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Istanbul Hagia Sophia, Topkapi, Bosphorus Small-Group Tour
1/25
Istanbul Hagia Sophia, Topkapi, Bosphorus Small-Group Tour
Next available dates
Today
7 Sept
Tue
8 Sept
Wed
9 Sept
Thu
10 Sept
Fri
11 Sept
Sat
12 Sept
Sun
13 Sept
Bestseller
Small Group Tour W/O Tickets
Duration: 8 hours
Instant confirmation
Free cancellation
Please note that:: Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.
Topakapı Palace Museum is closed on Tuesdays and we visit Dolmabahce Palace
Museum tickets aren't included
From
MYR 404.89
For KrisFlyer members only
Highlights
Make the most of your time in Istanbul on a comprehensive small-group tour covering the city’s essential landmarks in one carefully planned day.
Explore the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Topkapı Palace, and the colorful Grand Bazaar. Throughout the tour, your licensed local guide will bring Istanbul’s Byzantine and Ottoman history to life, coordinate the day’s itinerary, and assist with ticket arrangements so you can focus on the experience.
With a maximum of 15 travelers, the tour offers a personal and engaging way to discover the city. End the day with a relaxing 90-minute public Bosphorus cruise and enjoy memorable views of Istanbul’s European and Asian shores.
An ideal choice for first-time visitors who want to experience Istanbul’s major highlights in a single day.
Itinerary
Blue Mosque
30 minsAdmission Ticket FreeThe Sultan Ahmet Camii, the Blue Mosque, is a breathtaking, majestic Ottoman mosque. Its cascading domes and six slender minarets pierce Istanbul's skyline. Completed in 1616 under Sultan Ahmet I, it rivaled Hagia Sophia's splendor. Inside, serene beauty awaits. Over 20,000 blue Iznik ceramic tiles adorn walls. These intricate floral tiles create its ethereal glow as sunlight filters through 200+ stained-glass windows. The soaring central dome, on four massive fluted pillars, evokes immense spiritual calm. Every detail, from mihrab's mother-of-pearl to minbar's carved marble, highlights exquisite craftsmanship. It's an immersive experience, a testament to Istanbul's rich heritage. Important Visitor Information: Note: No priority entrance for guides at mosques. We only skip lines at museums. Be cautious of contrary claims.Hippodrome
30 minsAdmission Ticket FreeThe Hippodrome of Constantinople, nestled in Istanbul's vibrant Sultanahmet district, was ancient Byzantium and Constantinople's bustling public arena, primarily famed for its exhilarating chariot races. Its name, fittingly, combines the Greek words hippos (horse) and dromos (way). Far more than just a race track, this vast space was the epicenter of city life. It hosted grand gladiatorial games, elaborate official ceremonies, joyous celebrations, and even fervent public protests. Darker chapters saw it used for the torture of convicts, reflecting its complex role in the city's history. The Hippodrome seamlessly functioned through three monumental eras: the Roman (203-330 CE), Byzantine (330-1453 CE), and Ottoman (1453-1922) periods, bearing witness to centuries of imperial power, public spectacle, and profound societal change. Today, though much reduced, its spirit lives on in Sultanahmet Square, surrounded by iconic landmarks, still inviting visitors to imagine its storied past.The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, Istanbul
40 minsAdmission Ticket Not IncludedThe Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque / Ayasofya-i Kebir Cami-i Şerifi, a marvel of innovative architecture and rich history, was Istanbul's largest Eastern Roman Church. Constructed three times in the same location, it stands as the world's oldest and fastest-completed cathedral. Its breathtaking domes, seemingly suspended in air, grand monolithic marble columns, and unparalleled mosaics solidify its place as a true wonder of architectural history. The mosque's sheer dazzling beauty, a magnificent interplay of space, light, and color, profoundly inspires awe in every visitor. Strategically located on Istanbul's first hill, precisely at the historic peninsula's tip, it is gracefully embraced by the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus, and the Golden Horn on three sides. Important Visitor Information: Tickets are required for entry to Hagia Sophia's designated tourist section. Our guides will assist with your entry process.Basilica Cistern
45 minsAdmission Ticket Not IncludedStep into a breathtaking subterranean world commissioned by Emperor Justinian in 532. The Basilica Cistern, İstanbul's largest surviving Byzantine marvel, mesmerizes with its sheer scale and symmetry. Its vast, cavernous depths are supported by 336 ancient columns, many salvaged from ruined temples with exquisitely carved capitals. This architectural wonder offers a serene and cool escape from the summer heat. Please be aware that museum guides may have priority access, allowing their groups to skip lines.Topkapi Palace Museum
