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Home > Istanbul > Small-Group Istanbul in One Day Tour Including Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia
Small-Group Istanbul in One Day Tour Including Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia
USD $85.00

Small-Group Istanbul in One Day Tour Including Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia

Istanbul, Turkey

Visit six top Istanbul attractions in one day on a full-day sightseeing tour of the city! The action-packed day includes a comprehensive tour of the historical Sultanahmet neighborhood where many of the city’s finest architectural legacies and landmarks are found. Visit the Blue Mosque and museums of Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, as well as Istanbul Hippodrome, the sunken palace of Basilica Cistern and the dazzling Grand Bazaar. A delicious 3-course lunch is also included halfway through the day.

Numbers are limited to 14 on this small-group tour ensuring a personalized experience.

Start your day with a pickup from your European-side hotel or alternatively, meet your guide at a central meeting point. Before departing by coach, listen to a brief breakdown of your day. The sequence of your itinerary is subject to change, so certain attractions (as detailed below) may be visited in a different order. Lunch at a traditional restaurant is included halfway through the day; see the Itinerary for a sample menu.

Head to the Blue Mosque to marvel at its six minarets and the thousands of Iznik tiles that cascade a sea of blue over the building’s interior. One of the finest examples of classical Ottoman architecture, the mosque was built at the bequest of Sultan Ahmet I who demanded a mosque to rival the grandeur of the Hagia Sophia.

Both a church and a mosque in its past life, Hagia Sophia (or Aya Sofya) is now a UNESCO-listed museum that showcases Ottoman- and Byzantine-era artifacts. Browse the interior’s architecture and historical exhibits with your guide, and then continue to Topkapi Palace. Like Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace now exists as one of Istanbul’s premier museums, home to a collection of ornamentation that once belonged to the city’s 15th-century sultans and harems.

Continue through Istanbul Hippodrome, seeing the granite Egyptian obelisk that was gifted to the city, and hear how the site once represented the hub of the city’s sporting and political life. After stopping for photos, visit Basilica Cistern — Istanbul’s ‘sunken palace’ — a site that famously featured in the James Bond movie From Russia with Love. The site is one of the largest of the city's ancient cisterns that lie beneath the ground.

The final attraction included in your tour is the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s most famous souks. Comprising nearly 60 streets and thousands more shops, the bazaar can be overwhelming. Let your guide introduce you to its colorful (if chaotic) highlights, and shop for jewelry, leather, pottery, spices and more.

Your tour finishes with a drop-off at your European-side hotel or in central Istanbul.

Please note: The Grand Bazaar will be closed on Sundays. Hagia Sophia will be closed on Mondays from (October 20, 2015). If your tour falls on any of these days, an alternate attraction (such as Chora Museum or another market) may be visited instead, Topkapi Palace (Closed on Tuesdays; will be replaced with Istanbul Archaeology Museum). You may visit the Basilica Cistern or Nakkas Cistern.

USD $85.00
Traveler Reviews
Review by:   losone,    June 2018 Review: 3 star rating: Worth doing
My advice: do a half day tour without bazaar, and go to the grand bazaar yourself. This tour didn't need to be so long, and may bore some. Also some more advice: the tour guide will want to take you to his friends to buy in the grand bazaar, there you will pay 5 times higher than anywhere else.
 

Review by:   mrajan2,    June 2018 Review: 5 star rating: Highly Recommended
Great tour of Istanbul with a very knowledgeable and experienced guide.
 

Review by:   Alex,    May 2018 Review: 5 star rating: Highly Recommended
Love it! Convenient and time-saving.
 

Review by:   Michelle H,    May 2018 Review: 4 star rating: Recommended
We met very nice people on the tour. And it was great to pass the crowds queued for entry at Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia. The Blue Mosque was closed for renovations which was really a bummer. Our tour guide was nice but he spoke quietly and it was a little hard to understand him. Lunch was only passable only two choices and easily the worst meal we had in Istanbul - they would be better served by doing lots of meze and the rug shop tour was nice but a little high pressure. Best part was the Hagia Sophia - perfect amount of time, Topkapi - could have used a little more time as we ordered a coffee overlooking the Bosphorus and there was a lot to see there. Grand Bazaar was very interesting.
 

Review by:   CT123,    May 2018 Review: 5 star rating: Highly Recommended
Our guide was extremely informative. He opened our eyes to the history of Istanbul and answered all questions that were asked by the group. Over lunch, the other passengers on the tour also commented how well spoken and informative our guide was. The order of the tours was also great and the lunch was very well balanced with good flavours.
 

