Istanbul’s iconic landmarks and vibrant cultural heritage are the focal points of this immersive full-day tour. Travelers can explore the city’s historical wonders, from the grandeur of Hagia Sophia to the serene beauty of the Bosphorus Bridge. With an expert guide leading the way, this small group experience promises an engaging and insightful perspective on Istanbul’s imperial past and its dynamic present. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, this tour offers a chance to uncover the city’s hidden gems and…

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Key Points

This full-day small-group tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks, including Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Hippodrome.
The tour includes a Bosphorus crossing to the Asian side, where visitors can experience panoramic views from Çamlıca Hill and visit the Grand Çamlıca Mosque.
Participants will have free time to explore the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s largest covered markets, for unique souvenirs.
The tour provides hotel pickup and drop-off, entrance fees, a 4-course lunch, and the services of a live English-speaking guide.
Certain mosque visits and market closures may be subject to change due to religious holidays or prayer times.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The tour, titled "Istanbul: Full-Day Imperial & Asia Small Group Tour," offers a comprehensive exploration of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks and the Bosphorus strait.

Priced from €119.00 per person, this 8-hour small group tour (20-25 persons) is conducted in English with complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off.

The tour includes visits to the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, the Grand Bazaar, the Bosphorus Bridge, Çamlıca Hill, the Grand Çamlıca Mosque, and the Beylerbeyi Palace.

A 4-course lunch with vegetarian options is included, as are all entrance fees.

Certain restrictions apply, and itinerary changes are possible.

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Itinerary Highlights

The Sultanahmet District is the starting point of this tour, where guests explore iconic landmarks.

Visitors marvel at the grandeur of Hagia Sophia, once a grand Byzantine cathedral and now a museum.

Visitors marvel at the grandeur of Hagia Sophia, once a grand Byzantine cathedral and now a museum.

Next, they discover the exquisite tiles adorning the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque.

The tour continues at the Hippodrome, an ancient site featuring an Egyptian obelisk and bronze sculpture.

After, guests enjoy free time for shopping at the bustling Grand Bazaar.

The tour then crosses the Bosphorus Bridge, leading to Çamlıca Hill and the colossal Grand Çamlıca Mosque.

Finally, they visit the elegant Beylerbeyi Palace.

Sultanahmet District

This tour begins in the Sultanahmet District, Istanbul’s historical heart.

Visitors explore the magnificent Hagia Sophia, marveling at its 6th-century architecture. Next, they tour the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, renowned for its exquisite blue tiles.

The Hippodrome, an ancient sporting arena, features an Egyptian obelisk and bronze sculpture.

Finally, guests enjoy free time at the bustling Grand Bazaar, browsing over 4,000 shops for unique souvenirs.

This immersive introduction to Sultanahmet sets the stage for the tour’s exploration of Istanbul’s Asian side and the stunning Bosphorus Bridge connecting the two continents.

Bosphorus & Asia

After exploring the historic Sultanahmet District, the tour crosses over the iconic Bosphorus Bridge, offering sightseeing opportunities as the group traverses one of the longest suspension bridges in the world.

The next stop is Çamlıca Hill, where a photo opportunity provides panoramic views of Istanbul.

Visitors can capture the stunning panoramic vistas of Istanbul from the vantage point of Çamlıca Hill.

The tour then visits the Grand Çamlıca Mosque, the largest mosque in Turkey, which opened in 2019.

Finally, the group tours the elegant Beylerbeyi Palace, a late Ottoman palace situated along the Bosphorus.

The journey across the Bosphorus and Asia provides a unique perspective of Istanbul’s diverse landscape.

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Inclusions

Complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off from city center hotels on the European side are included, along with entrance fees as per the itinerary.

Travelers will enjoy the services of a live guide and travel in an air-conditioned vehicle. A 4-course lunch, including vegetarian options, is provided.

The tour price includes VAT, ensuring a hassle-free experience. However, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or those with walking difficulties.

Children must be accompanied by an adult, and unaccompanied minors aren’t allowed. Specific dress code requirements apply for mosque visits.

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Important Information

The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or those with walking difficulties.

Children must be accompanied by an adult, as unaccompanied minors aren’t allowed.

Guests are advised to dress appropriately, as headscarves will be provided for mosque visits, and ladies should bring a scarf for the Hagia Sophia.

The Spice Market and Grand Bazaar may be closed during religious holidays, and visits to the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque may be limited on Fridays due to prayers.

Itineraries are subject to change.

Customer Reviews

Based on 14 reviews, the tour has an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars. Reviewers were particularly impressed with the knowledgeable guide, giving them 5 out of 5 stars. The transportation also received high marks at 4.4 stars, while value for money was rated 4.3 stars.

| Metric | Rating |

| — | — |

| Overall | 4.4/5 |

| Guide | 5/5 |

| Transportation | 4.4/5 |

| Value for Money | 4.3/5 |

| Feedback | Some concerns about itinerary changes and guide engagement. |

Positive remarks focused on the small group experience and the guide’s expertise. However, a few reviewers noted issues with itinerary changes and the guide’s level of engagement.

Exploring Istanbul’s Imperial and Asian Sides

Guests on this full-day tour explore the imperial sights of Istanbul’s historic Sultanahmet district before crossing the Bosphorus Bridge to the city’s Asian side.

Guests on this full-day tour explore the imperial sights of Istanbul’s historic Sultanahmet district before crossing the Bosphorus Bridge to the city’s Asian side.

They marvel at the architectural wonders of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, then stroll through the vibrant Grand Bazaar.

Crossing over to Asia, they take in panoramic views from Çamlıca Hill and visit the grand Beylerbeyi Palace.

Throughout the day, an expert guide provides insights into Istanbul’s rich history and cultural heritage.

This small-group experience offers an immersive look at the city’s most iconic landmarks on both the European and Asian shores.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lunch Included in the Tour Price?

Yes, the tour price includes a 4-course lunch with vegetarian options available. The inclusions specifically mention "4-course lunch (vegetarian options available)" as part of the package.

Can Children Under 5 Participate in the Tour?

Children must be accompanied by an adult, and unaccompanied minors are not allowed on the tour. There’s no specific mention of whether children under 5 can participate, so it’s best to check with the tour operator.

Is the Tour Guide Fluent in Multiple Languages?

The tour guide is fluent in English, but the tour is offered only in English. Multilingual guides are not specified as part of this tour’s offerings. Guests should check if other language options are available for their preferred tour dates.

Are There Any Options for Travelers With Dietary Restrictions?

Yes, the tour offers vegetarian options for the 4-course lunch. This provides an accommodation for travelers with dietary restrictions or preferences. The tour aims to cater to a variety of dietary needs.

How Long Does the Tour Spend at Each Attraction?

The tour itinerary allots approximately 1 hour at each major attraction, allowing ample time for guided tours and exploration. Visitors can expect to spend around 1 hour at sites like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Beylerbeyi Palace.

The Sum Up

The "Istanbul: Full-Day Imperial & Asia Small Group Tour" offers an immersive exploration of Istanbul’s rich cultural heritage. Travelers will visit iconic sites, cross the Bosphorus, and enjoy a guided tour of the Grand Bazaar and panoramic views from Çamlıca Hill, capped off by a 4-course lunch. This 8-hour small group tour provides a unique and comprehensive perspective on the city’s imperial and Asian sides.