2 hoursAdmission Ticket Not IncludedExplore Topkapı Palace, the grand residence and administrative headquarters of the Ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries. The palace and its legendary Harem hold more colorful stories than most world museums combined—tales of powerful sultans, clever courtiers, and beautiful concubines. A visit to its opulent pavilions and jewel-filled Treasury offers a captivating glimpse into their lives. A comprehensive tour takes a full day, so our visit will focus on the key highlights of your choice. As licensed guides, we can bypass the queues for immediate entry. ***Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays. On Tuesdays, Dolmabahce Palace is visited insteadGrand Bazaar
1 hoursAdmission Ticket FreeIstanbul's Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı in Turkish) is one of the world's greatest shopping destinations and, spanning 30,700 square meters, the largest covered market in the entire world. ***The Grand Bazaar is closed on SundaysBosphorus Strait
1 hours 30 minsAdmission Ticket Not IncludedWe will do a bosphorus cruise on a public boat for 90 minutes. Bosphorus is worth to visit not only for business but also for recreation and eye appeal. Alongside the Strait on both continents, there are exceptionally attractive views of Ottoman architecture created by manor houses and palaces. Most of the tourist attractions also have some kind of this magnificent scenery.Dolmabahce Palace
2 hoursAdmission Ticket Not Included— Tuesdays Only — On Tuesdays, when Topkapı Palace is closed, the itinerary includes a visit to Dolmabahçe Palace instead. Built during the nineteenth century, the palace served as the administrative center of the late Ottoman Empire and is celebrated for its impressive ceremonial halls, European-influenced architecture, and lavish decoration. During the Bosphorus cruise on other days, Dolmabahçe Palace can also be viewed from the water.Buyuk Mecidiye Camii(Pass by)
Admission Ticket FreeLocated just before the Bosphorus Bridge, the Ortaköy Camii, Turkey (Ortaköy Mosque Turkey) has to have one of the most picturesque settings of all of the Istanbul mosques. Indeed, Ortaköy Mosque photos, with the bridge in the background are often used to demonstrate that particular Istanbul juxtaposition of traditional and modern.Rumeli Fortress(Pass by)
Admission Ticket FreeRumeli Castle (Rumeli Hisarı) is an Ottoman fortress dating to 1452. It was built by Ottoman sultan Mehmed II (Mehmed the Conqueror) in preparation for the conquest of Constantinople. The castle is situated on the shore of the Bosphorus Strait at its narrowest point with approximately 660 meters. It is just opposite of Anadolu Castle (Anadolu Hisarı) which is another Ottoman castle built-in 1394 by Bayezid I. Both Anadolu Castle and Rumeli Castle were built by Ottoman sultans in order to prevent military and economic aid to the Byzantine Empire coming from the north, Black Sea. Thus, the Bosphorus strait connects the Black Sea with the Marmara Sea.Kucuksu Pavilion(Pass by)
Admission Ticket FreeThis attractive part of the İstanbul strait on the Asian shore is mentioned by Byzantine historians, and in Ottoman times became one of the imperial parks known as Kandil Bahçesi (Lantern Garden). Sultan Murad IV (1623-1640) was particularly fond of Küçüksu and gave it the name Gümüş Selvi (Silver Cypress), and in several sources from the l7th century onwards the name Bağçe-i Göksu is used. During the reign of Mahmud I (1730- 1754) Divittar Mehmed Paşa built a two storey timber palace on the waterfront here which continued to be used by Selim III (1789-1807) and Mahmud II (1808-1839).Beylerbeyi Palace(Pass by)
Admission Ticket FreeDescribed by some as a miniature Dolmabahce Palace but without the crowds, the Beylerbeyi Sarayı (Beylerbeyi Palace) was commissioned by Sultan Abdülaziz to act as an imperial summer residence. With 24 rooms, 6 halls, and a hamam, it would have been quite the summer home and was also used to entertain visiting dignitaries.Galata Tower(Pass by)
Admission Ticket FreeAlso known as the Galata Kulesi Museum, an iconic symbol situated in the Galata quarter of İstanbul, Türkiye. Considered among the oldest towers in the world and one of the symbols of İstanbul, Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi) was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Temporary List in 2013. Galata Tower, one of the most important structures that make up the silhouette of İstanbul, was used as a long-term fire watchtower and was named Galata Fire Tower.Anadolu Hisari Fort(Pass by)
Admission Ticket FreeConstructed under the edict of the ottoman emperor, yildirim bayezid, in beykoz district today to facilitate to istanbul’s conquer, the anatolian fortress is one of the pieces that greatly contributes to the charming silhouette of istanbul.
