Istanbul Essentials Tour
Discover the timeless charm of Istanbul in this carefully curated experience covering the city’s most iconic highlights.
Prices starting from
475 Euro per person based on 3* hotel
535 Euro per person based on 4* hotel
610 Euro per person based on 5* hotel
Prices include:
*Return airport pickup and transfers upon arrival and departure
*3 night accommodation with breakfast
*2 full day small group tours including guidance, admission fees and lunches excluding beverages.
*All applicable taxes-To enhance the local experience, tours are designed as walking tours with public transportation.
Arrival in Istanbul
Airport pickup and transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.
Tour
We will start the tour with The Blue Mosque which is one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks. It is renowned for its stunning architecture that blends both Ottoman and Byzantine elements. The mosque is called the “Blue Mosque” because of its interior, which is adorned with over 20,000 handmade ceramic blue tiles. Then we will continue to The Hippodrome of Constantinople which was the social and sporting center of ancient Constantinople. It was primarily used for chariot races, political gatherings, and public events. Later we will visit St. Sophia, known as Hagia Sophia that is one of Istanbul’s most remarkable and historically significant buildings. Originally constructed as a cathedral by Emperor Justinian I in 537 AD, it served as the world’s largest cathedral for nearly a thousand years and is a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. Hagia Sophia is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Istanbul’s most visited landmarks. Then we will continue to The Basilica Cistern which is an ancient underground water reservoir, known for its impressive size and captivating architecture. The dim lighting, the sound of dripping water, and the reflection of columns on the water create an almost ethereal, haunting atmosphere, making it a popular site for tourists and photographers. It has also appeared in popular culture, including movies like “From Russia with Love” from the James Bond series. After lunch break, our last stop of the tour will be The Grand Bazaar that is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. Established in 1461, the bazaar has grown over centuries into a labyrinthine network of shops and alleyways, making it a major center for trade and commerce. It contains over 4,000 shops and 61 streets, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors daily. Overnight in Istanbul.
Tour
Today we will start the tour with Topkapi Palace which is one of Istanbul’s most historically significant sites, serving as the primary residence and administrative headquarters of the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. Our visit also includes Harem section, one of the most famous parts of Topkapi Palace that was the private living quarters of the sultan and his family. Other important sections are The Imperial Treasury that holds a rich collection of treasures, The Chamber of the Sacred Relics houses a collection of religious artifacts, Gardens and Terraces offering breathtaking views of Istanbul’s waterways. The museum complex is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and stands as a testament to the grandeur and legacy of the Ottoman Empire. After lunch break, we will take a boat ride through the Bosphorus that is a popular and scenic way to experience the beauty and history of the city from the water. The Bosphorus Strait is a narrow waterway that separates the European and Asian sides of Istanbul, connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. Cruising along the Bosphorus provides breathtaking views of Istanbul’s iconic skyline, historic landmarks, and luxurious waterfront homes. After our cruise, we will continue our visit with Rustem Pasha Mosque which is a hidden gem in Istanbul, renowned for its exquisite Iznik tilework and intricate architecture. The mosque was designed by the famous Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, who is regarded as one of the greatest architects in history. Our last stop of the tour will be The Spice Market, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, is one of Istanbul’s most vibrant and historical markets. It served as a major center for the trade of spices and other goods coming from the East. The market is renowned for its wide variety of spices, herbs and natural remedies. Overnight in Istanbul.
Tour
Transfer to the airport. Departure and End of our services.
