Experience the beauty of Istanbul’s Old City with a fully-guided small group walking tour. On this 5 -hour tour, spend the day wandering through the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, the Grand Bazaar. Hotel transfer in a climate-controlled coach is available and lunch is included.
Schedule & prices
Runs
Every day
Start times
8:45 AM
Next available
Wed, Oct 14
Adult (ages 7+)
$200
Child (ages 3–6)
$97
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 13.
Tour Options
Highlights of Istanbul
Pickup included
Itinerary
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
Admission not included45 min
A truly awe inspiring, 1,400 years old Byzantine cathedral which houses mosaics, relics and iron work. Hagia Sophia was, for nearly a thousand years, the largest enclosed space in the world, and is still seen as one of the world's most important architectural monuments. It is one of Turkey's most popular attractions, drawn by the sheer spectacle of its size, architecture, mosaics and art. It was built during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian in the 6th century AD.
Blue Mosque
30 min
Built during the reign of Sultan Ahmet I during 1609-1616. It is the only mosque in Turkey with six minarets. Due to its magnificent hand-dyed blue, green and white Iznik tiles it has been named the "Blue Mosque" by Europeans. The central dome is 43 m in height and is 33.4 m in diameter; it also boasts 260 windows.
Hippodrome
35 min
Hippodrom square is the backdrop of chariot races and the center of Byzantine civic life. Of the ornaments which once decorated it, only three remain: The Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column, and the Column of Constantine. The Obelisk is in the Egyptian style and was erected in 1547 BC and stood 60m tall. The German Fountain is also within the hippodrome area, constructed in Germany to mark German Emperor Wilhelm II's second visit to Istanbul; it was imported and officially opened on January 1 1901. The fountain's three domes are decorated with gold mosaics.
Basilica Cistern
Admission not included35 min
The Basilica Cistern, or Cisterna Basilica
Turkish: Yerebatan Sarnıcı or Yerebatan Saray, is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath the city of Istanbul, Turkey. The cistern, located 150 metres (490 ft) southwest of the Hagia Sophia on the historical peninsula of Sarayburnu, was built in the 6th century during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I.Today it is kept with little water, for public access inside the museum.
Grand Bazaar
Admission included90 min
One of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with more than 58 covered streets and over 1,200 shops. Opened in 1461, it is well known for its jewelry, pottery, spice, and carpet shops. Many of the stalls in the bazaar are grouped by the type of goods, with special areas for leather coats, gold jewelry and the like. The bazaar contains two bedestens (domed masonry structures built for storage and safe keeping), the first of which was constructed between 1455 and 1461 by the order of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror.The grand bazaar consists of 12 major buildings and has 22 doors.
What's included
Included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Local guide
Lunch
Air-conditioned vehicle
Not included
Drinks
All Fees and Taxes
Entrance Tickets To The Museums
Pick up / drop of outside of our free service area, like the 2 istanbul int.airports
Pickup Locations & Times
if your Hotel is Located Out Of our Free Pick Up Area We can Send To You an extra Taxi With an extra Fee.
or ,you can join to our Tours Starting Point By Your Own Way.( Please Try To be on time )
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
4.9
34 reviews
5
33
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
1
How it compares in Istanbul
Starting price $200 is 75% above the typical $114 for tours of similar length in Istanbul
Excurgo comparison of 3,635 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants
To visit mosques a scarf is requested for ladys
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Highlights of Istanbul take?
Highlights of Istanbul lasts about 5 hours. The itinerary has 5 stops.
How much does Highlights of Istanbul cost?
Prices start at $200 per person for this Istanbul experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Highlights of Istanbul run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 8:45 AM.
How much does Highlights of Istanbul cost for children?
Children aged 3–6 pay from $97, adults from $200.
Can I cancel Highlights of Istanbul for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. if your Hotel is Located Out Of our Free Pick Up Area We can Send To You an extra Taxi With an extra Fee.
or ,you can join to our Tours Starting Point By Your Own Way.( Please Try To be on time ) Pickup points include JW Marriott Istanbul Bosphorus, Pera Palace Hotel.
What languages is Highlights of Istanbul offered in?
The experience is available in DE, EN, IT, FR, ES.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 15 participants.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible Wheelchair accessible All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Highlights of Istanbul worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.9 out of 5 across 34 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by istanbul sightseeing tours.
