Tours/Istanbul/Best of Istanbul City Full-Day Tour with Transfers
Viator · group up to 50 pax

Best of Istanbul City Full-Day Tour with Transfers

4.8(200)Istanbul1 hour
VIATOR4.7(88)TRIPADVISOR4.9(112)

Description

Explore Istanbul’s top UNESCO World Heritage sites on this Best of Istanbul tour, featuring iconic Byzantine and Ottoman landmarks, local culture, and authentic shopping. Choose a group tour or private option with a licensed local guide, flexible pacing, and time for photos. Ideal for first-time visitors, history lovers, couples, solo travelers, and families. ⭐️ Hippodrome of Constantinople – Site of Roman chariot races and imperial ceremonies, featuring the Egyptian Obelisk, Serpentine Column, Constantine Column, and German Fountain. ⭐️ Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque) – Famous for its İznik tiles and elegant Ottoman architecture. ⭐️ Hagia Sophia – Built in 537 A.D., symbolizing Byzantine and Ottoman history. ⭐️ Topkapi Palace – Former residence of Ottoman sultans. ⭐️ Basilica Cistern – Atmospheric underground reservoir featured in Inferno. ⭐️ Grand Bazaar – One of the world’s oldest covered markets with 4,000+ shops, famous for handwoven carpets, leather bags and jewelry.

Tour Options

Private Tour with Transfer
  • For the CRUISEPORT PASSENGERS AC Mercedes Vito: Pick up and Drop off Private Tour Private Tour Pickup included
Group tour with transfers
  • Pick up and dropp off included: Hotels and airbnb locations Pickup included

Itinerary

30 min

The Hippodrome of Constantinople, also known as the Sultanahmet Square, is an ancient chariot racing track and the sporting and social center of Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire. Located in present-day Istanbul. the site is now a public square known for its historical significance and the remnants of its ancient structures. The Hippodrome was a major venue for chariot races and other public events during the Byzantine era. It was adorned with monuments and sculptures, some of which still stand today, including the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpent Column, and the Column of Constantine. These monuments are important relics from the Roman and Byzantine periods and provide a glimpse into the city's rich history. Today, the Hippodrome area is a popular tourist destination and a public space where visitors can explore the ancient ruins, learn about the historical and cultural heritage of Constantinople and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of modern Istanbul.

45 min

The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, is a historic mosque in Istanbul, Turkey. It was built between 1609 and 1616 during the rule of Sultan Ahmed I. The mosque is known for its stunning architecture, with its six minarets and beautiful blue tiles adorning the interior, which give it the nickname "Blue Mosque." It is a popular tourist attraction and a significant symbol of Istanbul's skyline.

Admission not included45 min

Basilica Cistern Museum is one of the most important cultural assets where we can trace the traces of glorious Istanbul history. This grand underground cistern, built by Eastern Roman Emperor Justinian I (527-565), is nicknamed “Yerebatan Sarayı” (Sunken Palace) among the public due to its numerous marble columns rising from the water. It is also known as “Bazilika Sarnıcı” (Basilica Cistern) by some, as it was built on the site of the former Stoa Basilica, which was a basilica. the Basilica Cistern visited by former U.S. President Bill Clinton. Impresive Roman empire structure as featured in Dan Brown's novel, "Inferno" and James Bond "From Russia with Love" The Basilica Cistern is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world.

Admission not included120 min

The Topkapi Palace is a grand and historically significant palace located in Istanbul. It served as the primary residence and administrative headquarters of the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. The palace complex is known for its stunning architecture, beautiful courtyards, and extensive collections of art, manuscripts, and other treasures. The Topkapi Palace consists of several interconnected courtyards and buildings, including the Imperial Harem, where the sultan's family resided. The palace also houses the Treasury, which contains an impressive collection of priceless jewels, including the famous Spoonmaker's Diamond and Topkapi Dagger. Today, the Topkapi Palace is a popular museum and a major tourist attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Ottoman sultans and the rich history of the empire. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, drawing visitors from around the world to explore its magnificent grounds and learn about its fascinating past.

