Small Group Tour - Monuments of Istanbul (Morning or Afternoon)

4.0 (34 reviews) Istanbul, Turkey
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Duration3h 30m
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesGerman, English, Spanish
Group sizeUp to 20 travelers
Skip the linePriority entrance
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

Tour Itinerary – Highlights of Old Istanbul

Begin your journey in the very heart of old Istanbul: Sultanahmet Square. Once the grand hippodrome of Constantinople, where chariot races and imperial ceremonies took place, today it remains a lively square filled with history and charm.

✨ What You’ll See:

Hippodrome of Constantinople – once the sporting and social center of the Byzantine Empire

Serpentine Column & Obelisk of Theodosius – ancient monuments that still stand proudly

German Fountain – a 19th-century gift from Kaiser Wilhelm II

Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque) – an iconic masterpiece of Ottoman architecture

Hagia Sophia – admire from the outside (inside visit optional with extra ticket)

Grand Bazaar – one of the world’s largest and oldest covered markets

(Optional) Stop at a local outlet store before the Grand Bazaar to compare prices

This route combines Istanbul’s must-see landmarks with hidden stories of history, making it perfect for first-time visitors.

What's included

  • Hotel pickup is possible only for morning tour from selected city center hotels
  • Professional guide
  • Guaranteed to skip the long lines
  • Gratuities
  • Drop Off
  • Landing and facility fees
  • Hagia Sophia Museum entrance fee is not included

What to expect

  1. Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
    45m · Admission ticket not included
    Hagia Sophia, also known as the Church of Divine Wisdom, is one of the world’s greatest architectural masterpieces. Originally built as a basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian, it has served as a church, mosque, and museum throughout its remarkable history. Today, Hagia Sophia functions both as an active mosque and a visitor attraction open to tourists. Guests can admire its magnificent dome, impressive Byzantine mosaics, and unique blend of Christian and Islamic heritage, making it one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks.
  2. Blue Mosque
    30m
    Blue Mosque, facing Hagia Sophia, famous with its blue İznik tiles and unique with 6 minarets,

    built in the name of Sultan Ahmet.
  3. Hippodrome
    40m
    Hippodrome, center of sportive events (chariot races, athletics) and political activities of the old city. Serpentine Column, Obelisk of Theodosius and German Fountain of Wilhelm II are the monuments decorating the Hippodrome.
  4. Grand Bazaar Jewelers
    1h
    Grand Covered Bazaar, most attractive shopping center and the biggest "souk" in the world

    with nearly 4000 shops selling antiques, jewellery, gold, carpets, leatherware and souvenir.

    (Art demonstration of handmade Turkish carpets upon request)
  5. Bilgin Rug House
    20m
    You will have the chance to visit a leather and Turkish carpet factory outlet for shopping before or after the Grand Bazaar.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Tour will start in front of Tamara Restaurant at 08:30 or 13:00

End point

Tour will start in front of Tamara Restaurant at 08:30 or 13:00

End point

To give our guests more free time to explore at their own pace, this half-day tour concludes at the Grand Bazaar instead of returning to the hotel. After the guided visit, you are free to continue shopping, enjoy a traditional Turkish coffee or lunch, and discover one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets at your leisure.

Pickup details

We offer hotel pickup for accommodations located along our pickup route. However, if your hotel is situated on a narrow street or in an area inaccessible to our vehicle, we kindly ask that you make your way to the designated meeting point, which will be provided after your booking is confirmed

Additional information

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
  • A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
  • Please confirm your reservation for pick up time and your hotel details
  • Grand Covered Bazaar is closed on Sundays and replaced with and authantic shops around Grand Bazaar

Cancellation policy

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

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4.0 (34)
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