Reviews(34)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
L
Lenore_E
September 30, 2025 · via Viator
I highly recommend this tour.
Emre was a wonderful tour guide. He was able to give the long and complex history of this country in a way that made it very understandable. He speaks in perfect English and was very patient with our mobility challenges.
Operator response
Thanks to your very kind review.
Hope to see you again in istanbul with our istanbul tour services.
5
515mishac
July 31, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Super recommended, although somewhat higher the cost of the tour
Muy buen tour, Kenan B. He was an excellent guide, helped us buy tickets for HagiaSofia. We went to eat in a small budget street place and explained each place very well. As well as the spice bazaar tour.
Operator response
Thanks to your very kind review.
R
Road53783264248
June 22, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Beautiful vista of several highlights of Istanbul
Superb 3-4 hour tour of the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia Basilica, Basilica cistern and the Grand Bazaar.
Beautiful discovery with our guide Emre Önal, who explained everything well and taught us lots of interesting historical information.
I strongly advise
Operator response
Je vous remercie pour votre avis tres gentil.
D
Detlef H
June 22, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
A great experience for a first time visitor seeing the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Top Kapi with the history and art work ve
A well conducted tour through the old city of Istanbul with an experienced tour guide fluent in English showing the small group all highlights of this wonderful city.
Operator response
Thank you very much to your revıew about our istanbul tour services.
I
Imran M
March 9, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Highly recommended for a great experience at Turkey
This was a fantastic experience.
Emre - our tour expert- showed us everything about this beautiful city and country.
Emre took us ok the Bosphorus tour, the streets of Istanbul, the food, the Mosques and Monuments, as well as a guided shopping experience.
Highly recommend and will come back to Emre if we make another Turkey trip.
Operator response
Dear Guests,
Thanks a Lot to your very detailled and kind review.
Hope To see you again in Turkey / istanbul
emre
T
Trip61145545728
March 9, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Well planned tour by Emre with alot of information and patience to my questions 😊
The trip was very well planned and timed.
The tour guide Emre knew English very well. He was very clear and gave ALOT of eye opening information.He also helped me with finding a pretty hotel with a view after my office trip stay was over. - MOST IMPORTANTLY- He had a medical emergency last night but still came on time for the tour and was very patient with my questions . He also clicked a lot of pics for me. By far this is my best tour guide experience. BIG THANK YOU EMRE! 😊
Operator response
Dear Friend,
Thanks To Your Very Detailled and Kind Review.
emre
J
Juergen M
October 29, 2024 · via Tripadvisor
Cool guy
Funny, facts about Istanbul and Turkey yesterday and today, incredible motorist, knows the city and people know him,
Operator response
Thanks.
Emre
K
Kieran_S
July 7, 2024 · via Viator
A must in Istanbul and great company and tour guide
This is a must for any visitor to Istanbul - Erme the tour guide was absolutely amazing (if I could give higher than 5 stars I would) - this was a perfect tour, well timed, Emre was professional, knowledgeable and personable that made the whole experience perfect. Picked up from Hotel, professionally done, experienced the best and most friend Turkish people ever - everyone was so friendly and it made this a cultural experience and not just a history lesson. Had great food at lunchtime. The Blue Mosque and Hagia.Sophia were amazing, my favorite was the Basicila Cisterns (especially if you are a Dan Brown fan or history nerd) - Grand bazaar was an experience that you have to do in Istanbul. Massively recommend this trip and if you are lucky enough to get Emre then you blessed!!!! Brilliant company and brilliant tour guide,
Operator response
Thanks to your very kind review.
Emre
L
Lori_D
June 25, 2024 · via Viator
Exceptional
Guide was exceptional! So much history and knowledge and able to meet all my needs. Asked about the things I was interested in and wanted to do/see. Made sure those happened! Took me to a lovely lunch that was fresh and authentic. Helped me understand how to make purchases. So kind and helpful. Can’t say enough wonderful things about this experience!
Operator response
Dear Lori,
Thanks to your kind review.Hope to see you again in istanbul in very near future.
All the Best
Emre
N
Nupur26
April 30, 2024 · via Tripadvisor
Highly recommended customised tours.
We used this company for a private tour for four of us and can definitely recommend their tours. We told them our preferences and they tailor-made our program. They are absolutely professional and efficient in all they do.
Operator response
Dear Friends,
Thanks to your kind review for our tour services a istanbul. Hope To see you again in istanbul with our tour services.
Emre
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