Istanbul has such a diverse and rich history. It has been the capital of three great empires; the Roman, Byzantine (Eastern Roman) and the Ottoman. Although it is not the official capital anymore, it is still the cultural capital of the country.
There is so much to see or to do in this city. Visitors would normally need more than one day to explore Istanbul. However, for those visitors who are coming to Istanbul for the first time and have rather limited time, we would recommend this tour for the first day of sightseeing in Istanbul. The program will include visits to mosques, a cistern, a palace, a hippodrome, a bazaar and a panoramic terrace.
Highlights
From 5 hours to 7 hours
Offered in English & Spanish
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
From 5 hours to 7 hours
Offered in English & Spanish
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
What's Included
Private Tour Guides
Lunch
Gratuities
Entrance tickets for Topkapı Palace and Basilica Cistern 590 liras for per person90
Important Information
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Wheelchair accessible
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Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
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Public transportation options are available nearby
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Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
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Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
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Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
•
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
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If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
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This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
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Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
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Istanbul has such a diverse and rich history. It has been the capital of three great empires; the Roman, Byzantine (Eastern Roman) and the Ottoman. Although it is not the official capital anymore, it is still the cultural capital of the country.
There is so much to see or to do in this city. Visitors would normally need more than one day to explore Istanbul. However, for those visitors who are coming to Istanbul for the first time and have rather limited time, we would recommend this tour for the first day of sightseeing in Istanbul. The program will include visits to mosques, a cistern, a palace, a hippodrome, a bazaar and a panoramic terrace.
Highlights
From 5 hours to 7 hours
Offered in English & Spanish
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
From 5 hours to 7 hours
Offered in English & Spanish
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
What's Included
Private Tour Guides
Lunch
Gratuities
Entrance tickets for Topkapı Palace and Basilica Cistern 590 liras for per person90
Itinerary
1
Hippodrome
The word hippodrome comes from the Greek hippos (horse) and dromos (way). The Hippodrome of Constantinople was also home to gladiatorial games, official ceremonies, celebrations, protests, torture to the convicts and so on. Hippodrome functioned all in Roman (203-330 CE), Byzantine (330-1453 CE), and Ottoman (1453-1922) periods
45 minutes
2
Hagia Sophia Mosque
a true wonder of the Byzantine world. Completed under Emperor Justinian in AD 537, this massive building (known best for its resplendent dome) was a Christian church for nearly 1,000 years, until Mehmet the Conqueror claimed it for Islam. Kemal Atatürk, the revolutionary leader and founder of the Republic, proclaimed it as a museum in 1934—but it has reverted back to a working mosque in 2020.
1 hour and 15 minutes
3
Topkapi Palace
The complex of grand pavilions and courtyards was built by Mehmet II in the middle of the 15th century (just after his conquest of Constantinople) and served as the residence of Ottoman sultans—along with their wives and concubines—for the next 400 years. Today, it is one of the world's richest museums, and during our visit, we’ll behold a staggering collection of arms, porcelain, and priceless treasures that include the jewel-studded dagger made famous by the Hollywood heist film.
2 hours
4
Basilica Cistern
It was built during the reign of Emperor Constantine in the 4th Century but greatly enlarged by Justinian in 537 AD, and used as water storage for the Great Palace during Byzantine times
30 minutes
5
Grand Bazaar
Home to more than 4,000 shops today, this remarkable complex dates back more than 550 years.