Admission not included60 min

The Hagia Sophia, also known as Ayasofya in Turkish, is a famous historic building located in oldtown Istanbul. It was originally built as the biggest cathedral in the world by Byzantine Empire in the 6th century and later converted into a mosque during the Ottoman Empire. The building is renowned for its massive dome and beautiful mosaics that reflect its rich history and architectural significance. In 1935, it was converted into a museum and in 2020, it was reconverted into a mosque. The Hagia Sophia has an important place in the art world with its architecture, grandness, size and functionality.The Hagia Sophia is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all around the world.

120 min

The Grand Bazaar, also known as the Kapalıçarşı, is one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets, located in the heart of Istanbul. Dating back to the 15th century, the Grand Bazaar is a sprawling complex of over 60 streets and alleys, housing more than 4,000 shops and stalls. The bazaar is a vibrant and bustling place, offering a wide array of goods, including jewelry, carpets, textiles, ceramics, spices, leather goods, and traditional Turkish crafts. It's a paradise for shoppers looking for unique souvenirs and gifts. The architecture of the Grand Bazaar is a sight to behold, with its labyrinthine layout, vaulted ceilings, and colorful displays. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich history and culture of Istanbul as they wander through the maze of shops and interact with local merchants.

Highlights

Fast Track Ticket Avaliable
Unique time to discover Turkish Handicrafts & Traditional arts
Professional Private Guide

What's included

Included
Fast Track Ticket Avaliable
Unique time to discover Turkish Handicrafts & Traditional arts
Professional Private Guide
Not included
Gratuities (suggested)
Lunch
Basilica Cistern
Hagia Sophia Mosque
TopkapI Palace

Pickup Locations & Times

Tour guide will pick you up from the Hotels or Istanbul cruise Port or Airbnb locations Topkapı palace is closed on Tuesday Grand baazar is closed on Sunday

Traveller Ratings

4.8
200 reviews
5
183
4
12
3
0
2
0
1
5

Important Information

  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays can be replaced with alternatives. Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays can be replaced with Spice Market. Ladies should bring scarf to cover heads Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • If you are from cruise passengers please book private one

Reviews(200)

A
Andres_D
May 11, 2026
Excellent tour

Excellent tour, it follows the highlights. Yer, entrance to places are pricey Anil was an outstanding guide.

1 people found this helpful
D
Debra_O
May 4, 2026
Our guide, Sam, was so...

Our guide, Sam, was so knowledgeable and so friendly. We saw everything, learned some things, and had a great time! We would definitely recommend!

1 people found this helpful
A
Amalia_M
May 3, 2026
We had a wonderful time...

We had a wonderful time on this tour. John was incredibly knowledgeable and provided such a fun and well rounded tour of the city!

1 people found this helpful
L
L4092KGiang
March 11, 2026
Istanbul old city tour

Fabulous guide with total knowledge, great communicator and friendly.

1 people found this helpful
G
Gaston
February 13, 2026
Volkan was an amazing...

Volkan was an amazing guide. The tour covers the highlights of the area and is flexible enough to accommodate your needs.

1 people found this helpful
H
Hardas2022
January 5, 2026
The best kiounefe in Istanbul, Spice Market

We are traveling in Istanbul for decades and today we tasted the best kiounefe in Spice Market...the people are very friendly and smiling all the time...thank you guys...until next visit!!!

1 people found this helpful
P
PeteRoberts
January 4, 2026
Great tour seeing many of...

Great tour seeing many of the main sights in Istanbul (European side). Volkan was a great tour guide and very experienced and knowledgeable.

1 people found this helpful
M
Mohammad_A
December 25, 2025
Tour guide Zel. was...

Tour guide Zel. was excellent. Very pleased from the start to end. Zel explained everything with interest.

1 people found this helpful
R
Reatha_C
December 24, 2025
Shobans #1 Tour Guide

Best day out ever. We were picked up from our hotel and returned back. We met our tour guide and his name is Shoban best guide ever. He told us everything about all the places we visited . He asked us what we wanted to buy and showed us many stores of our choices. I love Istanbul.

1 people found this helpful
G
Ginny K
December 19, 2025
Istanbul City Tour

We had a wonderful, informative day with our tour guide, Sam. The city of Istanbul is an amazing city with a fascinating history and Sam did a great job explaining it all to us.

1 people found this helpful

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