Tour Highlights
Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar
Full Day Old City Tour of Istanbul
From: $219,00
Tour Duration: 8 Hours
Tour Time: 09:00 - 17:00
Tour Type: Group Tour
Explore Istanbul’s Old City on a full-day tour featuring Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Hagia Irene, Grand Bazaar, and more with expert guidance through centuries of imperial history.
Service Location: Istanbul Tours
Service Provider: ITS
Available languages:
English
Service Details
Discover the rich tapestry of Istanbul’s imperial past as you explore the landmarks that shaped the course of empires. This immersive full-day guided tour through Sultanahmet, the historical heart of the city, reveals the cultural, architectural, and political legacy of both Byzantium and the Ottoman Empire.
Hagia Sophia
Your day begins at the magnificent Hagia Sophia, a timeless symbol of architectural innovation and spiritual grandeur. Built in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian, it was the world’s largest cathedral for nearly a millennium.
Converted into a mosque after the conquest of Constantinople in 1453 and now functioning as a mosque-museum hybrid, Hagia Sophia captivates with its massive dome, golden mosaics, and imperial portraits of emperors, empresses, and the Virgin and Child.
Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque)
Next, visit the iconic Blue Mosque, one of the finest examples of classical Ottoman architecture. Commissioned by Sultan Ahmed I and designed by a student of the great architect Sinan, it is the only mosque in Turkey with six minarets. Its interior, adorned with over 20,000 blue Iznik tiles, creates an atmosphere of serene grandeur. (Closed to visitors on Friday mornings during prayers.)
Hippodrome of Constantinople
Walk through the ancient Hippodrome, the political and social center of Byzantium. Once a vast arena for chariot races and imperial ceremonies, today it features historic monuments such as:
• The Egyptian Obelisk
• The Serpent Column from Delphi
• The German Fountain, a gift from Kaiser Wilhelm II
Grand Bazaar
Explore the vibrant and historic Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets. With over 4,000 shops, the bazaar is a treasure trove of Turkish carpets, silks, ceramics, spices, leather goods, and antique jewelry — a true Ottoman-style shopping experience.
Topkapi Palace
After lunch, continue to the majestic Topkapi Palace, the royal residence of Ottoman sultans from the 15th to 19th centuries. Tour the Imperial Treasury, home to dazzling jewels including the legendary Spoonmaker’s Diamond, and explore the Baghdad Kiosk and Imperial Armory, showcasing centuries of Ottoman craftsmanship and power.
Admire one of the world’s best collections of Chinese celadon ceramics, some believed to detect poison, and enjoy a peaceful walk through courtyards shaded by ancient trees where sultans once strolled.
Hagia Irene Church
Visit Hagia Irene, a rare Byzantine church that was never converted into a mosque. Built in the 4th century, it once served as an arsenal and now retains its raw interior and spiritual ambiance. It is considered the first church ever constructed in Constantinople.
Gulhane Park
End your day with a relaxing stroll through Gulhane Park, the former outer gardens of the Topkapı Palace. Here, the historic Edict of Gulhane was proclaimed in 1839, laying the foundation for Ottoman modernization. Once home to the city zoo, the park is now a peaceful green space filled with history and charm.
Why Book This Service
- Explore Istanbul’s most iconic Byzantine and Ottoman landmarks in one full-day tour.
- Visit Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, two of the city’s most revered religious monuments.
- Discover imperial life at Topkapi Palace and the rare Hagia Irene Church.
- Enjoy authentic shopping in the historic Grand Bazaar.
- Learn from a licensed expert guide providing deep historical context.
- Includes all major highlights in the UNESCO-listed Sultanahmet district.
What's Included
• Museum entrance fees mentioned on the itinerary
• Professional Guidance
• Free pick up and drop off service from your hotel
• Lunch
• Transportation with A/C vehicles
• Donations to the Mosques
• TURSAB insurance, which covers the costs of services accepted and committed by the travel agency
Please Note
- The Blue Mosque is closed on Friday mornings to visitors during prayer times.
- The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays; an alternative market visit may be arranged.
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
- Modest dress is required when visiting mosques.
- Entrance tickets and guiding are included.
Meeting Point
At Your Hotel
Cancellation Details
Booking can be cancelled up to 3 day(s) before the tour start.
10 reviews for Full Day Old City Tour of Istanbul
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What a way to spend a day! The tour flows smoothly from Hagia Sophia to Blue Mosque, into the Hippodrome, Topkapi, and finally the markets. The lunch was tasty, the guide informative, and the Grand Bazaar gave the trip an energetic close.
Unforgettable day! The layered history of Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque was mind-blowing, the Hippodrome was compelling, and Topkapi’s Harem added depth. After lunch, we plunged into the Grand Bazaar’s hustle and bustle. Very well-organized tour.
This tour hit all the major highlights of the Old City. Walked through Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, learned about chariot races at the Hippodrome, wandered Topkapi Palace’s royal chambers, and closed with bustling Grand Bazaar shopping. Loved the Turkish lunch midway—it kept us energized.
A packed day full of rich history! We began at Hagia Sophia’s breathtaking mosaics, then admired the elegance of the Blue Mosque. The Hippodrome’s ancient obelisk gave us a glimpse of Byzantine life, and Topkapi’s Harem and Treasury were awe-inspiring. We ended in the vibrant Grand Bazaar after a delicious included lunch. An unforgettable cultural journey.
One of the best full-day tours I’ve taken. We started with the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, then the ruins of the Hippodrome, followed by Topkapi Palace’s ornate rooms. After a hearty lunch, exploring the Grand Bazaar was the perfect end.
A perfectly balanced full-day tour: remarkable architecture at Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, history at the Hippodrome, royal splendor at Topkapi, and sensory overload at the Grand Bazaar. Great included lunch and just enough free time for photos.
Since seeing both Byzantine and Ottoman history is why I came to Istanbul, this tour was perfect: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome relics, Topkapi palace, and the vibrant Grand Bazaar. Well-paced, includes good food, and offered just the right balance of site-seeing and stories.
Our guide from its travel was fantastic—knowledgeable but not overwhelming. We explored Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, stood where the Hippodrome’s crowds once cheered, visited Topkapi’s lavish Harem and Treasury, and wrapped up with a flavorful walk through the Grand Bazaar. The lunch was a welcome break between sightseeing. highly suggested but note that it is a walking tour and all area is closed for vehicles. wear a comfort shoes!…
Great mix of history and culture, very informative guide.
Una visita increíble a través de los sitios históricos de Estambul.