Half-day Afternoon Old City and Bosphorus Tour

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Duration

8 hours

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

20 people

Languages

___

About this tour

Discover the heart of Istanbul in just one afternoon on our Half-day Afternoon Old City and Bosphorus Tour — the perfect blend of history, culture, and scenic cruising.

This 8-hour guided experience takes you on a fascinating journey through centuries of empires, from Roman arenas to Ottoman palaces. It is topped off with a breathtaking 2-hour Bosphorus cruise.

Begin with a traditional Turkish lunch in the historic Eyüp district, followed by visits to the city’s most iconic landmarks — including Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace (exterior), and the ancient Hippodrome. Stroll through Sultanahmet Square, marvel at the German Fountain, and browse exotic goods at the Spice Bazaar before setting sail on the Bosphorus.

Whether you’re a history lover or a curious traveler, this Tour is an unforgettable way to experience Istanbul’s past and present — in just one afternoon.

 

🏆 Tour Highlights

  • Visit the timeless Hagia Sophia Mosque (exterior visit)
  • Explore the ancient Hippodrome, German Fountain, and Blue Mosque
  • Walk through Topkapi Palace’s grounds and learn its history (outside only)
  • Enjoy shopping and culture at the vibrant Spice Bazaar
  • Cruise the Bosphorus for 2 hours, viewing landmarks from both continents
  • Savor a quality Turkish lunch with dessert and a soft drink
  • Learn from an expert English-speaking guide
  • Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, free Wi-Fi, and hot drinks on the boat

 

What’s Included

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off from central Istanbul
  • Air-conditioned, non-smoking tour vehicle
  • Professional English-speaking guide
  • Quality Turkish lunch with a soft drink
  • 2-hour Bosphorus boat tour with tea, Nescafé, and free Wi-Fi
  • Local taxes and service charges

 

What’s Not Included

  • Entry tickets to Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips and gratuities

 

🕙 Tour Schedule

  • Hotel Pickup: Starts around 12:30 PM
  • Tour Start: Around 1:00 PM
  • Boat Cruise: Starts approximately 7:00 PM
  • Tour End: Around 9:00 PM, with return hotel drop-off

 

🛣️ Tour Program

🛎️ 12:30 PM – Hotel Pickup

Begin your afternoon with a comfortable pickup from centrally located hotels in Istanbul.

🍽️ Lunch in Eyüp

Enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch in one of the city’s oldest and most sacred districts, with dessert and a soft drink.

🕌 Hagia Sophia Mosque (Exterior Visit)

Discover the legendary Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture with over 1,500 years of history. Learn about its evolution from a cathedral to a mosque, now an Istanbul symbol.

Explore the historic Hippodrome, once the center of Byzantine life. See ancient monuments like the Obelisk of Theodosius and the Serpent Column.

German Fountain

Admire this elegant 19th-century gift from the German emperor, showcasing beautiful mosaics and neo-Byzantine design.

🕌 Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque)

Step inside one of Istanbul’s most iconic mosques, known for its stunning interior filled with blue İznik tiles and six towering minarets.

🏛️ Topkapi Palace (Exterior Visit)

Learn about the grandeur of the Ottoman Empire as your guide introduces you to Topkapi Palace from the outside. Guests can enter independently with optional tickets.

🛍️ Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar)

Walk through one of Istanbul’s most vibrant markets filled with spices, teas, Turkish delights, and more — a feast for the senses.

🛳️ Bosphorus Cruise (2 Hours)

Board a modern sightseeing boat and enjoy a scenic cruise along the Bosphorus. Sail past historic palaces, mosques, mansions, and bridges connecting Europe and Asia. Sip unlimited tea or Nescafé and connect to free onboard Wi-Fi.

🏨 9:00 PM – Hotel Drop-off

End your day with a smooth transfer back to your hotel after the cruise.

 

🌍 Languages Available

  • Group tour: 🇬🇧 English
  • Private tours: Available in Spanish, Russian, Arabic, and French upon request

 

You can make reservations via the site or WhatsApp and pay during the Tour.

For a tour response, we recommend you contact us on WhatsApp.

Highlights

  • Tick off Istanbul's most popular hotspots
  • Learn from your professional guide
  • Explore Istanbul's culture, history, and top landmarks
  • Taste local delicacies

Included/Excluded

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off are by an air-conditioned, non-smoking tour coach.
  • Professional English-speaking guide.
  • Quality Turkish lunch with a soft drink.
  • Services charges and local taxes.
  • HAGIA SOPHIA AND TOPKAPI PALACE TICKETS ARE NOT INCLUDED.
  • Personal expenses.
  • Gratuities to the guide and driver.

Itinerary

Hotel Pickup

Your journey begins with a hotel pickup around 12:30 PM

Lunch

leading you to the historic Eyüp district, where you'll enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch complete with dessert and a refreshing soft drink — the perfect way to start your cultural exploration.

Hagia Sophia Mosque

After lunch, your guide will take you to the majestic Hagia Sophia Mosque, a marvel of Byzantine architecture and one of Istanbul's most iconic sites. Though we don't enter as a group, you'll receive rich insight and time to explore independently.

Hippodrome of Constantinople

From there, step into the heart of the Hippodrome of Constantinople, where Roman chariots once raced and emperors addressed the people.

German Fountain

Nearby, admire the elegant German Fountain, a symbol of Ottoman-German friendship from the early 20th century.

Blue Mosque

Next, you'll visit the awe-inspiring Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque), famed for its six minarets and beautifully tiled interior.

Topkapi Palace

Just a short walk away, we stop outside the Topkapi Palace, the lavish residence of Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. Your guide will share their remarkable stories; you can explore inside with a ticket if desired.

Spice Bazaar

Walk through one of Istanbul's most vibrant markets filled with spices, teas, Turkish delights, and more — a feast for the senses.

2-hour Bosphorus cruise

After a stroll through the aromatic aisles of the Spice Bazaar, you'll board our boat for a 2-hour Bosphorus cruise. Relax with Turkish tea or Nescafé as you glide between continents, spotting grand waterfront palaces, mosques, and bridges that connect East and West.

Transfer you back to your hotel

Around 9:00 PM, we'll return to the pier and comfortably transfer you back to your hotel, completing a memorable afternoon filled with history, views, and culture.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, we provide free roundtrip transfers from centrally located hotels in Istanbul.

The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

No. Entry to Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace is not included. If you desire, you can purchase tickets during your free time at the sites.

Yes, a quality Turkish lunch with dessert and a soft drink is included in the tour price.

Yes, this tour is family-friendly and easy-paced.

If preferred, you can end your tour after the Spice Bazaar (around 5:00 PM).

Yes, but note that Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays.

Unlimited Turkish tea and Nescafé, plus free Wi-Fi.

No, the guide provides information outside, and guests can enter independently.

You can book via our website or WhatsApp — and pay during the tour.

Tour's Location

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From: €75,00 €60,00
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Owner

SeaLand Trip

Member Since 2023

Information Contact

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[email protected]

Website

sealandtrip.com

Phone

+90 (534) 392 6735

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