SKIP-THE-LINE: Istanbul City Highlights Tour w/LUNCH
Why we love it?
The Istanbul City Highlights Tour offers a comprehensive six-hour exploration of some of the city's most iconic landmarks, including the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and the Hippodrome of Constantinople. This experience is well-suited for travelers seeking to maximize their time in Istanbul without the hassle of long lines, as it includes skip-the-line access to major attractions. Guided by a professional English-speaking tour guide, participants will gain insights into the rich history and cultural significance of each site. Lunch at a local restaurant adds a culinary dimension to the journey, making it a well-rounded option for those looking to immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of Istanbul.
Inclusions
- Professional English Speaking Tour Guide
- Lunch in a local restaurant
- Land transportation by high model vehicle
- All sightseeings mentioned in the itinerary
Exclusions
- Drinks at lunchesPersonal ExpensesEntry tickets to Topkapi PalaceEntry tickets to Hagia Sophia
Itinerary
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.
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.
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.
Grand Bazaar
With 18 entrances and more than 4000 shops it is one of the greatest bazaars in the world. It was built between [ ] 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.
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
Please Note
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller or pram accessible
- 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 insteadGrand Bazaar is closed on SundaysPlease 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 anyPlease 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.
Know Before You Go
- Infant seats available
- Passport required
Cancellation Policy
Fully refundable until 1 day before start
Non-refundable after 1 day before start