Review by:   Rabs,    May 2018 Review: 5 star rating: Highly Recommended
I had a wonderful experience. Thanks to my tour guide Hakan. Our itinerary was altered a bit. The Blue Mosque was closed for renovation, but we went to a different mosque instead. As the the president of Turkey was visiting the Hagia Sophia was closed. However, Hakan tried and tried to see if it was going to open in the afternoon. It was. We got in quite quickly and avoided the long queue. It was worth it. Hagia Sophia was amazing. I 100 recommend this tour.
 

Review by:   rivchacha,    April 2018 Review: 5 star rating: Highly Recommended
I had a wonderful experience on this tour that gave me an opportunity to learn about Istanbul and its historical places. Our guide, Hakan Adagume, really knows this city and tell funny and interesting stories. I would definitely recommend this tour to others.
 

Review by:   Ravish R,    April 2018 Review: 5 star rating: Highly Recommended
was an amazing trip and the guide was very knowledgeable and explained all the important aspects of all the monuments visited and the vehicle provided was also very good, highly recommend this short but well covered half day trip
 

Review by:   sauniw,    March 2018 Review: 3 star rating: Worth doing
Tour guide informative, but did not fulfill itinerary that was promised. We did not see the Tokapi Palace harem apartments and this was on the itinerary I booked. Also, I specifically called to find out if we would be able to enter the Blue Mosque and was informed that we would be able to go into the Blue Mosque. As it turns out the Blue Mosque is under renovation and closed to tourists. We were not even taken to the Blue Mosques exterior or its inner courtyard. Luckily, I had the time to return there on my own. Very disappointing to be given misinformation and for itinerary to not be fulfilled as described.
 

Review by:   Bradley E,    March 2018 Review: 5 star rating: Highly Recommended
Excellent tour and guide. Really great way to see the sites.
 

Review by:   Leslie T,    March 2018 Review: 5 star rating: Highly Recommended
Loved!
 

Review by:   Anthony P,    March 2018 Review: 4 star rating: Recommended
All as expected, tour leader was very informative._br/_ Although hotel was very close to historical sites, pick was affected as promised._br/_ Lunch and service at restaurant was highly acceptable.
 

Review by:   Rosa N,    February 2018 Review: 5 star rating: Highly Recommended
Excellent. The guide was fantastic. Istanbul is beautiful
 

Review by:   Sana I,    February 2018 Review: 5 star rating: Highly Recommended
Had a great time! The guide was very knowledgeable and efficient, lunch was simple but good. Highly recommended.
 

Review by:   Raymond G J,    January 2018 Review: 5 star rating: Highly Recommended
An amazing tour with brilliant tour guide._br/_ Thoroughly recommend.
 

Review by:   Muhammad Adnan A,    January 2018 Review: 5 star rating: Highly Recommended
Excellent tour for the price paid!!!_br/_ Pros:_br/_ I failed to contact the tour operator beforehand, however, to my surprise, they still send the driver to pick me up at the hotel, I've chosen from the list_br/_ visited 5 places - Blue Mosque, Topkapi, Aya Sofia, Roman Cisterns and Grand Bazar._br/_ don't have to wait in the queue and don't have to pay the tickets at three of the places - Topkapi, Aya Sofia and Cisterns_br/_ Knowledgeable tour guide_br/_ Complementary carpet weaving tour has been given in the Grand Bazat, which was excellent_br/_ Cons:_br/_ the contact instructions to the tour operator is only a local Turkish number. It'll be great, if an email and other contacts has been arranged._br/_ the lunch provided isn't great, but won't effect my day experience, although, I'm a big foodie_br/_ All in all, it's an excellent tour for someone staying over in Istanbul for a day or two.
 

Review by:   Doug,    January 2018 Review: 4 star rating: Recommended
We took the tour on our first day in Istanbul and it was an excellent way to get our bearing sin the old portion of th city Excellent guide and appropriate amount of time in each site to experience all of the history. Lunch was nothing special and they charge extra for anything you have to drink. Otherwise, highly recommend itinerary and guide!
 

Review by:   Marianna T,    January 2018 Review: 5 star rating: Highly Recommended
Good trip, covers the main attractions in Istanbul
 

Review by:   Rashida H,    January 2018 Review: 5 star rating: Highly Recommended
This was a very wonderful experience. Our tour guide provided quite a bit of information on all the top attractions visited. He was very knowledgeable and we appreciated his insights into the history. Would highly recommend this tour.
 

