goods arriving from Egypt—hence its name, “Egyptian Bazaar.” Today, the bazaar offers a variety of spices, dried fruits, nuts, sweets, and traditional Turkish products. Located in the Eminönü district, it remains a vibrant and aromatic destination for both locals and tourists.

• Suleymaniye Mosque - Süleymaniye Mosque, built between 1550 and 1557 by architect Mimar Sinan for Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent, is one of Istanbul’s most iconic mosques. It features classical Ottoman architecture and offers stunning views of the Golden Horn. The mosque complex includes a madrasa, library, and the tombs of Sultan Süleyman and Hürrem Sultan.

• Fener Rum Ortodoks Patrikhanesi Kutuphanesi - The Fener Greek Patriarchate (Fener Rum Patrikhanesi) is the spiritual center of the Eastern Orthodox Church, located in the Fener district of Istanbul. It has been the seat of the Ecumenical Patriarch since the 17th century. The patriarchate is housed in the Church of St. George, which features religious relics, ornate icons, and historical artifacts. It remains an important religious site for Orthodox Christians worldwide.

• Balat - Balat is a historic neighborhood in Istanbul, known for its colorful houses, narrow streets, and vibrant cultural heritage. Once home to Jewish, Greek, and Armenian communities, it offers a mix of Ottoman, Byzantine, and modern influences. Today, Balat is popular for its charming atmosphere, antique shops, cafes, and historic sites, including the Greek Orthodox Patriarchal Church of St. George. The area is a reflection of Istanbul’s rich multicultural past.

• Halic - The Golden Horn (Haliç) is a natural harbor in Istanbul, separating the city’s European side into two parts. It has historically been a key waterway for trade, transportation, and defense. The Golden Horn is surrounded by significant landmarks, including the Galata Bridge, the Süleymaniye Mosque, and the Fener and Balat neighborhoods. Today, it remains an important part of the city’s landscape, offering scenic views, recreational areas, and a glimpse into Istanbul’s rich history.

• Bulgarian Orthodox Church - The Bulgarian Orthodox Church, also known as the Church of St. Stephen, is located in the Fener district of Istanbul. It is famous for being constructed entirely of cast iron and was built in 1898 for the Bulgarian Orthodox community. The church is notable for its unique, striking appearance, with its exterior resembling a metal structure, and its rich religious and cultural significance for the Bulgarian community in Istanbul. It remains an important religious site and a symbol of the diverse heritage of the city.

• Historic Areas of Istanbul - Istanbul’s historic areas are a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering a rich tapestry of cultural and architectural landmarks.

• Professional licensed local guide
• Private minivan pickup and drop off service from Hotel/Port/Airbnb if chosen options
• Private Tour

• Breakfast-lunch-dinner and drinks
• Gratuities
• Ferry-Museum Tickets
• Public transportations during the tour

Day 1: Historical Istanbul
Start your journey at the magnificent Topkapi Palace, followed by a visit to the breathtaking Hagia Sophia and the renowned Blue Mosque. Wander through the historic Hippodrome, discover the subterranean charm of the Basilica Cistern, and conclude your day with shopping at the lively Grand Bazaar.

Day 2: Modern Istanbul
Begin at the impressive Dolmabahçe Palace, stroll along the vibrant Istiklal Street, take in the panoramic views from Pierre Lotti Hill, and explore the delightful Çiçek Pasajı. Then, proceed to Galata Tower for stunning vistas and wrap up at the fragrant Egyptian Bazaar.

Day 3: Balat & Golden Horn
Wander through the vibrant streets of Balat, visit the Fener Greek Patriarchate, and appreciate the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. Marvel at the architectural beauty of the Süleymaniye Mosque and relax by the picturesque Golden Horn.

• Topkapı Palace is closed on Tuesday, Grand Bazaar is closed on Sunday
• Please note that tour guides do not have skip-the-line priority at Hagia Sophia. To avoid waiting in the security line, we recommend departing tour early in the morning, ideally around 8:30 am or 9:00 am. This will give you a better chance of enjoying the site without long queues
• If your tour begins after 11 am, please be aware that you might need to skip one or a couple of sites, as they close by 7 pm. Your guide will tailor the program to accommodate your priorities accordingly. Planning your visit earlier in the day ensures you have ample time to explore all the attractions without rush. If you have any specific preferences or questions about the tour, feel free to let us know!
• This is a private tour/activities. Only your group will participate

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