Istanbul Express 1 or 2 Day City's Highlights Private Guided Tour

Day 1: Highlights of Old City Istanbul

1. TopkapI Palace
   2h · Admission ticket not included
   Topkapi Palace is a historic palace in Istanbul, Turkey that was the primary residence of the Ottoman sultans for approximately 400 years. It is located on the Seraglio Point, a promontory overlooking the Golden Horn and the Sea of Marmara. The palace is a complex of buildings, courtyards, and gardens, and includes several important structures such as the Harem, the Imperial Council Hall, and the Treasury. The palace also houses an extensive collection of Ottoman art and artifacts, including manuscripts, weapons, and jewelry. Today, it is a popular tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
2. Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
   1h
   The Hagia Sophia is a historic building in Istanbul, Turkey that originally served as an Eastern Orthodox cathedral before later being converted into a mosque and, most recently, a museum. The building was constructed in the 6th century AD under the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I and is considered one of the greatest examples of Byzantine architecture. It is famous for its massive dome, which was considered a technological marvel at the time of its construction. The Hagia Sophia also contains a wealth of religious and cultural artifacts, including mosaics, frescoes, and inscriptions. The Hagia Sophia was a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it is now a museum. On July 2020, Turkish President announced that the Hagia Sophia will be converted back to a mosque and open for Muslim worship.
3. Basilica Cistern
   30m · Admission ticket not included
   The Basilica Cistern is an ancient underground water storage system located in Istanbul, Turkey. It was built in the 6th century AD during the Byzantine Empire to provide water for the city. The cistern is located beneath the city and covers an area of approximately 9,800 square meters. It is supported by 336 marble columns, each 9 meters high, arranged in 12 rows of 28 columns each. The cistern is famous for its two Medusa head columns, which were used as a base for two of the cistern's columns. The cistern was rediscovered in the 16th century and it is open to the public as a tourist attraction. It is one of the most famous cisterns in Istanbul and it is a popular tourist destination due to its unique design and historical significance.
4. Blue Mosque
   30m
   The Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is a historic mosque located in Istanbul, Turkey. It was built in the early 17th century during the rule of the Ottoman Sultan Ahmed I. The mosque is famous for its blue tile work, which gives it its name, and its six minarets, which is a feature that sets it apart from other mosques. The Blue Mosque is considered a masterpiece of Islamic architecture and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Istanbul. The mosque is still an active place of worship and visitors are asked to dress modestly and take off their shoes before entering. The mosque is also famous for its intricate tile work, calligraphy, and decoration, which is a blend of Ottoman and Islamic architectural styles. PLEASE NOTE: Temporarily Closed due to restoration works till 1st of April,2023
5. Hippodrome
   30m
   The Hippodrome of Constantinople was a public space in Istanbul, Turkey, that was built during the Roman period. It was used for chariot races and other public events, and it was considered the social and cultural center of the city. The Hippodrome was located in the center of the ancient city of Constantinople, and it was surrounded by important structures such as the Emperor's Box, the Obelisk of Theodosius, and the Serpent Column.
6. Grand Bazaar
   1h
   The Grand Bazaar is a historic market in Istanbul, Turkey that dates back to the 15th century. It is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with over 60 streets and 4,000 shops. The bazaar is a labyrinth of shops and stalls selling a wide variety of goods, including textiles, jewelry, ceramics, spices, and souvenirs. The bazaar is also known for its beautiful architecture, with many of the shops and buildings dating back to the Ottoman period. The Grand Bazaar is a major tourist attraction and an important cultural and economic center in Istanbul. It is also a vibrant place where locals and tourists alike can shop, socialize, and experience the local culture. Visitors to the bazaar should be prepared to haggle over prices and to navigate the crowded and busy streets.
7. Caferaga Medresesi
   30m
   Caferaga Medresesi is an Islamic theological school located in Istanbul, Turkey. It was built in the 17th century during the Ottoman period and was one of the most important institutions of its kind in the city.
8. Sogukcesme Sokak
   15m
   The street is lined with many examples of traditional Ottoman architecture, including houses with wooden balconies and ornate facades. Sogukcesme Sokak is a picturesque street and it's a popular place for tourists and locals to stroll and admire the architecture.

Day 2: Diversity of Istanbul with Greek and Jewish Cultures

1. Bosphorus Strait
   1h 30m · Admission ticket not included
   The Bosphorus is a narrow strait that separates Europe and Asia and connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. The cruise offers stunning views of the city's landmarks, such as the Ottoman palaces, the Bosphorus Bridge, and the European and Asian coastlines. During the cruise, visitors can also see the historic wooden mansions and the Ottoman-era fortresses, as well as the modern skyline of Istanbul.
2. Dolmabahce Palace
   2h · Admission ticket not included
   Dolmabahce Palace is a historic palace located in Istanbul, Turkey. It was built in the 19th century during the Ottoman Empire and served as the primary residence of the Ottoman sultans and later, the Turkish presidents. The palace is a blend of different architectural styles, including Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical, and it is considered one of the most opulent palaces in the world.
3. Galata Tower
   1h · Admission ticket not included
   The Galata Tower is a medieval stone tower located in the Galata district of Istanbul, Turkey. It was built in the 14th century by the Genoese as part of the fortifications of the Galata colony and it stands at a height of 66.9 meters. The tower was used as a prison, a fire lookout, and a watchtower over the centuries. The Galata tower offers a panoramic view of Istanbul, including the Bosphorus Strait, the Golden Horn, and the historic districts of Sultanahmet, Beyoglu, and Fatih.
4. Fener & Balat
   1h 30m
   Fener and Balat are two historic neighborhoods located in Istanbul, Turkey, on the western shore of the Golden Horn. The neighborhoods are known for their well-preserved traditional Ottoman-era houses and streets. Both neighborhoods are considered as one of the most authentic and charming areas in Istanbul, and they are a must-see destination for visitors who want to experience the city's rich cultural heritage.
5. Misir Carsisi
   1h
   The Spice Bazaar, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, is a historic market located in Istanbul, Turkey. It is one of the oldest bazaars in the city and it was built in the 17th century as part of the New Mosque complex. The bazaar is known for its wide variety of spices, herbs, nuts, and dried fruits, as well as other traditional Turkish products such as sweets, teas, and souvenirs. The bazaar is a bustling and colorful place, filled with the sights and smells of spices and other traditional products.

Pickup details

If you're booking at the last minute or departing later in the day, keep in mind that some museums and sites close at 5:30 PM. Your guide will suggest alternative options. Meet-up will be at central Istanbul hotels or Galata Port. If your hotel is not centrally located, the meeting point will be Vogue Hotel Supreme Istanbul. If you don't choose van service, the guide will come by foot to the centrally located hotels. Please note that surcharge may apply for hotels located on the Asian side or outside the city center if private van service is booked.

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels