Istanbul Essentials – Skip-the-Line Full-Day Experience
Active
8h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Full-Day Highlights of Istanbul Tour
Step into the rich tapestry of Istanbul’s past on this immersive full-day tour. Travel back through time and uncover the stories of Roman Byzantium, Byzantine Constantinople, and Ottoman Istanbul as you explore the city’s most iconic landmarks.
✨ Tour Highlights:
Hippodrome of Constantinople – once the heart of Roman social life
Blue Mosque – a stunning masterpiece of Ottoman architecture
Grand Bazaar – one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets
Topkapi Palace – residence of Ottoman sultans for over 400 years
⚡ Enjoy skip-the-line access to museums and mosques, and discover the city with comfort, safety, and expert guidance.
Perfect for first-time visitors and history lovers who want to experience the very best of Istanbul in a single day.
Available options
Istanbul Essentials – Skip-the-Line Full-Day Experience
What's included
Entrance fees of Topkapı Palace Museum
Professional guide
Lunch
Guaranteed to skip the long lines
Fuel surcharge
Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Hagia Sophia, the Church of Divine Wisdom, one of the greatest marvels of architecture, constructed as a basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian.
If the guests wanted to visit inside the Hagia Sophia Museum, need to buy the ticket which is Euro 25.- per person
2
Stop 2
Topkapı Palace, residence of Ottoman Sultans exhibiting imperial treasury, sacred Islamic relics
of Prophet Mohammed, kitchen, Chinese porcelain, weapons, calligraphy section etc. Live guide commentary is not allowed in special sections. (Harem is not included in the program)
3
Stop 3
Blue Mosque, facing Hagia Sophia, famous with its blue İznik tiles and unique with 6 minarets, built in the name of Sultan Ahmet.
4
Stop 4
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.
5
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)
6
Stop 6
The German Fountain is a gazebo styled fountain in the northern end of old hippodrome (Sultanahmet Square), Istanbul, Turkey and across from the Mausoleum of Sultan Ahmed I.
7
Stop 7
The Obelisk of Theodosius is the Ancient Egyptian obelisk of Pharaoh Thutmose III re-erected in the Hippodrome of Constantinople (known today as At Meydanı or Sultanahmet Meydanı, in the modern city of Istanbul, Turkey) by the Roman emperor Theodosius I in the 4th century AD.
What's not included
Drinks
Gratuities
Entrance fees of Hagia Sophia Museum €25
Available languages
Guide guide
DE
EN
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.3
4 reviews
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Tripadvisor
5.0
1 reviews
5★
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Important information
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
Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
Tour price includes A/C transportation, guidance in multiple languages, entrance fees of Topkapı Palace, lunch and taxes
Drinks are not included during the lunch
Please kindly be ready by the hotel reception 10 minutes before departure time
Guests who prefer not to spend time at courtesy transfers should be ready at our departure point 10 minutes before given departure time (09:00am)
Non smoking on our tours but all tours make frequent stops
Local Experiences Istanbul is not responsible for loss or theft of personal belongings during the tour
Guests who do not want to wait at the long queues of Hagia Sophia Museum, they can buy the ticket from their guide
Meeting point
We also can meet with the guests in front of Hagia Sophia Museum
Important notes
Entrance fees of Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace included in the tour price
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• Please contact us for confirmed your exact pick up time or meeting point
• Hagia Sophia is closed on Mondays and replaced with Underground Cistern
• Topkapı Palace is closen on Tuesdays and replaced with Chora Museum
• Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays and replaced with Authantic shops around bazaar
• Blue Mosque interior visit is not possible on Fridays because of crowded noon prayer
•
Hotel pickups commence approximately 30 - 60 minutes prior to this time, exact pickup time will be advised on reconfirmation.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
