Istanbul Old City Full Day Tour
Explore Istanbul’s timeless wonders including Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar & Topkapi Palace on this guided full-day Old City tour with lunch included.
Service Provider: Azure
Service Details
Your day begins with a pick-up from your hotel by your licensed professional tour guide to discover the historical heart of Istanbul — a city where continents, cultures, and empires meet.
Hagia Sophia (Exterior Visit Only, Ticket is not included)
Begin your journey at the Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture that served as a cathedral for nearly 1,000 years and a mosque for another 500. Marvel at the massive dome, intricate mosaics, calligraphic panels, and centuries of sacred history that shaped two great civilizations — Christianity and Islam.
Blue Mosque
Just steps away is the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque), renowned for its elegant silhouette, cascading domes, and stunning interior adorned with over 20,000 blue İznik tiles. Learn about its significance in Ottoman religious life and observe its unique six minarets — a rare feature in Islamic architecture.
Hippodrome of Constantinople
Next, walk through the ancient Hippodrome, once the center of Byzantine social and political life. Your guide will share stories of thrilling chariot races, imperial ceremonies, and political intrigues. See surviving monuments such as the Serpent Column, Obelisk of Theodosius, and the charming German Fountain.
Grand Bazaar
Continue to the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s largest and oldest covered markets. With over 4,000 shops, it’s a living museum of Turkish commerce and craftsmanship. From handmade carpets and lanterns to spices and jewelry, this is the perfect place to soak in the local atmosphere and shop for unique souvenirs.
Lunch Break
Enjoy a lunch break at a traditional Turkish restaurant, where you can taste authentic flavors such as kebabs, mezes, or vegetarian specialties, accompanied by Turkish tea or ayran.
Topkapi Palace with Harem Section
After lunch, visit the majestic Topkapi Palace, the opulent residence of Ottoman sultans. Explore its imperial courtyards, the Imperial Treasury, the Sacred Relics Chamber, and the Council Hall. This tour also includes access to the Harem section, where the royal family and concubines lived. Walk through private chambers, royal baths, and beautifully tiled halls that tell tales of power and intrigue.
Hagia Irene Church
End the day with the serene Hagia Irene Church, located within the Topkapi Palace complex. Unlike Hagia Sophia, Hagia Irene was never converted into a mosque, preserving its pure Byzantine character. Its quiet ambiance and historical echoes make it a memorable final stop. After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel, enriched with a deeper appreciation of Istanbul’s glorious past and vibrant present.
Tour Highlights
Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya Mosque), Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and Harem, Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar
Why Book This Service
- Visit all major Old City landmarks in one expertly guided day.
- Gain insider insights from a licensed local guide fluent in history and culture.
- Explore the UNESCO-listed Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace up close.
- Enjoy free time in the Grand Bazaar, a shopper’s paradise of handmade goods.
- Includes door-to-door hotel transfers for a hassle-free experience.
- Perfect for first-time visitors, cruise passengers, and culture lovers alike.
What's Included
- Hotel Pick-up and drop-off
- Professional Tour Guide
- Lunch
- Entrance fees, mentioned in the itinerary
- Transportation with non-smoking A/C bus
Please Note
- The Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque are active places of worship; they may be partially closed during prayer times.
- Since The Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays, the tour is not operated on Tuesdays.
- Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays, and the Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.
- Modest dress is required for mosque visits — women should bring a scarf, and both men and women should wear clothes that cover knees and shoulders.
- This tour involves moderate walking, so comfortable shoes are recommended.
- Hotel pick-up is included from most centrally located areas; please confirm your hotel details upon booking.
- Since this is a group tour, we kindly ask our guests to be ready in the hotel lobby at least 20 minutes before the scheduled pick-up time.
Meeting Point
At Your Hotel
Cancellation Details
Booking can be cancelled up to 3 day(s) before the tour start.
21 reviews for Istanbul Old City Full Day Tour
Tour Pictures from Travelers
If you love architecture and history, this tour is for you. From the intricate beauty of the Blue Mosque to the ancient Basilica Cistern, every stop amazed us. Thanks to Azure Tour for organizing such a seamless experience.
We had a fantastic time exploring the iconic sites of Istanbul. Walking through the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia gave us a deep appreciation for the city’s cultural layers. Definitely a day to remember.
Bellissima giornata nella città vecchia. La Moschea Blu e Santa Sofia ci hanno lasciato senza parole.
Istanbul’s Old City is filled with treasures, and this tour helped us uncover them all. My personal highlight was Topkapi Palace and its breathtaking courtyard views. A must-do for history lovers.
شہر کے قدیم بازار اور توپکاپی محل دیکھنا ایک شاندار تجربہ تھا۔
Such a great way to spend a day in Istanbul! The Blue Mosque’s architecture was breathtaking, and the Grand Bazaar was a lively maze of shops and colors. Thanks to the Azure Tour team, everything went smoothly.
A full day of history and culture. We visited Hagia Sophia and the Hippodrome, wandered through the Grand Bazaar, and ended with a peaceful stop at the Basilica Cistern. Istanbul’s beauty is truly timeless.
Exploring Istanbul’s Old City was the highlight of our trip. Hagia Sophia and the Topkapi Palace alone were worth it, but we also enjoyed learning about the ancient Hippodrome. A well-paced and fascinating day.
A great mix of Istanbul’s famous landmarks and local insight. Seeing the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia in person was breathtaking. The tour also gave us free time to shop in the Grand Bazaar, which was fun and lively.
The Azure Tour exceeded our expectations. We visited Istanbul’s essential sites, from the iconic Hagia Sophia to the bustling Grand Bazaar. The guide made sure we understood the historical context of every location.