What's included
INCLUDED
Professional licensed guiding service in English
NOT INCLUDED
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Lunch and drinks
Gratuities
Museum admission fees and Bosphorus cruise ticket
Customer reviews
Review summary
Powered by AICustomers rave about this Istanbul tour, especially praising the guides for being knowledgeable, patient, and humorous. Reviewers highlight the enriching historical insights and the guides' ability to navigate crowds, making it a highly recommended experience for first-time visitors.
Additional information
Must Know
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Good To Know
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
This is a full-day walking tour, so comfortable walking shoes are strongly recommended.
Guests may choose not to enter one or more of the paid attractions. However, as this is a small-group tour, the itinerary and scheduled meeting times must be followed. Guests who skip an attraction may enjoy free time nearby and rejoin the group at the agreed meeting point.
Selecting an earlier departure time helps reduce waiting times at the mosques and allows for a more comfortable experience.
Please note that licensed guides do not have priority access at active mosques. All visitors must pass through the standard security lines.
Getting to the Meeting Point from Galataport Cruise Terminal: The easiest way to reach the German Fountain is by taking the T1 tram, which takes approximately 30 minutes in total. After leaving Galataport, turn left and walk for about 10 minutes to Tophane tram stop. Take the T1 tram in the direction of Bağcılar and get off at Sultanahmet. The German Fountain is approximately a one-minute walk from the tram stop, and your guide will be waiting there. You may pay the tram fare with a contactless Visa or Mastercard. American Express is not accepted, and there is no need to purchase an Istanbulkart.
Museum Tickets: Museum admission fees are not included in the tour price. To keep the group together and avoid ticket-counter delays, the required tickets will be arranged in advance by your licensed guide and paid for separately by the guests. Please do not purchase separate tickets online unless you plan to visit the attractions independently. Current admission fees and payment details will be provided before the tour.
During winter, the Bosphorus cruise may be cancelled if weather or sailing conditions make the journey unsafe.
This is a comprehensive full-day tour. To ensure that all scheduled attractions can be visited, the Topkapı Palace tour focuses on its main courtyards and most significant collections. Guests seeking a more detailed exploration of the palace may prefer to book a dedicated Topkapı Palace tour.
Location
Address
Binbirdirek, Sultan Ahmet ParkI No:2, Istanbul, Turkiye
Provider
Lütfullah Fındıkoğlu by Botanas Travel
From
MYR 404.89
or use 10,134 KrisFlyer miles
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Knowledgeable guide and very approachable. Need any help , ask Lutfi and he will do his best to help u.
Lufti is an excellent guide! Enjoyed his insights and stories, with a healthy dose of humour. Also appreciate his thoughtfulness in ensuring we have a comfortable and enriching experience.
Excellent . Our kids are 10 and 8 and our guide was really patient and got them involved in the whole tour. He was flexible with what we wanted to see and do . Of course very educational as well. Will highly recommend.
What an experience! We had a private tour with Lutfi who was a wealth of knowledge. We enjoyed every single part of our tour. After an amazing morning learning so much about Istanbul’s highlights and history, we shared lunch together and the afternoon was just as spectacular. There is no way you could do this yourself. For example, when the crowds turned right, Lufti took us left and, away from others, felt like we had the palace all to ourselves! It was a busy day but Lufti was so patient with all our questions and little known facts and secrets which we will leave with him to share when you book. You won’t be disappointed!
Ludwig the tour guide was fantastic. He spoke very good English, had good knowledge of Turkish history and was able to explain about the sites we visited. There was little that he didn’t know. It was a compact one-day discovery tour with a lot of walking (how else to see Istanbul sights…). I would highly recommend him to anyone visiting Istanbul for the first time.
Friendly and knowledgeable guide. Saw all the best sites! Good history lesson!