Experience Istanbul’s cultural treasures on a compact, expertly guided tour. Explore the majestic Hagia Sophia’s mosaics, marvel at the Blue Mosque’s stunning İznik tiles, and descend into the Basilica Cistern’s mysterious underground chambers. Walk the historic Hippodrome where chariot races once roared. Perfect for travelers short on time, this small-group tour offers rich historical insights with multilingual guides, ensuring a seamless journey through Istanbul’s Byzantine and Ottoman heritage.
English Guide: Bilingual English- and Turkish-speaking Professional Licensed Tour Guide
Start your journey at the German Fountain, learning about the ancient Hippodrome’s vibrant role as the center of Byzantine social and sporting life.
Step into one of the world’s architectural wonders. Admire glittering mosaics, towering domes, and hear stories of its evolution from cathedral to mosque to museum and back.
Visit this iconic mosque, celebrated for its harmonious design and more than 20,000 hand-painted blue İznik tiles that create a serene atmosphere.
Descend into the atmospheric underground reservoir featuring vaulted ceilings, ancient columns, and the famed Medusa head carvings. A masterpiece of Byzantine engineering.
Please look for a guide wearing a TripGuru shirt or holding a TripGuru sign.
What should you bring
Scarf or clothes to cover the shoulders, knees, and head at the mosque
Camera
Hat/umbrella
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Comfortable shoes
Bug spray
Cash (for personal expenses)
Entrance fees are not included; please bring cash for tickets.
Important note: Tickets for the Basilica Cistern (TRY 1500) must be paid in Turkish Lira. Please bring cash in this currency to purchase the tickets and avoid delays in the itinerary.
The tour involves moderate walking; dress comfortably.
Hotel pick-up/drop-off is not included.
Languages available: English, French, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish.
Important Information:
Punctuality:Kindly be at your meeting point at least 10 minutes before the stated meeting time.
Traffic:If you are headed to the meeting point, we would like to stress that heavy traffic in the morning is expected, and can vary greatly when compared to the travel time stated in navigation apps (e.g. Google Maps, Waze, etc.). Please make sure to consider leaving with enough time to reach your destination.
Dress Code:Clothes revealing the shoulders, underarms, back, and knees are not allowed in some sites on this tour; Kindly bring a scarf/sweater to cover up or wear clothes that fit the dress code.
Itinerary:As this tour includes visits to religious temples, the itinerary may be adjusted, extended, or shortened due to changes in prayer times throughout the year.
Price varies by option