The Heart of Old Istanbul in 1 Day + Sunset Cruise
Price
Private Tours Designed for 1, 2, or 3 Days
Private Tours Designed for 1, 2, or 3 Days
Embark on a customizable private guided tour showcasing Istanbul’s rich history, cultural landmarks, and vibrant neighborhoods. Perfect for travelers with limited time or those seeking an in-depth exploration, this tour offers flexible itineraries tailored to your preferences.
Duration: Approx. between 7 - 8 Hours
Tour starting point: Hotel or Istanbul Galataport
Tour ending point: Hotel or Istanbul Galataport
Includes: Private tour, professional tour guide
Excludes: Entrance tickets, lunch, drinks, transportation (unless option booked)
Sights to See on Private Guided Istanbul Tour
Day 1 - Highlights of Topkapi Palace Museum, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome Square, Grand Bazaar
Day 2 - Spice Market, Bosphorus Cruise, Dolmabahce Palace, Taksim Square, Istiklal Street, Cicek Passage, Galata Tower (from outside)
Day 3 - Suleymaniye Mosque, Fener and Balat Districts, St. Stephen Church (Iron Church), Pierre Lotti Panoramic Hill, Rahmi Koc Museum (or alternative options)
Included/Excluded
- Private Tour
- 1 Price up to 14 People
- Skip the Ticket Lines with Licensed Guide
- Museum/Attraction Tickets
- Transportation
- Lunch, Drinks
Detailed Itinerary of the Tour Days
Pictures of the Sights on Istanbul Old City Tour
Day 1 – Old City Highlights Tour
Private Guided Istanbul Old City Tour Exploring Istanbul’s Rich Heritage:
Your tour guide will meet you at your hotel lobby or cruise port to begin your Istanbul Old City Tour
Topkapi Palace Museum: Topkapi Sarayi was more than just the Imperial Residence of the Ottoman Sultans. It served as the seat of the Supreme Executive Council for nearly 400 years. The palace is a grand example of Oriental architecture, symbolizing the power of the Ottoman Empire.
Byzantine Hippodrome / Sultanahmet Square: A site where chariot races were held during the Roman Empire. The Egyptian Column from the Byzantine Empire is located here, with the German Fountain as a landmark in the square.
Hagia Sophia: Built in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian, it holds great significance in both the Christian and Islamic worlds. After the Ottoman conquest, many of its religious elements were removed, and its mosaics were covered to convert it into a mosque. Skip-the-line service is not available for active mosques, and there may be a queue for entry.
Blue Mosque: Constructed in the early 1600s by Sultan Ahmet I, the Blue Mosque is a masterpiece of architecture, known for its delicate proportions despite its massive scale. Skip-the-line service is also unavailable here, with a possible queue at the entrance.
Basilica Cistern: An ancient underground water storage system built by the Byzantine Empire in the 6th century. Known for its eerie atmosphere, the cistern is supported by 336 columns, with two Medusa head columns at the base, creating an unforgettable sight.
Grand Bazaar: The largest and oldest covered market in the world, with over 4,000 shops offering a variety of goods such as ceramics, leather, rugs, carpets, handicrafts, clothes, silver, and gold.
After completing your private Istanbul tour, your guide will accompany you back to your hotel or Istanbul port.
Important Notes:
This trip can be conducted as a walking tour since the sites are close to each other. If your hotel is located farther away, we recommend booking a private van for transportation.
Pictures of the Sights on Hidden Gems and Bosphorus Highlights Tour
Day 2: Hidden Gems and Bosphorus Highlights Tour
Your guide will meet you at your hotel lobby or cruise port to begin your Istanbul Bosphorus Region Tour
Spice Market: A colorful indoor bazaar filled with shops selling a variety of goods, such as spices, purses, flavored teas, Turkish delight, nuts, ceramics, and souvenirs. Located in Eminonu Square, this market is at the intersection of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn.
Bosphorus Cruise: A public ferry tour that takes you along the Bosphorus strait, offering views of the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. Along the way, you’ll see Galata Tower, Dolmabahce Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, Rumeli Fortress, historic Ottoman villas, the Bosphorus Bridge, and several mosques. For a more exclusive experience, you can opt for a Private Yacht.
Dolmabahce Palace: A stunning palace located on the Bosphorus with luxurious decorations, chandeliers, rugs, crystals, and ceramic fireplaces.
Taksim Square: A significant square in modern Turkey, where many important historical events have taken place.
Cicek Passage: A mix of traditional and modern architecture from the Ottoman Empire, home to a variety of cafes, shops, bars, and nightclubs near Taksim.
Istiklal Street: A lively street with embassies and Galata Tower, offering shopping, entertainment, and more.
At the end of your private Istanbul tour, your guide can drop you off at your hotel or Galataport.
Note: Due to the distance between sites, we recommend booking a private car for transportation
Pictures of the Sights on Golden Horn Exploration Tour
Day 3 Istanbul Tour – Golden Horn Exploration
Your private guide will greet you at your hotel lobby or cruise port and begin your immersive Golden Horn Tour
Suleymaniye Mosque: As the largest mosque in Istanbul, Suleymaniye Mosque impresses with its stunning architecture both inside and out. From the mosque’s terrace, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus
Fener District: Delve into Istanbul’s rich religious history with a visit to the Church of St. George, which has been the home of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople since the 1600s. This church is considered the heart of Eastern Orthodox Christianity
Balat District: Wander through the charming streets of Balat, where you’ll encounter rows of drying laundry and colorful Ottoman-era houses. The vibrant mix of reds, blues, and greens contrasts beautifully with the art galleries and design shops that line the area by the water
St. Stephen Church: Also known as the Iron Church due to its 19th-century iron construction, this church sits on the shore of the Golden Horn, offering a unique architectural experience
Pierre Lotti Hill & Cable Car: Enjoy panoramic views of the Golden Horn from Pierre Lotti Hill, accessible via a scenic cable car ride. Sip traditional Turkish coffee or tea while taking in the spectacular scenery
Rahmi Koc Museum: Explore the fascinating Rahmi Koc Museum, an industrial and cultural showcase created by one of Turkey’s leading families, who have shaped the nation’s industrial landscape since the early 20th century
Alternative Sites for Rahmi Koc Museum: If preferred, we can visit Kadikoy Neighborhood via a public ferry or the Istanbul Archaeological Museum
At the end of this memorable tour, your private guide will return you to your hotel or port
Note: We recommend booking a private vehicle for this day as transportation is necessary between the different sites
Your Best of Istanbul 3-day tour concludes here. For additional days or a customized tour, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