Review by:   Nena U,    January 2018 Review: 5 star rating: Highly Recommended
A quick and easy way to get to know the top attractions in Istanbul. Knowledgeable guide Hakan Adagume from Neon Travel took the time to explain the history, background and culture so that we could have a better appreciation of what we are looking at in addition to admiring the architecture greatness.
 

Review by:   Senthilvel K,    December 2017 Review: 4 star rating: Recommended
We are around 13 in the group. Well paced and pickup/drop arrangements were good at a very short notice they made pickup arrangement. Would have preferred Basilica Cistern instead of the other one below the carpet shop By the way there are many Cisterns all over the city, but Basilica i believe the best.
 

Review by:   Anconstevo,    December 2017 Review: 5 star rating: Highly Recommended
Amazing! Highly recommended
 

Review by:   David B,    December 2017 Review: 4 star rating: Recommended
Informative tour_br/_ A good way to skip the queues in some places_br/_ Unfortunately you have to do the standard visiting a rug store to see the merchandise
 

Review by:   Lara,    December 2017 Review: 5 star rating: Highly Recommended
It was a beautiful day and we were 7 in the group which made the experience more interesting. Our guide Hakan was nice and gave us fascinating stories and insights . Would highly recommend it.
 

Review by:   VICTOR F,    December 2017 Review: 5 star rating: Highly Recommended
Very well organised tour. You see the most popular sites. The tour guide extremely knowledgeable and courteous. Excellent English speaking. Packed day, but the timing for each site was just right.
 

Review by:   Sylwia M,    November 2017 Review: 5 star rating: Highly Recommended
This tour was amazing!
 

Review by:   Michael C,    November 2017 Review: 5 star rating: Highly Recommended
Istanbul is a wonderful city and this crash course on Istanbul's history with the top sites included is just an awesome treat.
 

Review by:   Miguel C,    November 2017 Review: 5 star rating: Highly Recommended
Great tour, highlighting the historic landmarks of Istanbul. Tour size was 5 people which was great. Highly recommended if you are going to be in town for a short period of time.
 

Review by:   Tonya C,    November 2017 Review: 5 star rating: Highly Recommended
My friend and I were recommended this tour by some other travelers in Turkey and we were very happy to have followed through on it. Our tour guide was friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. We enjoyed all of the sights and were happy to be able to see and learn so much in the span of one day. Great option for those with limited time in Istanbul.
 

Review by:   Krishna K,    October 2017 Review: 5 star rating: Highly Recommended
The team of guide and driver was very punctual and courteous. Hakan the guide was ver knowledgeable and ex0lained well and answered our questions. Took us to a great restaurant for very good Turkish lunch.
 

Review by:   Ada,    October 2017 Review: 3 star rating: Worth doing
An overall good experience. Places visited are amazing. The highlights were to me in this order: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Topkapi palace. It was good to be in a group of only 12 people. The guide did his job in an overall satisfactory manner. More engagement would have been important._br/_ The Bazaar is closed on Sundays. A pity that we do not get such an important information in advance.
 

Review by:   Fabrizio C,    October 2017 Review: 5 star rating: Highly Recommended
Perfect tour to visit most of the must see in the city in only one day, starting from early morning with a lunch included in the middle you have the change to visit Blue Mosque, Topkapi, grand Bazaar, etc.. and also 2 typical manufacturing shops for carpets and ceramic. I was really satisfied with the tour and the guide of Ilkir. If you are looking to maximize your visit in the amazing Istanbul is the tour for you.
 

Review by:   Marlene G,    October 2017 Review: 5 star rating: Highly Recommended
This tour gives a very nice experience and good historical perspective of Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia. Highly recommended!
 

Review by:   heather n,    October 2017 Review: 5 star rating: Highly Recommended
It was great to take all the sites in one day, the guild covered everything we asked for and more. He allowed us to go at our own pace as we were a small group of 6. Lunch however was a let down generic and bland would have preferred to be shown to a nice area maybe a little less touristy and been able to select from a menu. beautiful old city
 

Review by:   Kim L,    October 2017 Review: 4 star rating: Recommended
Overall we were very impressed by the tour operators. They were easy to contact via email about pick-up and responded very quickly. Pick-up was prompt and the main highlights of the tour were excellent the mosques, Topkapi Palace and the cistern and the guide knowledgeable. Our only concern was with the visit to the rug demonstration and showroom. This would have been better sequenced after the grand bazaar visit and then people like us who had already had demos on other tours could have missed this out. As it was, the tour overran and we had to miss out the grand bazaar, which was a little disappointing. But overall, an excellent introduction to the highlights of this part of Istanbul.
 

