SKIP-THE-LINE: Istanbul City Highlights Tour w/LUNCH
- Free cancellation
- Hotel pickup
- Wheelchair accessible
About this experience
Experience an exceptional full-day tour of Istanbul's UNESCO-listed Sultanahmet district, designed for discerning travelers seeking an in-depth exploration of the city's most iconic landmarks. This comprehensive small-group guided tour includes skip-the-line tickets for seamless entry to premier attractions such as Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome of Constantinople, and the Grand Bazaar. Enjoy expert commentary in English from a professional guide, a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, and comfortable transportation throughout the day. Convenient pick-up and drop-off services are available from Istanbul Port for cruise guests, with a guarantee of timely return to your ship. Discover the rich history and vibrant culture of Istanbul with this expertly curated experience.
Next available dates
What’s included
- Professional English Speaking Tour Guide
- Lunch in a local restaurant
- Land transportation by high model vehicle
- All sightseeings mentioned in the itinerary
Not included
- Drinks at lunches
- Personal Expenses
- Entry tickets to Topkapi Palace
- Entry tickets to Hagia Sophia
Itinerary
- 1
Hagia Sophia
Meaning Divine Wisdom, Hagia Sophia was the largest building on earth barring the Egyptian Pyramids or the Great Wall of China. Today's Hagia Sophia was built by Emperor Justinian in 537AD. It was the religious center of the city during the Byzantine period. It was used as a church for 916 years and as a mosque for 481 years, In 1934, by the order of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, it was converted into a museum and has since been open to visitors.
- 2
Topkapi Palace
As well as being the imperial residence of the Sultan, the palace was also the seat of government for the ottoman empire. It housed the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years until the Dolmabahçe palace was built. In 1924 it was converted into a museum. Today it is famous with harem, royal treasury, and holy relics sections
- 3
Blue Mosque
Built by the Ottoman Sultan Ahmet I in the year 1616, it is located opposite the Hagia Sophia. Blue mosque today is one of the most famous landmarks of the old city with its famous six minarets and magnificent dome. Although it is officially named Sultanahmet Mosque, the (nıck) name Blue Mosque was given to it by the visitors because of the amazing blue tiles decorating the interior walls.
- 4
Hippodrome of Constantinople
Built by the Roman Emperor Septimus Severus in 203AD, during the Roman period hippodrome was the civil center for the people of the city where once 100,000 spectators could be held. Located in the heart of Sultanahmet surrounded by Blue mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi palace, today it is home to The Egyptian Obelisk (Dikilitaş), The Serpentine Column(Burma sütun), The Constantine Column and German Fountain.
- 5
Grand Bazaar
With 18 entrances and more than 4000 shops it is one of the greatest bazaars in the world. It was built between 1455-1461 by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror. Today, shops selling the same kind of merchandise tend to be congregated in their own streets or inns as it was the original Ottoman system.
Good to know
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Guide
- Guided tour in English and Japanese
- Start times
- 07:30 · 08:30 · 09:30 · 10:30
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller / pram accessible
- Infant seats available
- Passport required
- The tour guide will have pre paid Skip-The-Line tickets to avoid long ticket queues. The cost of used entry fee can be paid to the tour guide in cash Dolar, Euro or Turkish lira.
- Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays and Basilica Cistern Cistern will be visited instead
- Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays
- Please contact the local provider and confirm your pick-up time before the tour date.
- Pick-up times will be updated according to your cruise arrival&departure times. (for cruise guests)
- We guarantee that you will be dropped off at the port before your ship onboard time. (for cruise guests)
- Free entry for childrens below 8yr. Please take passport for chıldren ıf any
- Please be advised that for our regular small group tours, a single departure time is available for guests already residing in Istanbul (8:30–9:00). Later departure options have been made available exclusively for cruise passengers arriving by ship.
- Take passport for children if any
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 1 day before the experience starts.
- 1 day or more before: full refund
- Less than 1 day before: no refund
Meeting point
View on map
Galata Port
- Address
- Kılıçali Paşa Meclis-i Mebusan Cd. No: 8 İç Kapı No: 102 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, istanbul, 34433, TR
- How you meet
- Meet on location, or hotel pickup
- Coordinates
- 41.02765, 28.98526
Illustrative map. Open it in Maps for the exact spot and live directions.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does this experience last?
It lasts 6 hours.
Can I cancel this booking?
Free cancellation up to 1 day before the experience starts. 1 day or more before: full refund · Less than 1 day before: no refund
Is this experience guided, and in what language?
Guided tour in English and Japanese
Is hotel pickup included?
Hotel pickup is available, or you can meet the group on location.
Where does this experience start?
It starts at Galata Port, Kılıçali Paşa Meclis-i Mebusan Cd. No: 8 İç Kapı No: 102 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, istanbul, 34433, TR.
Is this experience wheelchair accessible?
Yes — the supplier lists this experience as wheelchair accessible.
From AED 239 per person