Review by:   Sophia M,    October 2017 Review: 5 star rating: Highly Recommended
I would definitely recommend this tour to friends and relatives. The tour guide, Hakan, was very knowledgeable and pleasant. The history of the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia and the hippodrome is indeed interesting. We were able to purchase spices, Turkish sweets and Turkish dolman/tradional clothes at the Grand Bazaar.
 

Review by:   wschwiner,    September 2017 Review: 5 star rating: Highly Recommended
Great to get a feel of where every thing is and how walkable and tourist friendly the city is.
 

Review by:   OLUTAYO O,    September 2017 Review: 5 star rating: Highly Recommended
The tour guide was knowledgeable, friendly and thorough, I would recommend this tour guide to anyone who wants to visit and tour Istanbul, we got our money's worth, if we were to do it again we would go Viator. Viator delivers
 

Review by:   Stephanie A,    September 2017 Review: 5 star rating: Highly Recommended
A beauty to see and explore. A Must see in Turkey
 

Review by:   Rocio Astengo,    September 2017 Review: 5 star rating: Highly Recommended
Istanbul is a Big Beautiful City full of History so clean and so well preserved. Recommend 100 visiting this Cultural rich in history city.
 

Review by:   Rania B,    September 2017 Review: 5 star rating: Highly Recommended
Thanks viatorfor the arrangements and recommending this great tour. Our guide -Hakim- was a great knowledgeable helpful person, he provided all details needed and asked by all of us. Also, Driver was a great helping person. Lunch portions was not that enough, but well cooked._br/_ Best Regards,_br/_ Rania
 

Review by:   malnasaa,    September 2017 Review: 5 star rating: Highly Recommended
Fantastic tour. The guide, Omer, was very knowledgeable and spoke clearly keeping everyone engaged. We spent the appropriate amount of time at each location, were given detailed explanations of each site but also given enough time to explore independently.
 

Review by:   Kushal S,    September 2017 Review: 5 star rating: Highly Recommended
Thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful city
 

Review by:   Nakesha W,    August 2017 Review: 5 star rating: Highly Recommended
This was an excellent tour. I felt like I got to see all of Istanbul in a short amount of time, plus it helps you avoid walking around aimlessly hoping you'll see everything. the tour guide was knowledgeable, knew the history and culture and made sure to stop to let us take plenty of pictures.
 

Review by:   T Azeri,    August 2017 Review: 5 star rating: Highly Recommended
Our tour guide, Guly, was amazing. She was full of information, happy to answer any questions we had and the tour ran at a smooth pace. I took this tour of Istanbul wanting to learn more about the rich history and culture of Istanbul/Turkey and didn't want to leave Istanbul without understanding some background on the city. Our taxi was comfortable and the driver friendly. After the tour I feel my time and money spent was well worth it. I would advise anyone wanting to know more about the city to do a tour.
 

Review by:   Maree R,    August 2017 Review: 5 star rating: Highly Recommended
The tour guide is so knowledgeable and had a great sense of humour. The group wasn't easy, but he handled it like a pro.
 

Review by:   INES D,    August 2017 Review: 5 star rating: Highly Recommended
We had a great day with a small group and and an amazing guide, whose name, unfortunately, I have forgotten in the meantime, but who was the nicest person and had so much knowledge about the history behind every place we visited!_br/_ And the meal included was in a very nice restaurant, all and all an amazing experience and definitely a very worth doing tour
 

Review by:   ma_choi,    August 2017 Review: 5 star rating: Highly Recommended
There were only two of us, my husband and me. The tour went very nice. The Guide was very knowledgeable and explanation was great help to understand each site. At the end he even drove us around the Galata bridge upon my request.
 

Review by:   Andrew V,    August 2017 Review: 5 star rating: Highly Recommended
This tour covered a small area that is packed with centuries of Byzantine and Turkish history and culture. Our tour guide was excellent and had extensive knowledge of the history of the area. She guided us through the great cultural gems of Istanbul including the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace. We also had a tasty lunch in the Ahmet Square area.
 

Review by:   Ravi S,    August 2017 Review: 1 star rating: I do not recommend this
First off this tour is at best a half day tour. All the sites are within walking distance to each other._br/_ Secondly this is a classic tourist scam where after lunch you will be taken for a suave sales hustle to Nakas Carpets._br/_ Save time and quit the tour after lunch and the Basilica Cistern._br/_ You will save yourself time and would be able to see a couple of other sites on your own, Eg Galata Tower or Sulemaniye Mosque or Chora Church/Museum._br/_ The extra fare on the taxi would be worth it, trust me.
 

All Traveler Reviews...

USD $85.00
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